AGP Executive Report

Global Health & Equity: WHO estimates unsafe food sickens 866M people and kills 1.5M annually, with young children under 5 hit hardest and chemical hazards driving most deaths. Public Health Infrastructure: Papua New Guinea’s health minister says Port Moresby General Hospital is now Level Six under new standards, as overcrowding pressures grow with the city’s population far outpacing the hospital’s original design. Maternal WASH: Papua New Guinea’s NCDPHA and WaterAid PNG signed terms to expand WaSH Improvement for Maternal Health across the National Capital District. Ebola Preparedness & Governance: Kenya faces scrutiny over an Ebola facility in Laikipia, with legal challenges and calls for transparency as the government rolls out more isolation and treatment capacity. Adolescent Health: Kenya reports 15% of girls aged 15–19 are pregnant or mothers, prompting plans to strengthen comprehensive sexuality education. Food, Nutrition & Prevention: India’s protein intake is reportedly adequate overall, but heavy reliance on cereals leaves many households short on higher-quality pulses. Climate & Health: A new report from the World Inequality Lab argues a healthier, more equal world is possible with wealth taxes, shorter work hours, diet shifts, and faster decarbonisation. Health Systems & Access: West Bengal expands Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY coverage to 1.36 crore families, alongside new hospital capacity. Vaccines & Outbreak Response: Angola mobilized 3M oral cholera vaccine doses for its outbreak response, with campaign timing tied to epidemiology.

Ebola Response: WHO urged countries to lift travel restrictions tied to Ebola-affected nations, after Canada tightened entry rules and imposed 21-day self-isolation for recent travelers from parts of the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Public Health Preparedness: Nepal’s health ministry put Ebola prevention on “high alert,” boosting surveillance at Tribhuvan International Airport and border areas and preparing treatment and infection-control steps for health workers. Healthcare Policy & Access: In the U.S., GOP senators Ashley Moody and Dan Sullivan asked HHS to probe “improper” billing practices that they say drive high medical debt, arguing uninsured patients are often charged far above Medicare rates. Obesity Treatment Rollout: Novo Nordisk says oral Wegovy is set to reach UAE pharmacies within days, reflecting a shift toward treating obesity as a chronic disease needing long-term support. Maternal & Child Health: A study linked prolonged sitting in pregnancy (over 10 hours/day) with higher risks of adverse outcomes like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Cardiac Care Research: The American Heart Association launched a national heart transplant research network to tackle gaps in innovation, equity and outcomes. Nutrition & Chronic Disease: Cornell-led research found Americans widely view ultraprocessed foods as addictive and harmful, with bipartisan support for policies to curb them. Infectious Disease Watch: PAHO warned measles cases across the Americas have surged ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with most cases among unvaccinated or unknown-status people.

Ebola Response Under Strain (DRC/Uganda): The WHO has declared the DRC Ebola outbreak a public health emergency, but reporting shows suspected cases and deaths are still rising, with the DRC later revising suspected counts downward after testing rules out many “Ebola-like” illnesses; Uganda meanwhile confirmed six new infections, bringing its total to 15, as contact monitoring ramps up. Global Health Travel & Access: Dubai plans to streamline medical visas and create a coordinated patient journey with integrated systems across immigration, healthcare, and insurance to cut red tape for international patients. Universal Health Care Push (Bangladesh): Bangladesh’s finance minister says UHC will be introduced in the next budget to reduce high out-of-pocket spending, using a coordinated public-private-NGO approach. Cancer Care Progress (Prostate): ASCO coverage highlights the PROTEUS trial, reporting improved metastasis-free survival with intensified hormone therapy around radical prostatectomy. Public Health & Prevention (Indonesia/Nigeria): Indonesia expands free hepatitis screening to reach 136 million people, while Nigeria launches a major integrated vaccination drive targeting over 109 million children and adolescents. Health System Capacity (UK): A UK council’s adult social care service was rated “requires improvement,” citing long waits and overdue reviews. Climate & Health Risks (Sri Lanka/NL): Sri Lanka warns El Niño-linked hotter, drier months could pressure water and public health, while the Netherlands introduces a new heat intensity index as heat plans lag.

