MGSF01: Brunei's response to H1N1

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000099 SENSITIVE SIPDIS SINGAPORE FOR MED/BROWNL STATE FOR CA/OCS/EAP STATE FOR EAP/MTS/COPPOLAMG STATE FOR S/ES-O/CMS EPARRA STATE FOR M/PRI/MORRITZR STATE FOR OES/AIAG STATE FOR REO/BKK/HOWARDH HHS FOR OGHA CDC ATLANTA FOR CCID AND COGH USDA FOR APHIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC TBIO PREL PINR BX SUBJECT: MGSF01: Brunei's response to H1N1 SUMMARY 1.(SBU) Brunei has yet to report a confirmed H1N1 cases. Two suspected cases were recently cleared by Brunei's Ministry of Health. Brunei has instituted their National Pandemic Action Plan. Ambassador Todd has asked for updates from GoB on the action plan. To date, there has been a series of public health warning, mirroring WHO guidelines. In addition, Brunei is screening arriving passenger at Brunei's only airport via thermal scanners. There has not been a reduction in flights from Brunei's national airline. In addition, primary screening facilities have been set up at medical clinics, as well as establishing an isolation facility at a local hospital. Embassy officials held an EAC to discuss current situation in Brunei. In addition, Embassy staff met with other local embassies to discuss contingency plans. The only notable concern, to date, is a report of lack of Tamiflu at certain medical offices and facilities used by the expatriate community. End Summary. BRUNEI'S RESPONSE TO H1N1 -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On April 27th, the Ministry of Health (MoH) held an emergency meeting on H1N1 virus. Starting on April 28th, a series of public notices were issued throughout Brunei. In addition, thermal scanners were placed at the Brunei International Airport as well as the main commercial port. Brunei does have the capability of placing scanning equipment at land borders but has not chosen to do so at this point in time. To date, there are no confirmed H1N1 cases in Brunei. Two Bruneians returned from Canada were placed in isolation upon their return but were cleared. (NOTE: Brunei does not have appropriate testing facilities and send all samples to the WHO Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia. End Note.) The National Disaster Management Center (NDMC) has also met with MoH officials to discuss next steps Brunei will take and both organizations are looking to update Brunei's National Pandemic Action Plan. Ambassador Todd, along with other members of the diplomatic corp, have asked the MoH, along with the NDMC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to brief the diplomatic corp on Brunei's action plan. EMBASSY BRUNEI PREPARED -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Embassy EAC met (see Septel) on April 30th. Current embassy supplies of Tamiflu and PPE are sufficient but embassy will look to augment as appropriate. Tripwires were reviewed. Warden message has been sent to all AmCits within Brunei with an update on the local conditions. Embassy officials also met with Australian, British, and Canadian embassies to discuss contingency planning. All missions are using the opportunity to review contingency plans and beginning preparations should the H1N1 virus appear in Brunei or surrounding Malaysian states. All missions agreed to share information and updates, as appropriate. MEDICINE AND FLIGHTS -------------- ¶4. (SBU) MoH reports 500,000 Tamiflu tablets are available within Brunei's national health stockpile. MoH stated they will ask to drawdown 500,000 more Tamiflu tablets from the ASEAN stockpile shortly. There are reports that the Jerudong Park Medical Center (JPMC) does not have Tamiflu in stock. In addition, certain medical offices used by the expatriate community also report not having Tamiflu on hand. MoH officials, some of whom sit on the board of JPMC, will be following up on this issue. In addition, many AmCits have access to privately run and well-stocked medical clinics operated by large multi-nationals, such as Brunei Shell Petroleum. The ability to receive new supplies should not be hindered as Brunei's national airline, Royal Brunei Airlines, has reported that they do not plan to curtail flights at this time. COMMENT -------------- BANDAR SER 00000099 002 OF 002 ¶5. (SBU) Embassy believes current response by Brunei's government has been sufficient given local conditions. Ambassador Todd and embassy staff continue to assess the situation daily. Brunei relative isolation and lack of direct air access could provide additional protection from the spread of H1N1 to Brunei. TODD