AGP Executive Report

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.

Food Safety Crisis: WHO says unsafe food sickens about 886 million people and kills 1.5 million annually, with Africa carrying a large share of cases and deaths; chemical contamination like arsenic and lead drives many fatalities. Ebola in Focus: Eastern DR Congo’s fast-moving Ebola outbreak is being worsened by conflict and weak health capacity, while WHO warns the response is “catching up” after a “big head-start”; women are often first caregivers and face the highest risk. Kenya Preparedness: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu says it has isolation units, a treatment centre, lab upgrades and staff training as Uganda cases rise and Ebola fears spread. Adolescent Health: Kenya’s MoH reports 15% of girls aged 15–19 are already pregnant or mothers, prompting plans to expand sexuality education nationwide. Malaria Policy: Nigeria’s Senate passes a malaria elimination bill to shift from treatment to a coordinated national eradication strategy. Nutrition Safety: Nigeria’s nutrition experts warn malnutrition is under-recognised in hospitals, worsening recovery and patient safety.

Ebola Update: WHO chief Tedros says Ebola in DR Congo has a “big head-start” and authorities are “catching up,” as suspected cases in the region drop from 906 to 116 while confirmed figures rise (DRC 321 confirmed; Uganda 9 confirmed). Cross-Border Response: MSF warns conflict and mistrust in Ituri are slowing containment, and Kenya’s health ministry has placed high alert at entry points despite no confirmed cases. Travel and Governance Pressure: WHO cautions that blanket travel restrictions could hinder response, while Kenya’s proposed US-linked Ebola quarantine centre faces court blocks and protests. Public Health Beyond Ebola: Zimbabwe reports drug and substance abuse as a national disaster hurting youth productivity, with treatment costs still out of reach for many families. Health, Tech and Environment: A UN report urges AI firms to disclose environmental footprints, warning data centres strain power, water and land resources. Food Security Threat: West African experts in Accra strengthen pest risk analysis as invasive pests cost the region about US$7bn annually. Other Health News: Two NIH researchers in the US face charges over alleged mpox sample smuggling from Congo.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: Spain has cancelled a DR Congo pre-World Cup friendly over Ebola health fears, underscoring how the outbreak is disrupting travel and public events. Uganda Updates: Uganda confirmed six new Ebola infections, bringing totals to 15, with 12 patients in treatment and 668 contacts under monitoring. Kenya Quarantine Controversy: Protests over a proposed US Ebola isolation centre at Laikipia air base turned deadly, with reports of two deaths as courts keep suspending the facility. Frontline Support in Congo: In Bunia, volunteers are feeding patients and health workers at Ebola facilities, highlighting how care is sustained beyond medicine. Funding Pressure: Nigeria’s lawmakers warned that a crippling NCDC funding crisis is weakening epidemic preparedness, even as the health ministry says Nigeria has no confirmed Ebola case. Child Health Push (Nigeria): Nigeria launched a major integrated vaccination drive targeting over 109 million children and adolescents, aiming to close immunity gaps. Public Health Messaging: Kenya and other countries are intensifying screening and awareness as communities fear outbreaks spreading in crowded displacement camps. Women’s Health Access: In Kenya, girls are using cut-up blankets or even mattress pieces as sanitary pads due to cost, forcing many to miss school.

Ebola Update: WHO says suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo have plunged to 116 after hundreds were ruled out, with 321 confirmed cases and 48 deaths; Uganda reports 15 confirmed cases after six new ones among contacts. Kenya Court & Protests: A Kenyan court again halted a proposed US-backed 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility near Nanyuki for three weeks and ordered Kenya to disclose agreements; protests around the plan left two people dead as President Ruto defended the centre as part of national preparedness. Regional Response Push: Nigeria says it has intensified Ebola surveillance and border health protocols despite no confirmed cases; India dispatched a second tranche of medical supplies to Africa CDC (43 tonnes) to boost protective gear, diagnostics and medicines. Health Equity Debate: A Global Week of Action urged shifting the financial burden of tobacco harms onto the industry, citing millions of deaths and major treatment and pollution costs. Health & Wellness Spotlight: New research in Blood finds stem cell transplantation is the most cost-effective long-term option for adult sickle cell care versus gene therapy and standard treatment. Climate & Health Risk: A Lancet Planetary Health study links prolonged drought in southern Africa to higher risk of violence against adolescents.

