Understanding the scope of Hepatitis B in Bong County, Liberia

Myra L. Wamah ’25

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Hamelers

What is the broader impact of your summer research? That is, why should the world care about your work?

Hepatitis B continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Liberia. However, due to the limited data on the prevalence and severity of the disease across different regions of the country, there has been insufficient attention given to controlling its spread. Existing research has primarily focused on the capital city of Liberia, Monrovia, and has revealed varying prevalence rates. My research aims to contribute to the limited pool of data available on this topic and raise awareness about the situation in other parts of Liberia, ultimately drawing more attention to the issue. I am interested in understanding the prevalence of Hepatitis B in Bong County, as there is currently limited data available on this topic. Despite the lack of comprehensive data, Dr. James Kervieh, the lead internist at Phebe Hospital, one of the largest and most frequently visited hospitals in Bong County, has estimated that around seven out of every 10 Liberians in the region may be carriers or living with Hepatitis B. Dr. Kervieh made this estimation based on the increased number of Hepatitis B cases being treated at Phebe Hospital from across Bong County, indicating that Hepatitis B could be a significant issue in the area. However, there is a lack of concrete data to support this. I aim to address this gap in the available information through my research, particularly as Bong County is one of the three most populous counties in Liberia, with over 400,000 residents. 

What has summer research taught you about yourself and the field that you researched and/or studied?

This summer, I learned a valuable lesson that has stayed with me. Trying to be a Jack of all trades can prevent you from becoming a master of any. Focusing on one thing at a time allows you to excel and achieve the best results. I often find myself juggling too many tasks simultaneously, which often leads to me feeling overwhelmed and struggling to prioritize effectively. My research was the most important thing this summer, and I’ve learned the importance of dedicating myself to one thing at a time. Additionally, I learned to embrace the “just do it” mentality, understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process. However, this doesn’t mean I shouldn’t plan carefully. Research is a continuous learning process. I learned that determining sample size is not straightforward. There are multiple factors to consider before deciding how many participants to include in your studies, and confidentiality and obtaining consent are crucial. 

What advice would you give to students considering a future research opportunity similar to the one you participated in?

Your idea will change something somewhere. “Just do it” mentality. Mistakes are part of the learning process.