Angola completes 2025 Health Security Assessment to strengthen emergency preparedness

ANGOLA—Angola has completed its 2025 State Party Annual Report (SPAR), a crucial tool under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) framework.

This comprehensive assessment evaluates the country’s progress in epidemiological surveillance, emergency preparedness, and multisectoral coordination while highlighting areas that require further development.

Representatives from multiple government sectors gathered on February 19 and 20 for a validation workshop supported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The meeting enabled participants to analyze national performance, pinpoint existing gaps, and establish strategic measures to align Angola’s health systems with international health security standards.

Understanding the IHR Framework

The IHR 2005 serves as the primary international legal instrument guiding WHO member states in preventing, detecting, and responding to public health emergencies.

The regulations ensure countries can protect their populations while maintaining normal international travel and trade.

For Angola, the SPAR process offers a valuable opportunity to build critical capacities and meet global compliance requirements.

Dr. Walter Firmino, WHO emergency officer in Angola, emphasized that completing the SPAR 2025 report demonstrates Angola’s dedication to enhancing preparedness and health security.

He confirmed that WHO remains fully committed to helping the country implement priority actions and address identified shortcomings.

Comprehensive capacity assessment

The evaluation process examined several essential capacities across Angola’s health infrastructure.

Teams analyzed surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms, risk communication protocols, border entry points, laboratory capabilities, and intersectoral coordination frameworks.

This thorough review provides a clear picture of the country’s current capabilities and future needs.

The assessment adopted an integrated “One Health” approach, connecting human, animal, and environmental health considerations.

This methodology strengthens Angola’s ability to prevent disease outbreaks, detect threats early, and respond effectively to emerging health challenges.

National commitment to health security

Dr. Eusébio Manuel, who heads the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiological Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, stated that completing SPAR reinforces Angola’s commitment to the international community.

The country continues strengthening epidemiological surveillance, improving emergency response capabilities, and building resilient health systems.

The SPAR 2025 validation forms part of a broader health security strategy that Angola’s Ministry of Health is implementing alongside WHO.

This strategy focuses on enhancing emergency response capacity, improving disease surveillance infrastructure, and aligning national policies with global standards.

These efforts prove essential for building partner confidence and positioning Angola as increasingly prepared to handle public health threats.

Multisectoral collaboration drives progress

The validation meeting brought together representatives from various government sectors, all working under the “One Health” framework.

This collaborative approach proves essential for coordinating prevention, detection, and response efforts against health risks that simultaneously affect people, animals, and the environment.

 The multisectoral cooperation ensures Angola develops comprehensive solutions to complex health security challenges.