Creating a robust disaster response plan is a primary responsibility of leadership in most public health organizations. There are significant considerations and constraints in crafting such a plan. In last week's activity, you described an organization or agency (and its partners) tasked with delivering vaccination services. In this assignment, you identify your priorities as the leader of that organization tasked with an initial response to a Monkeypox outbreak.
Preparation
Make sure to read and reflect upon the resources on this topic in this week's studies and discussion.
Scenario
Part 1: Leadership Response to a Monkeypox Outbreak.
Imagine you are responsible for emergency preparedness and response for the organization that you identified in the previous activity. Several cases of Monkeypox have recently been reported in your area. You are concerned, very concerned, as this is a rare, virulent, and dangerous virus. In your role, you have been tasked with prioritizing actions that would inform an official initial response to the growing crisis.
Part 2 - Prioritizing Vaccine Distribution
It has become apparent that the demand for vaccines is outpacing supply by a significant margin. You need to ration the doses. There are important considerations when faced with this scarcity. Many are ethical, but others such as logistics, risk, distribution (and its timing), and adoption, are pragmatic. You need to weigh these considerations (and more) as well as specific characteristics of the disease to make decisions. A tall order indeed . . . and time is short. What decision will you make? You know that you will have to justify your choices.
Instructions
Part 1: Leadership Response to a Monkeypox Outbreak
Consider the mission of your organization and the scenario and do the following in 2-3 pages:
List and justify the importance of your initial top 5 priorities to address the outbreak based upon information detailed in the scenario. Consider the mission, population, nature of the disease, access to medicine, et cetera. State any assumptions that you make (if any) that inform your decision.
Justify your recommendation of 3 initial steps to effectively address ONE of your priorities (2-3 paragraphs). Cite supporting evidence to support your recommendation.
Part 2: Prioritizing Vaccine Distribution
Consider the scarcity of vaccines described in Part 2 of the scenario and other relevant factors to create a list that prioritizes who gets access to the vaccine. Do the following:
Justify your choice of 5 vital vaccine distribution criteria (Two examples would be population exposure risk or ease of distribution - there are many. Choose your own.) that would be effective for identifying populations for vaccine distribution.
Apply your vaccine distribution criteria to justify prioritizing populations or groups (rank them 1-5) to receive the vaccine.
Full Answer Section
- 3. Swift Establishment of a Vaccination and Treatment Infrastructure: As a vaccination-focused organization, our core mission is to provide these services. While supply may be limited, having the operational framework in place—including clinics, trained staff, and a system for appointments or walk-ins—is a crucial preparatory step. Simultaneously, we must establish a clear pathway for patients to access antiviral treatments if needed.
- 4. Immediate Protection of Healthcare Workers and At-Risk Communities: Frontline healthcare workers are the first line of defense and are at high risk of exposure. We must ensure they have the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), training, and access to post-exposure prophylaxis (vaccine) to keep them safe and prevent nosocomial spread. Concurrently, we must identify and immediately protect the most vulnerable and high-exposure populations, such as those with weakened immune systems, and those in networks with documented transmission.
- 5. Securing and Managing Vaccine and Treatment Supplies: Given the scarcity, securing additional supplies is an immediate and ongoing priority. This involves coordinating with state and federal health authorities to request and manage the allocation of vaccines and treatments like Tecovirimat (TPOXX). This priority is fundamental to sustaining the entire response, from pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk groups to treatment for confirmed cases.
Justifying Initial Steps for Risk Communication 🗣️
To effectively address the priority of
robust risk communication and community engagement, my organization would take three immediate steps. First, we would establish a single, credible source of information. This would be a dedicated website or page on our existing site, updated multiple times daily with new case counts, vaccination eligibility criteria, and clear, simple information about the disease. This is crucial because a centralized source prevents the spread of conflicting information from multiple uncoordinated agencies. By providing a "one-stop shop" for accurate data and guidance, we can build public confidence and become the trusted authority on the outbreak.
Second, we would launch a targeted, multi-channel communication campaign. This campaign would not be a one-size-fits-all approach. We would use social media platforms, community-based outreach programs (e.g., working with LGBTQ+ community centers, sexual health clinics), and traditional media to reach diverse populations. For example, since a significant number of cases in the 2022 global monkeypox outbreak occurred within sexual networks, we would partner with LGBTQ+ community leaders to create and disseminate messaging that is non-stigmatizing and directly addresses safer sexual practices. This approach leverages existing community trust to deliver messages that are more likely to be heard and acted upon.
Third, we would create a feedback loop to listen to and address public concerns and misinformation. This involves setting up a public hotline and monitoring social media for common questions and false narratives. When a rumor or a piece of misinformation gains traction, we would immediately develop and release clear, corrective information. This proactive and responsive strategy demonstrates that we are not just talking
at the community but are actively listening and responding to their fears and concerns, which further strengthens public trust and cooperation.
Sample Answer
Part 1: Leadership Response to a Monkeypox Outbreak
As a leader of a public health organization responsible for delivering vaccination services, my top five priorities for the initial response to a monkeypox outbreak would be rapid surveillance and case identification, robust risk communication, swift establishment of a vaccination and treatment infrastructure, immediate protection of healthcare workers and at-risk communities, and securing and managing vaccine and treatment supplies. I assume that my organization has established partnerships with local healthcare facilities, government bodies, and community leaders, and that there is at least a limited initial supply of vaccines and antiviral treatments available.
- 1. Rapid Surveillance and Case Identification: This is the most critical first step. An accurate understanding of the scope and spread of the virus is the foundation for all other response efforts. We need to know where the cases are, who is affected, and how the virus is transmitting within the community. This will inform resource allocation, targeted interventions, and public messaging.
- 2. Robust Risk Communication and Community Engagement: Misinformation and panic can be as damaging as the virus itself. Clear, consistent, and empathetic communication with the public and affected communities is essential. This builds trust, dispels myths, and encourages people to adopt preventative measures and seek care. Tailoring messages to different populations is vital to ensure they are understood and acted upon.