-Over the Status of Mpox In Liberia
The Plenary of the House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, along with the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), to appear before the full body on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
The summons follows a communication from Margibi County District #3 Representative, Hon. Ellen Attoh Wreh, who raised concerns over the increasing spread of the Monkeypox virus across the country.
In her communication, Rep. Attoh Wreh called on the Honorable House to request the presence of the Health Minister and her deputies to provide a detailed briefing on the current status of the outbreak. She emphasized the need for clarity on the public health response strategy, including awareness campaigns, case detection, treatment protocols, and other measures to contain the virus.
“Since the announcement of the Monkeypox outbreak in August 2025 by NPHIL, we have witnessed a surge in infections. It is critical that this august body understands the mechanisms being put in place to mitigate further spread,” Hon. Wreh stated during session.
The House expects both the Ministry of Health and NPHIL to provide a comprehensive report and engage with lawmakers on strategies to safeguard public health amidst the growing concern over the virus.
The appearance is scheduled during the regular session of the Plenary on October 21, 2025, at the Capitol Building.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Health and Judiciary to review and report on a proposed bill aimed at repealing Sections 26.11 and 50.9 of the Public Health Law of Liberia as revised in 2022.
The legislation, sponsored by Representative Emmanuel Dahn of District 7, Montserrado County, seeks to address the issue of patients being refused medical treatment due to financial incapacity.
Representative Dahn emphasized that the bill aims to establish clear modalities for patients’ rights to receive treatment, with any deviation constituting an offense under the Public Health Law of Liberia.
He expressed hope that the swift and unanimous passage of the bill would restore hope among patients and strengthen public trust in the government’s commitment to healthcare service delivery.
