By Rolinda J. Kantan
MONROVIA, Oct. 16 (LINA) — The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has opened the fifth Emmet A. Dennis National Scientific Conference in Monrovia, bringing together scientists, researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals to advance research-driven solutions to Liberia’s health challenges and strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies.
The three-day conference, running from October 14 to 16 at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, is being held under the theme, “Strengthening Health Security in Liberia Through Research and Innovation.”
The gathering provides a platform for local and international participants to present research findings, exchange scientific knowledge, and explore evidence-based solutions to the country’s public health challenges.
Delivering a statement on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., his representative, H. Urias Harrington III, a consultant at the Ministry of State, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening scientific research, public health preparedness, and evidence-based decision-making.
President Boakai emphasized that scientific research and innovation are essential to building a resilient health system capable of preventing, detecting, and responding effectively to public health emergencies.
He urged researchers, scientists, and health professionals to translate scientific findings into practical solutions that improve the health and well-being of Liberians.
The President also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, academic institutions, research organizations, and international partners to advance Liberia’s health security agenda.
Health Minister Stresses Investment in Research
In a separate statement, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto underscored the importance of scientific research in shaping effective health policies, improving healthcare delivery, and addressing emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Dr. Kpoto said building a stronger health system requires sustained investment in research, laboratory capacity, disease surveillance, and the professional development of health workers.
She called for closer collaboration among the Ministry of Health, NPHIL, universities, researchers, and development partners to ensure that scientific evidence informs national health priorities and guides policy decisions.
NPHIL Reaffirms Commitment to Scientific Advancement
Meanwhile, NPHIL Interim Director-General Dr. Sia Wata Camanor reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to advancing scientific research, strengthening disease surveillance, and building national capacity for public health emergency preparedness and response.
Dr. Camanor said the conference offers scientists, researchers, and public health professionals an opportunity to present their findings, exchange knowledge, and identify innovative approaches to improving health outcomes in Liberia.
She emphasized that scientific research must extend beyond academic discussions and contribute to practical interventions in disease prevention, early detection, outbreak response, and evidence-based policymaking.
The NPHIL Interim Director-General also called for sustained partnerships and investment in scientific research, laboratory systems, and public health workforce development.
According to NPHIL, the conference is expected to strengthen collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners while promoting the use of locally generated evidence to address Liberia’s public health challenges.
Discussions are also expected to cover regional collaboration, disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and strategies for strengthening national and regional public health systems.
Organizers disclosed that they had received nearly 100 research abstracts, reflecting growing interest in scientific research and knowledge-sharing among public health professionals in Liberia and the region.