The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), led by Interim Director General Dr. Sia Wata Gamanor, has paid a high-level courtesy visit to the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) of Sierra Leone in a move aimed at strengthening regional collaboration on disease surveillance, emergency response, and public health research. The meeting, held at the NPHA headquarters in Wilberforce, brought together senior officials from both institutions and marked a significant step toward deepening cooperation between the two Mano River Union countries.
Welcoming the delegation, NPHA Executive Director Professor Foday Sahr described the visit as timely and strategic, stressing the importance of partnerships in addressing shared health challenges. “Collaboration remains central to strengthening disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, and research,” Professor Sahr said. “Our collective efforts are essential to improving health outcomes across the region.” Leading the Liberian delegation, Dr. Gamanor reaffirmed NPHIL’s commitment to building stronger institutional ties with Sierra Leone.
She highlighted opportunities for joint initiatives in strengthening surveillance systems, workforce development, and coordinated emergency response. Drawing on Liberia’s recent institutional experience, she expressed confidence that closer collaboration would enhance preparedness and resilience in both countries, particularly in the face of emerging and re-emerging health threats. As part of the engagement, NPHA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi delivered a detailed presentation on the agency’s mandate and progress since its establishment under the Public Health Act of 2022.
He explained that the NPHA was created to consolidate surveillance, laboratory services, and emergency response within a unified, science-driven framework. Dr. Vandi noted that within its first two years, the agency has managed multiple public health emergencies, established a 24-hour national surveillance watch room, expanded workforce training programmes, and strengthened response systems nationwide. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including gaps in laboratory capacity, limited antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and preparedness concerns at key Points of Entry.
He emphasized that collaboration with Liberia presents a critical opportunity to address these gaps through shared expertise, cross-border surveillance mechanisms, joint research initiatives, and workforce exchange programmes. “With our porous borders and frequent population movement, strengthening surveillance at Points of Entry is vital to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring early detection of public health threats,” Dr. Vandi said. The visit underscored the deep historical, cultural, and epidemiological ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Health experts say enhanced cooperation at shared borders will not only safeguard both nations but also contribute to a more resilient public health system across the Mano River basin. For Liberia, closer engagement with Sierra Leone offers access to complementary expertise, expanded laboratory networks, and opportunities for joint training that could significantly strengthen national health security. For Sierra Leone, the partnership reinforces regional solidarity, supports ongoing reforms in surveillance and preparedness, and advances its ambition of becoming a centre of excellence in public health delivery.
In his closing remarks, Professor Sahr reaffirmed NPHA’s commitment to sustained collaboration, noting that long-term partnerships, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange remain essential in addressing evolving public health challenges. The engagement is expected to pave the way for structured bilateral initiatives and a more coordinated regional response to epidemics, strengthening resilience and safeguarding public health across both nations.
