Solomon Islands tests readiness to detect and report disease outbreaks

In a simulated disease outbreak scenario exercise, Solomon Islands health authorities and partner agencies came together to test how quickly the country can detect, assess and report a potential public health threat.

The exercise, known as Exercise Crystal 2026, took place on 24 September as part of a regional simulation coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen countries’ readiness to respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies before they escalate.

During the exercise, participants worked through a fictional outbreak scenario that required rapid information sharing, risk assessment and coordination between government agencies and partners. The exercise also tested the country’s ability to notify WHO and communicate effectively if a health event could pose a wider regional or international risk.

The simulation brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), WHO, and other key government sectors involved in emergency preparedness and response.

For communities and families, quickly identifying and reporting a health threat can make a critical difference. Early detection allows authorities to act sooner, helping contain outbreaks, protect lives and reduce the impact on health services and communities.


Exercise Crystal helps countries apply the International Health Regulations (2005), focusing on rules that support information sharing and cross-border collaboration when health threats could cross borders. Photo: WHO / Georgios Theocharopoulos

“An outbreak anywhere can quickly become a concern for everyone if it is not identified and addressed early,” said Dr Gregory Jilini, Acting Permanent Secretary, MHMS. “Exercises like this help ensure that the right information reaches the right people at the right time, enabling a faster and more coordinated response to protect our communities.”

Exercise Crystal is designed to help countries apply the International Health Regulations (2005), with a focus on the rules that help countries share information and work together when health threats could cross borders.

In addition to testing existing procedures, the exercise provided an opportunity to identify areas where collaboration, communication, and information sharing can be further strengthened.


Exercise Crystal 2026 is part of a regional simulation coordinated by WHO to strengthen countries’ readiness to respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies before they escalate. Photo: WHO / Georgios Theocharopoulos

“Preparedness is not only about responding to emergencies when they happen. It is about regularly testing systems, learning from experience and continuously improving how we work together,” said Mr Georgios Theocharopoulos, WHO Solomon Islands Technical Officer for Health Emergencies. “Exercises like Crystal demonstrate strong information sharing across agencies while identifying areas for improvement. This helps ensure that countries are ready to act quickly and effectively when a real health threat emerges.”

The lessons learned from Exercise Crystal 2026 will inform future training and preparedness activities, improve collaboration across agencies, and help Solomon Islands remain ready to prevent, detect, and respond to future public health threats.