AGP Executive Report

Ebola in DR Congo: Front-line workers in Ituri say they’ve been working without pay as the outbreak surpasses 4,000 confirmed cases, with attacks and payment delays disrupting care. Public health & travel: Uganda’s tourism industry is urging a rethink of Emirates access to Entebbe after UAE restrictions kept Ugandans from travelling during the Ebola response, even as Uganda was declared Ebola-free. Health tech & access: Ghana’s health surveillance gets a boost with WHO support via strategic laptop donations to strengthen digital disease monitoring and response. Medical innovation: Pacto Medical’s compact prefilled syringe concept, Slimshot, wins a Red Dot Design Concept 2026 and is set for display at the Red Dot Design Museum in Singapore. Cardiac care abroad: Zambian patient Deborah Mtonga credits Save A Child’s Heart for life-saving heart surgery in Israel, highlighting ongoing gaps in local paediatric cardiac capacity. Health systems & workforce: Nigeria faces a shortage of health workers for 1.5 million insured people, raising pressure on coverage and service delivery.

Economic Strain in Nigeria: Atiku Abubakar says Nigeria’s households are being priced out of decent living, citing the CBN Household Expectations Survey showing weak buying conditions for vehicles, durables and property. Education Integrity: South Africa’s NSFAS has opened criminal charges over alleged laptop theft during an Eastern Cape outreach, where 10 devices meant for schools were diverted. Digital Health Boost in Ghana: WHO’s Africa office donates laptops loaded with IDSR software to strengthen Ghana’s disease surveillance and faster outbreak reporting. Ebola Response in DRC: WHO and Africa CDC urge stronger community-led action as Congo’s Ebola outbreak tops 4,000 cases and health workers protest unpaid wages. Youth & Health Mentorship: Ghana’s MENFYD mentors 300 girls with life stories plus sexual and reproductive health, mental health and substance-abuse education. STEM for the Next Generation (Kenya): Kenya’s Young Scientists exhibition spotlights 153 projects from 125 schools, pushing youth innovation and STEM careers. Cancer Awareness: A 32-year-old woman’s colon cancer story highlights the need to seek care for warning signs even before screening age.

Ebola in DRC: UN officials report Ebola’s toll in eastern Ituri is hitting women and children hardest, with nearly one million displaced and health service use down by 40% as fear spreads; UNICEF says children make up almost a third of deaths, while maternal deaths in Ituri have nearly doubled and pregnancy-linked fetal loss remains “almost universal.” Vaccine push: WHO’s vaccine advisory group is recommending a clinical trial in the DRC to test Ervebo against the Bundibugyo strain, as cases surpass 4,000 and deaths climb. Maternal & child health funding: Tanzania’s TRAMEPRO is urging more investment in maternal care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation to cut preventable deaths, calling for more midwives and stronger immunisation. Cancer care equity: A review highlights underrecognized skin toxicities from cancer therapy in Hispanic and Latino patients, stressing better counselling and more inclusive research for people with darker skin. Health system workforce strain (Lagos): Lagos says it has fewer than 8,000 health workers for 1.5 million insured residents—far short of needs—pushing reforms to expand insurance, digital records and care delivery. Women’s economic empowerment: Ghanaian leaders and partners urge governments to fund gender-friendly laws, not just pass them, to unlock women’s enterprise and leadership. Outbreak readiness (Ethiopia): A global health expert praises Ethiopia’s WASH expansion and outbreak preparedness via EPHI, urging corridor-based health and water infrastructure to strengthen future epidemic response. Mental health awareness: A Nigerian psychiatry expert warns depression can hide behind fatigue, irritability, pain and even “success,” calling for earlier recognition and treatment.

