Monrovia – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has announced the activation of its response and surveillance systems at border crossing points following reports of a suspected case of haemorrhagic fever virus infection in neighboring Sierra Leone.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a communication addressed to Professor Dr. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) of Sierra Leone, NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan expressed solidarity with Sierra Leone and underscored the urgency of regional collaboration in combating public health threats.
The reported case in Sierra Leone involved one fatality, with additional contacts identified and ongoing laboratory investigations being conducted at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown.
“We highly appreciate any further information from the Sierra Leonean NPHA, particularly regarding the listed contacts and results of testing,” Dr. Nyan wrote in the letter dated December 1, 2024.
To mitigate potential risks, Liberia has activated surveillance structures at its border crossings and implemented preventive measures to safeguard public health within its borders and the region.
The move reflects NPHIL’s commitment to swift action and cross-border collaboration in addressing infectious disease outbreaks. “These efforts are crucial to protecting not only Liberia but also Sierra Leone and the region as a whole,” Dr. Nyan added.
The suspected case highlights the ongoing vulnerability of West Africa to outbreaks of haemorrhagic fever viruses, which include pathogens such as Ebola and Marburg. The region has faced significant challenges with these diseases in the past, including the devastating 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak.
Dr. Nyan’s letter was copied to the Ministry of Health of Liberia (MOH-Liberia), signaling the alignment of national efforts to address the potential threat.
NPHIL reiterated its readiness to cooperate with Sierra Leonean authorities in monitoring and managing the situation, while urging continued vigilance to prevent the spread of the virus across borders.
About NPHIL
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia is the country’s lead agency for disease prevention and control. Established to address public health emergencies, NPHIL plays a critical role in surveillance, outbreak response, and capacity building to strengthen Liberia’s health system.