Mexico Seeks to Coordinate H1N1 Vaccine

UNCLAS MEXICO 003044 SENSITIVE, SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/MEX STATE FOR OES/IHB STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC EAID MX SUBJECT: Mexico Seeks to Coordinate H1N1 Vaccine Deliveries SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. This is an action request. ¶2. (SBU) Summary: Secretary of Health Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos requested a meeting with the Ambassador on October 16 to ask that the United States consider coordinating with Mexico on the delivery of 5 million doses of H1N1 vaccine from the United States. Cordova said that the Mexico has purchased 20 million doses from Sanofi-Aventis. Delivery will not be until the end of December, too late to help for the H1N1 flu season. He said that Sanofi-Aventis has indicated that it cannot provide supplies any sooner because its supplies are going to the United States. Cordova would like the U.S. to consider whether the U.S. would allow Sanofi- Aventis to accelerate the delivery of 5 million doses out of the total that Mexico has purchased, so that it can be used with strategic at-risk groups such as health care providers who could reduce the risk of contagion both within Mexico and potentially the United States. Cordova is not asking for financing or a loan. His argument is that coordinating a first round of vaccinations between the United States and Mexico to vaccinate potential multipliers of infections might have the best net impact in Mexico and the United States when there are net shortages in both countries. Embassy Mexico requests guidance. End Summary. ¶3. (SBU) Vaccine orders placed by the Government of Mexico are running behind schedule. Cordova has focused his attention on getting enough vaccine early to vaccinate at-risk groups, such as health care workers and pregnant women. The GOM's inability to protect health care workers from H1N1 could have a multiplying effect upon the rate of influenza infection in the Mexican population, a trend that could potentially cross the border. Cordova has written to HHS Secretary Sibelius to request her assistance. Post understands that HHS will provide a written response to Cordova's request. Ambassador noted that the U.S. also faces internal shortages and delays. ¶4. (SBU) Comment and action request: On the surface, Cordova's request has a compelling logic: with transnational diseases, the best interventions up front may be to protect those who could be multipliers of the spread of the disease. Embassy Mexico does not have the expertise to judge the technical merits of Cordova's request. It is important to underscore that he is not asking for a loan or a donation. Rather, he is asking that the United States and Mexico coordinate on the phased delivery of vaccine to cover the "key multipliers" first, and that this will produce the best net impact for both of our populations. Embassy Mexico requests that the Department consult with HHS and advise how best to advise Cordova, who is genuinely trying to manage a difficult situation of shortages and delays, especially as the media in Mexico report on the arrival of vaccines in other countries. PASCUAL