TABLE 2 Mobile Contact Tracing Program Implementation Steps and Challenges

Stage	Step	Approximate Time	Key Partners	Prerequisites for Deployment	Key Challenges
Preparation^a	1. Design of Application	1 week	Dimagi	• Vetted contact tracing protocols available from CDC, WHO, and GoG	• Availability of standard contact tracing protocol
Preparation^a	2. Development of Dashboards	4 weeks	Tableau Foundation, Tableau consultants, Dimagi	• Data requirements and desired indicators available from GoG and partners • Stable Internet and electricity available in country to access dashboards	• Interoperability of Dimagi’s data infrastructure and Tableau system
Deployment^a	3. Procurement and Configuration of Equipment	2 weeks	Ericsson, UNFPA, Blue Zones	• Logistics protocols in place for accepting and processing equipment donations • Telecommunications network identified for highest coverage in different prefectures	• Manpower to configure phones • Logisticians to help clear donated equipment • Cash flow availability for voice and data plans
	4. Training of Trainers	2 days^b	UNFPA, GoG	• Trainers pre-identified and hired by GoG	• Quality of some trainers
	5. Training of Contact Tracers and Supervisors	2–3 days^b	UNFPA, GoG	• Contact tracers and supervisors pre-identified and hired by GoG • Contact tracers trained on contact tracing protocol • Supervisors trained on contact tracing protocol and supervision activities	• Accountability of supervisors to supporting CommCare troubleshooting needs • Gaps in training on basic contact tracing protocols • Technological literacy level of some contact tracers
	6. Deployment of Mobile Application	1 day	UNFPA, GoG	• Completion of contact tracer training • Distribution of smartphones, chargers, SIM cards, and other equipment to contact tracers • Contact tracer consent on proper-use protocols for smartphones and other equipment	• Quality, timely make-up trainings for contact tracers who were not able to attend initial training and were still expected to monitor contacts using smartphones • Abuse of phone and/or data by contact tracers for personal use
Adaptation	7. Data Validation	1 day^b	UNFPA, GoG	• Contact tracing data from paper forms available and vetted	• Availability of up-to-date paper-based data • Quality of data from paper-based databases
	8. Modification of CommCare Application	1 week^b	Dimagi	• Feedback on application content available from local partners and users based on use during pilot phase	• Conversion of nuanced field protocols to automated skip logic and prompts • Distribution of heavy multimedia files • Coordination of updates where application was already deployed
	9. Training and Deployment of Information Officers	1–4 weeks^b depending on applicants	GoG	• Interest and willingness from GoG to work with information officers within commune or prefecture‐level offices • Internet access in government offices where information officers would be working • Space for information officers to work in government offices	• Availability of qualified applicants in rural areas • Management of expectations with GoG, with some information officers having to support directly on supervision • Some transportation gaps in rural areas where information officers had to support on direct supervision

Abbreviations: CDC, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; GoG, Government of Guinea; UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund; WHO, World Health Organization.
↵a Many of these steps occurred concurrently.
↵b Per prefecture.