https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2026-global-webinar-on-core-public-health-capacities-to-conduct-ship-inspections-and-issue-ship-sanitation-certificatesShips play a vital role in connecting countries and sustaining the global economy, but disease outbreaks onboard can disrupt maritime traffic and pose serious public health and economic risks. Without strong systems to detect, prevent, and respond to health threats on ships, maritime travel can become a pathway for the international spread of infectious diseases.
To strengthen national capacities in this area, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a two-day global webinar on 11–12 February, bringing together more than 700 ship inspectors, port health officers, and public health authorities, mainly from the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and European Regions. The event focused on enhancing countries’ ability to conduct ship inspections and issue ship sanitation certificates in line with international requirements.
The webinar was held at a crucial moment, as the amended International Health Regulations (IHR) are set to enter into force on 19 September 2025. Strengthening public health preparedness at borders, including on ships, is a key pillar of global health security and central to the revised IHR framework. High participation levels reflected growing demand for technical guidance and capacity-building support, as well as the importance of cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange in the maritime sector.
Regular public health inspections for the issuance of ship sanitation certificates are essential to ensure vessels meet established health standards and minimize the risk of disease spread through international maritime traffic. These certificates, mandated under the IHR, require ports to have trained personnel capable of identifying and managing public health risks onboard. The standardized certification process promotes consistency in health practices worldwide and facilitates communication between port authorities and ship operators.
Ship sanitation certificates serve as a globally recognized tool for recording and communicating public health events and control measures. Only certificates issued by ports authorized by national authorities are considered valid, and countries are required to maintain and share updated lists of such ports with WHO. Despite this framework, many Member States face practical challenges, including limited resources, staff turnover, and competing priorities, which can hinder compliance.
During the webinar, participants discussed technical and operational aspects of ship inspections, including the legal framework, pre-inspection planning, vessel-specific risk assessments, and proper completion of certification documents. Practical guidance was also shared on inspecting food safety systems, medical facilities, water supplies, and vector control measures. Case studies from several countries illustrated real-world implementation of IHR requirements.
Given the strong engagement and positive response, WHO plans to organize similar sessions in the future to reach additional regions and address other border health priorities. Continued knowledge-sharing and capacity-building efforts are expected to support Member States in strengthening maritime public health systems and ensuring safer international travel and trade.