Ebola Watch (Kenya): Kenya’s High Court extended a suspension on a proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine facility near Nanyuki and ordered the government to disclose the full agreement and related health protocols, as protests reportedly turned deadly; President William Ruto defended the plan as part of national preparedness. Ebola Update (DRC/Uganda): WHO reported 321 confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC and 116 suspected after hundreds were ruled out, with 48 deaths and six recoveries; Uganda confirmed additional cases among contacts. Public Health in Conflict: Human Rights Watch renewed calls to protect healthcare in war, citing 2,546 “attacks on health” incidents across 33 countries in 2025 and warning that Resolution 2286’s promises aren’t being enforced. Health AI Governance: A Mount Sinai-led index finds health AI policy is growing fast but fragmented across 100+ bodies, with most rules focused on transparency and largely non-binding. New Treatments: UK MHRA authorized rilzabrutinib for adult immune thrombocytopenia after prior therapies failed. Maternal Care Campaign: The We Count campaign urged women to seek help for bladder leaks during pregnancy and after childbirth. Cardiac Access (UK/Ireland): A national audit found referral rates for advanced heart failure therapies vary widely and women are less likely to be referred. Brain Research: The Allen Institute launched a Brain Health accelerator with $400M committed to speed new treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

Ebola Response, Africa: India sent a second 43-tonne tranche of medical aid to Africa CDC—protective gear, diagnostics, medicines and nutritional supplements—to bolster preparedness as the outbreak expands. Ebola, US Policy: U.S. health officials warned Congress against a plan to treat Ebola-exposed Americans overseas, saying it could raise clinical and ethical risks and weaken response efforts at the source. Ebola, Kenya: President William Ruto defended a US-funded Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base as part of long-running health security cooperation to improve detection and isolation capacity. Public Health Enforcement, Fiji: Fiji’s proposed Public Health Amendment Bill would remove a decades-old exemption that left villages outside enforcement, aiming to speed action during outbreaks like dengue and leptospirosis. HIV Prevention, US: ViiV Healthcare launched the “PrEP Wisdom” campaign to encourage informed choices about long-acting injectable HIV prevention. Cancer Prevention, Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe is using sugar-tax revenue to expand cancer diagnosis and treatment, with new radiation and imaging equipment rolling out. Care Access, Philippines: Cebu launched its “Right to Care” program, letting residents formally name care partners for hospital support and emergency decisions. Workplace Health, Qatar: Qatar’s labour ministry rolled out a heat-stress protection campaign ahead of summer rules restricting outdoor work during peak hours.

Ebola Surge, Global Response: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still accelerating, with WHO warning of a public health emergency of international concern and new reporting suggesting the virus may have been spreading since January; authorities are also tracking suspected cases abroad, including Brazil and Italy, as the DRC and WHO reaffirm partnership to ramp up surveillance, labs, and patient care. Vaccine Push: CEPI is putting $60m into Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine candidates, including Moderna’s mRNA effort, to speed clinical testing. Heat Safety at Work: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour and partners launched a summer campaign to prevent heat stress, restricting outdoor work hours from 10:00am to 3:30pm unless ventilation is available. Public Health in Motion: A hantavirus-linked incident aboard the MV Hondius is resolved after deep cleaning and disinfection, with Dutch public health clearance allowing the ship to resume operations. Cardio Prevention for Men: A U.S. campaign for Men’s Health Month promotes low-cost heart and lung screening. Food Safety Oversight: Egypt moves to tighten enforcement across food factories, with penalties up to license revocation for violations. Maternal/Child Support: Compassion International Ghana ended an eight-year maternal and early childhood program in Tongu, shifting from survival support to longer-term development.

