-Through Major MOU
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia, October 8, 2025 – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Ministry of Defense, along with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration in biomedical research, scientific training, and national health security.
The agreement seeks to boost Liberia’s emergency preparedness and response, enhance diagnostic and laboratory support for disease surveillance, and foster biosecurity measures. It also outlines joint training initiatives and workforce development to improve public health capacity.
NPHIL’s Director General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, hailed the longstanding cooperation between both institutions, dating back to the days of the former Liberia Institute for Biomedical Research (LIBR), and through the Ebola and COVID-19 crises.
“The MOU is not just an agreement, but a significant step in enhancing public health and working collaboratively to strengthen national security against potential biothreats,” Dr.Nyan stated.
Defence Minister, Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George (Rtd.), welcomed the initiative and commended NPHIL for its commitment to national health security.
NPHIL also pledged to continue biomedical research collaboration with the AFL, particularly at the newly established Diagnostic Laboratory at the 14 Military Hospital in MargibiCounty.
The Ministry of Defence and the AFL are active participants in Liberia’s Mpox Incidence Management System, where they provide critical technical and strategic input through senior officers.
