H1N1: GREECE WILLING TO PROVIDE ADVICE, NOT VACCINES

UNCLAS ATHENS 001531 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE PASS HHS STATE FOR OES/IHB JONES AND IO/HS BLACKWOOD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KFLU WHO AORC SUBJECT: H1N1: GREECE WILLING TO PROVIDE ADVICE, NOT VACCINES REF: STATE 99707 ¶1. SUMMARY: In a response to reftel demarche, the Greek Ministry of Health indicated that it was not in a position to contribute vaccines to the US-led World Health Organization effort to aid developing countries ahead of the anticipated autumn flu season. The Ministry did offer technical and scientific assistance to developing countries in the form of expert advice, to be provided on an "as needed" basis. Greece may feel underprepared itself, stating it only has enough vaccines for about 40% of its population. Additionally, on September 30, for the first time based solely on H1N1 fears, Greek health authorities decided to close a number of schools, after 30 students and one teacher were diagnosed with the virus. END SUMMARY ¶2. On September 28, Econoff delivered reftel points to Dr. Panagiotis Efstathiou, Governor of the National Center of Health Operations (EKEPY),Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity. Efstathiou provided a written statement to Embassy stating that Greece does not have the capacity to produce vaccines against the flu pandemic and has only sufficient vaccine supplies to cover approximately 40% of the Greek population, according to the Ministry's experts. (COMMENT: Many officials in the Greek Government were not available, or refused official meetings, because of the expected change in government after the October 4 snap elections. END COMMENT) Efstathiou added that the vaccine strategy in Greece aims to protect high-risk patients and ensure the normal operation of the health care system. He thought that it would be difficult for Greece to donate vaccines at this point, as they are anticipating a serious autumn flu season. Efstathiou noted that Greece would consider it a priority to assist a European country in need, particularly if it is a member of the EU. ¶3. Local H1N1 fears in Greece may be growing for good reason. On September 30, health authorities in Athens decided to shut down two secondary schools where 30 students and one teacher contracted the H1N1 virus. According to local press reports, two private schools-the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation and Pierce College-were closed after dozens of students showed symptoms of the virus. The Minister of Health released a statement that the schools were to remain closed for at least a week. EKEPY noted that about 5,000 elementary to high school aged students have shown H1N1 symptoms in the past three weeks. ¶4. Despite serious local concerns, the Ministry of Health appeared to want to provide some offering to the US-led effort to combat H1N1. Efstathiou added that Greece is willing to provide technical assistance in the form of scientific advice from Greek experts to developing countries. Efstathiou's contact information, per reftel request, is provided in paragraph 5. ¶5. Dr. Panagiotis Efstathiou Governor of National Center of Health Operations (EKEPY) Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity 39 Kifissias Avenue, Marousi Athens, Greece (+30) 210-682-8350 (+30) 210-682-2445 Speckhard