AGP Executive Report

Cancer Drug Update: HUTCHMED says the SAFFRON Phase III trial found ORPATHYS® plus TAGRISSO® improved progression-free and overall survival for MET-driven EGFR-mutated lung cancer after TAGRISSO® failure. HIV Funding Pressure: At AIDS 2026 in Rio, leaders warned that “innovation without access is injustice” as global HIV funding and political support shrink. Occupational Lung Disease: California reports 592 confirmed silicosis cases (2019–June 2026) among engineered-stone countertop workers, with 31 deaths and 65 transplants—renewing calls for stronger dust controls. Disaster Preparedness: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are pushing seismic vulnerability studies and building reinforcement after major quakes exposed weak infrastructure. Digital Health Rollout: St. Kitts and Nevis deploys a National Digital Health Information System at JNF General Hospital to modernize records and patient-centered care. Quality & Safety: Aruba’s Medical Institute San Nicolas (ImSan) wins JCI Gold Seal reaccreditation, highlighting patient safety and continuous quality improvement. Public Health & Environment: A Guatemala community project trains women to cut plastic waste and reduce health risks from plastic burning. Regional Child Policy: OECS launches a UNICEF-supported Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 focused on protection and rights. Infectious Disease Watch: Reports note 2025 in the Dominican Republic saw up to seven respiratory viruses circulating at once, stressing health system readiness. Health Infrastructure Investment: Jamaica’s PM Drew announces EC$2 million for a new ambulance fleet to improve emergency response.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis rolled out a National Digital Health Information System at Joseph N. France General Hospital to modernize records and make care more patient-centered. Quality & Safety: Aruba’s Medical Institute San Nicolas (ImSan) won JCI Gold Seal reaccreditation, highlighting ongoing quality improvements and patient safety. Child Health Policy: The OECS Commission, with UNICEF support, launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 built on a “whole-of-the-child” approach. Environmental Health in Practice: In rural Guatemala, community “promotora” leaders are organizing plastic cleanups and reducing plastic burning after workshops tied to health risks for women and children. Cancer Screening Debate: New UK guidance could stop men over 50 from automatically getting PSA tests without symptoms, shifting decisions to GPs. Public Health & Travel: Thiruvananthapuram Medical College opened a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre for travelers heading to South America and Africa. Cardiovascular Risk Awareness: A spotlight on hidden lipoprotein(a) risk is pushing calls for better testing beyond standard checkups.

Digital Health Upgrade (St. Kitts & Nevis): The Joseph N. France General Hospital in St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System, aiming to move beyond paper records toward a more integrated, patient-centred workflow. Quality & Safety Boost (Aruba): Medical Institute San Nicolas (ImSan) in Aruba earned Joint Commission International reaccreditation and a Gold Seal of Approval, highlighting patient safety and continuous quality improvement. Hidden Heart Risk (Global): A widely discussed genetic condition, lipoprotein(a), can silently double heart-attack and stroke risk and often isn’t caught by routine testing—raising calls for better screening. Respiratory Virus Surge (Dominican Republic): In 2025, the Dominican Republic saw up to seven respiratory viruses circulating at once, with epidemiologists linking the pattern to post-COVID social reopening. Biosecurity Alarm (New World screwworm): The return of New World screwworm is driving new coordination between the USDA and DHS, while veterinary ivermectin is being positioned as an emergency tool in the U.S. Humanitarian Strain (Cuba): The UN warns humanitarian aid to Cuba is delayed as shipping and finance firms fear U.S. reprisals, affecting cancer drugs and water-treatment equipment. Regional Child Policy (OECS): The OECS launched a 2026–2032 regional child policy and strategic plan with UNICEF support, focused on turning rights into action.

Child Health Policy: The OECS, with UNICEF support, rolled out a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 aimed at protecting every child across the Eastern Caribbean, with a whole-of-the-child, evidence-led approach. Emergency Care Upgrade: Jamaica’s PM Drew announced EC$2 million for a new ambulance fleet, citing faster emergency response and lives saved despite procurement and delivery hurdles. Hospital Lab Modernization: Argentina’s Garrahan Hospital received over $80 million in government funding for five new centrifuges to speed lab processing and improve safety and biosecurity for pediatric care. Humanitarian Access Under Sanctions: UN officials warned that fear of US reprisals is causing “overcompliance” by shippers and insurers, delaying cancer drugs and water-treatment equipment reaching Cuba. Kidney Transplant Reality Check: A Puerto Rico veteran’s kidney offer was rescinded when the donor organ wasn’t viable, highlighting the uncertainty patients face while waiting. Food & Health Link: A study says global vegetable intake falls far short of dietary guidelines while vegetable diversity is declining—an issue tied to diet-related disease risk. Disaster Health Risks: A 7.7 quake hit Indonesia’s Flores, damaging health facilities and homes and forcing evacuations as aftershocks continue.

