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Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh has commended the effective implementation of Sierra Leone’s mandatory Health Travel Portal after witnessing the screening process during his recent arrival at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) said the Chief Minister observed the Port Health screening process firsthand and praised the professionalism and efficiency of officials responsible for implementing the mandatory health declaration system before passengers proceed to immigration clearance.
According to the Agency, all passengers on the Chief Minister’s flight, including government officials, complied with the Health Travel Portal requirements, demonstrating the system’s effective enforcement and the importance of equal adherence to public health measures.
Sharing his experience on social media, Dr Sengeh emphasised that compliance with the Health Travel Portal is mandatory for every traveller, regardless of status.
“It didn’t matter who you were, and it shouldn’t. It’s a requirement. No fuss. No drama. Just compliance,” he stated.
The NPHA noted that the Chief Minister’s remarks come as countries across the region remain on heightened alert following Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, making robust health surveillance at points of entry increasingly important.
The Agency described the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal as a critical public health surveillance tool for both inbound and outbound travellers. It said the platform strengthens early detection of potential health threats, facilitates rapid public health response and supports effective contact tracing to prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.
The NPHA further stated that Sierra Leone’s points of entry serve as the country’s first line of defence against public health threats through screening, surveillance and timely intervention. It added that sustained investments in preparedness and response have strengthened border health systems and enhanced the country’s capacity to detect and respond to emerging disease outbreaks.
Welcoming the Chief Minister’s commendation, the Agency thanked him for recognising the dedication of its Port Health teams and renewed its appeal for all travellers to comply fully with the Health Travel Portal requirements. It stressed that continued public cooperation remains essential to safeguarding national health security and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