Ebola Response: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged past 4,000 confirmed cases (4,053) with 1,850 deaths, spreading across 53 health zones; WHO vaccine experts are urging a full human trial of the approved Ervebo vaccine to test cross-protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Health Equity & Access: UN agencies warn the crisis is hitting children and pregnant women hardest in Ituri, where fear and disrupted services are driving sharp drops in care-seeking and maternal deaths are rising. Health Workforce Pressure: Health workers in the affected areas have protested unpaid wages, adding strain to an already stretched response. Maternal & Child Support: In Nigeria’s Delta State, the governor’s wife extended free medical outreach and assistive support to families caring for children with autism, reaching 520+ beneficiaries. Policy & Systems: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio framed 2026 as a “Year of Action and Accelerated Delivery,” pushing faster delivery and stronger institutions to improve everyday services. Design for Care: Pacto Medical’s compact prefilled syringe concept, Slimshot, won a Red Dot Design Concept 2026 and is set for display in Singapore.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: Confirmed cases have climbed above 4,000 (4,053) with 1,850 deaths, as experts warn the outbreak may be far larger due to delayed detection and conflict-hit surveillance. Health Worker Crisis: In Ituri, Ebola health workers protested unpaid wages and abandoned facilities, raising fears of further spread. Africa CDC Response: Africa CDC says it will use a vaccine for the prior Zaire Ebola strain as a stop-gap while WHO and partners investigate whether the virus is mutating; officials also warn the outbreak is spreading faster than past records. Mpox Vaccination Push (Kenya): Machakos launched a targeted Mpox campaign for about 1,200 high-risk people along the Malaba–Mombasa corridor, including sex workers and truck drivers. Mosquito Control (Hong Kong): FEHD reported Aedes albopictus indexes at Level 2 and urged residents to keep up anti-mosquito efforts. Public Health Systems (Nigeria): Lagos State says it is shifting from projects to long-term health systems, with 1.5 million enrolled in its Ilera Eko insurance scheme.

Ebola Response Under Strain (DR Congo): Africa CDC says the fast-spreading Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is “unprecedented,” with confirmed cases now around 4,000 and deaths far higher than earlier outbreaks, as health workers protest unpaid wages and contact tracing capacity remains limited. Containment at Borders (Kinshasa River Route): DR Congo has quarantined nearly 200 boat passengers near Kinshasa after a traveler died with Ebola-like symptoms, testing even those without signs while awaiting lab results. Vaccine Stop-Gap (Ebola): Africa CDC plans to use a vaccine developed for the prior Zaire Ebola strain as an interim measure, while WHO and partners investigate whether the virus may be mutating. Public Health Funding (US Support): The US says it has boosted direct Ebola funding to over US$512 million and added US$242 million for six months of critical response in DRC and Uganda. AI for Health (Ghana): Ghana’s Ministry of Health is drafting a National AI Health Policy and Guidelines to set rules for safe, equitable AI use in healthcare, including governance and data protection. Cholera Alert (Chad): Chad reports 13 cholera deaths and nearly 240 infections, urging stronger water and sanitation measures as vaccination continues. Food & Safety (Rwanda Alcohol Crackdown): Rwanda suspends imports of 14 Tanzanian alcohol brands over safety and quality concerns, ordering removal of affected stock from the market. Health Systems & Infrastructure (Tanzania): Tanzania signs Africa50-linked PPP deals covering electricity transmission, expanded renal care services, and greater natural gas use.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus warns the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, with 3,874 confirmed cases and 1,751 deaths reported as health workers strike over pay; the US also pledged an extra $242m to scale emergency action. Health Access Disrupted: Congo intercepted a passenger boat near Kinshasa after a suspected Ebola death, setting up a cordon and mobile lab testing to protect the capital. Maternal & Public Health Risk: The US Embassy in Nairobi issued a dengue travel alert for Kenya’s coastal region plus Wajir and Garissa, citing higher-than-usual activity. Nursing College Tragedy: South Africa’s Gauteng Health Department mourns a 19-year-old first-year nursing student found dead at Chris Hani Baragwanath Nursing College; counselling and psychosocial support have been activated. Substance Use Care: A South African clinic story highlights ongoing treatment and counselling support for people with heroin addiction, showing how “open door” services can keep patients engaged. Health Tech Spotlight: Pacto Medical’s compact prefilled syringe concept “Slimshot” wins a Red Dot Design Concept 2026, aiming to cut packaging and supply-chain burden.

