AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response: Congo’s Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with reports of testing kits running short and cases climbing toward 600 as health teams push back amid conflict and weak care access. Immunisation & Law: South Africa’s falling infant vaccination rates in Gauteng and the Western Cape are raising measles risk, and legal experts warn parents who refuse shots could face civil lawsuits if harm results. Digital Health & Access: Ghana’s MEDIQ-GH won a top prize at GIMPA’s tech fair, while Zipline’s drone delivery hub in northern Ghana is linked to higher household income and better access to clean water. Wellness & Prevention: A study finds leading AI models can answer many vaccine questions, but they still miss key details like schedules and eligibility—underscoring the need for medical oversight. Climate & Health: African civil society groups say UN climate talks in Bonn risk delaying justice for communities hit hardest by climate harm. Equity & Safety: Human rights reporting highlights ongoing discrimination and fear faced by people with albinism in Malawi, affecting education, healthcare, and work. Food Systems: Ghana’s indigenous crop varieties are reportedly disappearing from farms and tables, even as CSIR says they fetch premium prices abroad.

Ebola Response Under Strain (DRC): Congo’s Ebola fight is hitting a wall as three labs run out of testing kits, while confirmed cases climb toward 600 and deaths rise—diagnostics delays threaten isolation, treatment and contact tracing. Ebola in Uganda “Under Control”: Africa CDC says Uganda’s outbreak is being contained, citing active follow-up of contacts and low fatality rates, after WHO declared an international emergency over the wider DRC situation. Ebola Preparedness Funding (Kenya/East Africa): The U.S. has pledged more money for regional preparedness, as Europe and the U.S. debate tighter travel curbs ahead of the World Cup. HIV Prevention Funding Cuts (Burundi): Burundi reports rising HIV infections among youth as reduced funding and weaker awareness campaigns erode prevention efforts. Water Sector Boost (Ghana): Ghana Water Ltd inaugurates the Ghana Water Institute governing council to expand training, research and consultancy for water service delivery. Public Health & Safety: Police in Zimbabwe bust an illegal “njengu” brew operation, seizing suspected counterfeit liquor and brewing materials. World Cup Health Lens: WHO says Ebola risk to World Cup host countries is low, but health officials are still urging screening and hygiene as travel ramps up.

Ebola Surge in Central Africa: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is nearing 600 confirmed cases, with officials warning of rapid geographic spread as community trust, contact tracing, and field security lag behind the pace of transmission. Funding & Preparedness Push: The US has added Ksh2.59bn for Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, while Nigeria’s president approved a new Presidential Task Force and released ₦10bn to boost emergency response and airport screening. WHO Solidarity & Travel Politics: WHO chief Tedros backed Somali referee Omar Artan after US entry denial ahead of the World Cup, underscoring how health and mobility rules are colliding with major events. Health System Capacity: Africa CDC and WHO rolled out a unified Ebola response plan targeting $518m, aiming to strengthen surveillance, infection prevention and control, and cross-border readiness. Clinical Research Update: Eswatini researchers used next-generation sequencing to uncover drug-resistant TB strains missed by routine tests, highlighting gaps in diagnostics that can worsen outcomes. Public Health & Safety in Focus: Court dismissed an Eastern Cape woman’s medical negligence claim over alleged sterilisation after an abortion procedure, while Ghana’s vaccine institute gained admission to WHO’s global clinical trials forum.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have passed 600, with 635 infections and 127 deaths reported, while Uganda records 19 cases and 2 deaths; officials say contact tracing is reaching only 56.3% of contacts, far below the target, as insecurity and community resistance slow response efforts. Child Tragedy Highlights Risk: Two infants died of Ebola at a church-run orphanage in Bunia, Ituri, underscoring how quickly outbreaks can spread among vulnerable children and caregivers. Regional Response & Funding Push: WHO and Africa CDC are rolling out a unified Ebola strategy and seeking major funding to strengthen preparedness and cross-border control as cases threaten to expand. Patient-Centred Care Focus (Tanzania): Tanzania’s health minister urged hospital leaders to prioritize dignity, compassion, and respect for patients, warning that poor service delivery can undermine health-sector investments. Road Safety Warning (Zimbabwe): A minibus fire in Gweru killed seven schoolchildren, renewing concerns about overcrowded, unregulated school transport. Men’s Preventive Care Reminder: TRICARE highlights covered men’s screenings, including prostate and testicular cancer checks, alongside mental health support. Digital Health & Youth: Hope Circle Foundation launched a Lagos School2School Teens Summit to build digital literacy and safer online habits for teenagers. AI’s Water Footprint: A UN report warns AI data centres could consume massive water and electricity, raising new environmental health concerns.

