Angola Bolsters Health Security with Advances in International Health Regulations Compliance

Angola has significantly strengthened its national health security by completing the 2025 State Party Annual Report (SPAR), a crucial component of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). This assessment consolidates progress in epidemiological surveillance, emergency preparedness, and multisectoral coordination, even as also pinpointing challenges and priorities for future public health threat response.

Multisectoral Collaboration and Validation

From February 19th to 20th, representatives from diverse sectors convened in a workshop to validate the report, receiving technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO). This collaborative effort facilitated an analysis of national performance, identified gaps in existing systems, and established strategic measures to align Angola’s health systems with global health security standards. WHO Regional Office for Africa

The Importance of the International Health Regulations

The IHR-2005 serves as the primary international legal framework guiding WHO Member States in preventing, detecting, and responding to public health emergencies, all while maintaining the continuity of global traffic and international trade. For Angola, the SPAR process provides a valuable opportunity to develop essential capacities and ensure adherence to international standards. PublicNow

WHO Support and National Commitment

“The completion of the SPAR 2025 report demonstrates Angola’s commitment to strengthening preparedness and health security. The WHO remains fully committed to supporting the country in implementing priority actions and addressing identified gaps,” stated Dr. Walter Firmino, WHO emergency officer in Angola. WHO Regional Office for Africa

Key Capacities Analyzed

The assessment analyzed critical capacities including surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms, risk communication strategies, points of entry protocols, laboratory capabilities, and intersectoral coordination. The integrated ‘One Health’ approach, linking human, animal, and environmental health, strengthens the nation’s ability to prevent outbreaks, detect threats promptly, and respond effectively. WHO Regional Office for Africa

Strengthening Health Systems

According to Dr. Eusébio Manuel, head of the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiological Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, completing the SPAR reaffirms Angola’s dedication to the international community by bolstering epidemiological surveillance, enhancing emergency response, and building resilient health systems. WHO Regional Office for Africa

A Broader Strategy for Health Security

The validation of SPAR 2025 is part of a larger strategy led by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the WHO, to strengthen health security in Angola. This strategy focuses on improving emergency response capacity, enhancing disease surveillance, and aligning national policies with global standards – all key factors in fostering trust among partners and positioning Angola as a nation increasingly prepared to address public health threats. WHO Regional Office for Africa