Published: November 5, 2025
MONROVIA — The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and key global partners, has officially launched an intensified Mpox Operation Campaign under the theme “Operation Find All Mpox Cases.” The initiative, unveiled at the Barnesville Town Hall Field, aims to detect, prevent, and treat cases of Mpox (commonly known as monkeypox) across Liberia.
A Renewed National Call Against Mpox
The launch, which brought together representatives from the Africa CDC, US CDC, UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), Red Cross, World Bank, and hundreds of students, marks a renewed phase in Liberia’s fight against the disease. Officials described the campaign as a “call to action” to eliminate the outbreak through aggressive community engagement, vaccination, and surveillance.
Monkeypox, now officially termed Mpox by the World Health Organization, is a viral zoonotic disease that re-emerged in West and Central Africa in recent years. Liberia, which recorded its first modern outbreak cases in 2022, has been battling periodic surges, particularly in Montserrado County.
Liberia’s Vaccine Progress and New Supply
Delivering the overview of the vaccination program, Dr. Yuah Nyumah, Acting Chair of the Mpox National Incident Management System (IMS), said Liberia’s vaccination drive remains a critical pillar in the containment effort.
“After Mpox was declared an outbreak in Liberia, the country quickly applied for vaccine support and received 10,800 doses,” Dr. Nyumah explained. “We deployed them across all 15 counties and have already used more than 9,000 doses.”
He revealed that Liberia has now received an additional 40,000 doses, which will be used within the next 60 days to intensify vaccination activities nationwide. “We are targeting all contacts of confirmed cases, healthcare workers, and other high-risk groups,” he added, emphasizing that the objective is to “bring the outbreak to an end.”
NPHIL Calls for Collective Action
In her special remarks, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Director General of NPHIL, underscored the importance of community cooperation. “Montserrado County alone accounts for 69% of all cases and five of the six deaths recorded so far,” Dr. Camanor disclosed.
She likened the campaign to a traditional “kuu,” a Liberian term for collective effort. “We are here today because we take this matter seriously. We have come together because we realize we need to fight together,” she said. “We want children to go to school without fear and workers to perform their duties without worry.”
Montserrado County at the Epicenter
Representing the Ministry of Health, Montserrado County Health Officer, Dr. Jewel Kollie, declared the campaign officially launched. She thanked the people of Montserrado for their cooperation and urged them to continue supporting the fight.
“This is not just a launch, it’s a call to action,” she said. “Let’s remember our theme: when the MC says ‘Operation,’ we respond ‘All Mpox Cases!’ This is our collective responsibility.”
Africa CDC Reaffirms Support
A representative of the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s health resilience. “This initiative perfectly aligns with our vision of helping member states build capacity to prevent, detect, and treat disease threats,” the official said.
UNICEF Emphasizes Child Protection and Awareness
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the organization’s representative noted that Mpox continues to pose a serious challenge to communities and children. “Our commitment is to transform surveillance into safety and communication into community-wide resilience,” the representative said. “We must ensure every suspected case is identified, and every child receives care free from stigma and full of dignity.”
WHO Highlights Global Perspective
The World Health Organization’s representative, Mr. Alpha Tamba, praised Liberia’s renewed momentum but cautioned that more must be done to control transmission. “Globally, as of October 30, more than 44,000 confirmed Mpox cases have been recorded, with 80% in Africa,” he said. “Liberia ranks second on the continent in case numbers, just behind the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
Mr. Tamba urged stronger community engagement, improved coordination, and efficient vaccine use. “Once communities are fully involved, outbreaks end faster,” he emphasized.
Partners Commend Liberia’s Response Efforts
Development partners including the Red Cross, US CDC, and the World Bank lauded the collaborative effort between NPHIL and MOH. They described the new operational campaign as “timely and people-centered,” especially as global health authorities continue to grapple with post-pandemic vulnerabilities.
Health experts at the event highlighted that successful disease control depends heavily on public participation. Community leaders, students, and local organizations were encouraged to report suspected cases promptly and avoid stigmatizing those infected.
Liberia’s Mpox Situation Overview
According to NPHIL data, Liberia has recorded over 1,290 confirmed Mpox cases since the outbreak began, with Montserrado County accounting for the highest burden. The disease, which spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals, causes fever, rash, and body aches and can be fatal in severe cases.
Lessons from Past Epidemics
Speakers drew parallels with Liberia’s successful containment of Ebola and COVID-19, stressing that the same community-driven response model could help eradicate Mpox. “We have done it before, and we can do it again,” said Dr. Camanor, referencing Liberia’s acclaimed public health mobilization experience.
Dr. Luis M. Kpoto, Minister of Health, though absent, was represented by his deputies who reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to protect citizens. “This government remains determined to build a resilient health system capable of responding swiftly to any outbreak,” they said.
Vaccination as the Key to Ending the Outbreak
Experts emphasized that vaccination, combined with surveillance and public awareness, remains the most effective weapon against Mpox. “The vaccine is safe, effective, and available,” Dr. Nyumah reiterated. “We urge Liberians to come forward when called upon.”
The event concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to ensure Liberia remains vigilant. “Let us work together to control this outbreak so that our children can grow up in a safe and healthy environment,” Dr. Camanor urged.
As Liberia embarks on this new phase of its Mpox response, health officials believe that collective community participation, just as during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, will be the defining factor in bringing the virus under control once and for all.
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