Angola has taken an important step toward strengthening its national health security by completing the 2025 State Party Annual Report (SPAR), a key assessment tool under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). The report evaluates the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. Through this process, Angola has reviewed its progress in areas such as epidemiological surveillance, emergency preparedness, and coordination among different sectors, while also identifying key challenges and priorities for improving future responses to health emergencies.
To validate the report, representatives from multiple sectors participated in a multisectoral workshop held in February with technical support from the World Health Organization. The meeting allowed stakeholders to review the country’s performance, identify gaps in existing systems, and agree on strategic actions that will help align Angola’s health systems with international health security standards.
The International Health Regulations serve as the primary global framework guiding countries in managing public health risks and responding effectively to emergencies while maintaining safe international travel and trade. For Angola, the SPAR assessment provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen national capacities and ensure that its health systems meet global preparedness and response standards.
During the evaluation process, participants examined several core public health capacities, including surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms, laboratory services, risk communication, border health controls, and coordination between sectors. The review also incorporated the “One Health” approach, which emphasizes the interconnected nature of human, animal, and environmental health to improve early detection and coordinated responses to potential disease outbreaks.
The completion and validation of the SPAR 2025 report forms part of a broader strategy led by Angola’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization, to enhance national health preparedness. By strengthening surveillance systems, improving emergency response capabilities, and aligning policies with global standards, Angola aims to build a more resilient health system capable of effectively addressing future public health threats.
