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