Social Science Considerations for Epidemic Response Based on Cross-border Population Movement

Abstract

This briefing outlines the operational recommendations for transport drivers living in Ugandan border districts during the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) epidemics and the current COVID-19 pandemic. Transport drivers include those involved in carrying people and goods over short and long distances. These comprise long-distance truck drivers, takisi (shared minibus) drivers who travel longer distances including between towns, special hire (taxi) drivers and motorbike drivers (boda boda).

Specific policies and recommendations for transport drivers are necessary as: - Transport drivers are a highly mobile group, which increases the risk of contact with large numbers of people and thus the risk of contracting and transmitting infectious diseases. - Dependency on a daily income limits their ability to adapt to reductions in mobility during epidemics.