WHO brings countries together to analyse collective pandemic response

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently conducted Exercise Polaris, a two-day global simulation involving 15+ countries and 20+ regional health agencies to test the new Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC). The exercise simulated the outbreak of a fictional virus, aiming to strengthen global coordination during health emergencies. Participating countries, including Canada, Germany, Ethiopia, and Pakistan, led their responses while collaborating with WHO for guidance and support. Over 350 emergency experts and key organizations such as Africa CDC, UNICEF, and IFRC participated, testing real-time communication, policy alignment, and cross-border response. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros emphasized that global cooperation is essential, and Exercise Polaris showed that countries are better prepared when they act collectively. The simulation highlighted the need for trust, interoperability, and proactive planning in health crisis response. Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, called the exercise a sign of improved readiness and a shift from reactive to coordinated, anticipatory preparedness.

07-04-2025