CAIRO FORMS AVIAN INFLUENZA WORKING GROUP; US -

UNCLAS CAIRO 008124 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO ECON PREL SOCI EG WHO KSTH SUBJECT: CAIRO FORMS AVIAN INFLUENZA WORKING GROUP; US - GOE COLLABORATION REF: A. STATE 153802 ¶B. STATE 181885 ¶C. STATE 183776 ¶D. CAIRO 07552 ¶E. CAIRO 08073 This message is sensitive but unclassified, please handle accordingly. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: DCM convened a meeting of Mission representatives on October 11 to establish an Avian Influenza Working Group (AIWG) to evaluate Mission preparedness in the event of an outbreak, and to discuss Mission's collaboration with the GOE on avian influenza (AI) issues. NAMRU-3 has been collaborating with the GOE on AI surveillance. USAID is prepared to offer assistance and has requested that the GOE present specific requests. Issues addressed include: compensation and other assistance to the GOE in the event of an outbreak; GOE impediments to migratory bird samples needed for NAMRU-3 surveillance; GOE preparedness; continued surveillance of AI; medical preparedness and internal preparedness at post; possible USAID assistance to support GOE efforts); and Tamiflu availability. In an October 16 meeting at the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population (MOH) emboffs successfully requested resolution of a migratory bird sample issue. End summary. ¶2. (U) Representatives from Public Affairs, Consular, RSO, RMO, NAMRU-3, USAID, and USDA (FAS and APHIS) attended the meeting and compose post's AIWG. -------------- Mission Preparedness -------------- ¶3. (SBU) RMO has a plan for AI surveillance, prevention, education and treatment at post, which includes establishing measures for triage, identifying hospitals and isolation rooms (as well as alternate sites for treatment in case of an outbreak),evaluating availability of supplies, staff and community education, immunization for non-avian flu, and storage and security for Tamiflu stockpiles. The AIWG agreed to recommend that the EAC consider actions to be taken in the event of quarantine, draw-down or closure (see ref E). Cairo's Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU-3) can support post's Health Unit in rapid diagnostics and protective measures. ¶4. (SBU) Consular and Public Affairs are planning to publicize information on the Internet to the American community, and highlight the close U.S.-GOE collaboration through NAMRU-3 to the Egyptian public. -------------- GOE Preparedness & US - GOE Collaboration -------------- ¶5. (SBU) GOE officials have repeatedly requested USG assistance with a compensation program, laboratory and public health training, and a supply of antigen for surveillance of the H5N1 strain of AI. NAMRU-3 has offered to train technicians in lab techniques and diagnostics. RMO observed that clinical reporting of AI is difficult, and clinical care in Egypt, as in most countries, is not suited for a major outbreak. ¶6. (SBU) Representatives from ECPO, USAID and NAMRU-3 met on October 16 with Dr. Magda A. Rakha, First Under Secretary of Health, and Dr. Nasr El-Sayed, Under Secretary for Preventive Affairs, at the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population (MOH) to discuss assistance for AI and to request resolution of a migratory bird sample issue. The MOH had recently blocked NAMRU-3 from bringing samples from birds believed to have died from AI into Egypt for testing. While GOE officials did not respond during the October 16 meeting to our request to lift the ban, NAMRU-3 (and the Egyptian press) later reported that it was able to get GOE permission to bring in the necessary samples. In the meeting, the MOH representatives emphasized that the GOE has a national preparedness plan; however, post is not convinced that GOE is ready for an AI outbreak. USAID offered to assist the MOH with management and logistical support, and training. USAID asked the MOH to present a formal request for specific needs. RICCIARDONE