In times of health emergencies, every second matters. Rapid access to accurate information and effective tools for those on the front lines can be the difference between swift containment and an escalating crisis. In the Asia Pacific region, the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF) Community of Practice is proving just how vital a professional network can be in accelerating response and strengthening coordination.
Launched in July 2024 amid a major dengue outbreak, the APHSAF Community of Practice was created by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific to meet a clear and urgent need: a dedicated space where health professionals − from clinicians and nurses to emergency managers and community responders − can rapidly exchange insights, clarify technical guidance and support one another across borders. Born out of urgency, the APHSAF Community of Practice has become a vital space for accelerating response and strengthening regional coordination.
Besides serving as a forum for mutual exchange and discussion, this professional community also provides its members valuable access to curated, real-time resources organized by outbreak and hazard, including the latest WHO guidance, practical tools and interactive learning opportunities. Whether it is tackling mpox, dengue or influenza A(H5N1), the Community of Practice ensures health workers are connected to help each other navigate complex and fast-moving challenges.
So far, within the past year, over 7000 participants from more than 45 countries and areas in the Asia Pacific region have engaged in activities organized by the APHSAF Community of Practice. These include sharing knowledge through the joint platform, learning from one another and building the collective capacity to respond smarter and faster to health emergencies.
From outbreak response to disaster preparedness and addressing vulnerable populations, the APHSAF Community of Practice is more than a network – it is a lifeline for a resilient, informed and connected regional health workforce.
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Strengthening the front line
As dengue outbreaks intensified into a WHO Grade 3 emergency (signifying the need for a major/maximal level of operational response), the Western Pacific Region activated the APHSAF Community of Practice to support front-line health-care workers with timely knowledge exchange, practical resources and targeted capacity-building support.
The first Community of Practice event on clinical management of dengue convened over 200 participants on 15 June 2024. An urgent gap was identified during this event: the lack of simplified, practical guidance tailored to primary care settings, which is where most dengue patients first seek care. To address this need, a second event on practical approaches to early diagnosis, case management and referral was held on 8 August 2024. The topics covered included early warning indicators, fluid management and criteria for the early detection and referral of severe dengue cases. Notably, two experts from the Philippines presented on the country’s national patient disposition algorithm developed in 2023, sharing real-world tools and strategies with the other participants.
Feedback on the events was overwhelmingly positive. Participants shared that hearing how other countries are handling similar challenges was extremely helpful. They found the case studies and updated WHO guidelines to be valuable resources of practical ideas to bring back to their teams.
These two Community of Practice events on dengue engaged more than 1000 nurses, doctors and public health managers to share best practices for early recognition, triage and clinical management of dengue. The Community of Practice helped surface field-level insights, enabling the design of community-centred regional dengue response strategies.
/teams/regional-emergencies-programme-and-division-of-health-security-and-emergencies-(dse)/country-health-emergency-preparedness-ihr-(cpi)/cop.png?sfvrsn=d63d1a1c_3 "APHSAF Community of practice events")
Responding to new challenges
Just weeks after its launch, the APHSAF Community of Practice was once again engaged in response to a new global health threat. On 14 August 2024, mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by WHO.
In response to this emerging threat, beginning on 26 August 2024, the APHSAF Community of Practice launched a series of online webinars to disseminate vital information. The first session on clinical diagnosis and treatment attracted around 2000 participants from more than 33 countries and areas. Participants were invited to propose other topics related to mpox, leading to four additional sessions being held.
In these sessions, experts from Japan shared hospital-based infection prevention and control practices, and representatives from Viet Nam presented information on laboratory confirmation and genomic sequencing. Practitioners from Australia and the Philippines contributed country experiences on surveillance, contact tracing and outbreak management. A session on inclusive prevention strategies, leveraging HIV networks and community engagement with key populations, was held with speakers from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and civil society partners.
When China reported the Western Pacific Region’s first Clade Ib mpox cases in January 2025, WHO organized a dedicated session where national experts shared China’s experience in clinical presentation and management of Clade Ib cases for members of the APHSAF Community of Practice.
All session materials and resources from WHO and partners were uploaded to the platform, ensuring continued access for all members. The Community of Practice not only provided the latest guidance through online events but also created a safe and inclusive space for countries and partners to share operational challenges, tools and experiences − from coordinating contact tracing to ensuring inclusive messaging for vulnerable communities. Speaking to the members’ collaborative spirit and rapid response, WHO Regional Emergency Director in the Western Pacific Dr Gina Samaan said, “The Community of Practice proved how quickly we can come together to share solutions when countries need it most.”
A trusted regional community for real-time exchange
The APHSAF Community of Practice fosters engagement through online events, peer learning and curated resources. It enables responders to stay connected across emergencies and inter-epidemic periods, while allowing WHO and partners to better understand front-line needs. This connection has supported the co-creation of operational tools and strategies tailored to country contexts and shaped by those at the heart of the response.
Looking ahead, the APHSAF Community of Practice is set to grow and adapt in response to the evolving priorities of its members, with an expanded focus on pressing challenges, such as disaster preparedness, risk communication and community engagement. It will continue to serve as a dynamic hub for collaboration.
By fostering open knowledge exchange, strengthening partnerships and championing locally led solutions, the APHSAF Community of Practice is playing a vital role in building a more connected, empowered and resilient regional health emergency workforce.
This work was made possible through contributions from the Gates Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy.