US embassy cable - 05HOCHIMINHCITY1046

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HO CHI MINH CITY 001046 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
STATE FOR FOR CA/OCS/ACS/EAP; EAP/EX; EAP/BCLTV; 
STATE FOR OES/STC (M.GOLDBERG); OES/IHA (D.SINGER AND 
N.COMELLA); EB FOR CBA/MERMOUD 
BANGKOK FOR RMO, CDC, USAID/RDM/A (MFRIEDMAN) 
STATE PASS HHS/OGHA (WSTEIGER, EELVANDER, ABHAT) 
USDA FOR FAS/PASS TO APHIS 
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FOR OSD/ISA/AP FOR LEW STERN 
USAID FOR ANE AND GH (DCAROLL, SCLEMENTS AND PCHAPLIN) 
DEPT PASS TO AID 
AMEMBASSY ROME PASS FODAG 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EAGR, ECON, AMED, TBIO, CASC, PGOV, SENV, SOCI, VM, AFLU 
SUBJECT: AVIAN FLU: U.S. BUSINESS CONCERN GROWS 
 
1.   SUMMARY (U) ConGen has noted an increase in interest in 
Avian Influenza (AI) pandemic preparedness among American 
Citizens and the U.S. business community in Ho Chi Minh City 
(HCMC).  In searching for answers, more and more individuals 
are turning to the ConGen for guidance.  An informal 
sampling of the foreign business community in HCMC shows a 
great variety in the level of preparedness.  END SUMMARY. 
 
2.   (U) There has been a noticeable increase in the number 
of inquiries about AI from Americans working in HCMC.  In 
general, the mood has shifted from vague concern to an 
active search for answers to specific questions.  The 
European Chamber of Commerce recently organized an 
informational luncheon about AI, and the International 
School of Ho Chi Minh City - where most school-age ConGen 
dependents study - had a parent-teacher evening to discuss 
AI concerns.  The HCMC American Chamber of Commerce has 
discussed AI in committee as an animal health issue, and has 
begun an ad hoc effort to collect information and compare 
notes regarding AI pandemic preparedness among its members. 
 
3.   (SBU) The primary focus of inquiries from the 
expatriate community is on the stockpiling and use of the 
antiviral drug Tamiflu.  Cargill, British Petroleum (BP), 
the Franco-Vietnamese Hospital (a hospital used primarily by 
the French expatriate community), and International SOS (a 
medical services provider for many foreign companies), all 
have stores of Tamiflu.  Cargill Vietnam has 5,000 doses of 
the antiviral and also has an AI awareness education program 
for its employees. (Note - Cargill's Vietnam business 
centers on production and marketing of agricultural feeds.) 
BP Vietnam began work six month ago on its preparedness 
plan, which we believe includes some Tamiflu stockpiling. 
The Franco-Vietnamese Hospital (FV) reported to EconOff that 
it had enough Tamiflu for its 500-plus staff.  (Note:  FV 
would not clarify to EconOff whether this means it has 
enough Tamiflu for a prophylaxis regimen or post-exposure 
treatment only. End note.) 
 
4.   (SBU) American companies also have human resource 
concerns related to AI.  For example, while Nike has only 
200-plus direct-hire employees in Vietnam, it employs 
116,000 Vietnamese through its contractors.  While Nike may 
not be directly responsible for these individuals, the 
company is looking for guidance on measures that could raise 
the general level of AI preparedness.  Garment buyer MAST 
Industries, a subsidiary of The Limited Clothing Company, 
has also expressed to ConGen concerns similar to Nike's. 
 
5. (U) Health experts from International SOS recommended in 
a presentation to the international business community that 
companies prepare a plan of action using World Health 
Organization (WHO) tripwires, phases one through six. 
International SOS further recommends that companies educate 
employees about flu symptoms and ask that individuals who 
have the flu stay away from the office for 10 days.  In 
addition, according to this regimen, companies should stock 
up on hygienic supplies such as cleansers, masks and gloves, 
and should purchase enough Tamiflu for 20-30 percent of 
their employees (the predicted infection rate). 
 
6. (U) COMMENT:  Many companies that have just begun 
preparing for a broader possible AI outbreak have contacted 
the Consulate for guidance and information.  ConGen has 
advised those who ask to consult the websites of the 
Department, the Centers for Disease Control and WHO.   These 
inquiries are likely to increase in frequency.  END COMMENT 
 
WINNICK