Ebola Response in Congo: WHO says five patients have recovered in eastern DR Congo as a new treatment centre opens in Bunia, but the outbreak footprint is widening and suspected cases are being investigated in Italy and Brazil after travel. Public Health Logistics: India dispatched its first tranche of medical supplies to Africa CDC to support Ebola detection and response. Tobacco & Vaping Push: World No Tobacco Day messaging is turning to youth vaping, warning that flavours and “nicotine-free” claims can still lure adolescents into addiction. Maternal Care Progress (India): NFHS-6 reports institutional deliveries rising to 90.6% in 2023-24, with antenatal care coverage improving. Disability-Inclusive Care (India): A World MS Day policy dialogue backed a 10-point declaration to improve recognition, healthcare access, insurance and workplace inclusion for “invisible” disabilities. Health Tech & AI Governance: Philips Korea was recognized for advancing regulatory dialogue on AI-powered medical devices, while WHO-linked efforts continue to shape global guardrails. Emergency Alerts (Australia): AusAlert will be tested nationwide in July, sending phone text warnings for public health and security emergencies. Heat & Health Equity (US): Penn researchers warn extreme heat worsens underlying conditions and call for stronger cooling support for vulnerable communities.

Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus reported five recoveries from the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain in eastern DR Congo as a new treatment center opens in Bunia, while authorities push for early care and community cooperation to contain spread. Conflict & Care Access: In southern Lebanon, an Israeli airstrike near Hiram Hospital injured 13 healthcare workers and caused severe damage, underscoring how fighting disrupts health services. Tobacco Control: Egypt’s drug-control fund marked World No Tobacco Day by warning smoking kills 8+ million people yearly and urging quitting support; Pakistan’s Endit Foundation also released a Lahore vaping survey calling for evidence-based harm-reduction policy. Digital Health at Scale: India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission crossed 90 crore ABHA accounts, expanding a national digital health identity system. Workforce Pressure: Ireland’s HSE staffing crisis is driving calls to recruit earlier by targeting students in schools, not just later job seekers. Cancer Care Advances: ASCO-bound trial updates include ivonescimab plus chemotherapy showing overall survival benefit in first-line squamous NSCLC.

Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in eastern DR Congo as the rare Ebola outbreak accelerates, urging safer burials and community trust while warning that travel bans and border closures can discourage transparency. Public Health Preparedness: Kenya stepped up Ebola readiness at JKIA, designating Gate 16 for high-risk arrivals, adding isolation capacity, and requiring online self-check forms for travelers. Travel and Health Policy: Mexico barred air entry from Uganda, DR Congo, and South Sudan for recent travelers, while the US expanded Ebola screenings to JFK ahead of the World Cup. Infectious Disease Watch: Haiti reported ongoing leprosy cases in Artibonite and Southeast, with PAHO/WHO supporting surveillance and free treatment. Maternal & Child Health: India’s NFHS-6 highlights gains in maternal nutrition and postnatal care in Telangana, alongside persistent gaps like low adequate diets for young children. Tobacco Control: WHO marked World No Tobacco Day with a focus on countering nicotine and tobacco addiction, including youth-targeted marketing. Cancer Care Advances: ASCO trial results suggest omitting axillary lymph node dissection can reduce arm complications without hurting survival in selected breast cancer patients.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Uganda): WHO says the first patient has recovered in the central Africa outbreak, but warns the death rate could be “huge” as suspected cases rise (906 in DR Congo, 223 deaths under investigation). Travel & Screening (US): Tarrant County, Texas is monitoring travelers returning from Ebola-affected countries; officials stress community risk remains low. Legal Block (Kenya/US): Kenya’s court temporarily halted a plan for a US Ebola quarantine facility; the US says it’s engaging Kenyan authorities to resolve objections. Public Health Systems (India): India’s Supreme Court orders all emergency helplines to be merged into “112” within three months, aiming to speed trauma care. Maternal & Child Health (India): NFHS-6 reports gains in institutional deliveries and antenatal care, alongside rising obesity and high blood sugar. Cancer Care (India): HCG opens a ₹130 crore, 110-bed cancer hospital in Bengaluru with advanced radiation therapy. Workplace Safety (Kenya): Kenya highlights occupational safety and health as a fundamental right as it marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Cybersecurity (US): FBI warns of healthcare-targeting cyber actors impersonating IT staff via calls and phishing.

