STAR review sets priorities for health preparedness

The setting up of a One Health Platform and the operationalisation of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre are among the key recommendations arising from the review of Mauritius’ national health emergency risk profile, aimed at strengthening preparedness and response capacities.

These recommendations emerged from a three-day National Workshop on the Review of the Strategic Tool for Assessing Risks (STAR), held from 9 to 11 September 2026 at the Gold Crest Hotel in Quatre Bornes, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The workshop provided an opportunity to reassess the hazards identified during the country’s first STAR exercise in 2023, take stock of progress made since then, and identify priority risks and preparedness measures relevant to Mauritius’ current risk landscape.

The findings and recommendations arising from the review exercise were presented yesterday at the closing ceremony held in Quatre Bornes, in the presence of the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram.

The WHO Mauritius Programme Management Officer, Mr Ajoy Nundoochan; the Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr (Mrs) Poonam Gungadin; representatives of the World Health Organization; and other key stakeholders were also present.

The STAR methodology is an evidence-informed and multisectoral approach developed to help countries identify and assess health emergency risks. It adopts an all-hazards approach, covering biological, natural, environmental, technological and other threats.

The workshop brought together representatives from the health sector, ministries, institutions and other key stakeholders involved in emergency preparedness and response. Participants examined changes in the country’s risk landscape, reviewed existing capacities, and reassessed the likelihood and potential impact of priority hazards.

The review identified floods as posing a very high risk, followed by cyclones and chikungunya. Malaria and cholera were assessed as low risks.

Other key recommendations arising from the exercise include linking the findings and recommendations of STAR, SPAR (State Party Annual Reporting) and the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) to the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS); and conducting an annual STAR review to support the reprioritisation of resources and monitor changes in the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks.

In her address, Junior Minister Babooram stressed that health risks are constantly evolving due to changing disease patterns, climate-related threats, population vulnerabilities and increased international travel, making regular reviews of the national risk profile essential. She noted that the STAR findings, together with the 2025 JEE and SPAR, will provide an evidence base for prioritising national investments and preparedness efforts as Mauritius moves towards the development of its next NAPHS.

The Junior Minister emphasised the importance of a multisectoral approach and indicated that the Ministry will work with relevant ministries, institutions and partners to integrate priority recommendations into national preparedness planning, particularly the forthcoming NAPHS.

As for Dr Gungadin, she recalled that Mauritius conducted its first national STAR assessment in 2023, establishing a national risk profile. The 2026 review provided an opportunity to reassess the profile in light of developments and progress in preparedness, and to translate the findings into clear, prioritised and measurable actions with defined responsibilities and timelines, she added.

Dr Nundoochan highlighted the importance of the risk matrix in identifying gaps, determining priority actions and establishing an appropriate roadmap. He reiterated the WHO’s support to Mauritius, including by facilitating access to global and regional expertise to help translate identified risks into practical and adequately funded actions.

12 September 2026

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Topics: Climate Change