By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia, September 17, 2025 – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), in partnership with national and international stakeholders, has launched the 4th Emmet A. Dennis National Scientific Conference at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
Held under the theme “Strengthening National Capacities for Preparedness and Response to Diseases and Public Health Threats,” the three-day conference brings together scientists, policymakers, health practitioners, and international partners to discuss solutions to Liberia’s growing health challenges.
NPHIL’s Executive Director, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, described the conference as a cornerstone for scientific dialogue and innovation, stressing the urgency of building resilient, evidence-based health systems in the face of threats like Lassa fever, Mpox, measles, and global pandemics.
Conference Chairperson, Dr. Julius S.M. Gilayeneh, emphasized that preparedness is not only a technical necessity but a moral responsibility. “Liberia has weathered Ebola, COVID-19, and other epidemics. This gathering allows us to strengthen our resolve and collaboration for the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter A. Adewuyi, Resident Advisor of AFENET Liberia and Co-Chair of the Scientific Sub-Committee, highlighted the conference as a vital platform for research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking.
The event is co-organized by NPHIL alongside the Ministry of Health, University of Liberia, WHO, US CDC, Africa CDC, AFENET, PREVAIL, the Armed Forces of Liberia, and other partners.
The 4th Emmet A. Dennis National Scientific Conference is expected to renew Liberia’s commitment to strengthening health security, advancing scientific research, and building regional resilience against public health threats.
At the same time, Health and environmental experts speaking at the Emmet A. Dennis 4th National Scientific Conference have stressed the urgent need for Liberia to adopt a stronger One-Health approach to address public health threats.
Panelists highlighted that more than 70 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in nature, requiring collaboration between the human, animal, and environmental sectors. They noted that Liberia’s experiences with Ebola, cholera, and COVID-19 clearly demonstrate the country’s vulnerability to cross-sectoral health crises.
Speakers underscored the importance of integrating surveillance systems, research, data sharing, and workforce development across sectors. They cautioned that fragmented interventions continue to weaken Liberia’s preparedness capacity.
One expert called for the inclusion of One-Health principles into government laws and policies, stressing that effective collaboration among institutions such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and partners remains crucial.
Another panelist pointed to climate change, urbanization, and cultural practices as factors that increase disease risks in Africa, urging that “global health security is a shared responsibility.”
On workforce development, panelists noted the importance of sustained training for health professionals, citing the Liberia Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) as a key legacy of the Ebola outbreak. They called for stronger collaboration with the University of Liberia to build a skilled workforce prepared for future health emergencies.
Environmental experts also warned about pollution, unsafe water, and poor waste management, linking them to rising public health risks. They emphasized the EPA’s role in monitoring and regulating environmental threats that directly affect human health.
The session concluded with strong calls for sustainable financing, improved coordination, and integration of operational tools to strengthen Liberia’s resilience against outbreaks.
