NPHA Executive Director Shares Sierra Leone’s Post-Ebola Lessons at Liberia Scientific Conference
Monrovia, Liberia – The Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, has highlighted Sierra Leone’s post-Ebola experience in strengthening public health systems, stressing that sustained investment in research, innovation and community trust is critical to protecting countries against future health emergencies.
Prof. Sahr made the remarks at the opening of the Fifth Emmet A. Dennis National Scientific Conference in Monrovia, which brought together public health experts, researchers, policymakers, development partners, academics and other stakeholders to discuss scientific innovations and strategies for strengthening Liberia’s health security.
Delivering his presentation, Prof. Sahr reflected on what Sierra Leone has built following the Ebola outbreak, the investments required to strengthen the country’s public health architecture, and the areas where further work remains necessary.
“Research and innovation are how a country stops being surprised twice by the same threat,” Prof. Sahr said.
His presentation focused on key areas of Sierra Leone’s public health development, including Electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR), laboratory networks, the One Health research agenda, preparedness and response, workforce development and field epidemiology, as well as lessons learned from previous health emergencies.
Prof. Sahr noted the close epidemiological connection between Sierra Leone and Liberia and reflected on the lessons the two countries have gained from confronting major public health threats over the past decade. He underscored the importance of having strong detection systems, coordinated command structures and trusted relationships with communities in place before emergencies occur.
“Trust is built before the outbreak. What you have not earned in peacetime, you cannot borrow in a crisis,” Prof. Sahr stated.
The conference was officially opened in Monrovia as a national platform for sharing research findings, strengthening scientific collaboration and advancing evidence-based approaches to Liberia’s public health challenges.
A statement from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., delivered by his representative, H. Urias Harrington III, Consultant at the Ministry of State, reaffirmed the Liberian Government’s commitment to strengthening scientific research, public health preparedness and evidence-based national decision-making.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Interim Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), 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 provides an opportunity for scientists, researchers and public health professionals to present findings, exchange knowledge and identify innovative approaches to improving health outcomes in Liberia.
Prof. Sahr’s participation underscored the importance of regional cooperation, scientific research, stronger surveillance systems, capable public health workforces and community trust in strengthening preparedness and response to health threats across Sierra Leone and Liberia.