Ebola Watch: Nigeria’s NCDC says the country is only about 59% ready for a possible Ebola outbreak, citing gaps at entry borders and the risk of importation as cases rise in DRC and Uganda. Global Response: India has sent a second 43-tonne tranche of medical support to Africa CDC, including protective gear, diagnostics, medicines and supplements, to strengthen preparedness. DRC Focus: WHO’s chief visited a new Ebola facility in the DRC, stressing that people can recover and urging treatment at designated centres. Travel & Screening Pressure: KLM has suspended Uganda flights over Ebola travel curbs, while multiple countries tighten screening and advisories as suspected cases are monitored beyond Africa. Health Systems & Care: In a separate maternal health report from Central African Republic refugee settings, a mother described giving birth in the street due to lack of facilities—highlighting how conflict and fragility worsen health outcomes. Pediatric Health: KNUST has joined a consortium to speed up dengue vaccine development in Africa, as dengue’s threat grows across the region.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: The outbreak in eastern DR Congo is worsening, with reports that the first case may date back to January and that the virus could have spread undetected for months; WHO has declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as confirmed cases climb and communities face mounting strain. Africa-Led Response: Africa CDC says Uganda is tracking 580 contacts linked to its confirmed Ebola cases, while officials warn the crisis could spread further without stronger local capacity and protection for frontline workers. Cross-Border Alarm: Brazil and Italy are monitoring suspected Ebola cases as travel advisories tighten, highlighting how quickly fears travel even when risks remain low. Vaccine and Treatment Push: CEPI is funding Moderna to speed up an Ebola vaccine, while Merck is discussing repurposing its COVID antiviral molnupiravir for Ebola response. Kenya Quarantine Controversy: Protests erupted in Kenya over a planned US Ebola quarantine facility, after a court temporarily blocked the plan over transparency concerns. Other Health Threats: A suspected mpox outbreak in Sudan’s Darfur has been flagged in displacement settings, with aid groups urging rapid action. Wellness & Prevention: A new report says restaurants are using behavioral science to make plant-based eating easier—showing small menu changes can shift choices.

Ebola Response: WHO chief Tedros urged countries to reconsider travel bans and border closures, warning they can undermine transparency and trust needed to stop the outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda. Cross-Border Spread: Suspected Ebola cases are being investigated outside Africa, with Brazil and Italy monitoring travellers returning from the region. Africa CDC Update: Africa CDC says there are 263 confirmed Ebola cases and 43 deaths, alongside more than 1,100 suspected cases under investigation. Regional Preparedness: Lagos intensified Ebola surveillance at MMIA, tightening screening for airlines arriving from high-risk countries. Travel Disruptions: UAE issued a public health travel advisory over Ebola, while KLM cancelled flights to Entebbe due to entry and travel restrictions. Funding Pressure: A report highlights that pledges for the Ebola fight are falling short and that much of the money is coming from outside Africa.

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged community cooperation in eastern Congo as residents protest burial and handling rules; he said the Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine, but early care can help patients recover, with five recoveries and four planned discharges reported at Bunia. Regional Security vs Health: Uganda’s military said it will keep joint operations against ADF rebels in eastern DRC while following Ebola prevention procedures, despite WHO calls for ceasefires to let health workers reach communities. Outbreak Scale and Spread Risk: Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya said there are 263 confirmed cases and 43 confirmed deaths across DRC and Uganda, with over 1,100 suspected cases still under investigation; he warned the outbreak could test the continent’s systems and spread further. Cross-Border Monitoring: Brazil is monitoring two suspected Ebola cases in São Paulo and Rio after travel links to DRC and Uganda, while officials say risk of introduction remains low. Health System Support: Ghana received a donation of over US$100,000 in bedside pulse oximeters to strengthen its Free Primary Healthcare push, targeting better oxygen monitoring for children and respiratory cases. Clean Cooking for Health: AfDB and Italy launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville aimed at energy access for about one million households, linking cleaner fuels to better health and lower emissions.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited Bunia in Ituri as confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC nearly doubled in days, with mistrust, insecurity and strained labs hampering response; he urged “community ownership” and said funding is only about a third of what’s needed. Regional Alarm & Travel Warnings: Uganda reported confirmed infections as the outbreak spreads; the UAE warned citizens to avoid travel to DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan unless necessary, while Brazil investigated a suspected Ebola case in São Paulo. Aid & Preparedness Pressure: MSF said the outbreak is spreading at an “unprecedented” pace, and Nigeria’s NCDC flagged 21 states for high or moderate Ebola importation risk, urging stronger surveillance. Public Health Infrastructure: Kenya confirmed Ebola isolation and treatment facilities at major hospitals and plans for additional capacity. Wellness Beyond Outbreaks: Burundi faces a growing public health worry over cheap, high-alcohol drinks targeting youth, while South Africa commissioned a school media lab powered by solar to boost learning access.

Ebola Watch: Africa CDC chief Dr Jean Kaseya warned the DR Congo outbreak could spread to up to 12 countries, noting Bundibugyo strain was initially missed when teams tested for the more common Zaire type; WHO also flags funding gaps and a high death rate risk. Cross-Border Response: WHO says the first patient has recovered in DR Congo, while suspected cases and deaths rise; Gulf states and World Cup host nations are tightening airport screenings and travel rules, and local health teams in places like Tarrant County, Texas are monitoring travellers for symptoms. Preparedness Pressure: Nigeria’s PSN put pharmacists on red alert for enhanced surveillance and infection prevention despite no confirmed cases, and Kenya’s JKIA faced public scrutiny over passenger screening during the Ebola scare. Mental Health: A first-person account describes living with schizoaffective disorder and the strain of treatment side effects. Ghana Rights Clash: Ghana’s parliament passed an anti-LGBTQ+ bill criminalising promotion/advocacy and same-sex acts, drawing criticism over discrimination and constitutional rights.