Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DHAKA1142
2006-03-06 09:25:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:
AVIAN INFLUENZA: SITUATION UPDATE MARCH 5
how-toVZCZCXRO8823 PP RUEHHM RUEHLN RUEHPB DE RUEHKA #1142 0650925 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 060925Z MAR 06 FM AMEMBASSY DHAKA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5805 INFO RUEHZN/ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COLLECTIVE RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 7653 RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 7334 RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 1000 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 8418 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 8929 RUEHGO/AMEMBASSY RANGOON 2442 RUEHCI/AMCONSUL CALCUTTA
UNCLAS DHAKA 001142
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
S/ES-O/CMS,SCA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC AMED KFLO AEMR BG
SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA: SITUATION UPDATE MARCH 5
REF: A. A. STATE 219189
B. B. NEW DELHI 01519 (AND PREVIOUS)
C. C. DHAKA 006421
UNCLAS DHAKA 001142
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
S/ES-O/CMS,SCA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC AMED KFLO AEMR BG
SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA: SITUATION UPDATE MARCH 5
REF: A. A. STATE 219189
B. B. NEW DELHI 01519 (AND PREVIOUS)
C. C. DHAKA 006421
1. Summary: An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian
influenza (HPAI) in India (Ref B) has eventual consequences
for Bangladesh, although no tripwires have been crossed.
Progress has been made at post in disseminating information
to AmCits and Embassy personnel, as well as in increasing
post's ability to shelter in place. Bangladesh remains
woefully unprepared to identify an outbreak or treat
symptoms, but forthcoming international assistance should
help.
2. On March 5, the Mission Avian Influenza working group met
to discuss the preparedness stance at post and in-country.
There have been several developments since the Ref C report.
In a February 6 Town Hall meeting, the RMO briefed AmCits on
the situation and on general health precautions. These points
will also be made at an upcoming Town Hall meeting to be held
during America Week in Chittagong. The RMO has also posted
an article in the Mission-wide newsletter with general
information on HPAI and MED guidance.
3. Because of the limitations of host-country medical
facilities (Ref C),the Medical Unit is active in its
preparations to provide shelter-in-place care. They have
conducted a survey of all personnel who have medical
training, as well as those who would be willing to volunteer
to provide care in the event of an outbreak. Motorpool has
an ambulance vehicle that has been equipped with a generator
and basic supplies. In the event of a pandemic influenza
outbreak, this vehicle would be used by the Medical Unit to
provide care to Mission personnel in their residences. Post
is still awaiting shipments of Tamiflu and additional PPE
from MED.
4. The National Advisory Committee for Avian Influenza
within the BDG has approved a plan that would cost nearly
$120 million to implement, and is seeking funding. USAID has
pledged $500,000 towards programs that will build the
capacity of the BDG to conduct regular surveillance and to
diagnose the disease in laboratories. ICDDR,B has submitted
a proposal to USAID and others to upgrade its lab facilities
to be able to test for HPAI viruses under proper bio-security
conditions. The CDC representative at ICDDR,B continues to
provide lab and other training to the BDG in each of its 64
districts.
5. The Mission AI working group will continue to make
preparations according to MED guidance. The group will meet
again next month, or as needed.
CHAMMAS
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
S/ES-O/CMS,SCA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC AMED KFLO AEMR BG
SUBJECT: AVIAN INFLUENZA: SITUATION UPDATE MARCH 5
REF: A. A. STATE 219189
B. B. NEW DELHI 01519 (AND PREVIOUS)
C. C. DHAKA 006421
1. Summary: An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian
influenza (HPAI) in India (Ref B) has eventual consequences
for Bangladesh, although no tripwires have been crossed.
Progress has been made at post in disseminating information
to AmCits and Embassy personnel, as well as in increasing
post's ability to shelter in place. Bangladesh remains
woefully unprepared to identify an outbreak or treat
symptoms, but forthcoming international assistance should
help.
2. On March 5, the Mission Avian Influenza working group met
to discuss the preparedness stance at post and in-country.
There have been several developments since the Ref C report.
In a February 6 Town Hall meeting, the RMO briefed AmCits on
the situation and on general health precautions. These points
will also be made at an upcoming Town Hall meeting to be held
during America Week in Chittagong. The RMO has also posted
an article in the Mission-wide newsletter with general
information on HPAI and MED guidance.
3. Because of the limitations of host-country medical
facilities (Ref C),the Medical Unit is active in its
preparations to provide shelter-in-place care. They have
conducted a survey of all personnel who have medical
training, as well as those who would be willing to volunteer
to provide care in the event of an outbreak. Motorpool has
an ambulance vehicle that has been equipped with a generator
and basic supplies. In the event of a pandemic influenza
outbreak, this vehicle would be used by the Medical Unit to
provide care to Mission personnel in their residences. Post
is still awaiting shipments of Tamiflu and additional PPE
from MED.
4. The National Advisory Committee for Avian Influenza
within the BDG has approved a plan that would cost nearly
$120 million to implement, and is seeking funding. USAID has
pledged $500,000 towards programs that will build the
capacity of the BDG to conduct regular surveillance and to
diagnose the disease in laboratories. ICDDR,B has submitted
a proposal to USAID and others to upgrade its lab facilities
to be able to test for HPAI viruses under proper bio-security
conditions. The CDC representative at ICDDR,B continues to
provide lab and other training to the BDG in each of its 64
districts.
5. The Mission AI working group will continue to make
preparations according to MED guidance. The group will meet
again next month, or as needed.
CHAMMAS