Africa Watch

31/01/2026

31/01/2026

31/01/2026

NPHIL DIRECTOR-GENERAL ADDRESSES UNDP-SUPPORTED LIBERIA FRONTIER TECH LEADERS PROGRAM GRADUATION CEREMONY

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) wishes to inform the public that its Director-General today delivered a keynote address at the graduation ceremony of the Liberia Frontier Tech Leaders Program, an initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen domestic talent in emerging technology fields.

The event brought together national institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and members of the innovation community to celebrate young Liberians completing intensive training in data science, artificial intelligence, digital product development, blockchain, and other frontier technologies with growing impact across development sectors.

In her remarks, the Director-General highlighted the strategic importance of digital transformation and technological innovation for safeguarding public health, advancing emergency response systems, and accelerating Liberia’s modernization agenda.

She emphasized that the digital era presents opportunities for improved disease surveillance, more efficient health system coordination, and expanded research capacity through the integration of advanced analytics and emerging technologies.

The DG commended UNDP and partnering institutions for investing in human capital development and for empowering the next generation of Liberian innovators to contribute to national development priorities.

She encouraged graduates to leverage their new competencies in service to the country, while continuing to build skills relevant to the evolving global digital economy.

NPHIL reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnerships that foster innovation, promote research, and enhance Liberia’s readiness to respond to emerging public health challenges.

The institute looks forward to expanded cooperation with development partners and technology actors to mainstream digital solutions across the public health ecosystem.

15/01/2026

UGANDA PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

The presidential poll is essentially a two-horse race between Museveni and Wine, but given that the president has won the six previous elections, analysts say he is likely to further extend his time in power.

Wine has promised to tackle corruption and impose sweeping reforms, while Museveni argues he is the sole guarantor of stability and progress in the country.

The campaign period was marred by the disruption of opposition activities - security forces have been accused of assaulting and detaining Wine's supporters.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed these complaints, accusing opposition supporters, particularly those belonging to Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP) party, of being disruptive.
Internet access was suspended on Tuesday, with Uganda's Communications Commission saying the blackout was necessary to prevent misinformation, fraud, and the incitement of violence - a move condemned by the UN human rights office as "deeply worrying".

The NUP has rejected this explanation, accusing the regulator of trying to stop the opposition from mobilising and sharing evidence of election fraud. The party has launched an offline vote-monitoring app in case of a blackout.

The app, called Bitchat, uses Bluetooth technology to share images of the results forms from polling stations and voting data without internet access, according to Wine.

In some areas, officials had to switch to manual voter verification
The former leader of a guerrilla army, Museveni has benefitted from two constitutional amendments - removing age and term limits - that have allowed him to keep running for office.

Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, lost to the president in the 2021 elections, although Wine dismissed the results, alleging fraud.
Alongside Museveni and Wine, six other presidential candidates are on this year's ballot papers.

Voters will also chose a new parliament, with 353 seats up for grabs.For many of those voting on Thursday, the economy is the key issue.

The majority of the population is under 30 and although the average income is steadily rising, there are not enough jobs for all the young people looking for work.

There are also concerns about poor infrastructure and disparities in access to quality education and healthcare.
During the campaign period, opposition supporters have faced escalating harassment, including arrest on politically motivated charges, according to both the United Nations and Amnesty International.

Wine's rallies, unlike those of Museveni, have been disrupted by security forces.
Amnesty has described the use of tear gas, pepper spray, beatings and other violent acts as "a brutal campaign of repression" ahead of the vote.

13/01/2026

NPHIL Commends Partners — Advancing Public Health Together and Reflecting on Shared Successes

Monrovia, Liberia — January 13, 2026 — The Interim Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, in a formal communication to partner organizations, extended compliments and expressed profound appreciation on behalf of NPHIL for the continued partnership, technical collaboration, and steadfast support.

As the New Year begins, the Institute reaffirms its commitment to strengthening public health systems in Liberia and across the region.

Over the past year, Dr. Camanor indicated, NPHIL has advanced its public health mandate with the support of partners whose sustained technical engagement and financial contributions have driven significant progress.

These efforts have strengthened national surveillance and laboratory systems; enhanced epidemic preparedness and response capacities; expanded public health and biomedical research; advanced environmental and occupational health initiatives; and helped build a skilled, fit-for-purpose public health workforce.

