On 21-22 June, WHO participated in a large-scale international emergency exercise that was led by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Besides WHO, 82 Member States and 10 international organizations participated in the two-day international emergency exercise that tested responses to a simulated accident at a nuclear power plant in Hungary. 

Dr Peter Salama, Execuritve Director of the WHO Health Emergency Programme emphasized the importance of this exercise to test WHO procedures in relation to a radio-nuclear incident along with other agencies. This exercise proved to be a great opportunity to address international coordination and collaboration. Participants included representatives from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), European Commission (EC), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Police Organization (INTERPOL), International MAritime Organization (IMO), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The exercise underscored the need for better cooperation during an emergency at the national and international level on the prompt exchange of information; the conduct of assessment and prognosis; the provision of international assistance; and the coordination of public information.