President Joseph Boakai has appointed Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan as the Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL).
Dr. Nyan, an experienced infectious disease scientist, was selected based on the recommendation of the NPHIL’s Board. His appointment comes at a critical time for the country, which has grappled with a history of public health challenges and disasters.
Liberia’s public health system has been tested by several major outbreaks in recent decades, including the devastating Ebola epidemic that claimed thousands of lives between 2014 and 2016.
The country has also faced other infectious disease threats, such as the Lassa fever and cholera outbreaks, underscoring the need for a strong and capable public health infrastructure.
President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Nyan’s ability to lead the NPHIL, calling on him to demonstrate “diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to the country.”
Dr. Nyan’s appointment is seen as a significant step towards strengthening Liberia’s preparedness and response capabilities in the face of future public health emergencies.
His expertise in infectious diseases and his proven track record in the sector are expected to be crucial in guiding the NPHIL’s efforts to protect the health and well-being of the Liberian people.
As the new Director-General, Dr. Nyan will be responsible for overseeing the Institute’s operations, research, and public health initiatives, as well as collaborating with international partners to enhance Liberia’s overall public health infrastructure.