Political and Logistical Challenges 

Six months after the beginning of the epidemic

The local radio reported that a group of mining workers are killing wild monkeys as they believe 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.

The mining area is not easily accessed and requires appropriate transportation vehicles. The mining area is partially controlled by heavily armed drug cartels who are fighting to dominate the area. Most of the mining workers are undocumented migrant laborers. Due to security threats and logistic challenges, the health technicians have not been able to reach the mining area to investigate new cases and vaccinate.

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.