The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially designated the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) as a Regional Center of Excellence for National Public Health Institute (NPHI) Development.
The prestigious recognition further highlights Liberia’s leadership in strengthening public health systems and advancing disease control across the continent.
Liberia was among the three West African nations most severely affected by the 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, a crisis that exposed critical gaps in public health systems.
The country’s response capabilities were further tested during the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as these experiences have significantly strengthened the country’s public health infrastructure, disease surveillance, and emergency response mechanisms.
It has further made NPHIL exceptionally well-positioned to lead regional health initiatives and advance Africa’s health security agenda.
In an official communication dated January 31, 2025, Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya formally invited NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan to collaborate on regional health initiatives.
The selection, accordingly follows a rigorous assessment of NPHIs across Africa and aligns with Africa CDC’s mission to enhance disease control policies and strengthen public health capacities in member states.
As a newly designated Center of Excellence, NPHIL will serve as a regional hub, providing technical assistance, training, and mentorship programs to strengthen other national public health institutions.
The institute will also collaborate with African nations to enhance disease surveillance, outbreak response, public health research, and workforce development, and by facilitating knowledge-sharing and best practices, NPHIL aims to harmonize public health policies and programs across the continent.
The initiative is part of Africa CDC’s broader strategy to establish a robust network of National Public Health Institutes, reinforcing health security under the New Public Health Order for Africa.
The move further aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a continent equipped with strong health institutions capable of responding effectively to public health threats.
Dr. Nyan, in response welcomed the designation, reaffirming NPHIL’s commitment to advancing public health across Africa.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our public health professionals. As a Center of Excellence, we will continue leading efforts in disease surveillance, emergency response, and capacity building for the African continent,” he stated.
Meanwhile, NPHIL has accepted the role and honor of the destination and has begun working with other National Public Health Institutes.
The selection of NPHIL as a Center of Excellence marks a major milestone in Liberia’s public health journey, solidifying the country’s leadership in disease prevention and health security in Africa and therefore, it has accepted the role and honor of the destination to begin working with other national public health institutions.