By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has conducted a monitoring visit to the Jendema Point of Entry (PoE) in Pujehun District to assess and strengthen Sierra Leone’s preparedness for Ebola and other high-consequence infectious diseases.

The visit focused on evaluating surveillance systems and response capacities at the border crossing, with particular attention to measures aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to potential disease outbreaks.

During the assessment, the NPHA technical team reviewed key operational areas, including routine health screening procedures, border surveillance activities, infection prevention and control (IPC) standards, and the use of the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal.

The assessment was intended to identify areas requiring improvement and ensure that frontline health personnel remain prepared to respond effectively to public health threats that could enter the country through cross-border movement.

As part of efforts to strengthen preparedness at the border, the Agency provided infection prevention and control supplies and equipment to Port Health personnel to support their daily operations and help maintain appropriate safety standards.

The provision of these materials is expected to enhance the capacity of frontline health workers to carry out their responsibilities while facilitating the safe movement of people across the border.

NPHA officials emphasised that strengthening surveillance at major points of entry, including Jendema, is an important component of Sierra Leone’s national health security strategy.

They noted that effective border monitoring, early detection and prompt response are essential to reducing the risk of infectious diseases spreading across communities and national boundaries.

The monitoring visit forms part of the Agency’s ongoing efforts to improve disease preparedness, reinforce border surveillance systems and equip frontline health workers with the necessary resources to identify and respond to potential public health emergencies.

Jendema’s strategic position as a border crossing makes effective health screening and surveillance particularly important in protecting public health and strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to respond to emerging infectious disease threats.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 2nd November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)