In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the International Health Regulations (IHR) which represent a pivotal milestone in international efforts to enhance global health security and foster collaboration among nations in detecting, assessing, notifying, and responding to public health risks and emergencies of international concern. Sierra Leone, recognizing the need of a unified response to health threats transcending borders, embraced the IHR. This led to the establishment and maintenance of core capacities for disease surveillance, reporting, and response.

Sierra Leone has sixteen (16) districts of which 8 share borders with neighboring Liberia or Guinea, comprising of formal and informal points of entry of which four (4) are main. These include Lungi International Airport, the Queen Elizabeth Seaport, the Gbalamuya land border crossing with Guinea, and the Jendema ground crossing to Liberia. These points of entry and border points serve as vital channels for the movement of people, goods, and animals, making them potential hotspots for the spread of infectious diseases.

However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sierra Leone took proactive measures to bolster its defenses against the virus. Additional points of entry were established, increasing the manned points of entry from 12 to 48, accompanied by enhanced screening measures to curb the spread of the virus. Despite notable progress, challenges remain, necessitating ongoing efforts to identify and address existing gaps promptly.

In March 2024, Sierra Leone's National Points of Entry, and border health, with technical support from WHO, conducted a seven-day supervision initiative in nineteen points of entry across eight border districts including the airport. The objective was to identify immediate gaps and offer recommendations for swift resolution. While routine capabilities have been developed for main points of entry and 38 border crossings over the years, attention is now directed towards the remaining 298 crossing points requiring effective operations. Critical capacities established, include the availability of port health staff for traveler screening and establishing linkages between points of entry and nearby health facilities for swift referrals, essential for ensuring a quick and safe response.

Effective supportive supervision plays a pivotal role in equipping port health staff with the necessary tools, resources, and support to execute their duties effectively. It ensures data quality, compliance with international health regulations, and fosters a coordinated response to public health emergencies.

To achieve these objectives, Sierra Leone has outlined specific measures focused on enhancing compliance with public health protocols at points of entry. These include capacity building through on-the-job training, quality assurance audits, and strengthening communication and coordination among relevant agencies. Through meticulous methodology involving supportive supervision checklists and engagement with district health management teams, Sierra Leone aims to fortify its border health measures and contribute to global health security efforts.

In conclusion, Sierra Leone's commitment to upholding the International Health Regulations underscores its dedication to safeguarding public health and contributing to a coordinated global response to health threats. Through collaborative efforts and proactive measures, Sierra Leone stands poised to strengthen its resilience against future health emergencies and uphold its role as a responsible member of the global health community.