Kidney Transplant Hope in Puerto Rico: A Puerto Rico veteran got a kidney offer in May 2026, only for the donor organ to be deemed non-viable on arrival—an emotional reminder of how fragile transplant timelines can be. Cuba Humanitarian Strain: The UN says shipping and financial firms are delaying or rerouting aid because of US sanctions fears, leaving hospitals short on cancer drugs and water-treatment equipment. Argentina Pediatric Care Upgrade: Javier Milei’s government bought five new centrifuges for Buenos Aires’ Garrahan Hospital, aiming to speed lab processing and improve safety for high-volume pediatric testing. Jamaica Health-Focused Tourism CSR: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged hotels and tourism firms to embed community development into corporate social responsibility, as the Sandals Foundation launched a neonatal and pediatric healthcare challenge. Brazil Pollution Spotlight: Volta Redonda’s steel boom brings “black dust” air pollution concerns for residents, raising health and environmental questions. HIV Stigma Reminder: A new report highlights why the fight against HIV still isn’t over, focusing on love, access, and public attention gaps.

Healthcare Access Policy: Argentina ended free routine care for non-resident foreigners in national public hospitals, requiring fees or proof of international insurance under a new health ministry procedure—emergencies still can’t be denied. Public Health & Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella probe has led Whole Foods to recall jalapeño-containing prepared foods in 12 U.S. states, with no illnesses reported yet. Cardiogenic Shock Device Trial (Brazil): PercAssist enrolled the first patient in São Paulo for its AVANXA feasibility study of an extravascular biventricular mechanical circulatory support system, reporting hemodynamic improvements and reduced vasopressor use. Chagas Research Link (U.S.-Argentina): A Fulbright U.S. Scholar visit to Argentina’s Chagas “kissing bug” research teams aims to expand U.S. understanding of vector control and disease risk. Inclusion in Care: Jamaica’s CHASE Fund is funding health screenings for athletes with intellectual disabilities at the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay. Health & Environment: A study warns global vegetable intake and crop diversity are declining, tying low vegetable consumption to major diet-related disease risk.

Cuba Centenary & Public Health Legacy: Cuba marked Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday with events across the island, as his “shadow” remains tied to public health policies—while the country’s crisis deepens under intensified U.S. pressure. Argentina Health Access: Argentina ended free routine care for non-resident foreigners in public hospitals, requiring fees or international insurance, a shift unions say worsens unequal access. Caribbean Development Finance: The Caribbean Development Bank and World Bank reviewed 11 Grenada projects, including health and water, agreeing on follow-up steps to improve delivery and resilience. Chagas Research Link: A Fulbright scholar in Argentina is helping expand U.S.-South America collaboration on Chagas disease and vector control. Food Safety Alert: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing prepared foods in 12 U.S. states over possible Salmonella contamination. Mosquitoes & Disease Risk: A new report highlights how mosquitoes drive massive global deaths, with malaria and dengue among the biggest threats.

Colombia Earthquake Response: A 7.4 quake has left at least 265 dead, 3,494 injured, and 496 missing, with damage spanning homes, schools, and health centers; the government says international aid is starting to arrive as search teams race to find survivors. Maternal Health After Storms: Jamaica’s Hurricane Health Response Programme is moving into phase two, with UNFPA reproductive and midwifery kits delivered to facilities in six parishes to keep safe childbirth services running during recovery. Cuba Centenary & Public Health Legacy: As Cuba marks Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday, coverage highlights how his policies are remembered in areas like education and public health, even as the island faces a worsening economic squeeze tied to U.S. pressure. TB Gender Gap Study: New research suggests men’s higher TB rates come mainly from greater exposure to the bacterium, not a stronger biological tendency to progress once infected—pointing to exposure-focused prevention. Measles Warning for the Americas: PAHO data shows measles cases have surged across the region, with most infections concentrated in Guatemala, Mexico, the U.S., and Peru, raising alarm for cross-border spread. Food Safety & Parasites: Cyclospora remains a major reminder that fresh-produce supply chains can drive large outbreaks, with officials still working to pinpoint sources in the U.S. Health Tech & Care Access: American Shared Hospital Services reports rising international patient volumes, including Peru and Mexico, underscoring growing cross-border cancer treatment demand.

