As health emergencies accelerate globally, 31 countries and areas across the WHO Western Pacific Region recently participated in the annual IHR Exercise Crystal, a simulation designed to test preparedness for the next pandemic. The exercise enabled participants to assess readiness, practise procedures for cross-border responses, and coordinate across multiple agencies in the event of emerging health threats.
Representatives from participating countries responded in real time to a simulated novel respiratory illness, testing communication capacities outlined in the International Health Regulations (IHR). The exercise offered a practical platform for verifying and sharing information with WHO, assessing public health risks, and coordinating with diverse sectors.
“The Western Pacific is demonstrating what regional solidarity looks like,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. He praised Member States for their commitment to strengthening national IHR capacities, which in turn enhances regional preparedness. Simulation exercises like IHR Exercise Crystal play a critical role in embedding a culture of readiness and risk reduction, allowing responders to stress-test contingency plans and refine coordination before a real crisis occurs.
Supported by the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution, this year’s exercise focused on novel influenza threats and public health measures at points of entry, including borders, airports, and ports. Participants practised multisectoral response actions, facilitating communication and coordination across ministries and agencies.
“By focusing on points of entry, we brought representatives from across sectors together, enabling coordination beyond traditional silos,” said Ms Qiu Yi Khut, Programme Area Manager, IHR and Health Security Policy, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Dr Gerna M. Manatad, Director of the Epidemiology Bureau, Department of Health, Philippines, highlighted that the exercise built interoperability, trust, and decision-making capacities across agencies, ensuring faster and more coordinated responses during real emergencies.
Since its inception in 2008, IHR Exercise Crystal has been conducted 17 times, covering scenarios such as novel influenza outbreaks, radiological events, and emerging arboviruses. Partner organizations, including the Asia−Europe Foundation (ASEF) and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, support capacity-building through simulation exercises, emergency logistics, risk communication, and health emergency operations centres.
Data from recent IHR States Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reports (SPARs) indicate improved capacities among Western Pacific countries, including timely sharing of information on acute public health events. Kiribati, for example, has consistently improved its National IHR Focal Point functions, with simulation exercises enhancing inter-agency coordination, local health worker confidence, and national preparedness plans.
Exercises like IHR Crystal reinforce a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Lessons learned inform updates to protocols, strengthen communication systems, and enhance regional readiness. Supported by the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework (APHSAF), these efforts equip countries to better prevent outbreaks from escalating, respond efficiently to emergencies, and ultimately save lives.
