Practicing Today for Tomorrow’s Emergencies: FSM Puts Emergency Preparedness to the Test

^{Dr Sam Fullman facilitates a group discussion during the Simulation Exercise Management Training, guiding participants through practical exercises to strengthen emergency preparedness and response planning in the Federated States of Micronesia. Credit: WHO/W Shahid}

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia:  What happens when a major emergency affects multiple states across a country made up of more than 600 islands and atolls? How do health and disaster management authorities coordinate when information is rapidly changing, and critical decisions must be made?

These were among the challenges explored this week as government officials, health professionals and emergency responders from across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) gathered in Pohnpei for a five-day Simulation Exercise Management Training and Disaster Response Tabletop Exercise.

Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with the FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs (DHSA), with funding from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the initiative brought together representatives from health, emergency management and disaster response agencies.

Opening the programme, Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative for the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau, highlighted the value of preparing for emergencies before they happen.

"Emergencies do not wait for us to be ready. That is why preparedness must begin long before a crisis occurs,” said Dr Ofrin. “Simulation exercises provide a safe environment to test plans, strengthen coordination and identify opportunities for improvement. The lessons learned today help ensure we are better prepared to protect communities when real emergencies arise.”

^{Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative for the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau, delivers opening remarks during the Simulation Exercise Management Training and Disaster Response Tabletop Exercise in Pohnpei, emphasizing the importance of strengthening preparedness before emergencies occur. Credit: WHO/W Shahid}

From planning to practice

For FSM, this preparation is particularly important. Communities are spread across a vast area of the Pacific Ocean and face a range of hazards, including typhoons, droughts, king tides and disease outbreaks. Distance and limited connectivity can present significant challenges during emergencies, making strong coordination and clear communication essential.

Over the first three days, participants developed practical skills in planning, designing, facilitating and evaluating simulation exercises. Working alongside WHO facilitators and national counterparts, they learned how to develop realistic scenarios, conduct exercises and turn findings into actions for improvement.

The knowledge gained was then put into practice through a disaster response tabletop exercise based on risks identified in FSM’s 2025 National Risk Profile. As the scenario evolved, participants were required to assess emerging information, coordinate across sectors and states, activate emergency arrangements and make decisions under pressure.

Rather than testing individuals, the exercise tested systems, plans and partnerships.

The exercise also provided an opportunity to examine key components of the FSM All Hazards Response and Recovery Public Health Base Plan, generating insights that can inform future updates and improvements to national emergency arrangements.

“This exercise provided a valuable opportunity to test our emergency preparedness arrangements in a realistic but safe environment,” said Marlyter Silbanuz, Program Manager – Agriculture, Department of Resources and Development. By working through complex scenarios, participants were able to identify strengths, clarify roles and responsibilities, and highlight areas where coordination and response systems can be further strengthened especially from a multisectoral approach.”

Building capacity for the future

Beyond testing existing arrangements, the initiative aimed to strengthen FSM’s ability to design and deliver future simulation exercises.

The training responds to recommendations from the country’s Joint External Evaluation and National Risk Profile, which emphasize regular multisectoral exercises as an important part of continuous learning and improvement.

By combining practical instruction with a realistic tabletop exercise, participants gained hands-on experience that can support future exercises and emergency planning at both national and state levels.

WHO facilitator Hitesh Chugh presents a simulated typhoon scenario during the Disaster Response Tabletop Exercise, challenging participants to assess risks, coordinate across sectors and make decisions under evolving emergency conditions. Credit: WHO/W Shahid		Participants from health, disaster management and emergency response agencies collaborate during a group exercise, identifying priorities and coordination mechanisms to strengthen preparedness for future emergencies in the Federated States of Micronesia. Credit: WHO/W Shahid

Australia’s support for the initiative reflects its longstanding partnership with WHO and Pacific Island countries to strengthen health security and emergency readiness across the region.

“Effective emergency response begins well before a crisis occurs,” said Ms Jenny Grant, Australian Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. “Australia is proud to partner with FSM and WHO in strengthening the people, systems and partnerships that help communities respond when it matters most. Building local preparedness capabilities is an important investment in a safer, stronger and more resilient Pacific.”

The week concluded with a hotwash debrief, allowing participants to reflect on lessons learned, identify areas for further action and agree on priority next steps. Findings will contribute to an after-action report and recommendations to guide future planning and improvements to emergency arrangements.

For FSM, where communities are separated by vast distances and exposed to natural and public health threats, being ready for the next emergency depends on more than plans on paper. It depends on trusted partnerships, clear roles, tested systems and people who are ready to act together when every moment counts.