WHO Completes Simulation Exercise for Pandemic Preparedness
The Story
The World Health Organization concluded Exercise Polaris II, a two-day high-level simulation exercise based on a fictional new bacterium spreading globally. The exercise, held on 22 and 23 April 2026, involved 26 countries and territories, 600 health emergency experts, and over 25 partners. It tested preparedness for pandemics and major health emergencies, including emergency workforce activation, information flow, and coordination.
Key Facts
- Exercise Polaris II was a 2-day simulation exercise held on 22 and 23 April 2026.
- The scenario involved a fictional new bacterium spreading worldwide.
- Participants included 26 countries and territories, 600 health emergency experts, and over 25 partners.
- The exercise activated emergency coordination structures in each participating country under real-life conditions.
- Two WHO frameworks were practiced: the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) framework and the National health emergency alert and response framework.
- The GHEC framework was published in June 2025.
- The National health emergency alert and response framework was published in October 2025.
- The exercise explored the use of AI-enabled tools for workforce organization and planning.
- Over 25 national, regional, and global health agencies and organizations provided technical expertise and surge support, including Africa CDC, IFRC, Médecins Sans Frontières, Robert Koch Institute, UK-Med, UNICEF, and emergency networks such as GOARN, EMT, Standby Partners, and IANPHI.
- The second edition saw a larger number of countries participate, collaborating through new networks like the Health Emergency Leaders Network for Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Exercise Polaris II is part of WHO’s HorizonX multi-year simulation exercise programme.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
- Edenilo Baltazar Barreira Filho, Director of the Public Health Emergencies Department, Ministry of Health, Brazil
- Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme
Sources: World Health Organization
