GHSCO Updates3

Mongolia’s Readiness for Emerging Infectious Disease Improved by Joint Simulation Exercise

Group Photo of Simulation Exercise

The Simulation Exercise

As a key part of the project, a scenario-based simulation exercise was conducted from April 21 to April 22, 2025. The exercise was based on a hypothetical human case of avian influenza. A "whole-of-government" approach to preparing for infectious disease outbreaks extends beyond just disease control authorities, encompassing a wide array of relevant ministries and agencies. The goal is to ensure a coordinated and integrated response, particularly in emergencies where multi-agency coordination might be unfamiliar territory for Mongolia. Therefore, it is essential to conduct simulation exercises that involve multiple sectors, allowing various government bodies to practice joint response efforts and ensure rapid action when a real crisis emerges. This collaborative training helps to streamline communication, clarify roles and responsibilities, and build a unified front against public health threats that require a comprehensive national effort. The simulation was hosted by Mongolia’s National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) with technical support from the KDCA. 74 working–level staff from around 20 Mongolian agencies participated, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, National Emergency Management Agency, and General Authority for Veterinary Services. This simulation offered participants the crucial opportunity to:

During the Simulation Exercise

Key Findings and Insights

The simulation accurately reflected a real outbreak scenario and proved it to be highly valuable. It revealed critical gaps in the early response system while allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the whole-of-government coordination mechanism. Although participants gained a deeper understanding of national guidelines and crisis management protocols, several key challenges were identified:

Future Directions and Ongoing Support from KDCA

Drawing on lessons learned, the NCCD and the Ministry of Health Mongolia plan to revise the national framework for responding to emerging infectious diseases. The revised framework will focus on:

Regular scenario–based training plays a vital role in identifying systemic gaps and developing practical solutions for future outbreaks. Going forward, the KDCA will continue to share its knowledge and experience with the NCCD, thereby ensuring sustainable capacity building and fostering effective cooperation to strengthen Mongolia’s infectious disease preparedness and response systems.