Event highlights
A measles outbreak simulation exercise was conducted in Italy to assess the health system’s capacity to respond effectively to outbreaks in line with WHO guidance, and to thereby evaluate strengths and weaknesses and propose corrective actions.
The exercise, led by WHO/Europe’s Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization programme, brought together 33 experts in medicine, disease surveillance, immunization, communication and outbreak management from the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), regional health authorities, the National Laboratory Network for Measles and Rubella (MoRoNet), medical associations and other stakeholders.
The table-top exercise used scenarios and guided discussions to simulate the dynamics of an evolving measles outbreak. Each module addressed a specific situation, prompting participants to review and evaluate coordination and outbreak management procedures at the different levels of the health system (local, regional and national) related to epidemiology, laboratory surveillance, vaccination programmes, communications and decision-making.
Special sessions were also dedicated to:
- risk communication to the general public, health-care workers and vulnerable communities, as well as misinformation management during an outbreak; and
- closing immunity gaps among adults through workplace initiatives, integration with existing health services, targeted outreach in high-risk settings, and sustained national investment.
Looking ahead
The conclusions and recommendations generated through the exercise will inform improvement efforts in responding to measles outbreaks and closing immunity gaps, and guide the development of national action plans for measles elimination.
Event notice
To strengthen outbreak preparedness in Italy, WHO/Europe will conduct a desk-top measles outbreak simulation exercise, covering a range of topics including outbreak management coordination, risk assessment, laboratory surveillance, outbreak control measures and communication. The exercise will be attended by experts from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), regional health authorities, the National Laboratory Network for Measles and Rubella (MoRoNet) and medical associations.