By: Melvin Flomo
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Ministry of Health have reassured Liberians that the country remains prepared and vigilant against any possible outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The assurance was provided Tuesday during a Joint Public Hearing before the Liberian Senate, where health authorities updated lawmakers on the country’s level of preparedness amid ongoing Ebola outbreaks reported in some African countries.
Speaking at the hearing, NPHIL Acting Director-General, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor disclosed that the institution is currently screening and monitoring sixteen foreign nationals from East African countries, including Ethiopia and Uganda, who recently arrived in Liberia.
Dr. Camanor clarified that none of the individuals has tested positive for Ebola, stressing that the monitoring exercise is purely precautionary and intended to prevent any possible spread of infectious diseases into the country.
She explained that Liberia remains on high alert due to recurring Ebola outbreaks and other hemorrhagic diseases across parts of Africa. According to her, health authorities have intensified screening procedures at airports, seaports, and border entry points nationwide.
The NPHIL Acting Director-General further informed senators that the institution is working closely with neighboring countries, regional health bodies, the Ministry of Health, and international partners to strengthen surveillance systems and improve rapid response mechanisms.
Meanwhile, Liberia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Louise Kpoto told the Senate that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Liberia, despite reports circulating on social media.
Dr. Kpoto said screening activities are ongoing at several points of entry, while nationwide training programs for health workers are also being conducted to boost preparedness efforts.
She disclosed that NPHIL and the Ministry of Health are planning to restructure Ebola Treatment Centers across the country as part of measures to improve emergency response capacity.
The Health Minister also noted that Liberia’s disease surveillance system is being strengthened through public awareness campaigns and active monitoring across all 98 health districts under the supervision of District Health Officers.
According to Dr. Kpoto, Liberia is currently 69 percent prepared to respond to Ebola based on the World Health Organization’s risk management analysis.
She, however, acknowledged that additional laboratory supplies and more training for health workers are needed to further strengthen the country’s response system.
Dr. Kpoto additionally revealed that the government has allocated US$4.2 million toward Ebola preparedness efforts nationwide.
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