AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Health Diplomacy: Curaçao’s Health Minister Tyron Boekhoudt met CARICOM and PAHO leaders in Washington to push disease prevention, chronic care, health workforce planning, and stronger primary care and medicine access under a 2026–2031 cooperation strategy. Jamaica Health Expansion: Jamaica announced major upgrades including a new Pediatric and Adolescent Hospital, a diagnostic wing at Spanish Town Hospital, rehabilitation of Cornwall Regional Hospital, and 10 new health centres—aimed at boosting specialist and primary care. Caribbean Health & Climate Plan: CARICOM ministers endorsed a PAHO-backed Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031), targeting climate-driven shocks to hospitals and rising vector-borne disease risks. Paraguay Surgical Training: Paraguay inaugurated its first Robotic Surgery Training Centre to train experienced surgeons via online prep, simulation, and practical sessions. Belize Abortion Reform Push: Belize Family Life Association urged abortion law changes, arguing criminal penalties drive unsafe care and calling for safer, rights-based public health access. Public Health Under Heat Pressure: Coverage warns El Niño-linked extreme heat could drive large excess deaths globally, with knock-on risks for food and health systems.

Caribbean Health & Climate: CARICOM ministers endorsed a PAHO-backed Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026–2031), aiming to protect health systems from hurricanes, extreme heat, and shifting dengue risks. School Water Access: Jamaica’s National Education Trust is installing safe drinking water and hydration stations in drought- and heat-affected schools, with eight institutions in Kingston/St. Andrew selected for the first phase. Dengue Emergency Response: Florida’s Tampa Bay area saw 190 locally acquired dengue cases across six counties, prompting three counties to declare week-long states of emergency to speed mosquito control and public education. Cancer Care Access: Antigua and Barbuda’s doctor urged annual child health checks to catch cancer early, noting families often must travel abroad for diagnosis and treatment. Local Screening Support: Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross expanded its Community Life Line with free blood pressure and glucose screenings plus counseling, reaching bus stations and vulnerable communities. Pharma Deal for Latin America: Knight Therapeutics signed a distribution agreement for mogamulizumab (POTELIGEO) in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina. Oncology Investment: AstraZeneca announced a $2B equity investment in Summit Therapeutics, targeting gastrointestinal cancers with ivonescimab. Community Wellness: North Miami’s MOCHA Family Wellness Fair returns Oct. 4 with maternal health, mental health, and family screenings plus a 5K. Market Watch (Health Tech): Patient digital twin platforms are projected to surge in growth, reflecting accelerating health data and chronic-disease management trends.

Latin America Cancer Care Access: Knight Therapeutics signed an exclusive distribution deal with Kyowa Kirin to commercialize mogamulizumab (POTELIGEO) for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, aiming to speed access after regulatory approvals. Pediatric Oncology & Prevention: In Antigua and Barbuda, a doctor urged annual child health checks to catch cancer early, citing the lack of a resident pediatric cancer specialist and the need for families to travel abroad for diagnosis and treatment. Community Screening in the Caribbean: The Antigua Barbuda Red Cross expanded its Community Life Line with free blood pressure and glucose checks plus counseling, reaching bus stations, Barbuda and vulnerable groups. Public Health Workforce & Data Use: An Antiguan nurse returned with an MPH and a plan to shift health priorities toward data-driven prevention, focusing on childhood obesity in the first 1,000 days. Heat & Health Risks: A new study says the global heatwave season has stretched by about 39 days since 1979, arriving earlier and lasting longer—raising risks for hospitals and communities. Cardiovascular Disparities: A scientific statement highlights that cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death among Hispanic Americans, driven by gaps in risk-factor recognition, management and access to care. Gambling and Health: Brazil’s Lula moved to ban fixed-odds betting platforms ahead of elections, with health workers warning about addiction impacts. GERD Treatment Trial: Phathom Pharmaceuticals started a registrational Phase 3 study of VOQUEZNA (vonoprazan) for as-needed treatment of non-erosive GERD, with topline results expected in early 2028.

Measles Alert in the Americas: PAHO reports more than 51,000 confirmed measles cases in Jan–Aug 2026—nearly triple 2025—after the region lost measles-free status; coverage gaps (below the 95% two-dose MMR target) and World Cup travel are blamed, with Guatemala, Mexico, the U.S., and Peru driving most cases. Cancer Care Update (Brazil/US): A Miami woman’s endometrial cancer survival story highlights robotic surgery and radiation at Broward Health, while HUTCHMED’s ORPATHYS (savolitinib) plus TAGRISSO (osimertinib) heads to the US FDA for MET-driven EGFR-mutated lung cancer after progression. Public Health & Outbreak Risk (Florida): Florida declared a state of emergency over a dengue outbreak with 190 locally acquired cases and one death, raising concern about mosquito spread beyond travel-linked infections. Policy & Health Ethics: Pope Leo XIV urged healthcare workers to reject assisted dying laws as “false compassion,” as more countries debate similar measures. Caribbean Food Security & Animal Health: Caribbean states updated African swine fever rapid response plans with USDA/PAHO-linked support to protect pork producers and food security. Mental Health Trend: Growing interest in psychedelic therapy is spotlighted, with warnings about unsafe, unregulated retreats.

