EL SALVADOR WORKING WITH WHO AND PAHO TO IMPLEMENT

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 000926 FOR OES/IHB JOSEPH KOWALSKI AND IO/T ANN BLACKWOOD HHS FOR INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS PROGRAM SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC PREL TBIO WHO ES SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR WORKING WITH WHO AND PAHO TO IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS REF: STATE 33263 ¶1. USAID Human Investment Office Director delivered reftel demarche on July 1 to Minister of Health (MOH) Dr. Jose Guillermo Maza. Dr. Maza reported progress in the implementation of International Health Regulations (IHRs) in El Salvador. The MOH has been working since 2005 on implementation of IHRs and currently has a "relatively satisfactory" rating (3 out of a possible 5) under the rating system of the World Health Organization (WHO) for IHR implementation. ¶2. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the WHO are providing technical assistance to the MOH on human health and surveillance, and to the Ministry of Agriculture and the International Regional Organization for Animal Health (OIRSA) on animal health and surveillance. The MOH serves as the National IHR Focal Point. It is currently focusing on norms and guidance and beginning to implement surveillance programs. In addition to sharing the U.S. implementation plan, USAID offered to provide technical assistance. Maza appreciated the offer, but said the MOH is satisfied with PAHO and WHO assistance. He promised to contact USAID if the MOH wants to review the U.S. implementation plan or discuss further assistance. BLAU