Points of Entry (PoE) are critical links in the international transport network and can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Strengthening preparedness at these locations is essential to detect, contain, and prevent public health threats across borders.

Points of Entry is one of the technical areas that consistently is being reported to have one of the lowest scores in the WHO European Region as reported in the Annual States Parties Annual Report (SPAR). Therefore, support to improve Points of Entry capacities in the Region is one of the priorities of the World Health Emergencies programme. As part of the workplan for this period, the WHO CC will focus on providing support to trainings and assessments for Points of Entry and support the (regional) analysis of PoE capacities under IHR (2005) capacities. 

The WHO CC has developed extensive expertise in managing Points of Entry at the national level. For example, RIVM has established a national PoE public health expertise network, connecting professionals from public health and (air)port authorities at both local and national levels. This network has facilitated exchange visits with Points of Entry in neighboring countries and will organize a tabletop exercise in November 2025.