Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BRIDGETOWN87
2006-01-13 17:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Bridgetown
Cable title:
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ST. KITTS AND NEVIS AI
how-toVZCZCXRO1606 PP RUEHGR DE RUEHWN #0087/01 0131727 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 131727Z JAN 06 FM AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1649 INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BRIDGETOWN 000087
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PASS TO USAID/GH/RCS/KELLY WOLFE AND USAID/LAC/PEG MARSHALL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR EAID ECON PREL SENV TBIO SC XL
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ST. KITTS AND NEVIS AI
INFORMATION
REF: STATE 209622
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BRIDGETOWN 000087
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PASS TO USAID/GH/RCS/KELLY WOLFE AND USAID/LAC/PEG MARSHALL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR EAID ECON PREL SENV TBIO SC XL
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ST. KITTS AND NEVIS AI
INFORMATION
REF: STATE 209622
1. The following is in response to questions posed by reftel.
--------------
Preparedness/Communication
--------------
2. Does the government have a preparedness plan/strategy for
preventing avian flu from becoming a pandemic and containing
a pandemic once it occurs?
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis (GOSKN) has finalized a
plan for dealing with Avian Influenza (AI),called the St.
Kitts and Nevis Avian Influenza National Strategic Plan.
3. If the country has a strategy, how capable is it of
implementing it?
Although the GOSKN has only a modest customs, immigration,
and public health capacity, its Avian Influenza National
Strategic Plan is embedded in a regional approach,
spearheaded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
and Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC). This regional
approach increases the country's capacity for implementation.
4. Please provide a copy of the plan or the Internet address
for the plan.
Post will immediately forward an electronic copy of the St.
Kitts and Nevis Avian Influenza National Strategic Plan to
the OES Senior Health Advisor.
5. How truthful will the government be in reporting the scope
of any disease outbreak among people? Among animals? What
incentives could be offered that would likely result in more
transparency?
The GOSKN has begun its preparations against a possible AI
pandemic in a transparent manner, stressing open, regional
cooperation. The Government is likely to continue such
preparations, as well as react to the spread of a pandemic,
transparently and in coordination with regional partners.
The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer plan
to continue raising awareness and stressing open
communication at the national executive, public, and agency
levels. The Cabinet was briefed in October and further
briefings will occur as new information appears.
6. Where does preparing for an avian flu human pandemic rank
among government priorities? Who and what would most
influence the country to give the issue a higher priority?
Who is the key "go-to" person, office or department (e.g.,
Minister for Health, Prime Minister, etc.)? For USG officials
to engage on this issue?
Combating the threat of avian flu pandemic is a high priority
for the GOSKN. The contact persons for the GOSKN are Mr.
Elvis Newton, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, and
Dr. Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of
Health. Both can be reached by phone at: 869-465-2551
(Government HQ ask for Ministry of Health) or by fax at:
869-466-8574 or 869-465-1316. Dr. Martin can also be reached
at the following e-mail address: skncmo@yahoo.com.
7. Have national laws been reviewed to ensure that they are
consistent with international health regulations (IHRS) and
do not pose barriers to avian influenza detection, reporting,
containment, or response?
The GOSKN has reviewed its public health laws and has
determined that they are consistent with international health
regulations (IHRS) and do not pose barriers to avian
influenza detection, reporting, containment, or response.
8. Is the host country already working with international
organizations or other countries on the avian flu issue? Are
government leaders likely to ask for assistance from the U.S.
or other countries? Would government leaders be receptive to
messages from U.S. leaders through a bilateral approach, at a
multilateral forum such as the UN (WHO, FAO, etc.)? Or APEC,
or through bilateral contacts by a third country? What would
the country want from the U.S. in return for its efforts?
As noted in paragraph three, the GOSKN is already working
with international organizations, NGOs, and other countries.
The GOSKN would be pleased to continue working on a regional
and international level with other governments.
BRIDGETOWN 00000087 002 OF 003
9. Does the country currently administer annual flu shots? If
not, might it consider doing so? What is the production
capability (i.e., how many doses of the annual trivalent flu
vaccine can the country make) for human influenza vaccines in
the country? Does the country produce influenza vaccine for
poultry and if so how much? If the country is developing an
H5N1 vaccine, where is it in production and testing? Any
licensing issues? Is there a liability shield for foreign
makers/donors of vaccines? If not, any prospects of one
being enacted?
GOSKN does not administer annual flu shots. The likelihood
of the Government administering annual flu shots is
contingent upon regional decision-making through PAHO's
Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The GOSKN has no
production capacity for vaccines and none is likely for the
foreseeable future.
10. How well informed is the population about the avian flu
threat and about measures they should take to mitigate the
threat? What mechanisms are available for providing
additional information to the population, particularly in
rural areas and how effective are these measures?
