From Simulation to Preparedness: Lessons from WHO’s Polaris II Exercise
Polaris II from WHO is closely aligned with the objectives of PAIR and its PANRISK technology
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently coordinated Polaris II, a large-scale multi-country simulation exercise designed to test how countries and health authorities would respond to a hypothetical international health emergency. The exercise brought together governments, public health institutions, laboratories, and emergency response actors to assess coordination mechanisms, information sharing, and decision-making processes under pressure.
Polaris II highlights a growing recognition that preparedness is not only about having the right technologies available, but also about ensuring that systems, organizations, and stakeholders can work together effectively when a new threat emerges.
Why preparedness starts with early detection: useful lessons for PAIR project
One of the key lessons from exercises such as Polaris II is the importance of rapid detection and characterization of emerging pathogens. The ability to identify potential threats early and provide actionable information to health authorities can significantly improve the effectiveness of response measures and reduce the impact of outbreaks.
This challenge is closely aligned with the objectives of PAIR and its PANRISK technology. PANRISK is being developed to support preparedness and risk assessment by enabling faster identification and analysis of emerging pathogens, helping authorities and decision-makers gain the information needed to respond quickly and effectively.
Strengthening resilience through innovation and collaboration
As global health systems continue to prepare for future outbreaks, initiatives such as Polaris II demonstrate the value of combining technological innovation with coordinated preparedness strategies. Effective surveillance, risk assessment, communication, and collaboration all play a role in building resilient health systems.
Through PANRISK, PAIR contributes to this vision by supporting earlier detection and better understanding of emerging biological threats, ultimately helping strengthen preparedness capacities at national and international levels.
Source and picture – WHO