FDA Decision: FDA accepted Cogent Biosciences’ NDA for bezuclastinib plus sunitinib for previously treated GIST and granted priority review, targeting an FDA action date of Nov. 30, 2026. Ebola Watch (Global): WHO reported 906 suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo, including 223 suspected deaths under investigation, as the outbreak continues to strain response capacity. Ebola Watch (Travel & Policy): The US, Canada, and Mexico announced aligned World Cup travel measures tied to Ebola risk, while CDC expanded entry screening to JFK and other major US airports; Kenya’s high court also blocked a US plan for an Ebola quarantine facility. Ebola Watch (Regional Readiness): Kenya intensified screening at 26 entry points and screened 58,000+ travelers with all suspected cases testing negative so far; Nigeria flagged 21 states as high or moderate importation risk and launched new emergency ambulance assets. Public Health (Vaccines): Boston warned of an mpox uptick and urged vaccination for higher-risk residents. Maternal & Child Health (India): NFHS-6 showed gains in antenatal care, institutional deliveries (to 90.6%), and full child vaccination (to 87.1%). Climate & Health (US): Phoenix confirmed its first heat-related death of 2026, while Houston reported a 329% surge in heat-related ER visits since 2019.

Ebola Response, Kenya/US: Kenya approved a US plan for a 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, with the US pledging about Ksh 1.74B; a rights group has filed a petition to stop it, while WHO warns DRC’s Ebola fight is being undermined by conflict, displacement, and mistrust. Ebola Response, North America: The US, Mexico, and Canada announced aligned travel measures for people arriving from the highest-risk African regions ahead of the FIFA World Cup, including Canada’s 90-day ban for residents from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan and a 21-day quarantine. Ebola Risk, Africa: Kenya formed a national Ebola response committee, and Nigeria’s health agency issued guidance to healthcare workers on preparedness for possible importation. Public Health, Respiratory: Qatar renewed RSV awareness, stressing vaccination in pregnancy (weeks 28–36) and free vaccine access for mothers and newborn protection. Early Alzheimer’s Detection: A study suggests a simple blood test could detect Alzheimer’s-related proteins in midlife, linked to cognitive differences years before symptoms. Weight-loss Drug Crackdown, South Africa: Regulators raided a Pretoria compounding pharmacy over unregistered injectable GLP-1 products, signaling tighter control of the compounded Ozempic/Mounjaro market. Hantavirus Update, US/Travel: US officials say some exposed passengers may return home with strict 24/7 monitoring after a cruise-linked Andes hantavirus quarantine. Care Gaps, Maternal Health: An investigation highlights deadly maternal healthcare failures in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district, with 53 deaths and long-standing emergency-care shortcomings. Community Health, Belize: Belize launched a 2026–2030 national community health strategy to expand and train community health workers and strengthen prevention and digital health.

Ebola Response Escalates in DRC: WHO chief Tedros heads to Congo as suspected Bundibugyo cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo top 1,000, with health workers warning the outbreak is “out of control” amid mistrust and attacks on facilities. Border and Travel Measures: Uganda shuts its border with Congo, while the U.S. expands Ebola screening at major airports and Canada and the U.S. align with Mexico on World Cup travel precautions. Regional Cooperation at the Top: An International Security Forum in Moscow stressed that health threats cross borders and require coordinated international cooperation for national stability. Global Health Supply Chains: India’s role as a major medicines supplier to Africa remains central to public health, with reports that India provides about 40% of Africa’s imported medicines. Cancer Screening Update: The American Cancer Society refreshes colorectal cancer screening guidance, keeping start at 45 for average risk and adding newer stool-based options plus a blood test for some patients. Long COVID Mechanism: Mount Sinai research links autoimmunity to long COVID symptoms in a subset of patients, pointing to more targeted treatment paths. Public Health Beyond Disease: Canada, U.S., and Mexico tighten World Cup health checks; Romania sees healthcare worker protests over public sector pay caps. Nutrition Push: Nigeria launches the “Choose Milk” campaign to improve children’s nutrition and clarify real milk vs creamers.

