As part of WHO/Europe’s continued efforts to strengthen public health event assessment, reporting, notification, verification, consultation and information sharing among States Parties to the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) within the WHO European Region, the Joint Assessment and Detection of Events (JADE) exercise will take place on 17–19 November 2026.
JADE is a regional functional simulation exercise designed to replicate real-world public health events requiring cross-border communication and coordination. In 2026, the exercise will focus on a communicable disease event involving international air travel and points of entry. It aims to test and strengthen communication between National IHR Focal Points (NFPs) and WHO IHR Regional Contact Points, in accordance with Articles 5–11 of IHR (2005), as well as coordination with point-of-entry authorities, airport operators, airlines and other relevant stakeholders.
The objectives of JADE 2026 are to test:
- communication and coordination between IHR NFPs and the WHO IHR Regional Contact Point, including verification, notification and the timely exchange of information during an evolving public health event, using registered contact details;
- the application of the IHR (2005) decision instrument in Annex 2, including national risk assessment and decisions concerning notification to WHO;
- the use of established regional information and communication platforms and procedures, including the Event Information Site, the Early Warning and Response System and bilateral communication between IHR NFPs;
- coordination between IHR NFPs, point-of-entry competent authorities, airport operators and other relevant actors in managing a public health event involving an ill traveller and potentially exposed passengers; and
- the assessment, communication and coordination of public health measures at points of entry, including measures affecting travellers and international traffic, in accordance with IHR (2005), particularly the requirements of Article 43 on additional health measures and the avoidance of unnecessary interference with international traffic.