Fourteen West African countries convened in Dakar for a four-day regional simulation exercise (SIMEX) aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to filovirus outbreaks such as Ebola and Marburg. Hosted by the Senegal Ministry of Health and Africa CDC at the WHO Regional Emergency Hub, the exercise brought together over 40 experts in case management, WASH, infection prevention, and logistics, with senior officials from all member states underscoring the region’s commitment to health emergency readiness.
Participants trained inside the Infectious Diseases Treatment Module (IDTM), a modular and rapidly deployable facility developed through the INITIATE² initiative, practicing the full patient journey from detection and admission to treatment and discharge. INITIATE², launched in 2021 by WHO and WFP, brings together more than 50 humanitarian actors, research institutions, and academic partners to develop standardized solutions for health emergency preparedness. The IDTM’s lightweight, reusable, and mobile design allows rapid, high-quality, and environmentally sustainable care closer to affected communities.
The exercise involved collaboration with Africa CDC, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Médecins Sans Frontières, and ALIMA, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in regional preparedness. WHO representatives and local partners praised the exercise for demonstrating strong collaboration and regional engagement. Following the simulation, participants expressed interest in adopting the training model nationally, with INITIATE² supporting replication and adaptation at the country level. The Dakar exercise represents a significant step in enhancing regional outbreak preparedness and equipping national teams with the tools, skills, and innovations needed for rapid and effective response to future health emergencies.
