Why did READY Create These Simulations?

We created the Outbreak READY! Digital Readiness and Response Simulations to strengthen the operational and health technical readiness of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to respond to large-scale infectious disease outbreaks in humanitarian contexts. Through unique, digital interpretations of an outbreak simulation, READY brings the complex nature of a humanitarian outbreak response to life utilizing a computer-based serious game that allows participants to test and refine their outbreak readiness skills and knowledge.

The simulations follow evolving outbreaks from the first detection of a disease to its spread throughout the population and are designed for humanitarian practitioners working for national and international NGOs responding to outbreaks in humanitarian settings. In both simulations, players take the role of a team member for a medium-sized, international NGO named READY. The NGO operates in Thisland, a fictitious, low-income country that has experienced recent civil conflict and mass displacement.