Measles Alert for the Americas: PAHO reports more than 51,000 confirmed measles cases in Jan–Aug 2026—nearly triple 2025—after the region lost measles-free status; low MMR coverage (around 85% vs the 95% target) and World Cup travel are driving spread, with Guatemala, Mexico, the U.S., and Peru accounting for 95%. Workforce Crunch: A new Covista Healthcare Workforce Index warns the healthcare workforce gap could nearly double by 2040, but says pairing workforce investment with care delivery innovation could close 92% of the projected shortfall. Cancer Care Access: A new look at whether cancer outcomes depend on where patients live highlights persistent geographic gaps in timely, quality treatment. Drug Discovery & Forests: Analysis estimates tropical forests could hold up to $714B in potential undiscovered drug value, with the Amazon at about $215B—while deforestation threatens to erase compounds before research can reach them. Pain Medicine Expansion: Grünenthal and DKSH plan to bring four pain medicines to eight Asia-Pacific markets, expanding access as chronic pain burdens rise. Regional Health Diplomacy: Ghana renewed solidarity with Cuba, including continued healthcare cooperation and training of doctors.

Climate & Health Risk: New research using modern and ancient corals finds El Niño events have grown nearly 40% stronger over the last 40 years, raising alarms for heat-driven health impacts across the region. Public Health Access: Saint Lucia is rolling out free presbyopia screening and reading-glasses distribution through primary care starting Oct. 1, aiming to improve vision for adults 40+. Preventive Care in the Caribbean: St. Kitts and Nevis held National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health support, dental services, and nutrition counseling. Sexual & Reproductive Health: Chile’s civil court ruled in favor of a woman suing a doctor who blocked her abortion, reinforcing access debates after the country’s three-exceptions framework. Obesity Trend: A Lancet Global Burden of Disease analysis shows adult obesity in Brazil more than tripled from 1990 to 2023, with two in three adults above healthy weight. Health Systems & Policy: PAHO-backed work on childhood cancer care and a regional push on health and climate action highlight prevention-focused system upgrades. Vaccines & Biotech: Europe is investing in a Colombian biotech firm to support large-scale vaccine production, targeting major dose output for Latin America.

UN Health Diplomacy: The US and EU rejected a UN declaration on future pandemic preparedness, sharpening disputes over intellectual property and voluntary tech transfer. Regional Health Systems: Abu Dhabi’s “Future Health” convened ministers at UNGA 81 to push health systems toward prediction, prevention, and earlier intervention, stressing population data, prevention financing, delivery capacity, and inclusive services. Sexual & Reproductive Health: World Contraception Day coverage highlights barriers to contraceptive access and the link to unintended pregnancy, with Caribbean commentary calling for “No Barriers, Just Choices.” Access to Care: Saint Lucia begins free presbyopia screening and reading-glasses distribution through primary care from Oct. 1. Public Health in Practice: St. Kitts and Nevis held National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health support, and dental services. Health Policy & Rights (Chile): A Chilean court ruled in favor of a woman suing a doctor who blocked her abortion, setting a precedent on duties and breach standards. Cancer Awareness (Caribbean): The Bob and Rita Marley Foundations hosted prostate cancer screening and PSA awareness, promoting newer testing approaches. Health Security: PAHO launched a regional observatory to strengthen childhood cancer care across the Americas.

Vaccine Finance in Colombia: The European Investment Bank will provide a €15M venture-debt loan to Colombian biotech VaxThera to expand vaccine and biopharma production, aiming for 250M doses annually and creating high-value scientific jobs. Reproductive Health & Rights in Chile/Caribbean: A Chilean court backed a woman’s abortion lawsuit tied to the country’s three-exceptions framework, while Caribbean voices marked World Contraception Day with a push for “No Barriers, Just Choices” and better access to reliable contraception. Public Health Access in St. Lucia: Saint Lucia begins free presbyopia screening and reading-glasses distribution through primary care from Oct. 1, targeting adults 40+ to improve near-vision health. Cancer Screening Momentum: Jamaica’s urology community calls for community-based prostate cancer screening, and a PSA screening drive in Jamaica/Caribbean-linked events highlighted earlier detection. Malaria Vaccine Lead: USF researchers report a newly identified vulnerability in Plasmodium vivax that could guide vaccine development to prevent liver infection and relapses. Global Health Systems: A Lancet Oncology Commission finds most cancer patients who need biomarker testing don’t get it, widening inequities in precision oncology. Caribbean Health Policy: St. Kitts and Nevis held National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health, dental and nutrition services. Hurricane Medical Aid: Direct Relief is sending additional medicines and supplies to Hawaiʻi ahead of Hurricane Nolo to support local clinics and first responders.

