The World Health Organization, WHO, recently concluded a two-day global simulation, “Exercise Polaris,” designed to test and refine its new Global Health Emergency Corps.

This exercise involved over 15 countries, more than 20 regional health agencies, and health emergency networks, all participating in a coordinated effort to strengthen the global response to health emergencies.

According to WHO’s statement on Saturday, the event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to enhance international collaboration in responding to health crises. The exercise simulated the outbreak of a fictional virus that spread globally, testing the ability of countries and health organizations to respond effectively under real-life conditions. The exercise aimed to evaluate the GHEC framework, which is focused on improving countries’ emergency workforces, facilitating the deployment of surge teams and experts, and fostering closer cooperation among nations in times of health emergencies.

Countries participating in the simulation included Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia, Uganda, and Ukraine. Several other countries joined as observers. Each nation engaged through its national health emergency coordination system, collaborating to share information, align policies, and activate their respective response mechanisms.

Regional health agencies and global organizations also played key roles in the exercise. These included the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Organization for Migration, UNICEF, and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network. Additionally, established emergency networks and initiatives such as the Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), Stand-by Partners, and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) worked together to support the country-led responses.

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More than 350 health emergency experts from across the world participated in Exercise Polaris, contributing their expertise to strengthen global preparedness. WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in responding to pandemics. He stated, “No country can face the next pandemic alone. Exercise Polaris shows that global cooperation is not only possible, it is essential.” Dr. Ghebreyesus also noted that the exercise underscored the significance of trust and mutual accountability, which are as crucial as speed and capacity when responding to global health emergencies.

Dr. Mariela Marín, Vice Minister of Health in Costa Rica, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration and efficient coordination. She explained that the exercise provided a unique opportunity to practice the procedures needed for responding to international health threats, emphasizing that timely interventions are only possible with streamlined coordination and interoperability.

Dr. Soha Albayat, from Qatar, remarked on the importance of building trust before a crisis arises. “The foundation of our collaborative efforts is significantly stronger than in years past,” Dr. Albayat said. “We have moved beyond reactive measures and are now proactively anticipating, aligning, and coordinating our cross-border emergency response plans.”

Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, noted that the Global Health Emergency Corps is a powerful platform that has evolved significantly through exercises like Polaris. He praised the exercise for demonstrating the capabilities of countries operating with urgency and unity, supported by well-connected global partners. Dr. Ryan stressed that the event served as a strong signal that the world is more prepared than before for future health emergencies. He also pointed out that in an era when multilateralism is increasingly challenged, it is crucial to recognize that health is a global issue, requiring collective action and international solidarity.

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