Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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07ASUNCION202 | 2007-03-13 22:28:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Asuncion |
VZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHAC #0202/01 0722228 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 132228Z MAR 07 FM AMEMBASSY ASUNCION TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5445 INFO RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA IMMEDIATE 0377 RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUMIAAA/USCINCSO MIAMI FL//SCJ3/SCJ33/SCJ34/SOCSO LNO// IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHEHNCS/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHDC IMMEDIATE |
UNCLAS ASUNCION 000202 |
1. (U) This is an action request, see para 10 and 11. 2. (U) President Duarte, under law 3159 and Presidential Decree 9056, declared the dengue fever situation a national emergency February 27. In what is the country,s worst outbreak in seven years, more than 19,189 cases have been confirmed since January: it is believed that the real number is much higher (perhaps by a factor of ten). There are 27 people hospitalized with dengue and 46 cases of dengue hemorraghic fever. Ten deaths have occurred as a result of dengue or related-complications. SEN ASKS FOR HELP -------------------------- 3. (U) The Paraguayan National Emergency Secretariat (SEN) requested USG help March 5 with its dengue epidemic (reftels). In its original request SEN asked for assistance in acquiring 20 industrial-sized fumigators and a tire shredder. Separately, USAID/OFDA allocated USD 50,000 through the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) to the GOP. PAHO intends to use the funds to pay for laboratory equipment, training in the treatment and management of patients with dengue, medical supplies, and strengthening of health promotion activities at the community level. 4. (U) FUMIGATORS: Due to regulations, USAID/OFDA and DOD both have indicated that they are not/not able to provide the fumigators or insecticides. In light of USG no-go on the fumigators, SEN requested the (U.S.-based) National Cancer Coalition (NCC) to provide the vehicle-mounted fumigators (from Clarke Roselle, IL - www.clarkemosquito.com). Should NCC agree, USG humanitarian air transport may be requested so as to expedite this emergency assistance. 5. (U) TIRE SHREDDER: LEFORT, a local vender, has been identified by SEN for the tire shredder, they are awaiting PAHO's decision to purchase (with OFDA funds). A decision by PAHO is expected March 14. 6. (U) MEDICINES: The Ministry of Health requested SEN seek additional support for medicines March 9. SEN requested assistance from the USG March 13 and provided a list. Paraguay has received no support for medicines to date. OTHER FOREIGN DENGUE AID -------------------------- 7. (U) Foreign assistance to Paraguay to combat dengue thus far has been limited. Taiwan,s ambassador received minimal print coverage for a sealed envelope donation of USD 100,000 to a health department official intended to combat dengue. Spain has donated 50,000 Euros. Technical health assistance has been provided by Argentina, Brazil France and Taiwan. No additional technical support is requested at this time. PUBLIC RESPONSE -------------------------- 8. (U) The SEN has launched a massive public affairs campaign which includes flyers, banners, handouts and a web site. In addition, radio and T.V. spots have appeared on local programming. SEN is working with the Ministry of Health to train approximately 400 persons to go door-to-door to discuss dengue control. The Paraguayan Military is providing three teams of 200 soldiers to identify mosquito breeding grounds and report to the SEN operations center. 9. (U) The SEN eradication procedure calls for notifying the municipality or property owner of areas requiring clean-up. If there are no results after 15 days, the SEN notifies the District Attorney who will then take legal action. ACTION REQUEST -------------------------- 10. (U) The Ambassador and Country Team request that State and DOD seriously consider providing humanitarian assistance in response to Paraguay's request. The Paraguayans are specifically seeking USG assistance to acquire the following medical items (worth approximately USD 75,000): a. NS1 Dengue Antigen Virus Kit, 96 tests/box, 10 boxes b. Anti Human IGM - MIU Chain, 1-1 milligram bottle, 2 bottles c. Dengue IGG, 96 tests/box, 5 boxes d. Dengue IGM, 96 tests/box, 40 boxes e. Rapid tests for dengue antibodies, 96 tests/box, 5000 boxes f. 8 wheels strip x 12 polystryrene (Maxisorp Lockwell C8), 60 pill holder x 96 holders/box, 5 boxes g. 8 wheels strip x 12 polystryrene (Polisorp Lockwell C8), 60 pill holder x 96 holders/box, 5 boxes 11. (U) Post requests that DoD consider air transport, under the Denton Amendment, for any donated medical items and fumigators, whether donated by the USG or by the NCC. (FYI: The NCC, prior to the dengue emergency, already had plans to donate USD 30 million worth of cancer, dengue and other medical supplies to Paraguay, this year alone. The Ambassador will meet with the NCC's President on a visit here Tuesday, March 20. NCC and the Ambassador intend a high-profile public turnover of one container-full of non-dengue specific medicines (sent by sea months ago) to GOP officials upon its release from Customs. 12. (SBU) COMMENT: This is an opportunity for the USG to demonstrate that we too can be nimble and quick in responding to emergency situations in Latin America. The humanitarian aid will improve the USG image amongst the population and we could use the aid (through the press) as an opportunity to highlight our MEDRETES and other assistance that has been stalled by the lack of an agreement and/or government action. U.S. military transport would not only speed delivery but highlight the benefits of a close Paraguayan relationship with the USG. Asuncion PD has planned a multi-faceted outreach effort including media events, press releases, Embassy publications, radio interviews and other means to explain U.S. efforts to assist the Government of Paraguay in the current dengue epidemic. Media coverage could be expected to be substantial. END COMMENT. CASON |