By Endreth Thomas
Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Public Health Association (LPHA) is on a promising path toward revitalization, according to Dr. Morrison Tamba, President of its Adhoc leadership. Following a recent working session, Dr. Tamba expressed optimism, citing the high level of engagement and support received so far.
Dr. Tamba stated that the gathering, held in Paynesville, was crucial for updating the LPHA body on progress. He highlighted significant achievements, including the legalization of the organization with a business registration and the establishment of various committees to fast-track revitalization efforts.
Speaking exclusively after Friday’s session, Dr. Tamba, who is also a Pharmacist, described the engagement as “fruitful.” He emphasized, “This is not just an eye opener, but importantly a milestone in resuscitating a very vital health organization in the country.”
Dr. Tamba stressed a collective vision focused on ensuring a unified and strong public health community. “I’m just overwhelmed, so excited today by the huge turn of Public Health practitioners and their unwavering pledge to contribute time and expertise to achieve a singular objective,” he explained.
Tamba recounted the tremendous contributions of public health practitioners, particularly since 2019, in their efforts to revitalize the LPHA. He specifically highlighted their critical role during the COVID-19 outbreak, when a response team was established and fully participated in providing sensitization and support for the fight against the epidemic. “There were significant impacts made by the team in several communities in the fight,” Dr. Tamba recalled.
Health practitioners who attended the session praised the Adhoc leadership led by Dr. Morrison Tamba, committing their full support to the Association. Public health professionals in Liberia’s leeward counties and those in the diaspora also registered their strong dedication to the LPHA, participating actively in the gathering online.
The current Adhoc leadership includes:
- President: Dr. Morrison Tamba
- Vice President: Atty. Etmonia M. Martins
- Financial Secretary: Harriet Sieh
- Other Key Member: Vasco M. Garwo
The Liberia Public Health Association was founded in July 1976, initially headed by the first Liberian Physician, Dr. Joseph Nagbe Togba, following the adoption of the first Public Health Law in 1976, which remained in effect for over forty years.
After the civil crisis, the LPHA reactivated its leadership. Past presidents include Mrs. Mariam Subah and Liberia’s former Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Francis Kateh. Dr. Jallah Kennedy, who served as Secretary General, now heads the LPHA Board and currently resides in the United States.
The LPHA, an age-old health institution dating back to the 1970s, boasts a membership of over five hundred, with more public health professionals continuously expressing interest in joining and fully supporting the organization.
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