PURPOSE_x000D_ _x000D_ The purpose of the exercise is to strengthen and maintain the functions of National IHR Focal points across the region and to improve communication between the NFP’s and the WHO Duty Officer team. Regular ‘IHR Crystal’ exercises have been conducted almost every year since 2008 and these have been steadily adapted and improved. The exceptions were in 2009 and 2013, when resources were instead directed to real life events – H1N1 and H7N9 respectively. Crystal 2017 represents the latest iteration of this process and is aimed at furthering collaboration across the region and familiarising participants with their dutys and obligations under the IHR (2005) system._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ SCOPE AND TYPE OF EXERCISE_x000D_ _x000D_ The 2017 exercise continued to focus on practicing and testing participants’ understanding and use of IHR principles and assessment of public health events. The exercise continued the theme of past exercises by testing the accessibility of National IHR Focal Points and participants from territories and areas to facilitate communication and collaboration during an emergency event._x000D_ _x000D_ The exercise provided a functional test of emergency systems and participants were required to undertake simulated emergency functions that reflected their role in a real-life developing situation._x000D_ _x000D_ OBJECTIVES_x000D_ _x000D_ The objectives of the IHR Exercise Crystal are to:_x000D_ _x000D_ 1. Validate the accessibility of the National IHR Focal Points and WHO IHR Contact Point using registered contact details_x000D_ 2. Practice and test National IHR Focal Point's assessment of public health events using the decision instrument contained in Annex 2 of the IHR (2005) _x000D_ 3. Practice and test National IHR Focal Point's understanding and use of IHR principles and obligations _x000D_ 4. Improve the understanding and familiarity of staff across Member States and WHO with the National IHR Focal Point system and improve collaboration with other agencies where possible_x000D_ 5. Test the videoconferencing capability of the WPRO EOC and National IHR Focal Points in some selected countries._x000D_ _x000D_