Disaster Response: Hurricane Melissa recovery in Jamaica is getting a boost as UNFPA delivered reproductive health and specialized midwifery kits to facilities in six hardest-hit parishes, aiming to keep safe childbirth services running during emergency conditions. Earthquake Health Impact: Colombia’s deadly 7.4 quake has triggered urgent relief efforts, with families in hard-hit areas like Chocó still missing and medical needs rising as infrastructure is damaged. Water & Health Risk: Puerto Rico is facing days of limited fresh water amid severe drought, with rationing plans calling for up to 48-hour cut-offs—raising concerns for hygiene, chronic conditions, and heat-related health strain. Nutrition & Public Health: A new global study warns people worldwide eat far fewer vegetables than recommended and that vegetable diversity is declining, linking low intake to major diet-related disease risk. Gut-Brain Research: Dominican researchers report early findings connecting gut microbiota patterns with Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline, highlighting diet links such as mango, lettuce, and carrots. Health Workforce & Training: St. Kitts and Nevis awarded 37 scholarships for 2026 study in Taiwan, including tracks tied to public health, healthcare workforce development, and water security. Vaccine Policy Watch: A U.S. executive order pushes states toward changes in how MMR is administered and challenges exemptions—an issue with ripple effects for vaccine-preventable disease risk.

Disaster Response in Colombia: Rescuers are searching for survivors after a 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, with reports of at least 179 deaths and about 3,000 missing as teams dig through damaged multistory buildings. Digital NCD Care in the Caribbean: Jamaica launched the Jamaica Moves app and the Chronic Care Connect pilot to help people manage diabetes and hypertension with tracking tools, reminders, and coordinated follow-up at health facilities. Regional Lab Boost for AMR: CARPHA opened a new regional reference referral laboratory in Jamaica to speed up antimicrobial resistance testing and reduce reliance on overseas labs. Food Safety & Parasite Alerts: Mexico says tests of hotels in the Riviera Maya were negative for Cyclospora after UK-linked cyclosporiasis cases raised concerns. Health Tech in Focus: Spanish Town Hospital in Jamaica marked progress in urology care, including a new ultrasound machine and prostate biopsy equipment to improve earlier cancer diagnosis. Biosecurity & Animal Health: The U.S. USDA and DHS announced a new MOU to strengthen detection and response to New World screwworm threats.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Rescuers are searching for survivors after a 7.4 quake in Colombia’s coffee region killed at least 179 people, with about 3,000 missing and teams digging through heavily damaged buildings in Pereira, Cali and Manizales. Border Biosecurity & Animal Health: The U.S. USDA and DHS announced a new agreement to strengthen detection and response to New World screwworm and other agricultural threats, including coordination tied to livestock smuggling from Central America into Mexico. Tropical Medicine Training: Saint James School of Medicine’s Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Public Health was added to ASTMH’s approved diploma course directory, with a hybrid program including a Suriname practicum. Caribbean Health Systems Summit: KPMG Islands Group launched CariHealth 2026, a Caribbean healthcare summit in Miami focused on resilient, accessible, climate-ready health systems. Indigenous Midwives Spotlight: Dominica marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by highlighting Kalinago midwives and their role in safeguarding life and well-being. Women’s Health Tech Market Signals: New market outlooks point to continued growth in areas like implantable glucose sensors, hormonal IUDs, and inactivated influenza vaccines.

Disaster Response: A 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia’s Chocó region, killing at least 111 people and injuring dozens, with aftershocks and widespread damage as rescue teams search for missing survivors. Workforce & Care Access: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana to ease staffing shortages across hospitals and clinics. HIV Treatment Gaps: A new discussion highlights why people in the Americas still aren’t reached for HIV prevention and care, pointing to the need to scale PrEP, testing, and community-linked support. Public Health & Policy: Colombia is also weighing a constitutional move tied to abortion access, reigniting debate over rights and public health. Infectious Disease Watch: Mexico reports a surge in New World screwworm human cases, while U.S. authorities respond after detection in livestock. Nutrition & Consumer Rights: India’s Supreme Court case presses for clearer front-of-pack warnings on high sugar, salt, and saturated fat foods.

