MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has reported that significant progress was made in 2025 under the leadership of Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan as Director General. The report, which covers the four quarters from January 2025 to December 2025, is an official annual review of the entity that is formally submitted to the Board and the President at Executive Mansion. Below a full text of excerpts of the report summarizing the accomplishments have been published on the NPHIL’s social media page under the title: NPHIL Reports Progress in 2025.
“NPHIL Reports Progress In 2025”
“In 2025, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) made a significant progress in strengthening national public health systems, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, workforce development, and emergency preparedness.
Working closely with the Ministry of Health and international partners, the Institute enhanced Liberia’s ability to detect, respond to, and manage public health threats while supporting national and global health security goals.
During the reporting period, NPHIL detected 278 public health events of national and global concern and effectively responded to multiple outbreaks, including Mpox, Lassa Fever, and Measles across all 15 counties.
Mpox response efforts resulted in a high recovery rate of approximately 94 percent, with active cases reduced to 81 across 14 counties. Concurrent outbreaks were managed within required response timelines, minimizing socio-economic disruption. Operational research under the 7-1-7 framework showed strong performance in event detection, reporting, and early response.
Public health workforce capacity was strengthened through the Field Epidemiology Training Program, which trained 27 frontline health workers in disease surveillance and outbreak investigation. Emergency preparedness improved with 16 functional Emergency Operations Centers nationwide, supported by upgraded equipment provided by Africa CDC.
Laboratory systems were significantly enhanced through the decentralization of Mpox testing to regional laboratories and the establishment of in-country genomic sequencing for Mpox and Lassa Fever. Biosafety and biosecurity measures were strengthened through nationwide certification of biosafety cabinets and specialized training for laboratory staff.
NPHIL also advanced research and knowledge sharing by hosting the 4th Emmet A. Dennis National Scientific Conference and conducting operational research to inform policy and surveillance improvements. Health promotion and risk communication efforts supported community engagement during disease outbreaks.
Institutionally, NPHIL implemented governance reforms, including biometric attendance systems, revised strategic planning aligned with the AAID Plan, and strengthened performance monitoring. Recognition by Africa CDC as a center of excellence underscores NPHIL’s leadership role on the continent.
Overall, 2025 marked a year of growth and innovation for NPHIL, reinforcing Liberia’s capacity to respond effectively to public health threats and laying a strong foundation for continued progress in 2026.” This concluded the NPHIL’s report.
Records indicate that progress outlined in the report represent accomplishments of Dr. Nyan’s innovative and progressive leadership steered with respective NPHIL Divisions and partners over the past four quarters.
The NPHIL’s report of “substantial progress” under Dr. Nyan sharply contradicts the NPHIL Board September 12, 2025 resolution submitted to Liberian President Joseph Boakai, claiming “gross inefficiency” at the NPHIL, provided no evidence, but called for the removal of the Director General.
President Joseph Boakai, acting on the NPHIL’s board resolution with no evidence, removed Dr. Nyan as Director General of NPHIL in violation of the NPHIL Act of 2016 and Procedure Laws of Liberia. On September 23, 2023, Dr. Nyan, a five-year tenured official of government filed a petition for a Writ of Prohibition at the Supreme Court for wrongful termination and violation of procedural laws of Liberia. He described his removal as politically motivated and a conspiracy.
After an initial conference before Chambers Justice Jamesetta Howard-Wolokolie on November 13, 2025, the Supreme Court reserved judgement pending a discussion for reinstatement of Dr. Nyan or compensation for violation of tenure contract. Subsequently on December 10, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a Writ of Prohibition against the Executive Branch of Government and commanded it to respond on December 18, 2025.
