U.S. Provides Yellow Fever Assistance to Paraguay
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2008
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are providing $50,000 to the Pan American Health Organization for the people of Paraguay in response to a Yellow Fever outbreak and shortage of vaccine. Paraguay has been under an epidemiological alert for a Yellow Fever outbreak since early February.
As of February 25, the Government of Paraguay's (GOP) Ministry of Health has confirmed 13 cases of Yellow Fever and received reports of a total of 58 cases, including three that resulted in death. Public concern over the outbreak and shortage of vaccinations has resulted in demonstrations, highway blockades and long lines outside hospitals in order to receive the vaccine. The GOP issued a national emergency declaration on February 15 and has appealed for additional doses of the vaccine. In response, U.S. Ambassador James C. Cason declared an emergency on February 19.
The Pan American Health Organization is using this funding, as well as contributions from other donors, and working with the GOP Ministry of Health to assist with Yellow Fever vaccination activities. These activities include mobilizing doses from neighboring countries, supporting labs through lab equipment, testing kits and commodities and surveillance activities.
The U.S. Government stands ready to further assist the people of Paraguay should it be necessary.
For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.
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