Government steps up infectious disease surveillance at ports ahead of AirPeace Nigeria flight launch

The Ministry of Health has begun upgrading operations at the Port Health Unit to strengthen surveillance at Antigua and Barbuda’s ports of entry, with enhanced screening measures expected to take effect from this weekend in response to ongoing global health concerns including Ebola, Hantavirus and malaria.

Minister of Health Michael Joseph presented the measures to Cabinet during its Wednesday sitting, advising that the ministry is implementing expanded screening procedures including temperature testing and enhanced traveller monitoring systems.

Travellers will be required to provide full details of their travel history over the preceding 21 days to allow health authorities to determine whether individuals have passed through countries where any of the identified viruses are currently active.

The announcement came days before the scheduled launch of Air Peace flights connecting Antigua with Lagos, Nigeria.

Director General for Communications Maurice Merchant confirmed at the post-cabinet briefing that the flight’s origins informed part of the government’s decision to accelerate its surveillance efforts.

“The flight from Nigeria was scheduled months ago, and hence, with what is taking place in parts of Africa, the government thinks that it is necessary to step up its surveillance efforts to protect Antigua and Barbuda from any possible exposure to any of these illnesses,” Merchant said.

He added that monitoring would extend to individuals who did not travel directly from affected countries but may have transited through them en route to Antigua and Barbuda.

Merchant also confirmed that two cases of malaria imported into Antigua were detected recently, with the Ministry of Health expected to provide a full update at a press briefing before the end of the week or early next week.

Cabinet was also informed that the Infectious Disease Centre is being readied as a precautionary measure.

Merchant said the facility has not been fully utilised in recent years and will require cleaning and the removal of stored medical equipment and supplies before it can be activated if needed.

“They can be housed there,” Merchant said, referring to individuals who arrive and raise concern among health officials. “Also, monitoring of persons who may not have come directly from these African countries, but would have transited other countries into Antigua.”

Merchant said the government is drawing on experience from the COVID-19 pandemic, with trained personnel already available who will be deployed at the nation’s ports from this coming weekend.