(Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, February 19, 2026)—The Ministry of Health (MOH) has secured a seat at a key regional health advisory platform, as Mr. Anthony Kerkula Bettee, Acting Program Director for Neglected Tropical Diseases, has been appointed to the Regional Expert Advisory Group on Urogenital Schistosomiasis (TAG-UGS).

Mr. Bettee will represent the Ministry on the 15-member Technical Advisory Group, selected from a competitive pool of 105 applicants drawn from across the African Region.

His appointment signals growing regional recognition of Liberia’s expanding role in tackling neglected tropical diseases.

The decision was reached at the inaugural in-person meeting of the Regional Expert Advisory Group on Urogenital Schistosomiasis at the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

The two-day meeting, which runs from 17–18 February 2026, shaped a coordinated continental response to the disease.

The inaugural session was designed to establish a structured and harmonized regional approach to addressing urogenital Schistosomiasis (UGS), with particular emphasis on female genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) and male genital Schistosomiasis (MGS) 

Mr. Bettee’s selection underscores the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening its Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) program.

Members of the Regional Expert Advisory Group will serve a two-year term, during which they are expected to provide strategic recommendations, support implementation guidance, and foster collaboration among member states.