Ebola Response: Nigeria’s President Tinubu has approved an emergency N10bn Ebola preparedness and response package and set up a presidential task force, with plans to intensify airport passenger screening and monitoring as cases surge in DR Congo and Uganda. Outbreak Update: WHO reports Ebola deaths in DR Congo have topped 100 as the outbreak climbs toward 550 cases, with contact tracing improving but still below targets amid attacks on teams and treatment centres. Public Health Governance: Uganda’s Dr Diana Atwine is profiled as a long-time crisis manager as the country faces repeated Ebola shocks, highlighting how leadership, surveillance and district coordination shape outcomes. Food Safety & Health Risks: Nigeria’s government warns unsafe food is killing tens of thousands annually, while a separate review maps how climate shocks and conflict threaten staple crops—raising the stakes for food security and health. Healthcare Sector Push: Ghana’s West Africa Pharma & Healthcare Expo in Accra urges “from discussion to delivery” to grow health investment and local manufacturing, including plans for a locally made vaccine next year. Health & Society: ECOWAS calls for stronger action on plastic pollution and waste disposal in Accra, linking cleaner environments to public health and flooding prevention.

Ebola Surge, Strained Response: Africa CDC says confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo and Uganda have passed 600 (608) with deaths rising to 102, as response teams report major shortages of PPE, water, incinerators and decontamination supplies, plus insecurity and weak community trust. Contact Tracing Gap: WHO reports Congo’s contact tracing is improving but still below target, reaching 62% of contacts versus a 90–95% goal, with mistrust and attacks on burial teams hampering referrals. Nigeria Prepares at Home: Nigeria’s President Tinubu approved ₦10bn emergency funding and set up a Presidential Task Force to boost NCDC readiness, including airport and border screening and isolation centres. Kenya Protests Turn Violent: In Nanyuki, Kenya, protesters against a US-linked Ebola quarantine centre clashed with police; at least one person was killed as tear gas and gunshots were reported. Public Health Publishing Push: Africa CDC-backed Journal of Public Health in Africa expands formats with Rapid Communications, Health Policy and Scientific News to speed outbreak and policy updates. Vaccine Confidence Focus (HPV): Cameroon stakeholders met to tackle misinformation and strengthen HPV vaccine confidence, stressing vaccination before exposure to prevent cervical cancer. Food Safety Warning: WHO flags unsafe food as a major killer globally, urging stronger water, sanitation and food-handling controls. Mozambique Church Mourns: Mozambique bishops’ conference mourns the shooting death of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso in Quelimane.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC have launched a unified $518m, six-month plan to strengthen Ebola preparedness and response across Africa, focusing on early detection, lab capacity, safe care, frontline protection, and community engagement. DR Congo Update: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has climbed to 550 confirmed cases and at least 101 deaths, with armed groups in Ituri and neighbouring provinces hampering access and slowing the response. Human Rights & Health Aid: Human Rights Watch is challenging the “terms” of U.S. health agreements with African countries, alleging conditions that could expand surveillance over health systems and affect data and pathogen-sharing. Food Safety: Nigeria’s health ministry says unsafe food drives about 53,000 deaths annually and nearly 50 million illnesses, urging stronger food safety action. Kenya Primary Care Expansion: Tibu Health secured new funding to expand pharmacy-based “Minute Clinics,” bringing low-cost primary care closer to underserved communities. Procurement Integrity: West Africa’s anti-money laundering push targets corruption risks in public procurement, with Liberia’s GIABA workshop spotlighting transparency and accountability. Health Equity & Access: A Kenyan male menstrual health advocate is working to break stigma by educating boys and girls and encouraging shared support at home and in schools.

Ebola Update (DRC & Uganda): WHO says Ebola cases and deaths have “increased rapidly” since late May, with 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths in the DRC and 19 confirmed cases in Uganda; the rise is linked to better testing, while WHO warns blanket travel restrictions don’t work and urges smarter cross-border action. Border Policy (Uganda–DRC): WHO chief Tedros visited Uganda and urged authorities to reconsider the Congo border closure, praising Uganda’s response and screening efforts. Frontline Response (Aid & Supplies): Dubai delivered 20 tonnes of Ebola medical aid to DR Congo with WHO support, targeting about 280 health centres to back frontline workers amid insecurity and misinformation. Malaria Control (Nigeria): Nigeria’s health ministry says it’s scaling next-gen tools including dual-active ingredient ITNs and larval source management plus vaccine and chemoprevention, citing progress in prevalence reduction. HIV Stigma & Awareness (Ghana): A viral Ghanaian man shared before-and-after photos after an HIV diagnosis, urging medication adherence and healthy living. Waste & Health (Ghana): Accra sanitation stakeholders demand a shift away from landfill dependence toward engineered treatment systems, warning funding gaps could worsen the waste crisis. Food Security (FAO): FAO urges open trade in agricultural inputs and efficient fertilizer use as global fertilizer shocks threaten farm output. Dengue Vaccine Push (Africa): A new EU-funded project (DENSTAR) aims to accelerate dengue vaccine trials and support regulatory approval for use across sub-Saharan Africa.

