13 countries in the European Region better equipped to assess their public health capacities at airports and ports

23 September 2019

Diseases know no borders. In today’s globalized world, points of entry such as ports and airports are at the frontline for prevention, detection and response to diseases associated with international movements of people and goods. To protect population health and avoid unnecessary disruptions to travel and trade, WHO/Europe supports countries in the European Region to assess and enhance public health capacities at points of entry and exit. On 16–19 July 2019, WHO conducted a training in Albania on the use of the “Assessment tool for core capacity requirements at designated airports, ports and ground crossings”.

Attended by 50 participants from 13 priority countries for emergency preparedness, the training was organized in collaboration with the Albanian health and transport authorities, with the financial support of the Russian Federation.

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13 countries in the European Region... 1

Participants from countries across the Balkans, southern Caucasus and central Asia gain hands-on experience in the use of the “Assessment tool for core capacity requirements at designated airports, ports and ground crossings”. It is crucial for countries to assess their capacities and enhance them where needed. WHO designed this tool to support countries in monitoring and evaluating their International Health Regulations (IHR) capacities at the most important points of entry and exit.

WHO

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Participants take the opportunity to apply the assessment tool in a real-life environment at Tirana International Airport and the Port of Durrës, thanks to the collaboration of the Albanian Ministry of Health, the Institute of Public Health, the Health Inspectorate, and the airport and port authorities.

WHO

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Routine public health measures, such as vector control, are necessary to ensure that goods and facilities at airports and ports are kept free from sources of infection and risks, such as mosquitos, rats and snakes.

WHO

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Airports and ports must be equipped with well-maintained potable water facilities or solid and liquid waste disposal services. Relevant public health advice for travellers should be provided. Appropriate medical services should be available for the care and transport of ill travellers.

WHO

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Under the IHR, State Parties should designate international points of entry – airports, ports and ground crossings. The designation is based on the level of risk and considering, among other criteria, the volume of traffic and trade. These designations help to prioritize investment in developing and maintaining capacities. In 2018, 583 such points of entry were designated in the European Region.

WHO

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Participants review IHR requirements for capacities that must be in place at all times in designated points of entry, as well as specific measures to respond to a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). They practiced mechanisms for collaboration and communication among national and subnational health authorities.

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