6th Regional Collaboration Drill (RCD) was held again in Thailand by the ARCH Project, with a scenario of mega-flooding affecting the Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani areas from February 7-14, 2025. This exercise brings together ASEAN member states in an emergency response simulation, specifically the deployment of an International Emergency Medical Team (I-EMT) in response to a request for humanitarian assistance.

The RCD activity is part of ASEAN’s collective efforts since 2017 to strengthen the regional response to major disasters. This drill includes scenario-based medical simulations and four days of field exercises, involving cross-sector organizations in the health and non-health sectors.

The main objectives of this exercise include evaluating the host country’s readiness to receive international medical teams, testing the EMT SOP coordination and reporting system, and strengthening the AHA Center’s mechanisms in supporting disaster health management. In addition, this activity also serves as a momentum to finalize and disseminate various documents resulting from the ARCH Project, such as CTI, C-Course training curriculum, mentor reports, and preparedness guidebooks.

The 6th RCD is a concrete step in strengthening solidarity, the resilience of the regional health system, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals. (Contributor: Gde Yulian Yogadhita, Translator: Tedy).