Ebola Response: WHO and Africa CDC are urging stronger cross-border action as the DRC outbreak nears 500 confirmed cases, with a new $518m six-month joint preparedness and response plan for June–November 2026 aimed at diagnostics, treatment, and safer burials. Uganda Update: Uganda confirmed three new Ebola infections and one additional death, bringing its total to 19, with most cases linked to travel from the DRC. Health System Strain: In Congo’s Mongbwalu, frontline clinicians say they’re working with little pay and support, while expanded testing is revealing a potentially larger epidemic. Public Health Risk Messaging: WHO warns unsafe food is driving massive illness and deaths globally, with young children in Africa hit hardest—highlighting the need for water, sanitation, and food safety. Local Health Governance Debate: Kenya’s Ebola preparedness discussion is sparking concern about how communities react to outbreak plans before cases even arrive. Clean Energy for Health: Equity Bank Uganda is scaling green financing for solar and clean cooking to cut reliance on polluting fuels and ease household costs. Diagnostics Innovation: ABL Diagnostics announced HybridChek, expanding HIV and tuberculosis whole genome sequencing options for labs.

Ebola Response Boost: Africa CDC and WHO launched a joint $518m, six-month “One Response” plan (June–November 2026) to tackle the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, focusing on surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care, community engagement and logistics. Regional Health Preparedness: Israel’s Health Ministry is preparing hospitals and guidelines for a possible Ebola case after rising risk from the DRC outbreak and travel links. Travel Curbs Over Ebola: The UAE suspended new visas and entry for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with limited exceptions, while keeping essential cargo and transit running. Kenya’s Ebola Alert: Kenya’s Health CS Aden Duale said 67 people tested negative and 88,000 travellers have been screened at borders, airports and seaports, with isolation capacity expanded at referral hospitals. Public Health Trust in Ghana: A Ghana survey found 89.7% confidence in vaccines and 94.2% support for shared responsibility, but only 14.3% knew about local vaccine manufacturing plans. Child Health & Food Insecurity: New research links food insecurity to measurable gut microbiome changes in Ethiopian children, underlining how hunger can affect health beyond nutrition. Security With Health Impacts (Nigeria): Nigeria’s army rescued 360 Boko Haram abductees in Borno; two infants died from exhaustion, and survivors were evacuated for medical and humanitarian support.

Ebola Watch: WHO says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to nearly 500 confirmed cases (471) and 84 deaths, with warnings it could rival the 2014 scale without stronger public health action; in parallel, Kenya’s High Court has temporarily halted a planned US-backed Ebola quarantine centre, citing sovereignty and transparency concerns. Family Planning Crisis: Kenya faces a contraceptive supply breakdown after millions of sexual and reproductive health commodities were stranded abroad, leaving women unable to replace expired implants and other methods. Food Safety Push: World Food Safety Day (June 7) highlights unsafe food’s toll—WHO estimates 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths yearly—urging safer water, sanitation, hygiene and food handling, with Africa among the hardest hit. Mental Health Alert: APHRC reports 1 in 8 African youths (12%) aged 14–19 live with mental health disorders, calling it a “silent crisis” amid very low research funding. Climate & Health: Lagos urges nature-based solutions to cut urban heat risks, while new research warns billions face “cooling poverty” without safe, affordable ways to stay cool.

