Airports in East Africa Undergo WHO Health Regulation Compliance Check
A critical evaluation of health security measures is underway at major airports in East Africa. Led by the East, Central and Southern African Health Community (ECSA HC), a team of experts is assessing these airports' adherence to the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Health Regulation (IHR) core capacities for points of entry.
This groundbreaking Peer-To-Peer review comes at a time of heightened regional concern following the Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia. The recent crisis underscores the importance of fortifying aviation borders against potential disease transmission.
The delegation, comprising experts in epidemiological surveillance and port health services from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia, has embarked on a mission to evaluate four international airports in the region. Their goal is to determine these hubs' readiness to tackle public health emergencies.
But here's where it gets controversial: The review is not merely a routine audit. It's a pivotal step towards transforming these airports into globally certified health security zones. This designation ensures that these airports have the resources and systems in place to effectively manage public health risks associated with international travel.
The assessment is rooted in the International Health Regulations (IHR) of 2005, a legally binding instrument for 196 countries, including all WHO Member States. The IHR (2005) aims to prevent, control, and respond to the international spread of diseases while minimizing disruptions to global travel and trade. The latest revision adopts a comprehensive approach, mandating countries to develop essential Core Capacities.
What are these Core Capacities? According to Dr. Remidius Kakulu, Principal Epidemiologist from Tanzania's Ministry of Health, they are the fundamental public health programs and skills that countries must maintain. Dr. Kakulu describes them as the 'emergency response essentials' required by the WHO under the IHR 2005 agreement. This agreement is crucial as it sets a universal standard for early detection, assessment, and rapid response to public health emergencies.
The recent Covid-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global borders and the repercussions of disjointed health responses. Dr. Benedict Mushi, Senior Knowledge Management and Public Health Specialist at ECSA-HC, highlights the lack of coordination, inconsistent surveillance, and absence of standardized health measures at many airports worldwide. This has underscored the urgent need to fully implement the IHR (2005) requirements.
And this is the part most people miss: ECSA-HC's Peer-To-Peer approach, facilitated by the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Program (HEPRRP), aims to address these gaps. By preparing the region for potential pandemics, this initiative ensures that major airports have the necessary capacities to handle such crises.
The assessment focuses on three key areas. First, it evaluates communication and coordination during emergencies, ensuring a clear chain of command. Second, it assesses the maintenance of Core Capacities at all times, including routine surveillance and screening. Third, and most critically, it stress-tests emergency response capabilities, ensuring preparedness against current threats like Marburg and cholera.
The comprehensive assessment aims to identify areas for improvement and develop an action plan to strengthen airport capabilities. Successful implementation of this plan will lead to an external review and certification by the WHO, assuring the world that these airports are safe and ready to protect passengers.
In summary, this ECSA-HC initiative strives to establish a high standard of health security across key travel corridors in East Africa. By harmonizing previously varied practices, it aims to revolutionize the regional response to public health emergencies, ensuring safer and more efficient management of potential risks.
