The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has welcomed the commendation by Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, following his recent arrival at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, where he experienced firsthand the ongoing implementation of the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal by Port Health officials.
Dr. Sengeh, who had just returned from an international trip, praised the professionalism, efficiency, and diligence of the NPHA Port Health teams stationed at the country’s main point of entry. In remarks shared on his official social media platform, he described the arrival process as orderly, professional, and well-coordinated, noting that all passengers on his flight, including government officials, complied with the mandatory health declaration requirements before immigration clearance.
Reflecting on the process, Dr. Sengeh stated:
“When I landed in Freetown this afternoon, I met several National Public Health Agency staff awaiting us. They greeted and welcomed us warmly and asked for our health travel information.”
He further stressed the importance of fairness and collective compliance in public health safety measures, adding:
“It didn’t matter who you were, and it shouldn’t. It’s a requirement. No fuss. No drama. Just compliance.”
The Chief Minister also applauded the Port Health officials for their professionalism in assisting travellers, facilitating hand sanitization, and conducting routine temperature screening, measures he described as essential for protecting Sierra Leone from the importation and spread of infectious diseases.
His remarks come at a critical time as the region remains on heightened alert following the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. With increased international travel and cross-border movement, the risk of infectious disease transmission remains high, making strong surveillance systems at points of entry more important than ever.
The Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal remains a vital public health tool designed to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response mechanisms. By requiring both inbound and outbound travellers to complete the health declaration form, the Portal enables health authorities to collect critical travel and health information, support early detection of suspected cases, facilitate contact tracing where necessary, and respond swiftly to any potential public health threats.
Points of entry such as airports, seaports, and land borders serve as the first line of defense in preventing the cross-border transmission of infectious diseases. Effective screening and surveillance at these locations are crucial to safeguarding national health security, protecting communities, and ensuring that potential outbreaks are identified and contained before they spread.
The National Public Health Agency has continued to demonstrate strong leadership in public health preparedness and readiness by intensifying surveillance measures, strengthening Port Health operations, enhancing rapid response systems, and ensuring compliance with international health regulations. These efforts reflect the Government of Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to building a resilient health security system capable of responding effectively to emerging public health threats.
The NPHA expresses sincere appreciation to Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh for recognizing the dedication and hard work of its Port Health teams. His endorsement reinforces the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the nation’s health.
The Agency encourages all travellers entering and departing Sierra Leone to adhere strictly to the Health Travel Portal requirements and cooperate fully with Port Health officials. Compliance with these measures is not only a legal obligation but a civic responsibility. In today’s interconnected world, diseases can travel faster than ever, and one missed case can have serious consequences.
By working together, staying vigilant, and complying with these preventive measures, Sierra Leone can continue to strengthen its health security and protect the lives of its people.
Public Relations Unit
NPHA-SL