Simulation Exercises (SimEx) and Action Reviews (AR), including Early Action Reviews, Intra-Action Reviews and After Action Reviews, are structured, evidence-informed approaches for testing and reviewing health emergency systems, capturing learning, identifying areas for improvement, and translating lessons into action. Together, they provide a continuous learning and improvement cycle across prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, helping strengthen system performance and operational capabilities for future health emergencies.

SimEx and AR generate critical, actionable insights that inform corrective actions and improvements in preparedness and response arrangements, including policy, operational planning and, where relevant, resource allocation. These functions fall within the mandate of the Risk Analytics and Action Reviews (RAR) Unit in the Health Emergency Preparedness  Department under the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE). SERTAG serves as an advisory body to WHO in this field.

Members of SERTAG are responsible for providing WHO with high-quality, well - considered advice and recommendations on SimEx and AR related matters as outlined in the SERTAG Terms of Reference.