By Jamesetta D Williams
Counting on its excellent record in the fight against Ebola and COVID-19 few years back, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), has begun standby operations including the conduct of an assessment tour of the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
Acting NPHIL boss, Sia Wata Camanor, who led the assessment team said it is part of ongoing preparedness efforts against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreaks currently reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
Dr. Camanor, accompanied by Port Health Coordinator Phebee Thomas, visited the country’s main international gateway to evaluate screening and surveillance measures aimed at preventing the possible importation and spread of the virus into Liberia.
During the visit, the delegation observed screening procedures for incoming passengers and held discussions with airport health authorities on the effectiveness of existing preventive measures at the airport.
According to NPHIL, the assessment was intended to ensure that Liberia’s ports of entry remain alert and adequately prepared to respond to potential public health threats arising from regional Ebola outbreaks.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Camanor emphasized the importance of strengthening preparedness and maintaining vigilance at all entry points across the country.
She noted that early detection, rapid response, and continuous surveillance remain critical components in protecting the country from infectious disease outbreaks.
The NPHIL boss also commended members of the Port Health team for their dedication and continued efforts in safeguarding public health at the airport.
The visit forms part of NPHIL’s broader national preparedness strategy focused on reinforcing surveillance systems, enhancing response mechanisms, and ensuring that frontline health workers and port health personnel remain fully alert amid ongoing Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa.
Liberian health authorities continue to monitor the regional situation closely as part of efforts to prevent any possible cross-border transmission of the disease into the country.
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