MONROVIA: The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has assured the public that the country remains free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) following a nationwide assessment of Liberia's emergency preparedness, while acknowledging that additional investments are needed to strengthen the country's response capacity.
Speaking during the presentation of the assessment findings, July 13,2026, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Acting Director General of NPHIL said a multidisciplinary team recently completed a month-long evaluation of Ebola preparedness across all 15 counties in response to the ongoing regional outbreak.
The assessment examined surveillance systems, Points of Entry, Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), laboratories and isolation facilities to determine Liberia's readiness should an Ebola case enter the country.
According to NPHIL, the team inspected 15 Points of Entry, including nine land border crossings, four seaports and two airports, as well as three regional laboratories and the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.
The institute reported that Liberia has maintained many of the systems established following the devastating 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak. Officials said the country's surveillance network remains operational, supported by 98 District Surveillance Officers, 17 County Surveillance Officers and 22 Zonal Surveillance Officers who continue to conduct disease surveillance, case investigations and reporting across the country.
She noted that these officers have received specialized training in field epidemiology, Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response, and rapid outbreak response.
However, the institute identified logistical challenges, including inadequate transportation and protective rain gear, which continue to hamper surveillance efforts, particularly in remote communities.
The institute praised the Government of Liberia, the World Bank and other development partners for supporting disease surveillance.
Through the Health Security Project, funded by the World Bank, Liberia has received operational support and an initial batch of 50 motorbikes for surveillance officers. Additional training for healthcare workers on Ebola detection and case management is also planned.
The assessment also found that Liberia's 16 Public Health Emergency Operations Centers continue to coordinate emergency preparedness activities but require significant improvements.
Officials cited shortages of computers, communication equipment, furniture, backup electricity and other operational resources needed to effectively manage public health emergencies.
NPHIL acknowledged support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for refurbishing the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center and providing computers and printers for county emergency centers. The World Bank has also approved funding to install solar power systems and Starlink internet connectivity at all emergency operations centers.
She said, border surveillance remains another key component of Liberia's preparedness strategy. Since May 17, 2026, following the declaration of the regional Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency by the World Health Organization and Africa CDC, authorities have screened 987 asymptomatic travelers, most of whom recently returned from the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Officials reported that 966 travelers, representing 98 percent of those screened, have completed the required 21-day monitoring period, while 21 individuals remain under active follow-up. None have developed Ebola symptoms.
The assessment found strong collaboration among Port Health Services, Immigration, Customs, the Liberia National Police, the National Port Authority, the Liberia Maritime Authority and County Health Teams in conducting traveler screening and monitoring.
However, NPHIL said several border facilities require upgrades, including improved screening infrastructure, holding areas for suspected cases, better referral systems, additional ambulances, communication equipment, infection prevention supplies and increased staffing. Many port health workers currently serve as volunteers.
The institute also commended Liberia's security agencies and neighboring countries for strengthening cross-border surveillance and information sharing to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
Laboratory assessments found that Liberia's testing facilities remain technically capable of detecting Ebola but require continuous maintenance, reliable supplies of laboratory reagents and sustained investments.
Based on the findings, NPHIL and the Ministry of Health announced plans to immediately implement recommendations aimed at strengthening surveillance, improving border infrastructure, addressing staffing shortages, enhancing Emergency Operations Centers, expanding simulation exercises and refresher training, and improving laboratory and isolation facility readiness.
Despite the identified challenges, health authorities reassured the public that Liberia has not recorded any Ebola cases.
"There is currently no Ebola outbreak in Liberia," NPHIL emphasized, noting that the nationwide assessment was conducted solely as a preparedness measure.
The institute urged Liberians to continue practicing good hygiene, promptly report unusual illnesses to health authorities, cooperate with health workers and rely only on information issued by credible government sources as the country continues to strengthen its defenses against Ebola and other public health threats.
By: Elbie Pannoh
Towards Economic Empowerment And Reconciliation
