An investigation by Verity News has uncovered documents and testimony from staff indicating that regular activities at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) were suspended on Monday, June 15, 2026, for a birthday celebration honoring the institution’s Interim Director-General, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, at a time when the country is dealing with concerns over Ebola.
Documents obtained by Verity News, including the event program, show that the celebration was organized on NPHIL’s official letterhead. Several employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gathering took place during office hours at the institution’s headquarters in Monrovia.
Although Dr. Camanor celebrated her birthday on Thursday, June 11, staff said management designated Monday, June 15, for the event, effectively turning the workday into what some described as a “birthday holiday.”
One employee told Verity News that staff from across the institution attended the celebration and that no official work was carried out during the day.
“During office hours in Monrovia, the head of Liberia’s National Public Health Institute held a birthday party attended by all staff and even the Acting Board Chairman. No work was done the entire day, and they even had a band for entertainment. Mr. Walter Gwenigale, who is now the Acting Board Chairman, attended and gave remarks,” the employee said, requesting anonymity.
Verity News also obtained a copy of the birthday program, which was prepared on NPHIL’s official stationery.
Meanwhile, NPHIL marked the occasion on its official Facebook page with a message from the Board of Directors, management and employees.
“On this special day, we celebrate your outstanding leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to advancing public health in Liberia,” the message read. “Your vision, resilience, and service continue to inspire us as we work together to strengthen the nation’s public health systems and safeguard the health of all Liberians.”
The message concluded: “Happy Birthday, Dr. Camanor! We wish you many more years of impactful leadership and abundant blessings.”
The celebration has drawn criticism from some staff members, who questioned the decision to devote an entire workday to the event while the country’s public health authorities are monitoring reports of Ebola.
Even though EBOLA prevention requires social distancing, but they were celebrating birthday party.
As of press time, NPHIL had not responded to multiple text messages and calls about whether official duties were suspended on June 15 or whether government resources were used to organize the celebration.
