Goal _x000D_
The goal of the Sim Ex was to practice the national/sub- national components of the emergency response systems in health sector, and their multi-sectoral linkages effectuated to address the local impact especially health concerns under a severe and a fast developing flash floods scenario. _x000D_
Objectives _x000D_
Objectives were to:_x000D_
1. Highlight existing coordination arrangements and capacities in health sector at national and sub-national levels;_x000D_
2. Highlight the importance of a one health approach and involving sectors outside of health, such as emergency management agencies;_x000D_
3. Increase familiarity with emergency preparedness and response planning and operations, and emergency risk communication for natural hazards especially floods in health and; _x000D_
4. Explore cross-border implications of public health emergencies as related to IHR (2005)._x000D_
_x000D_
Over 25 senior level relevant staff from Ministry of Emergency Situation, Ministry of Health, provincial health dept., UN OCHA/Disaster Response Coordination Unit, IFRC attended the daylong event. _x000D_
Recommendations from the 2016 Joint External Evaluation (JEE), and WHO-EURO’s technical support documents on floods and emergency risk communication (ERC) provided the foundation for this exercise. The Sim Ex scenario was based on flash floods affecting Uzgen city in Osh province bordering Uzbekistan, in the south of the country. _x000D_