MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) says the country remains free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) while continuing efforts to strengthen its preparedness and response systems against any potential outbreak.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, July 13, 2026, at NPHIL headquarters in Monrovia, Interim Director General Dr. Sia Wata Camanor said a nationwide assessment conducted across all 15 counties found that Liberia’s disease surveillance, laboratory services, and emergency response systems remain operational, although some areas require additional support.
The assessment evaluated the country’s surveillance network, Points of Entry, Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), laboratories, and isolation facilities to measure Liberia’s readiness to detect and respond to any imported Ebola case.
Dr. Camanor said trained surveillance officers remain deployed nationwide and continue monitoring and responding to public health threats. She noted, however, that increased logistical support, transportation, and equipment are needed to further strengthen the country’s response capacity.
Providing an update on border surveillance, NPHIL disclosed that health authorities have screened 987 travelers since May 17, 2026. Of those, 966 have successfully completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period, while 21 remain under active observation. The institute confirmed that none of the monitored individuals has developed symptoms of Ebola.
Dr. Camanor also highlighted the need for additional investments to improve communication systems, border screening infrastructure, staffing levels, and emergency response equipment, despite emergency operations centers and laboratories remaining functional.
She said NPHIL, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and development partners, will implement recommendations from the assessment aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, improving border screening, enhancing emergency response systems, and expanding training for healthcare workers.
Reassuring the public, Dr. Camanor emphasized that Liberia has no confirmed Ebola cases and is not experiencing an Ebola outbreak. She explained that the assessment was carried out as a precautionary measure to ensure the country is prepared should the virus be imported from neighboring countries.
She also encouraged Liberians to maintain good hygiene practices, promptly report unusual illnesses to health authorities, and continue cooperating with public health measures to help keep the country free of Ebola.