The public is continually informed about the threat of avian
influenza via electronic and print media. Also, the Health
Promotion/Education Unit and Communications Unit of the
Agriculture Department will continue their media education
activities, while preparing an information campaign utilizing
banners, flyers, television, and Internet.
--------------
Surveillance/Detection
--------------
11. How capable are the medical and agriculture sectors of
detecting a new strain of influenza among people or animals
respectively? How long might it take for cases to be
properly diagnosed, given other endemic diseases? Can
influenza viruses be subtyped in the country, if so by whom,
and if not where are they sent? Does the country send
samples to a WHO/EU/U.S. reference laboratory?
There is no local lab capacity for strain identification;
provisions have been made for specimen transfer to CAREC in
Trinidad. Post has been unable thus far to ascertain how
long it would typically take to diagnose an animal or human
avian flu case in St. Kitts, but will report that information
septel.
12. What are the critical gaps that need to be filled to
enhance the country's disease detection and outbreak response
capabilities? What is the country's greatest need in this
area from the U.S. or international organizations?
The most critical gap is public health care staffing. Some
important positions in the country's public health system are
occupied by a sole person. Should such a worker take sick or
leave, respective public health activities would suffer until
the worker is replaced. PAHO and CAREC are aware of this
issue, however, and are planning to establish a regional
rapid-response personnel team to complement vulnerable
national health systems.
--------------
Response/Containment
--------------
13. Does the country have a stockpile of medications,
particularly of antivirals, and if so how much? If some has
been ordered, how much and when is it expected?
GOSKN does not have a stockpile of medications or vaccines.
Medication and vaccine availability during a pandemic is the
critical issue given that St. Kitts and Nevis is not a
producing country.
14. Does the country have a stockpile of pre-positioned
personal protective gear?
St. Kitts and Nevis has an inadequate amount of personal
protective gear, but inventory augmentation is ongoing.
15. What is the rapid response capacity for animal and human
outbreaks? Are guidelines in place for the culling and
vaccination of birds, disinfection of facilities, and
limitations on animal movement?
The Animal Health Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture is
responsible for surveillance and response activities.
BRIDGETOWN 00000087 003 OF 003
Guidelines exist and updates are facilitated by PAHO. Human
outbreaks will be managed using social-distancing measures in
the community and quarantine within hospitals or other
designated facilities.
16. How willing and capable is the government of imposing
quarantines and social distancing measures (closing schools,
public gatherings, mass transit)? Would its military enforce
quarantines?
The GOSKN plans to implement all required public health
measures, including quarantines, as a matter of law and with
full enforcement, using all available means.
GILROY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PASS TO USAID/GH/RCS/KELLY WOLFE AND USAID/LAC/PEG MARSHALL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR EAID ECON PREL SENV TBIO SC XL
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR ST. KITTS AND NEVIS AI
INFORMATION
REF: STATE 209622
1. The following is in response to questions posed by reftel.
--------------
Preparedness/Communication
--------------
2. Does the government have a preparedness plan/strategy for
preventing avian flu from becoming a pandemic and containing
a pandemic once it occurs?
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis (GOSKN) has finalized a
plan for dealing with Avian Influenza (AI),called the St.
Kitts and Nevis Avian Influenza National Strategic Plan.
3. If the country has a strategy, how capable is it of
implementing it?
Although the GOSKN has only a modest customs, immigration,
and public health capacity, its Avian Influenza National
Strategic Plan is embedded in a regional approach,
spearheaded by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
and Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC). This regional
approach increases the country's capacity for implementation.
4. Please provide a copy of the plan or the Internet address
for the plan.
Post will immediately forward an electronic copy of the St.
Kitts and Nevis Avian Influenza National Strategic Plan to
the OES Senior Health Advisor.
5. How truthful will the government be in reporting the scope
of any disease outbreak among people? Among animals? What
incentives could be offered that would likely result in more
transparency?
The GOSKN has begun its preparations against a possible AI
pandemic in a transparent manner, stressing open, regional
cooperation. The Government is likely to continue such
preparations, as well as react to the spread of a pandemic,
transparently and in coordination with regional partners.
The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer plan
to continue raising awareness and stressing open
communication at the national executive, public, and agency
levels. The Cabinet was briefed in October and further
briefings will occur as new information appears.
6. Where does preparing for an avian flu human pandemic rank
among government priorities? Who and what would most
influence the country to give the issue a higher priority?
Who is the key "go-to" person, office or department (e.g.,
Minister for Health, Prime Minister, etc.)? For USG officials
to engage on this issue?
Combating the threat of avian flu pandemic is a high priority
for the GOSKN. The contact persons for the GOSKN are Mr.
