Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05PANAMA2311
2005-11-25 21:50:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Panama
Cable title:  

PANAMA'S READINESS FOR AVIAN/PANDEMIC FLU

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252150Z Nov 05
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PANAMA 002311 

SIPDIS

FOR OES/IHA - SINGER AND DALEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO SENV EAID EAGR ECON ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
SUBJECT: PANAMA'S READINESS FOR AVIAN/PANDEMIC FLU

REF: STATE 209622

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PANAMA 002311

SIPDIS

FOR OES/IHA - SINGER AND DALEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO SENV EAID EAGR ECON ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
SUBJECT: PANAMA'S READINESS FOR AVIAN/PANDEMIC FLU

REF: STATE 209622


1. Summary: the GOP has nearly completed a National Avian
Influenza (AI) Plan that details the institutions responsible
for preparedness/communication, surveillance/detection, and
response/containment. The GOP's inter-agency effort is led
by the Ministry of Health and includes support from the
Panamerican Health Organization (PAHO) in Panama. The Gorgas
Memorial Institute and the Smithsonian Tropical Research
Institute (STRI) are increasingly engaged in AI issues and
could augment both domestic and international efforts to
prevent or manage an AI outbreak. The Smithsonian seeks to
be included on the President's Avian Flu Task Force and seeks
USG support for funding of its proposed "National Avian Flu
Clearinghouse". End Summary.


2. Below are responses keyed to reftel questionnaire

A) Preparedness/Communication

-- The Ministry of Health has been working on a national
preparedness plan for avian/pandemic influenza since April

2005. The GOP's response capacity to a limited outbreak of
human H5N1 seems adequate. Its response capacity to a
large-scale outbreak of human H5N1 appears weak. There is
insufficient trained staff. Also, staffing is below the
levels that would be needed to cover the country. The GOP's
preparedness plan is nearly finished. Post has emailed a
copy of the GOP's draft plan to OES/IHA.

-- The GOP has been forthcoming in sharing its initial AI
plans with Post, which includes detailed provisions regarding
communications with the public. Post anticipates that the
GOP would likewise be forthcoming in reporting the scope of
any human or animal disease outbreak.

-- The level of recognition is medium to high among key GOP
officials, with the Ministry of Health taking the lead and
demonstrating a higher level of recognition of the
implications of AI. Oversight of the implementation of the
national preparedness strategy/plan will be at the highest
GOP level, that is, the Council of Ministers in the Executive
Branch. There is political will to address these issues in
the best manner possible as a matter of State.

-- The GOP's draft preparedness plan describes the existing

legal underpinnings for the plan and identifies at least 15
new laws, regulations, or executive decrees that remain to be
developed to ensure an adequate regime to detect, report,
contain, or respond to an AI outbreak.

-- The Ministry of Health is working closely with the
Panamerican Health Organization (PAHO) in Panama. It is
unclear whether the GOP has coordinated with the Food and
Agricultural Organization (FAO),but the GOP does collaborate
routinely with the World Organization for Animal Health
(OIE). As the Ministry of Health has inquired previously
about U.S. avian flu efforts, post expects the GOP would be
receptive to approaches from the USG, either bilaterally or
in a multilateral context.

-- There has been wide coverage of AI issues in Panamanian
media. Although awareness among the general public is
relatively high in the urban areas, it is likely less so in
rural areas. Local poultry producers have reacted to media
stories on AI by cautioning GOP officials against unduly
alarming the general public. Producers and key GOP
ministries (Agriculture and Health ) have agreed to
coordinate on press conferences, releases, advisories, etc.

B) Surveillance/Detection

-- Preparation of the GOP's National AI Plan is led by the
Ministries of Health and Agriculture, as well as the Gorgas
Memorial Institute of Tropical and Preventative Medicine,
Incorporation (aka "Gorgas Memorial Institute"),together
with support from PAHO. Post is not in a position to qualify
the diagnostic capabilities of Health Ministry
epidemiologists nor the Agriculture Ministry's animal health
personnel. However, the Gorgas Memorial Institute enjoys a
solid reputation internationally for its epidemiological
expertise.

- As Panama represents the most important Western Hemisphere
bottleneck for migratory birds traveling to/from North
America, it is an ideal early-warning surveillance point for
capturing and testing migratory birds. Moreover, the
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) has a long
history in Panama and enjoys a strong working relationship
with relevant GOP entities, the Gorgas Memorial Institute,
and Panamanian and international academia. During President
Bush's November 7 visit to Panama, STRI executive Director
Ira Rubinoff briefed the President on STRI's work to
strengthen ties with local, U.S., and international agencies
to assist in early detection and tracking of avian flu and
other bird-borne diseases. Inclusion of the Smithsonian on
the President's Avian Flu Task Force and support for the
Smithsonian's proposed "National Avian Flu Clearinghouse"
are two specific actions the USG could take to bolster both
U.S. and Panamanian abilities to detect and combat Avian Flu.

c) Response/Containment

-- The Ministry of Health recently obtained an extraordinary
credit for $1.4 million in its CY 2005 budget to purchase
Tamiflu to treat 80,000 patients, The purchase of other
equipment, medicines and commodities will be covered in the
CY 2006 budget currently in the process of formulation.

-- Distribution and use of the stockpiles is contemplated in
the overall national strategy, but it needs to be laid out in
an action plan. The intention is to proceed regionally and
in a decentralized manner.
- The GOP's draft National Plan details specific preventive
and containment measures to be taken by a variety of entities
at different stages of an AI outbreak. Panama no longer has
a standing military, but GOP law enforcement authorities
recently demonstrated their readiness and capacity to
implement "social distancing measures" during President
Bush's recent visit to Panama City.
EATON