Liberia reaffirms commitment to implementing amended international health regulations

LIBERIA—The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to global health security by signing a national declaration to implement the 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005).

The declaration followed a three-day national technical workshop held in Monrovia from 15 to 17 December 2025, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The workshop brought together more than 80 experts from government institutions, partner organizations, academia, and civil society.

Together, they reviewed the amended regulations and mapped national steps for their adaptation and implementation.

The process concluded with the endorsement and signing of a national declaration committing Liberia to domesticating the amendments.

During a policy and domestication session on 18 December, Dr. Sia Wata Camanor, Chair of the One Health Technical Committee and Acting Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), presented the implementation roadmap.

Her presentation outlined institutional responsibilities, coordination mechanisms, and key milestones.

Senior ministers approved the proposed steps, which were were later endorsed by His Excellency Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.

Vice President Koung, who also chairs the One Health Steering Committee, commended WHO for its continued partnership.

He emphasized that public health preparedness and cooperative leadership are vital in addressing cross-border health threats.

“Public health threats do not respect borders. Therefore, preparedness, coordination, and decisive leadership are essential to protecting lives and development,” he said.

He noted that Liberia’s renewed commitment to the amended regulations demonstrates national ownership of health security efforts and lessons gained from previous emergencies.

The Vice President also announced the designation of the Ministry of Health as the National International Health Regulations Authority and NPHIL as the national focal point.

This, he observed, enhances accountability and strengthens Liberia’s capacity for timely decision-making.

Vice President Koung reaffirmed that Liberia will not opt out of the 2024 amendments, highlighting the government’s dedication to solidarity, transparency, and shared global responsibility, while ensuring respect for national sovereignty and constitutional processes.

WHO Representative to Liberia, Dr. Olushayo Oluseun Olu, praised Liberia’s progress in health security and its resilience during recent emergencies, including the COVID-19 and mpox outbreaks.

He emphasized that the new amendments address challenges countries have faced over the past two decades and aim to ensure faster and more coordinated responses.

Speaking on behalf of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Acting Country Director Dr. Musa Abdullahi expressed the agency’s commitment to supporting Liberia in strengthening preparedness and response capacities.

Representatives from various ministries, development partners, academia, and civil society also participated in the event.

The International Health Regulations (2005), updated in 2024, serve as a legally binding global framework that guides 196 countries in preventing, detecting, and responding to public health risks without unnecessary disruption to international travel and trade.

WHO continues to support Liberia through policy guidance, capacity-building, and multisectoral collaboration to advance the country’s National Action Plan for Health Security in alignment with its national priorities.