In preparation for the next pandemic, Mongolia underwent an extensive revision process to their current emergency response and preparedness plan. Mongolia conducted an extensive review and simulation exercise, mimicking an avian influenza outbreak, to determine the methods to alleviate stressors in the event of an outbreak. This call to action arose following identification of needed improvements as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In line with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Model 1: Planning for pathogen pandemics, this three day multi-sectoral exercise reinforced the standard stages of a pandemic for an effective response. Through numerous collaborative debriefing sessions, the professionals involved determined that it is crucial to reduce mis- and disinformation in health journalism. This essential change could improve community engagement and disaster response time dramatically during the next pandemic.
by Maya Yorks