Collectively, these contributions have bolstered NPHIL’s resilience and its ability to deliver core public health functions.
Dr. Camanor's communication to the partners further indicated that several institutional milestones defined the year under review.

NPHIL, she pointed out, achieved an 86% score in its midterm assessment under the national Performance Management & Compliance System and demonstrated strong compliance with audit recommendations issued by the General Auditing Agency of the Government of Liberia—ranking the Institute among the top-performing public sector institutions in both performance and audit compliance.

Additionally, NPHIL successfully convened its annual retreat, launched its five-year strategic plan, strengthened operational coordination for the national Mpox response, and mounted effective responses to Lassa fever, measles, and other public health events of national concern.

She expressed NPHIL special appreciation to the Ministry of Health (MoH) as Sector Lead for its unwavering leadership, which has been instrumental in securing increased domestic financing commitments from the Government of Liberia for emergency preparedness and response, and in facilitating the signing of the U.S. Government Global Health Security Memorandum of Understanding—a milestone reflecting growing national ownership and confidence in the health sector.

Partners also played a pivotal role in several priority areas, including the establishment of national genomic sequencing capacity with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC); the establishment of a modern Public Health Emergency Operations Center supported by Africa CDC; and continued support for strengthening and operationalizing International Health Regulations (IHR) compliance with the WHO.

Additional health security investments from UNICEF, World Bank, US CDC, AFENET, ICF, JHPIEGO, Red Cross, AFL, NDMA, WHO, Riders for Health, DOLF, NWASCHE, PREVAIL, PLAN, EPA, MOA, FHI-360, UL, and others have further enhanced Liberia’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats.

Looking ahead, NPHIL remains committed to deepening partnerships, strengthening coordination, and ensuring that joint investments translate into sustainable, long-term public health impact. The Institute values not only the resources provided but also the trust, professionalism, and shared sense of purpose that have defined these collaborations.

On behalf of the NPHIL Board of Directors, Senior Management Team, and staff, the Institute extends its sincere gratitude and best wishes for a productive and successful year. NPHIL looks forward to continued collaboration in the pursuit of healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.

09/01/2026

Liberia Mpox Response Updates

01/09/2025

Biomedical Scientist and Inventor, Dougbeh Chris Nyan Shortlisted for “African Genius Award”

A world-renowned African biomedical scientist and inventor, Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan, has been shortlisted for the 2025 African Genius Award (AGA) for his significant contributions to global science and humanity.

“Congratulations on being shortlisted for the African Genius Awards! Your impactful contributions to your community, your country, and the continent have earned you a place among Africa’s most exceptional minds and changemakers,” an official AGA communication to Dr. Nyan stated.

The AGA is a special continental project undertaken to recognize exceptional Africans who have made outstanding contributions towards the realization of African self-determination, dignity, and exceptionalism.

“I am grateful and honored by this recognition, and further encouraged to perform my pan-Africanist duties to Liberia and Africa for the advancement of global humanity. To be recognized and nominated among several talented persons on the African continent is already a win, for which I extend my appreciation to the AGA,” Dr. Nyan responded.

Nyan is the renowned inventor of the Rapid Multiplex Diagnostic Test for Infectious Diseases (the NYAN-TEST). The test is easy to use, less expensive, and detects multiple diseases in less than an hour, and has been granted three United States Patents.

It cuts down the long waiting time for test results and will serve remote communities in Africa and the world. He has volunteered all over Africa, transferring knowledge and skills in biomedical science and technology.

“We are honored to recognize your (Dr. Nyan’s) work, and we celebrate the brilliance, innovation, and leadership you represent,” the AGA nomination letter to Dr. Nyan mentioned.

Since his leadership of the Liberia’s National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), the entity has grown to heights of being recognized as a Regional Center of Excellence by the Africa CDC. Nyan led a team of scientists that discovered Mpox Clade IIa in Liberia, about 55 years after the Monkeypox virus was first detected in Liberia.

The AGA project is based in South Africa. Its partners include the University of Johannesburg, Plus-94 Research, Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Institute, The African Dream, and Brandhill Africa, among others.

In order to qualify for an AGA, a nominee has to meet certain criteria, specifically relating to one or more of problem-solving, global competitiveness, self-love, and patriotism.

As a nominee, Dr. Nyan’s professional performance has been determined to be indubitably extraordinary to warrant genius status. The Award ceremony takes place in early September 2025.