In 2025, countries across three WHO regions conducted region-wide simulation exercises to test their International Health Regulations (IHR) capacities, enhancing their ability to detect, report, and respond to public health threats with international impact. The exercises—SAPHIRE in South-East Asia, JADE in Europe, and CRYSTAL in the Western Pacific—brought together National Focal Points (NFPs) to stress-test event communication procedures and contingency plans, highlighting the importance of cross-sectoral coordination and operational readiness.
SAPHIRE 2025 involved over 190 experts from 10 South-East Asian countries simulating a food safety emergency, improving clarity of roles, coordination with INFOSAN Emergency Contact Points, and use of the WHO Event Information Site. JADE 2025 engaged 41 European countries in a simulated chemical incident, testing two-way notification, verification, and collaboration among chemical safety, environmental, and laboratory partners. CRYSTAL 2025 in the Western Pacific brought together 31 countries to rehearse responses to a fictional respiratory illness outbreak, emphasizing multisectoral coordination at points of entry, real-time verification, and risk communication.
Together, these exercises demonstrated the critical value of realistic simulations in strengthening global health security. By refining communication systems, reinforcing NFP responsibilities, and enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, SAPHIRE, JADE, and CRYSTAL 2025 helped ensure countries are better prepared, more resilient, and more connected to respond effectively to future public health emergencies.
