Paris Olympics and Paralympics: Insights from nationwide coordination in preparedness, supply chain management and blood inventory

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games posed a unique challenge due to their scale, associated risks and the need for robust healthcare preparedness. This review outlines the forecasting and anticipatory measures taken by the Etablissement français du sang (EFS) to ensure a resilient blood supply chain throughout the event. A steering committee was formed 2 years in advance to coordinate risk assessments, operational planning and institutional collaboration. The EFS aimed to maintain daily reserves of 90,000 red blood cell (RBC) units, anticipating a 25% shortfall in the Île-de-France region, which was to be balanced by increased contributions from other regions. To support operations, logistical strategies involved the prepositioning of supplies, securing transport routes and reinforcing both trauma centres and Olympic venues. Staffing was also adapted, with changes to work schedules, an extended summer leave period and provisions for remote work at EFS headquarters. In anticipation of seasonal infectious risks, nucleic acid testing (NAT) was implemented for West Nile virus (WNV) and dengue (DENV) in high-risk areas. Cybersecurity measures were also reinforced through strengthened information technology infrastructure and integration with the national cyber crisis response system. These proactive measures proved effective: blood stocks remained stable, only a few arboviral infections were detected and no major cyber incidents occurred. The Paris 2024 experience emphasizes the importance of early, coordinated and cross-sectoral planning in safeguarding national blood supplies during mass events. The centralized structure of the EFS, along with its integration into public health systems and past experience with major events, enabled uninterrupted and resilient service delivery.