With the aim of strengthening global health security, the World Health Organization (WHO) has completed a comprehensive assessment of Angola’s health threat preparedness and response. This initiative, Joint External Evaluation (JEE), was conducted from September 25 to 29, 2023.
A key component of the International Health Regulations (IHR) introduced in 2007, the JEE forms part of a broader framework by WHO to monitor and assess countries’ health capacity. This tool assesses countries’ capacities, allowing them to develop technical expertise, inform national action plans for health safety, and mobilize essential resources.
Thirteen evaluators from Spain, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and international organizations conducted the evaluation in collaboration with 60 Angolan experts from various ministries.
The assessment focused on three core areas under the umbrella of ‘One Health’: prevention, detection and response capabilities. In the field of prevention, we aimed to address areas such as antimicrobial resistance, zoonoses, food safety and vaccination. The country’s laboratory systems, surveillance mechanisms and human resources were scrutinized for detection. Meanwhile, emergency health management, public health and security interconnection, medical service delivery, and risk communication were considered under response capabilities.
Key findings reveal that Angola has improved significantly since the 2019 assessment. Collaboration with partners has now been strengthened and an official National IHR Focal Point has been appointed, starting in 2022, with a review of the 2026 National Health Security Action Plan.
However, challenges still remain. Of the 56 indicators assessed, Angola showed limited capacity in 32, non-existent capacity in 23, and demonstrated capacity in only one indicator. In particular, areas such as human resource training and health emergency management across the animal and human health sectors did not reach consensus among the evaluators.
The recommendations proposed are diverse and strong. These include upgrading the National Health Security Action Plan, integrating animal and environmental health components, strengthening human resource training across all health sectors, and developing standard operating procedures.
WHO will now emphasize the need for Angola to convene an all-stakeholder meeting, set priority plans, establish an effective system for implementing and evaluating IHR-related efforts, and participate in a multisectoral exercise. is emphasized.
In conclusion, Angola has made improvements in strengthening health security, but certain areas require attention. WHO continues to provide unwavering support, recognizing the country’s commitment to not only improving the health situation but also strengthening its contribution to global health efforts. This assessment will undoubtedly guide future health safety measures and cooperation, reflecting past and current efforts.
For additional information or to request an interview, please contact: Olívio Gambo Oficial de Comunicação Escritório da OMS em Angola gamboo@who.int T: +244 923 61 48 57