Developing a model for mass gathering medical care planning: workshop report, Lyon, France, 27-28 November 2023
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World Health Organization
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viii, 39 p.
This workshop report summarizes discussions and findings from a WHO consultation held in Lyon, France, in November 2023 to explore the development of a standardized model for mass gathering medical care planning. Bringing together experts from Member States across all WHO regions, international organizations and WHO collaborating centres, the workshop examined how Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) methodology could support the creation of adaptable standards, principles and coordination mechanisms for managing health risks during mass gatherings. The report reviews the public health context of mass gatherings, findings from literature reviews, and experiences from countries and organizations involved in planning major sporting, religious and cultural events. The document identifies key challenges in mass gathering medical planning, including coordination among stakeholders, communication, risk assessment, operational capacity, workforce training and simulation exercises. It highlights the absence of internationally recognized minimum standards for medical planning and outlines areas requiring harmonization, such as legislation, reporting systems, emergency response coordination and surge capacity. Through presentations, panel discussions and group work, participants expressed broad support for developing a scalable and flexible model that can strengthen preparedness, support safer mass gatherings and contribute to long-term health system resilience and global health security.
This workshop report summarizes discussions and findings from a WHO consultation held in Lyon, France, in November 2023 to explore the development of a standardized model for mass gathering medical care planning. Bringing together experts from Member States across all WHO regions, international organizations and WHO collaborating centres, the workshop examined how Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) methodology could support the creation of adaptable standards, principles and coordination mechanisms for managing health risks during mass gatherings. The report reviews the public health context of mass gatherings, findings from literature reviews, and experiences from countries and organizations involved in planning major sporting, religious and cultural events. The document identifies key challenges in mass gathering medical planning, including coordination among stakeholders, communication, risk assessment, operational capacity, workforce training and simulation exercises. It highlights the absence of internationally recognized minimum standards for medical planning and outlines areas requiring harmonization, such as legislation, reporting systems, emergency response coordination and surge capacity. Through presentations, panel discussions and group work, participants expressed broad support for developing a scalable and flexible model that can strengthen preparedness, support safer mass gatherings and contribute to long-term health system resilience and global health security.