Political and Logistical Challenges 

Six months after the beginning of the epidemic

A large luxury condominium is being built on the outskirts of the city in the vicinity of the forest reserve and the environmental preservation area. The construction project will utilize part of the forest area as an ecological reserve for the leisure of condominium residents. Local authorities refuse to enforce environmental laws that could limit or even avoid the use of the forest reserve by the condominium.

The local radio reported that a group of rural residents are killing wild monkeys based on their belief that this will reduce the risk of transmission. Based on the same belief, the mayor and the population pressure authorities to allow hunting of wild animals in the forested region of the city. A group of councilors from several affected municipalities in the region demand that municipal agencies organize and offer vaccination for wild animals in the region. The city has a small staff able to do environmental patrolling with limited budget, but no technical personnel.

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 ?
• 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.