HIV & Drug Use Crisis: Fiji declared a national emergency as HIV cases surged 12-fold since 2010, with officials saying about 1 in 60 adults are living with HIV—linked to rising crystal meth use and needle sharing. Sexual & Reproductive Health Investment: A Guttmacher report argues that funding sexual and reproductive healthcare in low- and middle-income countries is a lifesaving investment, cutting unintended pregnancies and boosting economic returns. Prostate Cancer Screening Access: A Caribbean urologist says screening messages aren’t reaching average men and urges community-based outreach to catch silent early disease. Malaria Vaccine Lead: USF researchers identified a new antibody target on Plasmodium vivax that could block liver infection and reduce relapses—an important step toward a vaccine. Cancer Care Equity: A Lancet Oncology Commission finds 4 in 5 cancer patients who need biomarker testing don’t get it, widening the precision-therapy gap. Caribbean Respiratory Preparedness: CARPHA and PAHO trained surveillance and lab teams across 11 Caribbean countries to strengthen detection and response to respiratory viruses. Disaster Health Support: Direct Relief is sending emergency medical supplies to Hawaii ahead of Hurricane Nolo to help clinics sustain chronic and acute care. Coral Restoration: Antigua’s AnuBlue reports planting 5,800+ nursery-grown corals with an 84% survival rate, expanding reef recovery efforts.

Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough: USF researchers report a newly found “Achilles’ heel” in Plasmodium vivax—a parasite common across Central and South America—where antibodies could block liver invasion and help prevent relapses, opening a fresh vaccine target. Cancer Care Equity: A Lancet Oncology Commission says 4 in 5 cancer patients who need biomarker testing don’t get it, warning that precision oncology is still reaching mostly the privileged. Dengue Alert in the Region: Florida health authorities declared local states of emergency after a rise in locally acquired dengue cases, with researchers flagging elevated transmission risk in the Tampa Bay area. Prostate Cancer Screening Access: A Caribbean urologist urges community-based prostate screening so men don’t have to seek testing on their own—early disease is often symptom-free. Caribbean Health Security: CARPHA and PAHO convened respiratory-virus surveillance and lab training across 11 Caribbean countries to strengthen early detection and response. Reef Restoration in Antigua: A coral restoration push in Antigua planted 5,800+ nursery-grown corals with an 84% survival rate, marking the island’s biggest restoration year yet.

Weight-loss care in the Caribbean: TheLifeCo St Lucia launched a GLP-1 management programme with three pathways (optimisation, side-effect support, and transition/maintenance), built around medical, nutrition, mental wellness and movement support. Cancer treatment update: AstraZeneca’s IMFINZI (durvalumab) plus enfortumab vedotin won US FDA Priority Review for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients ineligible for cisplatin. Rare disease breakthrough: The European Commission granted marketing authorisation for NEZGLYAL (leriglitazone) for early male childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, the first EU pharmacological option for cALD. Health workforce spotlight: A new study in Nursing Inquiry reports nurses and midwives in Latin America faced violence during COVID-19, including physical aggression plus moral and emotional harm. Public health and safety: Philadelphia airport travelers were warned about possible measles exposure after a person with the virus passed through terminals. Community health event: Colina Insurance renewed support for the CIBC Walk for the Cure across multiple islands in October. Climate-health risk: New analysis warns super El Niño heat could drive hundreds of thousands of extra deaths globally, with knock-on effects for food and health systems.

El Niño Health Alarm: A new University of Chicago analysis warns the “super” El Niño could drive about 451,000 extra heat-related deaths worldwide by February, with knock-on risks from drought and food disruption. Health Workforce Safety: A Nursing Inquiry study says nurses and midwives in Latin America faced intensified violence during COVID-19, tied to care overload, stigma, and weak accountability. Caribbean Mental Health: Curaçao hosted a regional seminar to strengthen suicide prevention across the Dutch Caribbean, with training for schools and community response. Cancer Fundraising in the Region: Colina Insurance renewed support for the CIBC Walk for the Cure in The Bahamas, with island events scheduled for October. Animal Health Push: The USDA reported releasing over 1 billion sterile flies to fight New World screwworm, while stressing eradication is still not complete. Care Access via Tech: Market coverage highlights rapid growth in virtual rehabilitation and wireless maternal-fetal monitoring, reflecting continued investment in remote and non-invasive care.

