Within the final two days, which summoned greater than 15 nations and greater than 20 regional well being businesses, well being emergency networks and different companions to guage, for the primary time, a brand new world coordination mechanism for well being emergencies.
The 2 -day simulation, train, polaris, examined the OMS World Well being Emergency Corps (GHEC), a framework designed to strengthen the emergency workforce of the nations, coordinate the deployment of groups and will increase in improve, and enhance collaboration between nations.
The train simulated an outbreak of a fictional virus that extends all through the world.
The collaborating nations embody Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia Uganda and Ukraine, with further nations as observers. Every nation participated via its Nationwide Well being Emergency Coordination Construction and labored beneath actual life circumstances to share data, align insurance policies and activate its response.
Regional and world well being businesses and organizations, together with the CDCs of Africa, European CDCs, the IOM, the IOM, UNICEF and the emergency networks established, such because the alert and response community of world outbreaks, the initiative of emergency medical gear, the Stand-by Affiliation of Nationwide Public Well being companions, labored collectively to assist the solutions led by the nation. Greater than 350 well being emergency specialists linked worldwide via this train.
“This train exhibits that when nations lead and companions join, the world is healthier ready,” mentioned Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, normal director of the OSC. “No nation can face the following pandemic alone. Polaris train exhibits that world cooperation is just not solely potential, it’s important.”
All through the simulation, the nations led their very own response efforts whereas dedicated to WHO for coordination, technical orientation and emergency assist. The train supplied a uncommon alternative for governments to attempt preparation in a practical surroundings, one the place mutual belief and accountability have been as important as velocity and capability.
“The train sought to implement the procedures for the response between businesses to worldwide well being threats. Environment friendly coordination and interoperability processes are key to guaranteeing well timed interventions in well being emergencies,” mentioned Dr. Mariela Marín, Vice Minister of Well being of Costa Rica, thanking the Pan American Well being Group for his or her assist and members of the Nationwide System of Expression Administration for his or her participation.
“Polaris demonstrated the important significance of cultivating belief earlier than a disaster happens,” mentioned Dr. Soha Albayat de Qatar. “The idea of our collaboration efforts is considerably stronger than in previous years. We now have gone past reactive measures, and now we anticipate, aligning and proactively coordinating our cross -border emergency response plans.”
“The worldwide well being emergency physique has turn into a strong platform, based mostly on observe, belief and connection,” mentioned Dr. Mike Ryan, govt director of the WHO Well being Emergency Program. “Polaris train confirmed what is feasible when nations function urgently and unit supported by effectively -connected companions. It’s a robust signal that we’re collectively smarter than us.”
At a time when multilateralism is beneath stress and preparation is commonly framed via a nationwide lens, Polaris train reaffirmed that well being is a world downside.