In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing implementation of public health and social measures, the immediate and profound impacts on cross-border activities, especially at international boundaries, have become evident. The closure of borders and increased control measures disrupted the smooth flow of healthcare, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and essential goods, contributing to widespread confusion and distrust.
The inadequacies in defining the responsibilities of Point of Entry (PoE) authorities during the COVID-19 crisis were swiftly recognized. Dr. Evangelos Karagiannis, a Public Health Doctor at the Port Health Authority of Thessaloniki, Greece, highlights the challenges faced in coordinating responses to the pandemic, particularly concerning the clearance of crucial goods like medical devices and personal protective equipment.
PoEs, encompassing ports, ground crossings, and airports, serve as the front line for preventing, detecting, and responding to public health events stemming from international travel and transport. The International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) stipulate that PoEs must possess routine core-capacity requirements and be equipped to respond to international public health emergencies, including the development of contingency plans.
The significance of PoEs in maintaining trade connectivity and facilitating the cross-border movement of goods has been underscored by the challenges brought about by COVID-19, according to Dr. Karagiannis. He emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts not only in immediate pandemic responses but also in subsequent recovery endeavors, aiming to build resilience against future disruptions and bolster the ability to address potential health threats. Dr. Karagiannis asserts, “It is important to establish good collaboration between all institutions with a stake in protecting public health before and after a crisis hits. In this way, we are able to keep working together after a crisis and take advantage of the lessons learned from it.”
Addressing the imperative to strengthen health systems and PoE capacities, WHO/Europe, in conjunction with the WHO Collaborating Centre for the International Health Regulations: Points of Entry (University of Thessaly, Greece), organized a subregional workshop on border health in Thessaloniki from November 21 to 23, 2023. The workshop aimed to collectively enhance capacities for detecting and containing public health threats at PoEs, with a specific focus on ports and ground crossings. Attended by 39 public health officials, IHR national focal points, and experts from the western Balkans and neighboring countries, including representatives of strategic partners, the event provided a platform for in-depth discussions and the exchange of experiences related to the implementation of IHR (2005) core capacities for border health. The workshop further identified gaps and outlined priority actions to strengthen cross-border collaboration in response to evolving health challenges.
