Strengthening Border Health Security in São Tomé and Príncipe

The East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of São Tomé and Príncipe and the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a groundbreaking Point of Entry (PoE) assessment mission under the World Bank-supported Health Emergency Preparedness Response and Resilience Program.

 PoEs Assessed:

• Ana Chaves Port

• Lembá Port

• Nuno Xavier Airport (São Tomé Island)

• Santo António Port and Airport (Príncipe Island)

 Through stakeholder engagement, site visits, and cross-sector coordination, the team is conducting the first-ever assessment of International Health Regulations (IHR) core capacities at these entry points.

Objective:
To evaluate existing capacities, identify gaps, and co-develop a national action plan that will improve early warning systems, coordination, and preparedness for public health emergencies.

Highlights from the field:

• Joint ECSA-HC and Ministry of Health inspections at ports and airports

• Capacity-building workshops with local officials and PoE staff

• Multisectoral dialogue sessions to align with IHR 2005 requirements

This mission is a pivotal step toward strengthening global health security and resilience across borders.