The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has dedicated its state-of-the-art National Public Health Emergency Operations Center, marking advancement in the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies. The ceremony, held on Friday, November 28 in Monrovia, brought together key government officials and international partners, including representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), Africa CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
In her opening remarks, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Interim Director General of NPHIL, described the dedication as a “remarkable achievement for Liberia’s public health sector.” “This Emergency Operations Center is not just a building, it is a hub for coordination, information sharing, and effective management during health emergencies,” she said.
Dr. Camanor commended Africa CDC for its support and highlighted that the establishment of the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center aligns with WHO’s International Health Regulations (IHR), which call for member states to maintain fully functional emergency operations centers.
She announced that Liberia now boasts of 16 Public Health Emergency Operations Centers nationwide, one at the national level and 15 across the counties. According to her, the center’s cutting-edge equipment will significantly enhance real-time data analysis, communication, surveillance, logistics, epidemic tracking, and informed decision-making.
Representing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Political Advisor, Ma’Della Cooper, described the dedication as a renewal of national commitment to safeguarding lives. “We have lost lives to epidemics, but we have never given up,” Madam Cooper noted. “This initiative is a moral upgrade, a declaration that Liberia will never again be caught unprepared.”
She described the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center as the “nervous system of Liberia’s survival,” where data informs direction and early warnings drive rapid action. Cooper emphasized that the era of reactive strategies is over, urging sustained investment in preparedness.
“You walk into danger so others can walk out. This center belongs to you, and it strengthens your ability to save lives. Let this not be the finishing line of a project, but the starting line for a healthier Liberia. Your health is a right, not a privilege,” she said. She extended appreciation to NPHIL, the Africa CDC, and all partners who contributed to the establishment of the centre. With the dedication of the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center, Liberia takes a major step toward a more resilient, coordinated, and responsive public health system, one better prepared to protect its citizens from future threats.
