Political and Logistical Challenges

Six months after the beginning of the epidemic.

Situation: Lack of public hospital beds, ICU, and dialysis machines.

There is a higher incidence in kindergartens and children. Cases are particularly more severe, including renal failure, among children aged 4 to 14 years.

The mayor and the group of councilors do not accept the control measures and do not believe in the seriousness of the situation, as they damage the image of the municipal administration. They make a statement denying the briefings made by the technical group. They decide to allow the holiday of the patron saint of the city with a fair and shows for the public to take place on the following weekend.

Questions to consider

• How should the team respond to this situation in order to avoid more cases, hospitalizations, and deaths?
• How can the situation room work more effectively with stakeholders and other important actors, in order to reduce cases, hospitalizations, and deaths?
• Which strategies can enhance community awareness and engagement in the response to the outbreak?
• What could be effective strategies to address logistic challenges, like the lack of beds and hemodialysis equipment?
• Which communication strategies can be used in this context?

What is expected of the group on day 3

Tackle the political and logistical issues in this health crisis situation. Aim for creativity and flexibility in designing mitigation actions that are politically and logistically feasible.