By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Ministry of Health in Eswatini has issued an important reminder for all individuals traveling beyond the country’s borders to prioritize their health and safety by complying with health screening procedures.
This initiative aims to enhance early detection of potential outbreaks and protect both travelers and the broader public from the spread of infectious diseases.
Health screening is a comprehensive process that involves observing and reporting signs and symptoms of diseases to enable timely detection and intervention.
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All travelers passing through border gates and airports are encouraged to undergo this screening as part of their journey.
The Ministry emphasizes the crucial role of this practice in safeguarding public health, highlighting that it not only allows for the early identification of diseases but also facilitates the referral of symptomatic individuals for further care and management.
The screening process is particularly significant in preventing the spread of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, polio, measles, mpox, Ebola, cholera, Covid-19, and other newly identified illnesses.
Ministry stressed that by implementing these measures, the country aims to establish a robust system for rapid response in the event of a disease outbreak.
Upon arrival at border gates or airports, travellers are required to report to the health screening desk and comply with all instructions provided by health officials.
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The screening process includes a temperature check, recording of traveler details through passport scanning, observation for disease symptoms, and documentation of travel history and destinations.
dditionally, travellers moving to or from regions with endemic diseases must present their yellow fever vaccination status, while others may need to declare vaccination records for any other health threats of public concern.
The Ministry of Health urges all travellers to remain vigilant and proactive, reminding them that if they feel unwell, they should immediately report to border and health officials.
It said that by adhering to these procedures, Eswatini reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of its emaSwati and visitors while promoting the well-being of its communities.