WHO Tests Strategy Game to Boost Outbreak Response Speed

The World Health Organization (WHO) is piloting an innovative approach to enhance outbreak detection, notification, and response through an interactive '7-1-7 Strategy Game.' The 7-1-7 target aims to identify a suspected outbreak within seven days, inform public health authorities within one day, and implement an effective response within seven days.

Achieving these benchmarks necessitates coordinated action across surveillance, laboratories, emergency operations, risk communication, and leadership. Developed by the Center for Advanced Preparedness and Threat Response Simulation (CAPTRS) in collaboration with the 7-1-7 Alliance and WHO’s Emergency Preparedness Department, the game provides a hands-on experience to test the coordination dynamics under pressure.

The 7-1-7 Strategy Game is designed as an analog, team-based exercise that brings together small groups of decision-makers to navigate two structured modules testing strategic choices and their impact on outbreak timeliness. On February 23, 2026, the WHO convened a playtest session involving staff familiar with the 7-1-7 framework, to rigorously assess the game’s design before broader country-level piloting planned for later this year. A playtest, in this context, refers to a structured trial run with selected participants to validate the game mechanics, evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing comprehension of the 7-1-7 targets, and refine the simulation before extensive rollout.

In the first module, players concentrate on activities that can enhance timeliness throughout the 7-1-7 cascade, assigning durations to each activity and speculating on how these investments may alleviate bottlenecks. In the second module, participants encounter a simulated outbreak scenario and assess whether their strategic decisions facilitate quicker detection and response.

The simulation centered on an outbreak of Sudan Ebola virus disease in Uganda, challenging participants to confront real-world issues such as delayed case recognition, failures in reporting, and operational limitations. Through repeating different modules and testing various strategies, teams gained insights into which investments resulted in significant improvements in speed and effectiveness.

Facilitated by CAPTRS’ Chief Game Designer, Dr. Micael Sousa, the playtest prompted in-depth discussions about system bottlenecks, resource allocation trade-offs, and the behavioral aspects of decision-making under uncertainty. Participants underscored the importance of visualizing the cumulative effects of seemingly minor delays throughout the detection-to-response timeline.

The 7-1-7 Game reflects a growing realization that preparedness consists not only of plans and protocols but also encompasses the ability to make effective decisions. By merging strategic insight with practical experience, the simulation supports countries in translating the 7-1-7 framework into specific, prioritized actions.

Following further adjustments and piloting, the game is anticipated to aid Member States in enhancing their readiness for outbreaks. As WHO advances with innovative preparedness strategies, it aims to ensure that when the next threat emerges, systems are equipped to detect, notify, and respond swiftly.

The playtest was organized by the Risk Analytics and Action Reviews (RAR) Unit within the Health Emergency Preparedness Department.

Curious to see the 7-1-7 Strategy Game in action? View photos and key moments from the playtest session here.