Washington D. C, USA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia’s (NPHIL) Director-General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, has urged Liberians living abroad to bring their knowledge and abilities back to their homeland in order to aid in its development.
His statement on Saturday, September 27, 2025, followed President Joseph Boakai’s keynote address at the inaugural Liberia Annual Diaspora Conference taking place in Washington, DC.
“Congratulations on holding another Liberia-Diaspora Conference that is bring together the government and our people from home and abroad to discuss how together we can move Liberia forward on the wheels of progress,” Dr. Nyan said.
At the same time, the scientist urged the Liberian diaspora to return home with their knowledge and abilities to help rebuild the nation.
Dr. Nyan acknowledged the challenges that many Liberians abroad fear, noting reports of diaspora expertise being undervalued or undermined. He admitted that some returnees had failed to live up to expectations, disappointing the Liberian people.
He cautioned his colleagues not to give up, emphasizing that there is still a progressive, patriotic portion of Liberian society that is willing to assist those who seeks to promote efficiency, transparency, and national development.
He went on, “Please come home at your own pace. I returned home a year ago and am now working with my coworkers at NPHIL to combat threats to public health.”
Dr. Nyan, a renowned biomedical scientist and inventor, returned home in August 2024 after years of unpaid voluntary services to Liberia and around the continent.
He became Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) through a vetting process and subsequent appointment by President Joseph Boakai. Dr. Nyan’s leadership has elevated the standard of the NPHIL as well as its regional and international credibility. He recently received the African Genius Award 2025 for his scientific, public health, and technical contribution to the African continent.
Reported by: Prince Saah
