Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organisation pilots a strategy game designed to help countries detect and respond to disease outbreaks faster, as global health authorities seek to close delays that cost lives.
The initiative focuses on the 7-1-7 target — detecting a suspected outbreak within seven days, notifying authorities within one day, and mounting an effective response within seven days.
On 23 February 2026, WHO convened a playtest session in Geneva with staff familiar with the framework, ahead of wider country-level trials later this year. The exercise is led by WHO’s Emergency Preparedness Department to improve coordination across surveillance, laboratories and emergency operations.
Developed by the Center for Advanced Preparedness and Threat Response Simulation in partnership with the 7-1-7 Alliance, the game uses a team-based simulation to test real-world decision-making.
“In a playtest, we validate how the game strengthens understanding of outbreak timelines before scaling up,” WHO explains.
Participants navigate a simulated Sudan Ebola outbreak in Uganda, tackling reporting failures, delayed recognition and operational constraints. Chief Game Designer Dr Micael Sousa says the exercise highlights how small delays can cascade into major response failures.
WHO says the refined game will support Member States in strengthening outbreak readiness and responding swiftly to future health threats.
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Korede Abdullah 
