WHO concludes Exercise Polaris II pandemic simulation with 26 countries
The Story
The World Health Organization completed Exercise Polaris II, a two-day high-level simulation exercise held April 22-23, 2026, based on a fictional new bacterial outbreak spreading globally. The exercise involved 26 countries and territories, 600 health emergency experts, and over 25 partners, allowing participants to test pandemic preparedness under real-life conditions.
Key Facts
- Exercise Polaris II was a two-day simulation exercise focused on a fictional new bacterium.
- It took place on April 22 and 23, 2026.
- 26 countries and territories, 600 health emergency experts, and over 25 partners participated.
- Each participating country activated its emergency coordination structure and worked under real-life conditions.
- The exercise tested two WHO frameworks: the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) framework (published June 2025) and the National health emergency alert and response framework (published October 2025).
- AI-enabled tools were used to support workforce organization and planning.
- Exercise Polaris II is part of WHO’s HorizonX simulation exercise programme.
- Participating countries and territories: Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei, Colombia, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Georgia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo*, Libya, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Suriname, Thailand, Yemen. (*Reference to UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).)
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
