MGSF01: PODGORICA EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING

UNCLAS PODGORICA 000111 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KFLU AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO TBIO KSAF KPAO PREL PINR, AMGT, MG, MW SUBJECT: MGSF01: PODGORICA EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING REF: STATE 41768 ¶1. (U) On 29 April 2009, Post's Emergency Action Committee convened to review Post's Pandemic Influenza tripwires (RefTel) and developments related to the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. The DCM chaired the EAC; RSO, POL/ECON, POL/MIL, CONS, PAO, DAO, and Belgrade RMO (via teleconference) attended. ¶2. (SBU) RMO Muhm briefed EAC members on the significance of the WHO decision to raise its Pandemic Alert Level to Level 4 (crossing the threshold of EAP Tripwire #2). He added that no confirmed cases of H1N1 have been reported in the Balkan region. ¶3. (SBU) CONS reported that the Government of Montenegro (GoM) had earlier in the week convened representatives of the main health institutions to coordinate the government response to H1N1. The Ministry of Health plans to designate a standing point of contact for WHO and foreign missions. RMO's assessment of local health capacity is that the medical establishment has little surge capacity or alternate sites to cope with a pandemic. ¶3. (SBU) Post actions: 7 EAC will continue to monitor regional and local developments related to H1N1. 7 Items listed in Tripwires #1 and #2 have been addressed. 7 Action items for Tripwire #3 will be reviewed. 7 Post has reviewed medical supply stock and will request new supplies as needed to fill any shortfalls. 7 Section heads will keep their staff informed and provide information on preventive measures. 7 Post will continue contacts with the GoM to determine the effectiveness of its response. ¶4. (U) EAC will convene again, particularly if any information suggests that conditions in Montenegro or the surrounding region are deteriorating. MOORE