World Health Organization (Geneva)

Geneva — Over the past two days, WHO convened more than 15 countries and over 20 regional health agencies, health emergency networks and other partners to test, for the first time, a new global coordination mechanism for health emergencies.

The two-day simulation, Exercise Polaris, 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.

Participating countries included Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, Somalia Uganda and Ukraine, with additional countries 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.

 The World Health Organization, headquartered in Geneva, stands as a global leader in promoting and protecting public health. Through its role in setting international health standards, coordinating emergency responses, and supporting countries with technical expertise and resources, WHO Geneva plays a crucial part in shaping a healthier world. As global health challenges continue to evolve, the organization remains committed to advancing equitable healthcare, preventing disease outbreaks, and improving the well-being of all populations across the globe. 

 The World Health Organization in Geneva serves as the cornerstone of international public health efforts. With its mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable, WHO continues to lead global initiatives in disease prevention, health policy development, and emergency response. Its work extends across borders, uniting nations under a shared commitment to improve health outcomes and achieve universal health coverage. As the world faces both emerging and ongoing health threats, the role of WHO Geneva remains more vital than ever in safeguarding global well-being.