Ebola Emergency in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros warns the fast-spreading Ebola outbreak is outpacing the response, with cases now at 3,874 and deaths at 1,751; he calls for a massive scale-up across care, surveillance, safe burials and better protection for health workers as some staff strike over pay in Ituri. US Boost for Outbreak Response: The US announced an additional $242m for Ebola efforts, bringing total direct support to over $500m. Public Health Leadership in the US: The US Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director in a 51–44 vote, ending a nearly yearlong vacancy as outbreaks—including Ebola abroad—remain a key concern. Health Safety Warning (Ibogaine): Canadian police charged a man after a Cambridge death linked to a private ibogaine “healing experience,” warning the psychoactive substance is not authorized and can cause serious injury or death. Maternal & Community Education (NAOWA): Nigeria’s NAOWA expands schooling for military families, including new schools and teacher training, aiming to improve access to education for children.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in Congo to back a ramp-up as confirmed cases near 4,000 and the outbreak keeps outpacing response capacity. Vaccine Push: Moderna has started a Phase 1 trial of its mRNA Ebola vaccine (mRNA-1469) targeting the Bundibugyo strain, with first participants vaccinated in Canada. Africa CDC Warning: Africa CDC says contact tracing is no longer containing spread, with most new infections emerging outside known contact lists, even as treatment beds and lab testing expand. Eye Care Workforce: The African Council of Optometry called for harmonised optometry education and standards across Africa to improve mobility and reduce avoidable blindness. Maternal Care Boost (Ghana): Newly inducted doctors and dentists in Ghana were urged to accept postings to underserved areas to strengthen universal health coverage. Health Education Access (Ghana): UCC launched an online eCampus for working professionals, including healthcare management postgraduate options. Policy & Training (Nigeria): Katsina State unveiled a fully funded scholarship programme sending top students to study Medicine and Surgery abroad.

Ebola Vaccine Push (DR Congo): Moderna has begun a Phase 1 trial in Canada for its mRNA-1469 vaccine targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a strain with no licensed vaccine, as the Congo outbreak keeps worsening. Regional Health Security (Uganda): WHO and Africa CDC sent a high-level mission to Uganda to back preparedness after Ebola containment, with focus on cross-border surveillance and resilient health systems. Humanitarian Funding Gap (Ethiopia): UNICEF warns Ethiopia’s 2026 child-focused humanitarian appeal is only 22% funded, urging urgent donor support amid conflict, climate shocks and disease outbreaks. Health Equity & Kidney Care (US): The National Kidney Foundation received top Joint Accreditation with Commendation through 2032, highlighting continued education to improve kidney outcomes. Waste Workers’ Rights (Ghana): Ghana launched a national union for informal waste workers to push for safer conditions, social protection and better access to markets and policy participation. Health System Strain (South Africa): Reports say Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital faces risks of a broader medical collapse amid dialysis supply shortages and patient-care disruption. Public Health & Outbreak Risk (Sudan): The Red Cross urges urgent international aid as Sudan’s war deepens, with cholera, malnutrition and floods raising health threats.

Public Health: Ghana’s liver disease specialists say chronic Hepatitis B drives about 75% of liver cancer cases, urging wider testing and decentralised treatment as World Hepatitis Day is marked. Infectious Disease Preparedness: Kano State inaugurated a Centre for Disease Control to coordinate surveillance and response for cholera, Lassa fever, meningitis, TB and HIV/AIDS. Climate & Health Risks: Africa is on high alert for a historic El Niño, with leaders urged to shift from forecasts to action to prevent drought, floods, food shortages and disease outbreaks. Food Safety & Exports: Tanzania’s horticultural exporters pushed back on pesticide concerns, saying avocados and other fruits still meet international food safety standards. Regional Conflict Impact: Hundreds of Ethiopians fled into Sudan after renewed clashes in Tigray, raising humanitarian pressure near the border. Migration Crisis: Spain’s Ceuta enclave faces ongoing strain after a mass surge from Morocco, with reports of hundreds of migrant children still on the streets and a rising death toll. Wellness & Sleep: A South African health expert warns that six hours of sleep may harm the brain, heart and metabolism over time.

