Introduction:
Since the revision of the International Health Regulations (IHR) in 2005, Morocco has taken several initiatives to strengthen surveillance and public health action at points of entry to prevent and control infectious diseases in accordance with these Regulations¹. Particular interest is given to the port of Tangier Med, recognized by its geographical position and the fact that it is connected to more than 180 ports worldwide, with a processing capacity of 9 million containers, 7 million passengers, 700000 trucks and 1 million vehicles. In addition, the port of Tangier Med is ranked the third fastest port for containers in the world². The various pandemics announced since (Influenza pandemic 2009) have provided opportunities to strengthen the capacities of points of entry in general, and the port of Tangier Med in particular. To this end, several preparedness and action measures have been taken within the framework of the national preparedness and response plan. These measures include: the formalization of collaboration agreements with partners, the establishment of plans to control vectors and reservoirs, the integration of the port into the national health surveillance and monitoring system, the implementation of a continuing training program, and regular updating of the emergency plan. Various international exercises have been conducted in Tangier Med port, including international rescue at sea, biological, chemical, and radioactivity risks with all partners and with Interpol, and several exercises for infectious diseases on board ships.

Methods:
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to give a real "boost" to the strengthening of control and action capacities at the port of Tangier-Med. On this occasion, several innovative strategies have been adopted, such as mobile real-time PCR diagnostic laboratories that have been installed on all ships at the beginning the pandemic; this was applied not depending on the ship flag, but strategically for all ships carrying maritime transport between Morocco and Europe³. In this context of the health crisis linked to COVID-19, in addition to the examination and management of suspected passengers and crews, Tangier Med's priority was to adopt all preventive measures to protect the health of its staff and all users of its infrastructure. Aware of its crucial role in the logistics chain on a national and international scale, Tangier Med has implemented a continuity plan to ensure port, logistics and industrial operations 24/7. A monitoring and control committee for the COVID-19 response system has also been set up in collaboration with the competent authorities, to ensure control and strengthening of the pandemic response, and regular assessment of the health situation through rigorous monitoring of cases, including among personnel working at the port^3,4. Port activities at the Tangier Med port continued normally despite the context of the pandemic, in particular container traffic in import/export and transhipment, TIR truck flows in import/export, liquid and solid bulk traffic, in compliance with the health instructions in force. Verification of documents and the health status of all ships requesting access to the port (to authorize ship manoeuvres and docking) has always been applied rigorously.

Results:
In this context, a total of 2206859 passengers were screened at the port of Tangier Med as part of the national response to COVID-19 between March 2020 and December 2022. Control at the port entrance and exit concerned the passengers of 7698 ships; of which 15378 were suspected of having the virus, 1218 of which were confirmed by real-time PCR examination⁵. Despite its negative aspects, COVID-19 has proven to be an opportunity to accelerate capacity building and provide a real “kick-start” to the upgrade of Tangier Med Port. On this occasion, special interest was given to the port not only by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, but all members of the government. Additional investment in material and human resources was made, to ensure necessary resources for pandemic response. This is justified by the economic balance sheet of Tangier Med port, which has achieved a remarkable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, by more than 19% compared to 2020⁶.

Conclusions:
Morocco's expressed desire to strengthen its monitoring and response capacities to health events, particularly those that may constitute public health emergencies of international concern, always considers the essential role of entry points in international security, continuing to adapt to different contexts and pandemic situations. Particular attention is given to the port of Tangier Med, regarding its leading role in maritime transport of passengers and goods. The port has fulfilled its responsibilities to ensure health security during the COVID-19 pandemic, by complying with international recommendations, national directives and procedures relating to preparedness and response to this serious public health problem.