Press Release

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 13-14, 2024 – The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and WHO Ethiopia will host the 2024 Global Emergency Operations Center Simulation Exercise (GEOCX), organized by WHO’s Emergency Operations Centre Network (EOC-NET). This exercise aims to bolster the capacity of Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs) worldwide to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.

GEOCX 2024 is a large-scale functional simulation exercise involving over 70 Member States from the six WHO regions, designed to test the readiness and response coordination capabilities of Public Health Emergency Operations Centers (PHEOCs). By simulating realistic global health crises, the exercise enables public health emergency management personnel to assess their strengths, identify critical gaps, and highlight areas for improvement in emergency response, fostering stronger global collaboration and preparedness.

H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, FDRE Minister of Health, Ethiopia:  "H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, FDRE Minister of Health, Ethiopia:  "It is both an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia to host this historic global simulation exercise. Today, as we come together, we have a unique opportunity to assess our current capacities, identify areas for improvement, and refine our response strategies. As we face increasing health challenges, this exercise is a vital platform for strengthening our response strategies. Exercises like this underscore the importance of partnership."

Dr. Michel Yao, Director of Strategic Health Operations within WHO Health Emergencies Programme. "The GEOCX 2024 simulation provides a unique opportunity for Member States to strengthen their emergency preparedness and response systems, enhancing coordination mechanisms to ensure that PHEOCs are equipped to deliver rapid, life-saving actions during crises. It also helps identify priority areas for EOC-NET support to assist Member States effectively."

Dr. Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Acting Representative, WHO Ethiopia: "Ethiopia’s role as the host of this exercise highlights our readiness to confront global public health emergencies. This event reaffirms our dedication to safeguarding health in Ethiopia and across the world."

Dr Mesay Hailu,  Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) "We are honored to host this crucial exercise, which demonstrates Ethiopia's commitment to public health security through collaboration, training, and enhancing our emergency preparedness."

Dr Melkamu Abte, Deputy Director General for Public Health Emergency Management of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), “GEOCX 2024 is a pivotal opportunity for Ethiopia to strengthen our global partnerships, to test our readiness mainly around activation of the PHEOC, and enhance the resilience of our public health systems.”

Aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), this exercise supports WHO’s Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience (HEPR) framework, advancing the global health workforce.