Heat & health risk: The UN and WMO warn El Niño-driven extreme heat could hit hardest across Africa from August to October, straining health systems, transport and energy, with calls for early warnings and heat-wave worker protections. Ebola & maternal care in Congo: In eastern DR Congo, Ebola is accelerating and pregnant women are avoiding hospitals, pushing maternal deaths up as facilities redirect staff and supplies to outbreak response. Breastfeeding gap in Nigeria: UNICEF flags that only 3 in 10 Nigerian babies get exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, urging stronger support for mothers from health workers, employers and families. Ebola response constraints: WHO and partners report misinformation and unsafe-burial resistance are undermining community trust, while funding cuts weaken surveillance and outreach amid armed conflict. Ceuta migrant surge toll: Spain reports deaths from the Ceuta border rush rising to at least 72, with over 1,000 treated by health services—highlighting urgent humanitarian and health needs. Health tech & records: Japan’s push for digital transformation in healthcare is spotlighted as promising but still lagging in real-world delivery. Diabetes trend: A study links rising Type 2 diabetes in young adults to higher BMI at diagnosis, pointing to prevention and lifestyle action.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: WHO warns the outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, with the crisis now among the deadliest on record and spreading across provinces—raising fears as vaccine access remains limited. Health Sovereignty Push: At an AU health summit in Accra, ONE Campaign’s Dr William Nii Ayitey Menson argues Africa’s health pledges must become “physical, not lyrical,” with real budget releases, accountability, and local vaccine/medicine production. Malaria Vaccine Trial: Oxford researchers are testing an experimental malaria vaccine (RH5) designed to block infection both at the liver stage and in the bloodstream, aiming for high protection in African children. Training Upgrade in Nigeria: LUTH in Lagos has unveiled West Africa’s first EyeSi surgical simulator to modernise ophthalmic training and improve cataract and vitreoretinal procedure skills. Migrant Crisis Health Strain: Ceuta’s migrant rush has left at least 72 dead and over 1,000 treated by health services, intensifying calls for safer border responses. Disaster Response: Egypt activated emergency preparedness after a 5.6 quake near Suez, reporting evacuations and only one injury. Immunisation Update: Students in the UK received first doses of the menB meningitis vaccine following outbreaks earlier this year.

Ebola Alert: WHO says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an exceptional pace, with cases spreading across more provinces and surpassing 1,500 deaths—raising urgent alarms for faster response and safer care. Migration & Health Crisis: Spain’s Ceuta enclave faces a public health emergency after a mass border rush from Morocco left at least 72 dead and over 1,000 treated by health services, prompting EU calls for Schengen action and tighter border measures. Public Health & Policy: Nigeria’s Presidency fires back at Atiku Abubakar over “outdated” economic claims, defending reforms that it says are improving GDP and funding for sectors including healthcare. Climate Preparedness: The African Union urges El Niño readiness as forecasts suggest stronger impacts from August, with East Africa likely wetter and Southern Africa facing drought risk. Nutrition & Child Health: A report from Ghana highlights child labour in cocoa supply chains, underlining how health and wellbeing are tied to poverty and exploitation. Community Finance for Health: Ghana’s MIHOSO shifts from donor aid to community investment after COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in village savings groups, aiming to strengthen resilience and health education.

Oral Health Gap: Kenya is being urged to scale up oral health like it did primary care—dentist density is just 0.27 per 10,000 people and only 13% of facilities offer oral services, with rural areas hit hardest. Ebola Emergency (DR Congo): WHO says DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the country’s largest on record, with 3,605 cases and 1,587 deaths reported as insecurity and displacement complicate response. Newborns at Risk: Aid cuts are linked to a sharp rise in neonatal deaths among the most vulnerable communities across sub-Saharan Africa, with UNHCR data showing mortality up 81% from 2025 to 2026 among refugee women. Maternal & Child Safety: Nigeria’s Delta State faces renewed child-protection concerns after an alleged infant abduction case involving two babies. Care Quality in Zambia: Zambia’s President Hichilema ordered health workers to stop using mobile phones in wards, pushing for safer, more focused patient care. Health Workforce & Tech: NurseVeda says it has integrated AI into nursing exam prep and specialty pathways across 50+ countries, aiming to support training and OSCE readiness.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the country’s largest on record with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, as insecurity and cross-border movement hamper response. Digital Health Financing Push (Nigeria): FG and Healthnomics HMO urge digital innovation and stronger governance to speed Universal Health Coverage through smarter, more transparent health insurance delivery. Cardiovascular Care for Africa (Ethiopia): Ethiopia calls for stronger African cooperation, investment and innovation to tackle rising cardiovascular disease burdens, stressing prevention, early detection and quality care. TB Diagnostics Funding Scrutiny (Uganda): Makerere’s MakBRC TB project STool4TB faces an audit spotlight over unspent funds, delays and procurement gaps despite unqualified audit opinions. Clean Cooking Energy (Nigeria): Nigeria launches a nationwide LPG rollout under the Decade of Gas initiative, targeting 5 million households by 2030 to improve health and cut deforestation. Cancer Journalism Training (Nigeria): TVC’s Ayooluwa Ayobami and Judith Irenoa selected for the Naija Cancer Watch Fellowship to strengthen evidence-based cancer reporting. Seaweed Smothers Coasts: A massive sargassum bloom is blanketing Caribbean and Gulf beaches, suffocating marine life and disrupting tourism. Regional Health Diplomacy (Egypt-Uganda): Egypt and Uganda discuss trade and cooperation including pharmaceuticals and expanding medical services.