(Monrovia, Liberia – May 26, 2025) – Thirty-two (32) Liberian health practitioners, primarily nurses, have returned home following a two-week intensive seminar in the People’s Republic of China.
The seminar, fully sponsored by the Chinese government, forms part of ongoing bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening Liberia’s health delivery system. Participants were exposed to international best practices and innovations in public health and health standardization. The training featured lectures on topics such as ancient and modern China, the legal frameworks for health standards, and comprehensive sessions on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Established in London in 1946 and formally launched in 1947, ISO is an independent, non-governmental international body headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It now boasts 174 member countries, each represented by a single national member. ISO has developed 25,807 international standards and other deliverables across technology, management, manufacturing, and more. Its structure includes 823 technical and sub-committees dedicated to standards development.
Participants were introduced to ISO’s structure, mission, and key standards, including ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 22000 (food safety), and ISO 249 (traditional medicine). Liberia is currently working toward full ISO membership. The delegation also conducted field visits to prominent institutions such as the Chengdu Institute of Standardization, the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, and the Peking University School of Stomatology Medical Device Testing Center.
Representatives came from several national health institutions, including the Ministry of Health’s Central Office, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), the Liberia Standards Authority (LiSA), the National Food Safety Authority, JFK Medical Center, the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), and the Liberia Medical & Dental Council (LMDC).
Assistant Minister for Curative Services, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, commended the participants for their dedication to professional growth and encouraged them to apply the skills acquired to enhance healthcare delivery across Liberia. “This training is not only a testament to your personal achievements but also a national investment in better healthcare for all Liberians,” Dr. Moore said. “We are confident that the knowledge and skills acquired will be effectively transferred to your colleagues and communities.”
Key outcomes of the seminar include the certification of all 32 professionals, enhanced cooperation between Liberia and China in public health and standardization, and Liberia’s anticipated participation in a high-level ministerial meeting on health standardization with China and Anglophone African countries in September 2025. The team returned to Liberia on Thursday, May 24, 2025, and will resume duties at their respective institutions to begin implementing lessons learned and improving health outcomes nationwide.