NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening laboratory systems, advancing regulatory excellence, and enhancing public health protection across Liberia and the wider West African region.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The Authority made the statement while serving as an official sponsor of the 2026 Celebrate-LAB West Africa Annual Conference, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia.
The conference brought together laboratory professionals, scientists, researchers, development partners, academics, young professionals, and public health stakeholders from across West Africa. It was held under the theme: “One Voice: Advancing Collaborative and Inclusive Laboratory Systems.”
The annual event provided a platform for participants to engage in discussions on laboratory science, diagnostics, innovation, workforce development, research, and regional collaboration, all aimed at improving health outcomes and strengthening health systems across the sub-region.
As part of the conference activities, LMHRA participated in a plenary panel discussion on the topic: “Regulations and Clinical Research: Strengthening Regulatory Compliance in Medicines and Medical Devices.” The Authority was represented by Dr. Jwue Kercula, Head of Clinical Trials; Dr. Morrison Tamba, Region-3 Manager; and Dr. Sandra Nagbe, Training Coordinator.
During the panel, the LMHRA representatives emphasized the critical importance of regulatory compliance in ensuring that medicines and medical devices are safe, effective, and ethically evaluated before reaching the public. They also highlighted the need for stronger public awareness and education to improve compliance and safeguard public health.
The team further noted that limited financial resources for nationwide awareness campaigns remain a major challenge in effectively communicating regulatory requirements and health messages to communities across Liberia.
Speaking at the conference, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Liberia, Dr. Olushayo Olu, underscored the central role of laboratories in building resilient health systems.
He stated that strong laboratory systems are essential for detecting, monitoring, and responding to emerging and re-emerging diseases, stressing that no effective health system can function without robust diagnostic capacity.
Dr. Olu referenced the ongoing Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a reminder of the importance of laboratory preparedness in global health security.
“Laboratories save lives, protect communities, and strengthen national and regional preparedness,” he said, urging participants to prioritize practical, context-specific, and home-grown solutions in addressing Africa’s health challenges.
He further called for strengthened policy frameworks, investment in workforce development, research, innovation, and support for emerging scientists as key pillars for improving laboratory systems across the continent.
The LMHRA reiterated its commitment to multi-sectoral collaboration, noting that such partnerships are essential for advancing laboratory services, regulatory systems, and overall public health security in Liberia and beyond.
Celebrate-LAB West Africa, which is headquartered in Monrovia, serves as an annual networking and professional platform connecting public and private health sector actors, academia, research institutions, and industry stakeholders. It aims to strengthen laboratory networks, research capacity, and health systems across West Africa.
The LMHRA, Liberia’s national regulatory authority, is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and other health products through effective regulation, compliance monitoring, and public health protection.
