The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has assured the public that all information emanating from NPHIL regarding the Viral Hemorrhagic fever pathogens (VHF), which include Ebola virus and Marburg virus, remains accurate and reliable. Director General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, said it is the entity’s role to respond to public health threats. Recently, the Ministry of Health reported that a dead body had been tested for hemorrhagic fever pathogens, sparking concerns among citizens.
In reaction, NPHIL clarified that its reports to the public are based on scientific data and verified laboratory results, and as such, the information from the Ministry of Health should not be taken seriously. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at NPHIL’s Headquarters in Congo Town, Dr. Nyan emphasized that the institute’s role is to provide timely, transparent, and factual health updates to keep Liberians safe and informed. He urged the public to remain calm and rely on NPHIL for credible information rather than speculation.
According to him, when the news broke from the Ministry of Health, the team at the entity acted on the information by collecting samples from the body for testing of Ebola cases and other diseases, adding that their finding found no evidence of the virus. “The results for the patient were negative for Ebola, Lassa and other VHFs. The second extensive test on the same samples and another set of samples in Nimba County yielded negative results,” he added.
Nyan further said that the second test specifically tested for subtypes of Ebola and did not detect any, further confirming the negative result. However, the head of NPHIL has reminded the public to follow public health measures during the ongoing mpox, Lassa fever and measles outbreaks.
According to him, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies are collaborating with the National Public Health Institute to ensure transparency and accountability. Dr. Nyan explained that it is the institute’s duty to confirm or rule out information and communicate accurate results to the public. He narrated that NPHIL has built a strong laboratory capacity to detect and respond to public health threats, as demonstrated by recent discoveries of mpox subtypes.
Meanwhile, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), in collaboration with national and international partners, has announced the hosting of the Fourth Edition of the Emmett A. Dennis National Scientific Conference under the theme: “Strengthening National Capacities for Preparedness and Response to Diseases and Public Health Threats.”
This annual scientific gathering, named in honor of the late Dr. Emmett A. Dennis, former President of the University of Liberia and a distinguished public health scholar, provides a unique platform for researchers, policymakers, health practitioners, and development partners to share evidence, innovations, and best practices that inform Liberia’s public health agenda. The 2025 edition will focus on advancing Liberia’s readiness and resilience against diseases of epidemic potential and other public health threats, including emerging infectious diseases, climate-related health challenges, and non-communicable conditions.
With the theme emphasizing capacity strengthening, the conference aims to highlight critical research, foster dialogue, and recommend actionable policies that will ensure the country’s preparedness and timely response to both current and future threats. Key features of the conference will include, Scientific Presentations: Findings from ongoing national and regional studies on public health preparedness, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, and response strategies, Panel Discussions and Technical Sessions, Engaging experts, policymakers, and community leaders in addressing gaps and opportunities for strengthening national health security, Capacity Building Workshops, Practical sessions to enhance the skills of young scientists, epidemiologists, and public health professionals and Poster Exhibitions, Showcasing innovative approaches and field-based experiences from across Liberia and partner institutions.
The conference is expected to attract national government officials, regional public health experts, international partners, academia, students, and civil society organizations. It will provide an important opportunity to strengthen multi-sectorial partnerships and align research with national health priorities.
NPHIL has called on all stakeholders to actively participate and contribute to shaping evidence-based solutions that safeguard Liberia’s health security. Launched in 2019, the conference honors the legacy of Dr. Emmett A. Dennis and his lifelong contributions to science and education in Liberia. It serves as a national platform to stimulate scientific inquiry, foster research dissemination, and bridge the gap between science and policy.
