On March 24, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered essential laboratory supplies and advanced equipment to the Ministry of Health in Liberia. This pivotal contribution is set to strengthen the National Public Health Reference Laboratory as a center for genomic surveillance and bioinformatics, enhancing the testing and confirmation of epidemic-prone diseases. 

The donation included mpox PCR reagents and test kits, as well as a state-of-the-art ELISA analyzer that will significantly bolster measles testing capabilities. This equipment will provide critical data to enhance surveillance and control strategies nationwide. Additionally, the provision of IT equipment, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and reagents for genomic sequencing will empower Liberia to analyze the gene sequences of epidemic-prone pathogens. With these tools, the country is now better positioned to implement swift outbreak confirmations and initiate control measures, ensuring the health and safety of its citizens. 

“This is a testament to the collaboration and dedication of WHO and the Ministry of Health in monitoring and responding to epidemic-prone pathogens,” stated Dr. Abdullahi Sule, Officer in Charge. He also announced the hiring of a senior consultant Bioinfomatician to configure the server for bioinformatics analysis at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL). This expert will provide on-site, hands-on technical training for NRL staff in basic server management, utilizing the three high-level SPEC computers donated by WHO. 

Receiving the consignment, Dr. Cuallau Jabbeh Howe, the Assistant Minister of Health, expressed her gratitude to WHO. “We appreciate WHO’s continuous support in boosting our laboratory capacity to test and detect epidemic-prone diseases,” she said. As part of the WHO regional office's HERA project, WHO has also donated a genomic sequencing machine, server for bioinformatics analysis, essential reagents, and trained ten laboratory officers in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics. The trained personnel have already made significant strides, successfully sequencing mpox-positive samples and identifying clade IIb, in addition to the previously circulating clade IIa in Liberia. With these advancements, Liberia is taking significant steps toward enhancing its public health infrastructure, ensuring a more robust response to future health challenges.