Ebola Response Escalates in Central Africa: WHO has recorded deaths and suspected cases of the rare Bundibugyo (BVD) Ebola strain in DRC, while Uganda confirms cases and deaths; the UN raised national risk in DRC to “very high” but keeps global risk “low.” Travel and Border Measures: DRC suspended flights to and from Bunia with limited exceptions, while Uganda halted direct flights and paused bus/boat crossings for four weeks; other countries are tightening entry rules and screening. Regional Spread Warnings: Africa CDC and DRC health officials warn the outbreak is moving beyond initial hotspots, including new reports in South Kivu amid insecurity that complicates response teams. US Policy Debate: Reports say the Trump administration is preparing a Kenya-based temporary quarantine and treatment plan for Americans exposed abroad, sparking questions about care and responsibility. India Precaution After Congo Exposure: Gujarat isolated four people in Ahmedabad after suspected exposure; tests are pending and officials urge calm. HIV Care Update (US): CDC reports slight improvements in linkage to care and viral suppression in 2024, but late diagnoses remain a concern. Women’s Health Push (India): Andhra Pradesh expands its Balika Raksha menstrual hygiene program, scaling support for adolescent girls in schools.

Ebola Response Escalates Across Borders: WHO warns the DRC outbreak is colliding with conflict and outpacing containment, as violence disrupts care; Uganda and Thailand move to tighter controls, with Uganda closing its DRC border and requiring 21-day self-isolation for entrants, while Thailand mandates 21-day quarantine for travelers from Congo and Uganda. Kenya Readies Testing and Talks: Kenya says it has no confirmed cases but has set up four Ebola testing labs and screened over 10 million travelers; Health officials also confirm discussions with the U.S. and partners on strengthening preparedness. U.S. Treatment Plan Abroad: The White House confirms a “state-of-the-art” Ebola facility in Kenya for Americans exposed in affected regions. Cardio-Metabolic Care Upgrade: PAHO rolls out HEARTS 2.0, a 38-intervention pathway to integrate hypertension care with diabetes and chronic kidney disease at primary level. Mental Health & Access: FDA grants Fast Track to elunetirom for bipolar depression adjunctive treatment; Nigeria’s PenCare offers free healthcare registration for 30,000 retirees. Public Health Beyond Clinics: South Africa pushes tighter school food safety safeguards; Liberia launches an evidence-based school drug prevention program. Healthcare Costs in Focus: U.S. groups launch “One Nation, Overcharged” to spotlight unaffordable, inequitable healthcare.

Ebola Watch, India: India quarantined a 28-year-old Ugandan woman in Bengaluru after mild body aches, but lab results came back negative, with officials stressing no confirmed Ebola case in the country and continuing airport screening and surveillance. Ebola Watch, Global: The WHO’s Ebola “public health emergency of international concern” continues to drive cross-border precautions as outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda expand; Russia also says scientists developed a vaccine targeting a new Ebola strain. Public Health Signals: South Africa reported two polio strains detected in Cape Town wastewater, calling them “vaccine events” from imported vaccinated people—no outbreak implied. Care Delivery & Equity: The UK’s radiology outsourcing bill hit $280M in 2025 amid radiologist shortages, while Scotland faces big bowel cancer screening uptake gaps tied to deprivation. Digital Health Standards: Australia released a national framework to align digital health standards and governance across the system. Workforce Pressure: A new report warns workers’ comp is getting more complex as policy shifts and cost pressures collide.