Published: February 7, 2025
Monrovia – Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), expressed surprise over recent statements by Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto. In her remarks, the Minister claimed that NPHIL declared an outbreak without involving the Ministry of Health or President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
“On December 1, 2024, I informed the Minister of Health (Dr. Louise Kpoto) and our partners about a suspected Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) case reported in Sierra Leone—not an ‘outbreak.’ I engaged the Sierra Leonean public health authorities, and NPHIL coordinated cross-border surveillance and response efforts to prevent a spillover into Liberia. The Minister responded to me in writing, saying, ‘Received with thanks.’ How could she forget so quickly and make such inaccurate statements to the Liberian Legislature, claiming NPHIL declared an outbreak?” Dr. Nyan questioned.
He added, “This is completely inaccurate, and professionals are expected to convey information that is evidence-based and accurate.”
This controversy stems from a February 5, 2025, news story published under the headline “Health Minister Clashes with NPHIL Over Outbreak Announcements.” The story highlighted Dr. Kpoto’s claims, which implied that NPHIL acted beyond its legal mandate. She made these remarks on February 4, 2025, before the House of Representatives’ majority bloc—a statement that did not sit well with Dr. Nyan, who now heads Liberia’s public health management agency.
Dr. Kpoto’s claims have sparked debates about the autonomy of public health agencies like NPHIL.
“We are not in competition to outsmart one another but should work together as a team for the common good of our country. We all agreed to return home and help build our health system. With adequate support and the proper application of our professional ideas, we can achieve a great deal together. Let us avoid creating the impression of discord, both in our offices and in public,” Dr. Nyan said in an interview with The Liberian Investigator.
Meanwhile, addressing lawmakers, Dr. Kpoto stated, “NPHIL has no authority to announce an outbreak. That authority rests solely with the Ministry of Health, in consultation with the President, after considering all implications.”
Her remarks follow a recent incident in which Dr. Nyan allegedly declared a suspected VHF case at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center. The case, later retracted, was confirmed to have originated in Sierra Leone. The episode has fueled criticism, with observers questioning whether bureaucratic bottlenecks and political interference are hindering Liberia’s ability to respond effectively to public health threats.
Dr. Kpoto defended her position, emphasizing that outbreak declarations are not merely medical decisions but carry political, financial, and security implications. However, health experts caution that centralizing this critical function under political control could delay responses and erode public trust.
Dr. Nyan clarified, “I am not a politician in my professional role. I have no intention of engaging in unnecessary disputes. However, we must exercise caution when addressing certain bodies like the Legislature. That is a political platform, and statements made there resonate nationally, often sparking reactions that may misrepresent the facts.”
NPHIL has played a pivotal role in tackling Liberia’s public health challenges, especially during the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic. Observers point out that NPHIL was established to strengthen Liberia’s disease surveillance capacity following the 2014–2016 Ebola crisis. Critics argue that by limiting NPHIL’s ability to share urgent health information, the Health Minister risks undermining the agency’s core mission.
Lawmakers have also raised concerns about the lack of clear protocols for communicating health emergencies. While Dr. Kpoto insists on structured coordination, her remarks suggest a preference for bureaucratic processes over a streamlined, science-driven approach.
Dr. Nyan reiterated NPHIL’s role in public health, stating, “The National Public Health Institute’s fiduciary responsibility is to prevent and control infectious diseases. At the international level, it takes just one confirmed Mpox case for an outbreak to be declared. We did not declare an outbreak; it was the World Health Organization and Africa CDC that made that announcement. NPHIL acted based on their pronouncement by conducting tests on suspected cases.”
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