Simulation exercise for influenza A(H5N1) response on access, allocation, and deployment of medical countermeasures : meeting report, Geneva, Switzerland, 4–5 September 2025
Loading...
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
vii, 22 p.
This meeting report summarizes a World Health Organization simulation exercise conducted in September 2025 to examine global readiness for an influenza A(H5N1) pandemic, with a focus on access, allocation and deployment of medical countermeasures. The exercise used a staged scenario to explore how vaccines, antivirals and diagnostics could be distributed under conditions of increasing demand and constrained supply, involving Member States, international organizations and private-sector partners. It aimed to assess coordination mechanisms, operational assumptions and decision-making processes relevant to equitable and timely access. The report synthesizes key insights across interconnected domains, including information systems for decision-making, regulatory pathways, manufacturing and supply chains, financing, and country readiness. It highlights the interdependence of these factors in shaping allocation outcomes and emphasizes the importance of timely data, regulatory preparedness, flexible financing and strong coordination across global, regional and national levels. Persistent challenges are identified in areas such as diagnostic capacity, supply chain constraints, and variability in national implementation capacities. The document concludes with implications for strengthening global allocation frameworks and operational strategies, including enhanced collaboration, improved transparency on supply and demand, and greater preparedness to ensure equitable access during future influenza pandemics.
This meeting report summarizes a World Health Organization simulation exercise conducted in September 2025 to examine global readiness for an influenza A(H5N1) pandemic, with a focus on access, allocation and deployment of medical countermeasures. The exercise used a staged scenario to explore how vaccines, antivirals and diagnostics could be distributed under conditions of increasing demand and constrained supply, involving Member States, international organizations and private-sector partners. It aimed to assess coordination mechanisms, operational assumptions and decision-making processes relevant to equitable and timely access. The report synthesizes key insights across interconnected domains, including information systems for decision-making, regulatory pathways, manufacturing and supply chains, financing, and country readiness. It highlights the interdependence of these factors in shaping allocation outcomes and emphasizes the importance of timely data, regulatory preparedness, flexible financing and strong coordination across global, regional and national levels. Persistent challenges are identified in areas such as diagnostic capacity, supply chain constraints, and variability in national implementation capacities. The document concludes with implications for strengthening global allocation frameworks and operational strategies, including enhanced collaboration, improved transparency on supply and demand, and greater preparedness to ensure equitable access during future influenza pandemics.
Keywords
Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype, Influenza Vaccines, Antiviral Agents, Influenza, Human, Pandemics, Disease Outbreaks, Medical Countermeasures, Resource Allocation, Disaster Planning, Simulation Training, Global Health, Diagnostic Tests, Routine, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Manufacturing Industry, Logistic Models, Information Dissemination, Financing, Organized, Decision Making, Meeting Abstract, prevention and control, supply and distribution