Freetown, Sierra Leone | 5 June 2026 – The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has officially launched the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal, a new digital platform designed to strengthen border health security, improve disease surveillance, and enhance the travel experience for passengers entering and departing the country.
The portal, unveiled at the Freetown International Airport (FIA), serves as a centralized system for the submission and verification of health information and travel documentation. By digitizing key health screening processes, the platform is expected to improve efficiency at points of entry, support timely public health decision-making, and provide travelers with up-to-date information on health requirements and travel advisories.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency, Professor Foday Sahr, described the Health Travel Portal as a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s public health infrastructure and a critical tool for strengthening national preparedness against emerging health threats.
He noted that the platform has been developed with robust security safeguards to ensure that travelers’ information is protected and managed in line with national and international data protection standards. According to Professor Sahr, all information collected through the portal will be used exclusively for public health purposes and handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
Professor Sahr also recognized the contributions of key partners whose technical and financial support made the initiative possible. He expressed appreciation to the Government of the United States through Jhpiego and the RISE Project, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the wider United Nations family, and the Information and Communications Technology team of the National Public Health Agency.
Describing the platform as a “sound, secure and timely national tool,” he emphasized that the portal will strengthen the country’s ability to monitor and respond to health risks at points of entry while facilitating safer and more efficient travel.
Officially launching the platform, Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby hailed the initiative as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a resilient, technology-driven health system capable of responding effectively to future public health challenges.
Dr. Demby stated that the launch demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting the health of citizens and visitors while facilitating safe and seamless international travel. He noted that recent global health emergencies have highlighted the importance of strong surveillance systems and digital solutions that enable countries to detect and respond rapidly to evolving health threats.
“The future of public health lies in our ability to anticipate, prevent, detect and respond to health threats in real time,” Dr. Demby said. “This portal is more than a travel management system; it is a strategic public health tool that strengthens our national preparedness, enhances disease surveillance, and supports our vision of a modern, efficient and responsive health sector.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in digital health innovations that improve service delivery, strengthen health security, and contribute to national development. He also commended the National Public Health Agency and its partners for their collaboration and dedication in bringing the initiative to fruition.
The launch of the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal marks another significant milestone in the country’s health sector transformation agenda. As Sierra Leone continues to modernize its health systems and strengthen public health preparedness, the portal stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and the protection of public health.
Through this initiative, Sierra Leone is reinforcing its capacity to safeguard the health of residents and visitors alike while ensuring that travel remains safe, efficient, and responsive to the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.