On August 14, 2026, the WHO South-East Asia Region conducted an exercise named SAPHIRE 2026 to test national and regional protocols for reporting chemical-related public health events. More than 200 officials from National International Health Regulations Focal Points, Poison Centers, Health Emergency Operations Centres, and Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response agencies from 10 countries participated. Through a simulated emergency scenario involving pesticide-linked poisoning and potential environmental contamination, participants assessed communication and coordination mechanisms that would be needed if such an event posed a significant cross-border public health risk.
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