After 5,000 Deaths from Ebola and COVID, Liberia Faces New Mpox Threat
- Michael T
- May 19
- 2 min read
With over 5,000 deaths from Ebola and COVID-19 in the past decade, Liberia is once again in the grip of a public health crisis as four new Mpox cases are confirmed across Montserrado, Margibi, and Sinoe counties. The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the Ministry of Health announced the new infections over the weekend, bringing the total to 78 confirmed cases since January 2024, with 652 suspected cases reported nationwide12. While authorities insist the outbreak is “under control,” critics argue the government’s response remains reactive rather than proactive, exposing persistent weaknesses in Liberia’s health system.
During a press briefing in Congo Town, NPHIL Director-General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan urged the public to remain calm and adhere to health protocols. He touted Liberia’s surveillance and laboratory testing capacity, noting that the Africa CDC has praised the country’s “717 Procedure” for rapid case identification and management1. Yet, as vaccination campaigns lag in high-density areas like Montserrado and community engagement remains inconsistent, many question whether these measures are sufficient to prevent a wider outbreak.
Despite receiving over 10,000 doses of Mpox vaccine from the Africa CDC, only around 2,000 high-risk individuals have been vaccinated so far, mainly in Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Sinoe counties125. Vaccination in Montserrado, Liberia’s most populous county, is only now set to begin, months after the first cases were detected. Health officials admit that mass vaccination is not underway, and the campaign remains limited to frontline workers and close contacts of confirmed cases25. This slow rollout, coupled with patchy public information, has left many Liberians feeling vulnerable and frustrated.
Observers also point to broader systemic issues. Despite international recognition of NPHIL as a regional Center of Excellence, the Africa CDC and other partners have repeatedly stressed delays in reforms, insufficient resources, and gaps in leadership commitment as ongoing obstacles to effective outbreak management4. Liberia’s reliance on donor support for vaccines, equipment, and technical expertise further exposes the fragility of the national response.
Though the government urges vigilance and calm, public trust remains fragile. Liberia’s experience with Ebola and COVID-19-where more than 4,800 and 295 lives were lost, respectively, left deep scars and heightened expectations for accountability and transparency. Many Liberians are now demanding not just reassurances, but concrete action: faster vaccine deployment, clear public messaging, and a genuine commitment to strengthening the country’s health system before another preventable tragedy unfolds 124.
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