Disaster Response: A 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia’s Pacific coast Aug. 10, killing at least 111 and injuring 87, with more than 1,500 homes damaged and dozens of buildings collapsed; UN teams are coordinating with national authorities as families wait for survivors in Chocó and beyond. Public Health & Policy: Colombia’s incoming conservative coalition is backing a constitutional amendment to ban abortion from conception, sparking intense debate over rights, family planning, and public health impacts. Infectious Disease Watch: Mexico is seeing a major resurgence of New World screwworm, with 500+ human cases reported and rising infections in 2026, while US livestock authorities ramp up containment efforts. Healthcare Workforce: St. Kitts and Nevis is pursuing a new medical scholarship pathway with Taiwan, aiming to send students to study, then return for internships and licensing across the Caribbean. Local Health Infrastructure: Peru’s Lima historic center has uncovered the remains of a 16th-century hospital and church tied to care for seafarers, offering new context for colonial-era health services.

HIV & Stigma in the Caribbean Basin: A Belize-born trans woman in Mexico, Erika Castellanos, says reaching age 50 is a “success story” after surviving HIV since 1995—highlighting how access to treatment and donations changed outcomes across Latin America. Public Health Infrastructure: Saint Lucia officially launched a National Cancer Registry with CARPHA, IARC and PAHO support, aiming to strengthen surveillance, prevention planning, and evidence-based care. Medical Response at Scale: The Dominican Republic reported 293 people treated during the Central American and Caribbean Games, with 175 transferred to health centers—supported by 70 ambulances and a large out-of-hospital team. Biopharma Access & Quality: Dx&Vx signed two Latin America material transfer agreements for its room-temperature nucleic acid stabilization platform, including a new deal with a South American public health institution. Regulatory Milestone: Mabwell said its denosumab biosimilars passed Brazil’s ANVISA PIC/S-aligned GMP inspection, paving the way for broader market access. Vector-Borne Threat: Mexico’s new surge of flesh-eating screwworms continues, with human cases reported in the thousands and animal cases also climbing. Community Health Outreach: Jamaica’s Kingston Public Hospital marked 250 years with free screenings (blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, vision, Pap smears, mammograms) and prevention education. Vaccination Watch: WHO data shows measles cases rising across the Americas, with calls to close immunity gaps and improve rapid outbreak response.

Public Health Alert (Americas): WHO says measles is surging across North and South America, with 47,459 confirmed cases as of July 18—three times last year’s total—urging stronger vaccination, surveillance, and rapid outbreak response; Canada reports 1,107 cases (about half the U.S. total of 2,260) despite its smaller population, and 45 deaths so far this year are largely in Guatemala and Mexico. Disaster Response (Central America & Caribbean): The DAEH provided medical coverage at the Santo Domingo Central American and Caribbean Games, treating 293 people and transferring 175 to health centers, using 70 ambulances and about 300 staff over 16 days. Infectious Disease (Mexico): Flesh-eating screwworms are expanding in Mexico, with human cases reported above 2,300 and hundreds of thousands of animal cases logged across Mexico and Central America. Health Systems (Saint Lucia): Saint Lucia officially launched a National Cancer Registry with CARPHA, IARC’s Caribbean hub, and PAHO to strengthen cancer surveillance and evidence-based care. Health & Safety (Venezuela): After June’s earthquakes, Corpoelec restored 600 MW toward recovery, including repairs at Termocarabobo and expected return of a third unit.

Cancer Data Boost: Saint Lucia officially launched its National Cancer Registry with CARPHA, IARC’s Caribbean hub, and PAHO support, aiming to strengthen surveillance and evidence-based prevention and care. Infectious Threat Watch: Mexico and Central America are facing a surge of flesh-eating New World screwworms, with human infestations reported above 2,300 and animal cases far higher, raising risks of severe wounds and secondary infections. Public Health Alerts: WHO says measles cases across the Americas have hit their highest level in more than two decades, urging faster vaccination, surveillance, and outbreak response—especially where immunity gaps persist. Community Health Planning: Residents in Conaree, St. Kitts and Nevis, held a consultation on a proposed Conaree Health Centre, with health officials and the prime minister involved in shaping local service delivery. Health & Safety Infrastructure: Guyana is moving ahead with about $14.7M for emergency rehabilitation of Leonora Police Living Quarters and also plans ambulance medical supplies procurement. Mental Health & Relationships: A column explores anxious-avoidant patterns and how emotional safety and vulnerability can affect intimacy and attachment.