Africa: WHO Brings Countries Together To Test Collective Pandemic Response

Geneva — The World Health Organization (WHO) held a two-day event. More than 15 countries and over 20 health agencies participated. This was the first test of a new global coordination mechanism for health emergencies.

The event, called Exercise Polaris, focused on WHO’s Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC). This framework aims to strengthen emergency workforces in countries. It also coordinates the deployment of surge teams and experts. The exercise simulated an outbreak of a fictional virus spreading worldwide.

Participating countries included Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Uganda, and Ukraine. Additional countries observed the exercise. Each country used its national health emergency structure to share information and align policies.

Regional and global health organizations supported these efforts. Agencies like Africa CDC and European CDC were involved. More than 350 health emergency experts connected globally during this exercise.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said: “This exercise proves that when countries lead and partners connect, the world is better prepared.” He emphasized that no country can face a pandemic alone. Exercise Polaris demonstrated that global cooperation is essential.

During the simulation, countries led their own responses while coordinating with WHO. This provided a chance for governments to test their preparedness realistically. Trust and mutual accountability were critical alongside speed and capacity.

Dr. Mariela Marín from Costa Rica highlighted the importance of inter-agency response procedures for international health threats. She thanked the Pan American Health Organization for its support in this effort.