By Domingo Dargbeh
Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, the newly appointed Officer-in-Charge (OIC), and Interim Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), has pledged to usher in a new era of reform, professionalism, and resilience in the country public health system.
In her address at program that ushered her into office on Monday, October 20, 2025, Dr. Camanor expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the confidence reposed in her through the recommendation of NPHIL’s Board of Directors.
She described her appointment as both “a great honor, and a profound responsibility to serve at a pivotal moment.”
“This is not just a new role, it marks a new era for NPHIL, and for me to strengthen, protect, and elevate Liberia’s public health systems,” Dr. Camanor told the gathering.
She also extolled Health Minister, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, for her trust in me and her encouragement.
Camanor added: “The Board confidence in me is a clarion call to service; a call to lead with courage; competence and compassion.”
She lauded NPHIL Board Chairman, Dr. Stephen Kennedy, and members of the Board for endorsing her leadership during “an important transition period.”
She assured the Board of her commitment to strengthen governance, accountability, and institutional performance.
To the staffs, whom she affectionately called: “the heartbeat of NPHIL,” Dr. Camanor, praised the dedication of public health professionals.
“You are Liberia’s public health defense force, because from laboratory scientists, and epidemiologists to surveillance officers and logisticians, your tireless efforts form the backbone of our nation’s public health security.”
Dr. Camanor, who drew a vivid analogy to the delight of guests at the induction ceremony, likened NPHIL to Liberia’s “fire service for public health emergencies,” with her role as “fire chief,” speaking of the need for readiness and coordination in responding to disease outbreaks.
Dr. Camanor outlined her vision for a stronger and more modern NPHIL, focusing on human capacity, upgrading laboratories, enhancing surveillance systems, and fostering local and international partnerships.
“We will marshal resources, forge strong partnerships, and prioritize continuous professional development to make NPHIL a world-class institution,” she pledged.
Dr. Camanor then paid tributes to her predecessors, Tolbert Nyesuah, Mosoka Fallah, Jane McCauley, and Dougbeh Nyan.
She commended each of them for their contributions to the growth and resilience of the institute.
Dr. Camanor reaffirmed NPHIL’s commitment to work closely with the Ministry of Health, development partners, and communities to strengthen disease prevention and response capacities.
“Our vision is clear, a healthy, prepared, and confident Liberia where we anticipate, prevent, detect, respond, and overcome any public health emergency. We overcame Ebola and COVID-19, we will overcome Mpox,” she assured.