Ebola Surge in Central Africa: WHO reports 452 confirmed Ebola cases and 82 deaths in DR Congo, plus 19 cases and 2 deaths in Uganda, with totals jumping by 100 cases and 20 deaths in a day; US CDC modelling warns the outbreak could rival 2014 West Africa if strong measures aren’t scaled fast. Africa CDC/WHO Response Funding: WHO and Africa CDC rolled out a $518m joint response plan to strengthen surveillance, labs, treatment and community action. Cross-border Health Pressure: The UAE tightened entry rules for travellers from DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, while Nigeria’s health authorities issued Ebola preparedness alerts despite no confirmed cases locally. Healthcare Preparedness in Lagos: LAWMA issued a precautionary advisory to hospitals and waste handlers on Ebola infection prevention and medical waste management. Public Health Spillover Risks: A US CDC warning also highlighted how travel and screening routes could spread concern beyond outbreak zones. Other Health News: A study links food insecurity in Ethiopian children to measurable gut microbiome changes, and an assistive technology report says the sector could drive jobs and inclusion for people with disabilities across Africa.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: DR Congo’s confirmed Ebola cases climbed to 452 with 82 deaths, after 71 new cases were reported in a day, driven by rapid community transmission in Ituri and North Kivu; health officials also flag major gaps in contact tracing and treatment capacity. Regional Spillover Fears: US CDC modelling warns the outbreak could reach 20,000+ cases if isolation and public health measures lag, while Uganda reports new cases and cross-border controls disrupt trade, including long queues at the Uganda–Congo border. Africa CDC/WHO Response: Africa CDC and WHO rolled out a continental preparedness and response plan, urging faster action as funding gaps and mistrust complicate containment. Travel Restrictions: The UAE announced entry bans for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and Mauritius imposed a temporary entry ban tied to a 21-day quarantine rule. Health System Pressure: In Bunia, an Ebola-hit clinic says it is overwhelmed with patients and running out of space, underscoring how quickly services are being stretched.

Ebola Response Funding: WHO and Africa CDC unveiled a $518m, six-month Ebola plan (June–November) to tackle the fast-moving Bundibugyo outbreak in DR Congo and neighbouring Uganda, stressing political commitment, sustained financing and community trust. Regional Preparedness: Kenya reported 56 travel-related samples testing negative and said it has intensified screening, labs and coordination as risk rises from nearby outbreaks. Nigeria Risk Alert: NCDC warned the risk of Ebola importation into Nigeria is high, urging stronger border surveillance and rapid case management. Waste & Infection Control: Lagos’ LAWMA issued an Ebola preparedness advisory, tightening infection prevention and medical waste handling across health facilities. Aid & Logistics: Dubai Humanitarian airlifted 20 tonnes of WHO-backed medical supplies to support hundreds of patients and about 280 facilities in eastern DR Congo via Uganda. Health Equity & Access: A court challenge in the US highlights how policy shifts can disrupt access to HIV/AIDS care, underscoring the need for fair, transparent funding processes.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: DR Congo’s health ministry says Ebola cases have climbed to 381 with 63 deaths, as testing, isolation and contact tracing ramp up across affected provinces and cross-border coordination with Uganda continues. Aid Gaps Worsen Outbreak Risk: Catholic Relief Services warns the Congo outbreak has had a “big head start,” pointing to challenges after USAID shutdown and misinformation, while calling for more water, beds and medical supplies. UK Readies for Possible Importation: The NHS and UKHSA urge staff to prepare for an Ebola outbreak in Britain, with guidance to isolate suspected patients and stock PPE despite low likelihood. Youth SRHR Alarm: African leaders and health officials warn adolescents are being failed on sexual and reproductive health and rights, with teenage pregnancy, HIV and substance abuse highlighted as urgent priorities. Unsafe Food Threat: WHO estimates unsafe food causes 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths yearly, with young children in Africa facing the highest risk. Mercury in Artisanal Gold: UN officials warn toxic mercury from artisanal gold mining is harming women and families in Tanzania and spreading through rivers and fish. Mental Health Crisis in South Africa: SADAG reports thousands of suicide calls daily, urging urgent action as depression and stigma keep people from seeking help.

Ebola Alert: Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak remains a global concern as the DRC reports 363 confirmed cases and 62 deaths, with Uganda reporting recoveries; the Bundibugyo strain is rare and still has no licensed vaccines or treatments, while conflict and disrupted care in eastern DRC are making containment harder. Regional Response: Kenya has activated enhanced surveillance and screening, and health agencies are pushing early detection, isolation, and infection control as cases evolve across borders. Public Health Burden: WHO warns unsafe food is sickening over 800 million people yearly and killing more than 1.5 million, urging stronger food-safety systems. Health System Readiness: UK hospitals are on high alert to spot and isolate suspected Ebola cases, even as officials say the public risk is low. Child Safety & Violence: Cameroon reports rising rape and murder cases, with victims often targeted by people close to them. Measles Watch: A confirmed measles case in an unvaccinated adult in South Carolina triggered quarantine guidance for potentially exposed residents. Human Rights: Liberia’s largest alleged human trafficking case heads to trial over exploitation of 57 people.