PARAGUAY ASKS USG FOR DENGUE HELP

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000186 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/BSC STATE PASS TO USAID NSC FOR SUE CRONIN SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MASS MOPS MARR PREL PGOV PA SUBJECT: PARAGUAY ASKS USG FOR DENGUE HELP REF: ASUNCION 0180 AND PRECEDING ¶1. (U) This is an Action request, see para 2. ¶2. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: As discussed in reftel, the Government of Paraguay requested USG help March 5 with its dengue epidemic, specifically asking for help in purchasing industrial-sized sprayers for dengue fumigation. Reftel requested assistance from USAID/OFDA, which has agreed to provide USD 50,000 to Paraguay through the Pan-Amercian Health Organization. Post understands that OFDA is not able to provide insecticides or associated equipment but is unsure if those restrictions apply to DOD. The Ambassador requests that DOD consider providing humanitarian assistance in response to Paraguay's request. Please confer with DOD/SOUTHCOM and the Massachusetts National Guard State Partnership Program soonest to see if they can provide assistance. GOP requested a tire shredder (which USAID is providing),20 fumigators, medicines, medical supplies, and testing equipment. (NOTE: Flight forecasting indicates there are airlift assets previously scheduled to come to Paraguay in the next two weeks. Post would like to take advantage of any additional pallet space available. END NOTE). The Government of Paraguay last week declared the dengue fever situation a national emergency in light of the country,s worst outbreak in seven years. More than 17,725 cases have been confirmed although it is believed that the real number is much higher (perhaps by a factor of ten). Ten deaths have occurred as a result of dengue or related-complications. CASON