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The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), led by Interim Director General Dr. Sia Wata Gamanor, paid a courtesy visit to the National Public Health Agency (NPHA) of Sierra Leone as part of ongoing efforts to deepen regional collaboration in public health.
The meeting was held at the NPHA headquarters in Wilberforce, Freetown, where the delegation was warmly received by the Executive Director, Professor Foday Sahr, and his team.
Furthermore, the engagement marked a significant milestone in advancing cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
In his welcome remarks, Professor Sahr expressed appreciation for the visit and underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing shared health challenges. He highlighted the value of collaboration in disease surveillance, emergency response, and research, noting that collective action is essential to improving health outcomes across the Mano River region.
Dr. Gamanor outlined NPHIL’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Sierra Leone, stressing opportunities to strengthen surveillance systems and emergency response mechanisms. Drawing on Liberia’s institutional experience over the past two years, she expressed optimism about future joint initiatives that would enhance preparedness and resilience in both countries.
Additionally, Deputy Executive Director Alhaji Dr Mohamed Alex Vandi explained that the agency was created to unify surveillance, laboratory services, and emergency response under a single science-driven institution, guided by values of integrity, accountability, partnership, and innovation. Within its first two years, the NPHA has managed multiple public health emergencies, established a 24/7 national surveillance watch room, expanded workforce training, and strengthened response systems nationwide.
The visit highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and epidemiological ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia. Enhanced cooperation in surveillance and preparedness at shared borders will not only protect both nations but also contribute to a more resilient public health system across the Mano River basin.
For Liberia, closer collaboration with Sierra Leone provides access to complementary expertise, expanded laboratory networks, and opportunities for joint training that will enhance its national health security, and for Sierra Leone, partnership with NPHIL reinforces regional solidarity, supports reforms in surveillance and preparedness, and amplifies its vision of becoming a centre of excellence in public health.
