GOA STRUGGLING TO PLAN FOR H1N1, PAY FOR VACCINE

C O N F I D E N T I A L TIRANA 000596 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2019 TAGS: AMGT CASC KFLU PINR PREL AL SUBJECT: GOA STRUGGLING TO PLAN FOR H1N1, PAY FOR VACCINE Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Deborah A. Jones, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) Summary: As of September 1, there have been 30 confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in Albania. The GOA's slow response has hindered its ability to procure the H1N1 vaccine. Lack of funds for the purchase of a sufficient number of vaccine doses and failure to plan weaken Albania's overall preparedness to contain the virus should a significant outbreak occur. Both UNICEF and the World Bank have expressed wiliness to assist Albania. During an August 28 meeting with the Director of the Institute of Public Health, USAID and the Embassy were asked to provide assistance. Health officials remain concerned about the potential for a major H1N1 outbreak following the opening of school on September 15, and education officials have hinted publicly that middle schools would be closed if necessary. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) A total of 30 cases of the H1N1pmed in Albania since July fficials, 200 doses of Tamiflu in swith an additional 8,500 doses on order. TaQiflu is available in local pharmacies but at a hQgh price. ¶3. (SBU) The GOA is negotiating directly with pharmaceutical companies to purchase the vaccine. WHO Representative Anshu Banerjee told Ambassy Offs that GlaxoSmithKline has been "responsive." However, Albania is considered a low priority for pharmaceutical companies because of its small population. Dr. Banerjee also said that WHO will distribute the vaccine to poor countries but that Albania most likely will not qualify due to its income level. With GDP per capita of approximately USD 3,700, Albania is not among the poorest countries in the world. ¶4. (SBU) UNICEF has agreed to procure the vaccine for Albania if WHO provides technical specifications and if GOA makes a formal request for assistance, which it has not yet done. ¶5. (SBU) The government has said it believes the flu is widespread and is now focusing its efforts on vaccination procurement and on establishing intensive care units at hospitals. At an August 28th meeting with USAID and Embassy representatives, Bejtja asked for assistance with vaccine procurement and the procurement and furnishing of suitable intensive care units for hospitals both inside and outside Tirana. ¶6. (C) The GOA must identify USD 3 million in its budget to pay for the 300,000 doses of vaccine that it wants to order. With the projected 2009 revenue shortfall, the GOA is unable to tap its contingency fund. While GOA officials say funds will be available in the 2010 budget, the peak flu season begins this fall and next year's budget funds are not expected to be available until February or March. The GOA has the funds to purchase 40,000 doses of vaccine now, which health officials claim will cover those most at risk from H1N1 virus. ¶7. (C) Comment: The 30 H1N1 cases to date have been relatively mild, with most patients recovering fully. Only one serious case of the virus has been reported in recent days. The number of confirmed cases is low because, in large measure, detection and confirmation efforts are limited. In containing the virus, the GOA faces two hurdles: a lack of funds to purchase needed vaccines and bureaucratic delays in initiating preparedness plans and treatment. Health officials are aware of the potential vulnerability and have started to step-up their planning and public education programs. Increased press reporting, which is generally critical of the government's efforts, may also spur the government into action. JONES