First health travel portal will strengthen border surveillance

Dr Austin Demby, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, launched the country’s first Health Travel Portal at Lungi International Airport on Monday, March 8, 2026. In light of concerns about an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the new digital platform is intended to strengthen border health security, improve disease surveillance, and accelerate responses to potential public health threats.
The centralised system uses technology to verify travellers’ health information and travel documents as they enter and exit Sierra Leone. The portal’s requirement for electronic submission of travel history and supporting health documentation 72 hours before departure or arrival aims to streamline screening at border entry points and reduce passenger delays.
Dr Demby described the initiative as an innovative milestone that improves Sierra Leone’s ability to detect and respond quickly to suspected public health emergencies. He emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ and visitors’ health and safety by modernising processes and improving cross-border checks.
Officials say the portal will provide up-to-date guidance on required documentation, allowing for a smoother, more predictable travel experience while also strengthening surveillance capabilities across the country. The platform is expected to improve coordination among health authorities, airport staff, and other border management agencies, allowing them to identify risks earlier and direct resources where they are most needed.
The Health Travel Portal is a significant step toward digitising Sierra Leone’s public health infrastructure and aligning border procedures with global efforts to prevent and control infectious disease spread.