Childhood Vaccines & Trust: Latin American health experts say immunization gains hinge on community partnerships and better communication—health workers must listen to concerns and build confidence, not just follow schedules. Wellness in the Region: Belize launched Wellness Week 2026, pushing screenings and healthier environments across homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. Climate & Health Risk: UN and WMO warnings tie a strengthening El Niño to rising extreme heat risks, urging health systems to treat heat as a predictable public-health threat. Pandemic Preparedness Funding: Africa CDC and PAHO called for sustained financing for prevention, preparedness, and response, warning the next outbreak won’t wait. Caribbean Health Collaboration: Caribbean leaders meeting in Miami urged regional coordination to tackle chronic disease, mental health, workforce shortages, digital transformation, and climate resilience. Chagas Treatment Update: A 30-day benznidazole regimen is highlighted as a safer option for Chagas disease. Policy & Budgets: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, lawmakers advanced the FY2027 budget bills for hospitals and public services, with emphasis on revenue collection and accountability.

Climate & Health: El Niño-driven heat could cause nearly half a million extra deaths worldwide by late February, with the biggest toll expected in poorer countries—an urgent warning for Latin America’s heat-vulnerable communities. Heat on the Ground (Colombia): In Colombia’s Caribbean, record temperatures and drought are pushing more people into clinics for dehydration, heatstroke and related complications, while power limits make cooling a survival issue. Prevention in Practice (Peru): A 12-session sun-safety program tested in Peru’s high Andes improved teens’ photoprotection habits and knowledge, where UV exposure is extreme. Public Health Funding: Africa CDC and PAHO urged sustained financing for pandemic preparedness at UNGA, stressing that the next outbreak won’t wait. Caribbean Health Systems: Caribbean leaders meeting in Miami called for regional collaboration to address chronic disease, mental health, workforce shortages, digital health and climate resilience. Health Data (Virgin Islands): The territory is running a CDC-funded BRFSS phone survey to map chronic disease risks and healthcare access. Animal Health Alert (Trinidad & Tobago): The Ministry of Agriculture warned about New World screwworm and urged early veterinary reporting of suspicious wounds. Workforce & Care Models (Caribbean/US): A new crisis response bureau in Cleveland plans to dispatch unarmed health professionals for mental health and substance-use emergencies.

New Standards in Arthritis Care: A major international study in Lancet Rheumatology set age-specific ultrasound thresholds to better spot early inflammatory arthritis, aiming to cut delayed diagnoses and unnecessary treatment. Climate-Linked Health Emergency: UN agencies and the Climate Impact Lab warn “super” El Niño could drive up to 451,000 extra heat deaths worldwide by late February, with major risks in parts of Latin America and other vulnerable regions—pushing calls for heat warnings, cooling support, and earlier financing. Chagas Treatment Update: The TESEO trial in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found a 30-day, once-daily benznidazole course may be a safer, more practical option than the older 60-day twice-daily regimen for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Public Health Financing Push: PAHO, Africa CDC and partners used UNGA to urge sustained pandemic preparedness funding and stronger Africa–Americas cooperation. Health System Strain in Senegal: A report from Senegal highlights how facility breakdowns and staffing pressures can turn childbirth into a crisis, underscoring broader system weaknesses. Regional Diplomacy for Health & Pharma: CELAC–India talks emphasized cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals alongside agriculture and energy. Pharma Business Moves in Puerto Rico: Vicapsys completed a reverse merger with Stateline and is preparing to relaunch FDA-approved NitroMist (nitroglycerin) while exploring additional manufacturing and distribution capacity.

Chagas Treatment Breakthrough: A head-to-head Lancet Infectious Diseases trial (TESEO) suggests a safer, once-daily 30-day benznidazole course could replace the older twice-daily 60-day regimen for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection—an important step for Latin America’s long-standing disease burden. Dengue Alert: Health experts are alarmed by rising locally acquired dengue in Florida, with the outbreak centered north of Tampa and hundreds of cases reported this year—raising regional mosquito-borne risk concerns for the Americas. Climate & Health: The UN warns El Niño is a “significant” public health threat, with heavier rain and extreme weather expected to boost risks like cholera and mosquito-borne illnesses (including dengue, malaria, and chikungunya), especially where health systems are strained. Regional Trade for Health: Venezuela’s UN delegation says it wants to expand cooperation with India in areas including pharmaceuticals and health, alongside energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure. Public Health Memory & Resilience: Dominica marks nine years since Hurricane Maria, noting ongoing missing persons and the scale of housing damage and displacement. Women’s Health Research: A Bahamas study finds menopause symptoms are widespread—most women reported multiple symptoms—highlighting the need for better local care and research.