The World Health Organisation (WHO) has undertaken a significant and timely initiative to assess the global community's readiness for future pandemics, wrapping up an extensive simulation exercise that involved more than 15 countries along with 20 international and regional health partners. Named Exercise Polaris, this two-day simulation represents the inaugural assessment of the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) — a mechanism coordinated by the WHO aimed at swiftly mobilising emergency health responses on a global scale. 

The imagined situation of a rapidly spreading virus worldwide highlighted the fragility of our global systems and underscored the critical importance of collective preparedness. Countries like Canada, Colombia, Ethiopia, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine engaged proactively through their systems for coordinating national health emergencies. They simulated real-time data sharing, aligned cross-border policies, and managed simultaneous emergency responses effectively. 

“This exercise demonstrates that when nations take the lead and collaborators unite, the global community is more equipped,” highlighted Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “No nation can confront the next pandemic in isolation. Exercise Polaris demonstrates that international collaboration is not merely feasible – it is crucial. 

The Global Health Emergency Corps, which faced challenges during Polaris, aims to tackle a persistent issue in global responses: disjointed communication and delayed deployment of specialised knowledge. The simulation brought together more than 350 emergency experts from around the globe, representing organisations such as Africa CDC, European CDC, IFRC, IOM, and UNICEF. 

Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, praised the results: “The Global Health Emergency Corps has transformed into a robust platform, founded on experience, trust, and connectivity.” Exercise Polaris demonstrated the potential that emerges when nations act swiftly and cohesively, bolstered by strong partnerships. 

This initiative represents a noteworthy advancement from an editorial standpoint. In light of the significant setbacks and challenges faced during the global COVID-19 response, Exercise Polaris represents a notable shift towards strategic foresight and collaborative trust in planning efforts. In numerous respects, this represents a subtle yet significant transformation in the realm of international health negotiations. 

Participants expressed a shared belief that Polaris transcended the role of a mere drill; it served as a powerful catalyst for transformation. 

“Polaris highlighted the essential need to build trust prior to any crisis,” stated Dr Soha Albayat from Qatar. “Our joint initiatives are now built on a much more robust foundation compared to previous years. We have transitioned from merely responding to situations to actively anticipating, aligning, and coordinating our cross-border emergency response strategies. 

In Costa Rica, the simulation conducted by the National Risk Management System provided an opportunity to bolster systems that were already facing challenges. 

“Effective collaboration and seamless operational processes are essential for ensuring prompt responses in health crises,” remarked Dr Mariela Marín, Vice Minister of Health, commending the assistance from the Pan American Health Organisation. 

The focus on established trust and shared responsibility, instead of ad-hoc collaboration in times of disorder, emerged as a key highlight of the simulation. This represents a significant change in the discourse surrounding global health responses — moving from a stance of reaction to one of preparedness. 

Polaris’s achievement comes at a moment when multilateralism faces significant challenges, with global health initiatives frequently eclipsed by national priorities. Ultimately, the exercise highlighted that viruses do not acknowledge borders, and health crises cannot be confined by barriers or political agendas. 

The initiative by the WHO, via GHEC, exemplifies an ideal framework for preparedness: swift, cohesive, clear, and encompassing. As discussions among policymakers unfold regarding funding and sovereignty in health governance, Exercise Polaris emerges as a striking example of the potential outcomes when countries unite in pursuit of a common goal. 

Dr Tedros wisely emphasised that global cooperation is not just a possibility; it is a necessity. Exercise Polaris conveys a straightforward message: it is time to foster connections rather than create divisions.