TFFLU01 EL SALVADOR H1N1 UPDATE

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 000423


DEPT FOR DS/ITA, DS/OP/WHA, DS/D, DS/M, CA, S/CT, INR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO KFLU EAID ES
SUBJECT: TFFLU01 EL SALVADOR H1N1 UPDATE


1. The Government of El Salvador (GOES) has extended its emergency
decree in response to the H1N1 Influenza Outbreak to May 18. The
country reports four confirmed cases, two probable cases and five
suspected cases.


2. USAID and SOUTHCOM coordinated the delivery of 5,100 Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to El Salvador, which were presented
on May 12 by SOUTHCOM Civilian Deputy Commander Ambassador Trivelli,
SOUTHCOM Military Deputy Commander Lt General Spears, Charge and
USAID Acting Director to the Minister of Health. The PPE kits
include 5,100 masks, which remain in short supply in El Salvador.
The PPEs will be delivered to hospitals, clinics and other
government health facilities throughout the country. On the same
day, the Pan American Health Organization donated 10,000 treatments
of tamiflu.


3. To date, the total value of USG donations to El Salvador is
$105,800. In response to a GOES request, additional donated items
include a national educational campaign that features airport
banners, prevention flyers, instructional CDs and DVDs, and TV and
radio spots. Post is exploring further financing of additional
masks and media messages.

Blau