Ministry of Unveils Health Travel Portal at Lungi to Boost Ebola Preparedness

Lungi: The Ministry of Health has unveiled a new Health Travel Portal at Freetown International Airport in Lungi, aimed at strengthening border screening and disease surveillance as health authorities heighten vigilance over Ebola developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Launched by Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby, the digital platform is expected to improve screening for passengers arriving and departing, while also making it easier for health officials to collect, track, and manage public health information at points of entry. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Dr. Demby described the portal as a timely and practical step in Sierra Leone's broader preparedness plan. He said the system would help authorities detect potential health threats early, speed up information sharing, and support efforts to protect both travelers and communities from infectious diseases. He noted that the launch comes at an important moment, with countries across Africa closely watching the Ebola situation in the D emocratic Republic of the Congo. Sierra Leone remains committed to staying alert and taking preventive action to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission. The portal forms part of the Ministry of Health's wider push to strengthen epidemic preparedness, improve surveillance, and use digital tools to support public health protection. The initiative is being rolled out with backing from national and international partners working with Sierra Leone to advance health security. Now fully operational at Lungi, the Health Travel Portal represents another clear step in protecting the country's borders, strengthening public health systems, and improving readiness for future outbreaks.