Freetown, Sierra Leone | 5 June 2026 – In the midst of emerging public health threats, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has officially launched the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal, a new digital platform designed to strengthen border health security, improve disease surveillance, and enhance safe travel experience for passengers entering and departing the country.
The portal serves as a centralized structure for the submission and verification of health information and travel documentation. The platform improves efficiency at points of entry which will inform timely public health decision-making and provide travelers with real time information on health requirements and travel advisories.
Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Professor Dr. Foday Sahr, described the Health Travel Portal as a strategic initiative in Sierra Leone’s public health infrastructure and a critical tool for strengthening national preparedness against emerging health threats.
The platform has built-in security safeguards that complies with national and international ethical data protection standards. Data from the portal will be used exclusively for public health purposes and handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
Professor Sahr also acknowledged the contributions of key partners whose technical and financial support made the initiative possible by expressing appreciation to the Government of the United States through US CDC, Jhpiego and the RISE Project; Africa CDC, WHO, the wider United Nations family, and the Information and Communications Technology team of the National Public Health Agency.
Describing the platform as a “sound, secure and timely national tool,” he emphasized that the portal will strengthen the country’s ability to monitor and respond to health risks at points of entry while facilitating safer and more efficient travel.
In launching this platform, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby hailed the initiative as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a resilient, technology-driven health system capable of responding effectively to future public health challenges. The launch of the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal marks another significant milestone in the country’s health sector transformation agenda. As Sierra Leone continues to modernize its health systems and strengthen public health preparedness, the portal stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and the protection of public health.
He further stated that the launch demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting the health of citizens and visitors while facilitating safe and seamless international travel; and noted that recent global health emergencies emphasize the importance of strong surveillance systems and digital solutions that enable countries to detect and respond rapidly to evolving health threats.
Dr. Austin Demby has this to say, “The future of public health lies in our ability to anticipate, prevent, detect and respond to health threats in real time… This portal is more than a travel management system; it is a strategic public health tool that strengthens our national preparedness, enhances disease surveillance, and supports our vision of a modern, efficient and responsive health sector.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in digital health innovations that improve service delivery, strengthen health security, and contribute to national development. He also commended the National Public Health Agency and its partners for their collaboration and dedication in bringing the initiative to fruition.
Through this initiative, Sierra Leone is reinforcing its capacity to safeguard the health of residents and visitors alike while ensuring that travel remains safe, efficient, and responsive to the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.