Following the WHO Simulation Exercise Management Course on 7–11 April, the WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan, in collaboration WHO/Europe and national partners, will conduct a tabletop simulation exercise on multifaceted emergency situations with the support of the Pandemic Fund.
This exercise will serve as a critical opportunity to test and strengthen national emergency preparedness and response mechanisms for natural disasters and zoonotic disease outbreaks.
About the simulation exercise
Zoonotic diseases pose significant public health risks in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the context of natural disasters such as mudflows and floods. These disasters can disrupt anthrax burial sites and spread other high-risk zoonotic pathogens, impacting both public health and agriculture.
This exercise will provide a structured, interactive environment where stakeholders can assess and enhance their coordination and response strategies in line with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the One Health approach.
The exercise will bring WHO Country Office staff supporting health emergencies and One Health initiatives together with professionals responsible for:
- coordinating emergency response across public health, veterinary, emergency management and environmental sectors;
- implementing zoonotic disease control measures under the National Action Plan for Health Security 2024–2026;
- strengthening intersectoral collaboration in emergency preparedness and response; and
- leading risk communication and community engagement activities.
The event aims to:
- strengthen multisectoral coordination in responding to a combined natural disaster and zoonotic disease outbreak;
- identify operational gaps in existing emergency response protocols and coordination mechanisms;
- test and evaluate current plans, procedures and standard operating protocols; and
- improve risk communication strategies for public health crises involving zoonotic diseases.
Conducted over 2 days, the simulation exercise will feature:
- a scenario-based discussion to test response procedures;
- a structured series of scenario prompts to assess decision-making processes;
- facilitated group discussions to evaluate strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement; and
- guidance from WHO and national experts on emergency preparedness and One Health coordination.
Expected outcomes include:
- clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities among participating agencies;
- identification of gaps in current preparedness plans and response mechanisms;
- strengthened intersectoral collaboration for future emergencies; and
- development of actionable recommendations to enhance national preparedness.
Participants are expected to apply the knowledge gained from the WHO Simulation Exercise Management Course (7–11 April 2025) to ensure a well coordinated and effective response.