IPNEWS: Internationally acclaimed biomedical scientist, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, has call for more emphases on biomedical research in the substance of a strong public health.
Dr. Nyan speaking at the formal induction as Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), stated that Liberia has contributed to so many researches which eventually translated into vaccine production and other preventable measures to many illnesses such as monkeypox, anti-retrovirals drugs, river blindness, COVID-19 vaccines among others, yet the country to lacked any technical or financial gains.
He called on staff to recommit themselves in a positive way to re-branding the National Public Health Institute of Liberia.
Meanwhile, the Liberian scientist has issued a strong call for proactive preventive measures in response to the recent Monkeypox outbreak impacting several countries across West Africa.
This month, the Monkeypox virus outbreak was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO), following reports of infections in multiple nations within the region. In Liberia, health officials have identified five suspected cases across three counties, raising alarm about the potential spread of the virus.
During a special press briefing that followed the induction of NPHIL’s new leadership team, Dr. Nyan confirmed that effective treatment options are available for those infected with Monkeypox and encouraged early intervention to mitigate the virus’s impact.
Dr. Nyan explained that symptoms typically surface between 2 to 14 days post-exposure, with the virus primarily spreading through direct person-to-person contact and from mother to child. He emphasized the necessity for steadfast public health practices, particularly in light of Liberia’s social interactions and living conditions.
Notably, Monkeypox has been recorded in Liberia since May of this year, yet no fatalities linked to suspected cases have been reported thus far.
Acknowledging the lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak, Dr. Nyan indicated that NPHIL has been strengthening its capacity to address health emergencies. The organization is currently focused on accurately identifying Monkeypox cases through partnerships with various health agencies.
NPHIL is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health to roll out a comprehensive pandemic response strategy at both the county and community levels. Dr. Nyan highlighted the urgency of monitoring Liberia’s main entry points, particularly as neighboring countries like Ivory Coast report increasing case numbers. Other affected regions include Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Additionally, Dr. Nyan noted the uptick in Coronavirus cases in the United States, specifically in California and the eastern states, during this winter season. He assured the public that NPHIL is vigilantly observing these developments to establish safety protocols for incoming travelers to Liberia, urging all arrivals to adhere strictly to health regulations upon entry into the country.
As the situation evolves, the NPHIL remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring the well-being of the Liberian population.
