Uganda among countries selected to test collective pandemic response

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GENEVA - Uganda is among the 15 countries that have taken part in a testing of a first-ever global coordination mechanism for health emergencies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The two-day simulation was dubbed Exercise Polaris, according to a press release by UN's health agency on Friday (April 4).

Over 20 regional health agencies, health emergency networks and other partners also took part.

The simulation tested WHO’s Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC), a framework designed to strengthen countries’ emergency workforce, coordinate the deployment of surge teams and experts, and enhance collaboration between countries.

The exercise simulated an outbreak of a fictional virus spreading across the world.

Besides Uganda, the other participating countries included Ethiopia, Somalia, Mozambique, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, Pakistan, Nepal, Ukraine, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Colombia and Costa Rica.

Additional countries got involved as observers. 

"Each country participated through its national health emergency coordination structure and worked under real-life conditions to share information, align policies and activate their response," said WHO.

Regional and global health agencies and organizations worked together to support country-led responses.

The agencies and organizations included Africa CDC, European CDC, IFRC, IOM, UNICEF and established emergency networks such as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, the Emergency Medical Teams initiative, Stand-by partners and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes.

More than 350 health emergency experts connected globally through this exercise.

“This exercise proves that when countries lead and partners connect, the world is better prepared,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“No country can face the next pandemic alone. Exercise Polaris shows that global cooperation is not only possible – it is essential.”

The global health agency said that throughout the simulation, countries led their own response efforts while engaging with WHO for coordination, technical guidance and emergency support. 

The exercise provided a rare opportunity for governments to test preparedness in a realistic environment, "one where trust and mutual accountability were as critical as speed and capacity".

“The exercise sought to put into practice the procedures for inter-agency response to international health threats," said Dr Mariela Marín, the Vice Minister of Health of Costa Rica.

"Efficient coordination and interoperability processes are key to guaranteeing timely interventions in health emergencies."

'Collectively more ready'

Dr Soha Albayat from Qatar said Polaris demonstrated the critical importance of cultivating trust before a crisis occurs.

“The foundation of our collaborative efforts is significantly stronger than in years past. We have moved beyond reactive measures, and are now proactively anticipating, aligning, and coordinating our cross-border emergency response plans," she said.

Dr Mike Ryan, the executive director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, said the Global Health Emergency Corps has evolved into a powerful platform, building on practice, trust and connection.

“Exercise Polaris showed what is possible when countries operate with urgency and unity supported by well-connected partners. It is a strong signal that we are collectively more ready than we were," he said.

WHO said that at a time when multilateralism is under pressure and preparedness is often framed through a national lens, Exercise Polaris reaffirmed that health is a global issue.