Monrovia – The first National Scientific Conference, named in honor of professor emeritus, and former president of the University of Liberia, Dr. Emmet A. Dennis has ended in Monrovia, with a call for young people to develop the interest in scientific research. The conference which lasted for three days, August 27-29, 2018 was convened under the theme: “Fostering the Culture of Evidence-Based Public Health Practice and Research in Liberia”. It was organized by the National Public Health Institute of Liberia and partners.
The Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia, Tolbert Nyenswah in his closing remarks lauded the steering committee headed by the Deputy Director General for Technical Services, Dr. Mosoka Fallah for the organization and success of the conference. The NPHIL Boss said he was very impressed with the turnout at the conference and challenged the participants, especially the young people to develop the interest in research. “The National Public Health Institute of Liberia was established to control and prevent public health threats and serve as the center of research in Liberia”, he indicated. He further said “it is our dream that ten years from now, NPHIL can be that center of premier research we all envisioned,” he emphasized.
In his closing remarks also, Dr. Mosoka Fallah, commended the presenters and all those that submitted abstracts for the conference. “What you have demonstrated during these three days, have shown to us your interest in research in Liberia and we want to assure you that we are prepared to help you develop”, he disclosed. According to Dr. Fallah, the best 15 abstracts will be published in International Journals. He also disclosed that a journal will shortly be out in Liberia in which abstracts will be published as well.
At the end of the conference, several awards were presented to individuals for best oral and poster presentations. Emmanuel Ghartey, the County Surveillance Officer of Grand Kru County received the best oral presentation award while Rebecca Cook and Miatta Kullie received the second and third place awards respectively. For the best poster presentation award, Joseph Alade came first and was followed by Lawrence Fakoli.