A simulation exercise is more effective and efficient when a simulated scenario is used that is close to reality. The scenario is a pre-planned storyline that drives an exercise, as well as the stimuli used to achieve exercise objectives. The scenario is designed to stimulate exercise participants to respond to certain events and can be presented through various means, including through fake press articles, face to face through actors, audio/visual material including video clips, etc.

WHO has developed some generic exercise scenario`s that are taking place in the fictitious country of GlobalLand, using short video clips that can be found on this page. Aside for examining health issues within a constrained environment such as a single event, simulation exercise scenarios are being developed that reflect a more complex ‘real world’ operational environment. This includes health events in natural disasters and complex emergencies and the role that health plays in wider emergency response.