A Review of Port Health Preparedness in Gabon: Assessing Capacities for International Public Health Threats (2021–2026)

This review critically assesses the state of port health preparedness in Gabon for managing international public health threats between 2021 and 2026. It evaluates the capacities of designated maritime and aerial points of entry for the timely detection, containment, and response to public health emergencies of international concern, such as novel pandemics or the cross-border spread of filoviruses. Employing a systematic methodology, the analysis synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed literature, national and international agency reports, and documented outbreak responses within the period. Key findings indicate that, while Gabon has established a foundational legal framework and made infrastructural investments, significant gaps persist. These include inconsistent implementation of International Health Regulations (2005) core capacities, variable access to rapid diagnostic technologies across ports, and recurrent deficits in inter-agency coordination and workforce training. The analysis demonstrates that these systemic vulnerabilities heighten national risk and compromise regional health security in Central Africa. The review concludes that targeted investment in sustainable training programmes, integrated digital surveillance systems, and formalised regional collaboration frameworks is imperative. Strengthening Gabon's port health defences is a crucial component of fostering a more resilient African public health architecture capable of mitigating transnational threats.