By Stephanie M. Duncan
Interim Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Dr. Sia Watta Camanor, has emphasized the need to strengthen Liberia’s disease surveillance system and emergency response structures following a nationwide assessment conducted by the institution.
Dr. Camanor said the assessment was aimed at identifying existing strengths, addressing operational gaps, and taking practical measures to ensure the country’s preparedness to respond effectively to any potential disease outbreak.
According to her, the findings revealed the need for improved coordination among health sector stakeholders, increased provision of essential equipment, strengthened disease surveillance systems, enhanced rapid emergency response mechanisms, and more efficient specimen transportation across the country.
She stressed that while Liberia remains free of Ebola, the country cannot afford to become complacent, emphasizing that maintaining a high level of preparedness is essential to protecting public health.
Dr. Camanor noted that investing in prevention and preparedness measures remains the most effective strategy for safeguarding lives and preventing future disease outbreaks.
The NPHIL assessment is expected to guide efforts aimed at strengthening Liberia’s public health emergency preparedness and response capacity as the country continues to monitor and guard against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
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