Elvis Newton, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, and
Dr. Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of
Health. Both can be reached by phone at: 869-465-2551
(Government HQ ask for Ministry of Health) or by fax at:
869-466-8574 or 869-465-1316. Dr. Martin can also be reached
at the following e-mail address: skncmo@yahoo.com.
7. Have national laws been reviewed to ensure that they are
consistent with international health regulations (IHRS) and
do not pose barriers to avian influenza detection, reporting,
containment, or response?
The GOSKN has reviewed its public health laws and has
determined that they are consistent with international health
regulations (IHRS) and do not pose barriers to avian
influenza detection, reporting, containment, or response.
8. Is the host country already working with international
organizations or other countries on the avian flu issue? Are
government leaders likely to ask for assistance from the U.S.
or other countries? Would government leaders be receptive to
messages from U.S. leaders through a bilateral approach, at a
multilateral forum such as the UN (WHO, FAO, etc.)? Or APEC,
or through bilateral contacts by a third country? What would
the country want from the U.S. in return for its efforts?
As noted in paragraph three, the GOSKN is already working
with international organizations, NGOs, and other countries.
The GOSKN would be pleased to continue working on a regional
and international level with other governments.
BRIDGETOWN 00000087 002 OF 003
9. Does the country currently administer annual flu shots? If
not, might it consider doing so? What is the production
capability (i.e., how many doses of the annual trivalent flu
vaccine can the country make) for human influenza vaccines in
the country? Does the country produce influenza vaccine for
poultry and if so how much? If the country is developing an
H5N1 vaccine, where is it in production and testing? Any
licensing issues? Is there a liability shield for foreign
makers/donors of vaccines? If not, any prospects of one
being enacted?
GOSKN does not administer annual flu shots. The likelihood
of the Government administering annual flu shots is
contingent upon regional decision-making through PAHO's
Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The GOSKN has no
production capacity for vaccines and none is likely for the
foreseeable future.
10. How well informed is the population about the avian flu
threat and about measures they should take to mitigate the
threat? What mechanisms are available for providing
additional information to the population, particularly in
rural areas and how effective are these measures?
The public is continually informed about the threat of avian
influenza via electronic and print media. Also, the Health
Promotion/Education Unit and Communications Unit of the
Agriculture Department will continue their media education
activities, while preparing an information campaign utilizing
banners, flyers, television, and Internet.
--------------
Surveillance/Detection
--------------
11. How capable are the medical and agriculture sectors of
detecting a new strain of influenza among people or animals
respectively? How long might it take for cases to be
properly diagnosed, given other endemic diseases? Can
influenza viruses be subtyped in the country, if so by whom,
and if not where are they sent? Does the country send
samples to a WHO/EU/U.S. reference laboratory?
There is no local lab capacity for strain identification;
provisions have been made for specimen transfer to CAREC in
Trinidad. Post has been unable thus far to ascertain how
long it would typically take to diagnose an animal or human
avian flu case in St. Kitts, but will report that information
septel.
12. What are the critical gaps that need to be filled to
enhance the country's disease detection and outbreak response
capabilities? What is the country's greatest need in this
area from the U.S. or international organizations?
The most critical gap is public health care staffing. Some
important positions in the country's public health system are
occupied by a sole person. Should such a worker take sick or
leave, respective public health activities would suffer until
the worker is replaced. PAHO and CAREC are aware of this
issue, however, and are planning to establish a regional
rapid-response personnel team to complement vulnerable
national health systems.
--------------
Response/Containment
--------------
13. Does the country have a stockpile of medications,
particularly of antivirals, and if so how much? If some has
been ordered, how much and when is it expected?
GOSKN does not have a stockpile of medications or vaccines.
Medication and vaccine availability during a pandemic is the
critical issue given that St. Kitts and Nevis is not a
producing country.
14. Does the country have a stockpile of pre-positioned
personal protective gear?
St. Kitts and Nevis has an inadequate amount of personal
protective gear, but inventory augmentation is ongoing.
15. What is the rapid response capacity for animal and human
outbreaks? Are guidelines in place for the culling and
vaccination of birds, disinfection of facilities, and
limitations on animal movement?
The Animal Health Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture is
responsible for surveillance and response activities.
BRIDGETOWN 00000087 003 OF 003
Guidelines exist and updates are facilitated by PAHO. Human
outbreaks will be managed using social-distancing measures in
the community and quarantine within hospitals or other
designated facilities.
16. How willing and capable is the government of imposing
quarantines and social distancing measures (closing schools,
public gatherings, mass transit)? Would its military enforce
quarantines?
The GOSKN plans to implement all required public health
measures, including quarantines, as a matter of law and with
full enforcement, using all available means.
GILROY