MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), on Friday, June 20, 2025, concluded a three-day Regional Workshop on Mpox Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) at the Cape Hotel in Monrovia.
The high-level workshop, held as West Africa battles an ongoing Mpox outbreak, brought together public health delegates from all 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Among the visiting delegates was Dr. Alinon Kokou, Regional Director of the Africa CDC, whose presence underscored the critical need for regional coordination in public health responses.
Participants focused on enhancing RCCE systems to strengthen preparedness and response to public health emergencies. Emphasis was placed on the role of accurate and timely communication in improving disease surveillance, building community trust, and coordinating outbreak responses effectively.
In a brief statement to Smart News Liberia at the close of the event, NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the workshop. “From D’Calabash to the Cape Hotel, we successfully hosted the Africa CDC Regional Workshop on Mpox Risk Communication and Community Engagement,” he said.
Dr. Nyan extended appreciation to all the participating countries and health officials who shared experiences on clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive communication strategies during outbreaks. He emphasized the value of collaboration, especially in combatting regional health threats like Mpox.
“As participants from all 15 ECOWAS member states shared lessons on effective outbreak response communication, we’re reminded that solidarity in public health is essential,” Dr. Nyan remarked.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to regional cooperation and proactive community engagement in the fight against Mpox and other emerging health threats.
