-Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan Rallies Liberian Diaspora
By Vaye Lepolu
MONROVIA – Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), has appealed to Liberians in the diaspora to return home and contribute their expertise toward national development.
Speaking on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the inaugural Liberia Annual Diaspora Conference in Washington, D.C., Dr. Nyan emphasized the importance of collective effort in advancing Liberia’s progress. His remarks followed President Joseph Boakai’s keynote address, which urged diaspora Liberians to move beyond remittances and actively engage in shaping the country’s renewal.
“Please come home at your own pace,” Dr. Nyan urged. “I came home a year ago, and here at NPHIL I work with my colleagues fighting public health threats. While at it, I would like to reiterate my call for the Liberian diaspora to come home with your skills and expertise to contribute to the building of our dear country.”
Dr. Nyan acknowledged the challenges faced by returnees, including fear of being undervalued or unmet expectations, but encouraged his colleagues not to be discouraged. He stressed that Liberia’s progressive and patriotic citizens remain committed to transparency, efficiency, and national growth.
President Boakai, in his speech titled “Renewing Liberia Together: Building a Future of Opportunity for All,” highlighted Liberia’s 178 years of independence but admitted that inequality, systemic injustice, and weak leadership had undermined progress. He called on Liberians abroad to see themselves as full stakeholders in the nation’s future.
The conference, held Friday, September 26, brought together Liberians from North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. It marked a new opportunity for partnership between the diaspora and the government, with emphasis on reconciliation, health, growth, and prosperity.
Dr. Nyan, a biomedical scientist and inventor, returned to Liberia in August 2024 after years of voluntary service. Appointed by President Boakai as Director-General of NPHIL, his leadership has elevated the institute’s standards and boosted its regional and international reputation. He was recently honored with the African Genius Award 2025 for his outstanding contributions to science, public health, and technical innovation on the continent.
