Analysis of the Results of Simulation Exercises to Strengthen Preparedness and Response to Public Health Emergencies in Mali

Introduction: From December 2021 to September 2023, to assess Mali Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, the Department of Public Health Emergency Operations (DOUSP) conducted simulation exercises (SIMEX) as part of the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005) evaluation. The aim of this work is to examine the results of the SIMEXs, which assesses Mali’s preparedness and response functionality to public health emergencies. Methods: Between December 2021 and September 2023, the DOUSP carried out 05 SIMEX which were documented. These SIMEX were conducted respectively in the regions of Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou and the district of Bamako. We extracted the information from a database, assigning a unique identifier to each SIMEX report, and a total of 22 variables were extracted. Information on the health district, the region, the year of implementation, the type of SIMEX, the type of health event, the capacities of the 2005 RSI tested and the recommendations were identified. We performed a descriptive analysis and linked the results to the 15 IHR 2005 capabilities. Results: Regarding the type of SIMEX, we carried out three tabletop simulation exercises in December 2021, August 2022 and January 2023 respectively; a tabletop simulation exercise coupled with a drill carried out in July 2023 and a functional exercise in September 2023. For the implementation of the 5 SIMEX, 10 (67%) of the 15 capabilities of the RSI, 2005 have been tested globally. Looking closely, C3 and C4 were tested in all the exercises, i.e., 100%, followed by C2, C9 and C10 in 80%. Conclusion: SIMEX has enabled the various health districts to prepare themselves to meet the challenges of better management of epidemics and disasters in their localities. The primary recommendation for the five (5) SIMEXs focuses on securing funding for activities aimed at enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for public health emergencies.