(Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, April 13, 2025) – The Ministry of Health, through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, has concluded a two-day training workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of health workers and key partners in responding to Mpox cases through vaccination. The training, held in Zwedru, brought together trainers, immunization program managers, cold chain specialists, logisticians, supervisors, field coordinators, and community partners from across southeastern Liberia.
The primary goal of the workshop was to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to Mpox outbreaks. Attendees received technical guidance on proper vaccine storage and handling, supply chain coordination, response team management, and community engagement strategies. The training emphasized the importance of tailored outreach methods due to the sensitive nature of Mpox transmission, often affecting key populations such as frontline health workers.
Mr. Roland Tuopileyi II, WHO Liberia’s Immunization Officer and Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance Officer, highlighted the significance of the training. “The WHO remains a committed partner in Liberia’s fight against Mpox,” he stated.
He also underscored the need for vaccinators to build trust with affected communities and communicate the disease’s transmission and prevention methods.
Mr. Tuopileyi further praised the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and the National Disease Control Program (NDCP) for their ongoing contributions to disease surveillance and coordination efforts.
Representing NPHIL, Mr. Emmanuel Dwalu, Mpox Focal Person, urged participants to remain vigilant and proactive in their approach. He emphasized the importance of accurate case identification, timely vaccine administration, and adherence to safety protocols. “We must ensure that every health worker is informed and prepared to respond when a case arises. Administering the correct vaccine to the right individual is key in controlling the spread,” he said, while thanking both national and international partners for their support.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Mr. Timothy A.L. Paulus, Program Officer in Zwedru, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s Mpox response. He encouraged participants to use their training to spread accurate vaccine information throughout their communities. The workshop featured interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, and group discussions, fostering peer-to-peer learning and collaboration. EPI and WHO reaffirmed their continued support toward strengthening Liberia’s immunization systems and public health readiness in combating infectious diseases such as Mpox.