Biomedical Scientist and Inventor, Dougbeh Chris Nyan of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has been shortlisted for “African Genius Award”. Dr. Nyan, known as world-renowned African biomedical scientist and inventor, is among the list of the individuals who are poised to receive 2025 African Genius Award (AGA) for his significant contributions to global science and humanity.
“Congratulations on being shortlisted for the African Genius Awards! Your impactful contributions to your community, your country, and the continent have earned you a place among Africa’s most exceptional minds and changemakers,” an official AGA communication to Dr. Nyan stated. The AGA is a special continental project undertaken to recognize exceptional Africans who have made outstanding contributions towards the realization of African self-determination, dignity, and exceptionalism. “I am grateful and honoured by this recognition, and further encouraged to perform my pan-Africanist duties to Liberia and Africa for the advancement of global humanity.
To be recognized and nominated among several talented persons on the African continent is already a win, for which I extend my appreciation to the AGA,” Dr. Nyan responded. Nyan who heads the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) is the renowned inventor of the Rapid Multiplex Diagnostic Test for Infectious Diseases (the NYAN-TEST). The test is easy to use, less expensive, and detects multiple diseases in less than an hour, and has been granted three United States Patents. It cuts down the long waiting time for test results and will serve remote communities in Africa and the world.
He has volunteered all over Africa, transferring knowledge and skills in biomedical science and technology. “We are honored to recognize your (Dr. Nyan’s) work, and we celebrate the brilliance, innovation, and leadership you represent,” the AGA nomination letter to Dr. Nyan mentioned. According to released issued on Monday, since his leadership of the Liberia’s National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), the entity has grown to being recognized as a Regional Center of Excellence by the Africa CDC. Nyan led a team of scientists that discovered Mpox Clade IIa in Liberia, about 55 years after the Monkeypox virus was first detected in Liberia.
The AGA project is based in South Africa. Its partners include the University of Johannesburg, Plus-94 Research, Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Institute, The African Dream, and Brandhill Africa, among others. In order to qualify for an AGA, a nominee has to meet certain criteria, specifically relating to one or more of problem-solving, global competitiveness, self-love, and patriotism. As a nominee, Dr. Nyan’s professional performance has been determined to be indubitably extraordinary to warrant genius status. The Award ceremony takes place in early September 2025.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
