AGP Executive Report

Health Policy & Access: AIDS Healthcare Foundation says a new U.S. draft bill (SUSTAIN 340B Act) could protect the 340B drug discount program from insurer and drug-industry attacks, aiming to keep discounts from being restricted or delayed. Infectious Disease Watch: Scientists warn El Niño-driven heat and shifting seas could help rabies spread via marine mammals, with concerns that outbreaks in South Africa and Namibia may reach beaches across South America and beyond. Research & Innovation: A new common marmoset genome gives researchers a stronger genetic baseline for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s studies, including newly identified PSEN1 variants. Clinical Care & Devices: ResMed reported Q4 results with 9% revenue growth and highlighted continued demand for its sleep and respiratory products. Reproductive Health: New market research projects growth in female fertility and pregnancy rapid tests, reflecting rising demand for earlier, more accessible reproductive screening.

Heat & El Niño Preparedness (Caribbean): A climate psychologist warns that rising temperatures during El Niño can quietly harm sleep, mood, hydration, learning and safety—urging St. Vincent and the wider Caribbean to treat heat stress as a public health risk, not just discomfort. Pharma Performance (LATAM): Knight Therapeutics reported Q2 results with revenue up 34% year over year to $144.2M, driven by promoted products and LATAM currency strength. Mental Health Policy (Puerto Rico): Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón signed an executive order to assess a pilot clinical research program for emerging therapies, including investigational ibogaine, aiming to expand regulated trial pathways for severe mental health and substance-use disorders. GLP-1 Demand (Regional impact): Eli Lilly said Mounjaro and Zepbound sales surged, with international growth including Latin America, underscoring how GLP-1s are reshaping regional diabetes and obesity markets. Cardiac Tech Market Signals: New market outlooks highlight continued growth in ECG and related monitoring tools, reflecting demand for earlier detection and remote care.

Caribbean Emergency Response: A nurse and former lifeguard in St. Croix rushed to help a woman he thought was drowning—only to realize she’d been attacked by a shark while snorkeling, highlighting how quickly medical skills can matter in vacation emergencies. Puerto Rico Mental Health Policy: Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón signed an executive order to assess a pilot clinical research program for emerging therapies, including investigational ibogaine, aiming to expand options for severe mental health and substance-use disorders. GLP-1 Sales Surge: Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk reported strong momentum from GLP-1 drugs, with Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound driving major revenue gains, including growth in Latin America. Pediatric Care Innovation: Canon and the University of Miami’s Shark Research & Conservation Program brought an interactive marine science experience to Seacrest Studio at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, using hands-on learning to support kids during treatment. Wearables & Cardiac Monitoring Market Push: New market outlooks point to continued growth in ECG and patient monitoring devices, including ECG equipment, telemetry, and related sensors.

Caribbean Heat & Dust Warning: A doctor in the region says elderly people and young children face the biggest health risks from ongoing heat and Saharan dust, urging residents to stay indoors on peak dust days and use high-SPF sunscreen and protective clothing. Stadium Health Push: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is offering free fan screenings at all eight host venues, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA tests, aiming for earlier detection of non-communicable diseases. Breastfeeding Support Drive (St. Kitts & Nevis): The Ministry of Health is collecting new or gently used breastfeeding accessories and educational materials through Sept. 30, with drop-offs at health centers and hospitals. Medical Tourism Risk Spotlight (Dominican Republic): A New York police officer reportedly died after a breast implant removal in Santo Domingo, prompting calls for investigation into the infection and follow-up care. Women’s Health Law (Colombia): Colombia has made female genital mutilation illegal, following a long campaign to end the practice. HIV Treatment Access Gap (Latin America): Coverage highlights that a breakthrough HIV drug still hasn’t reached Latin America, underscoring ongoing access barriers.

AI Governance: JEEN AI says it’s building “guardrails” for mission-critical AI so errors can be tracked to human sign-off, aiming to answer the big question: who’s responsible when AI gets it wrong? COVID-19 Vaccines: Sinopharm was launched in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, entering the national rollout for adults 18+ in a two-dose, three-week schedule. Gender-Based Violence & Health: Colombia passed a landmark law banning female genital mutilation, following years of community secrecy and harm that often delayed care. Caribbean Public Health in Action: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League will offer free fan screenings at eight venues, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing, targeting non-communicable disease prevention. Medical Tourism Risks: A Dominican Republic death tied to a bacterial infection after breast implant removal has sparked calls for investigation into clinic care and follow-up. Nursing Workforce Resilience: Guyana hosted the 53rd Regional Nursing Body meeting, spotlighting nurse and midwife leadership amid chronic disease, shortages, and disasters.

Haiti Immigration & Health Access: A Haitian American reflects on how the 2010 earthquake led to U.S. temporary protected status—and warns that ending TPS in the second Trump administration is now fueling fear that could ripple through hospitals and nursing homes. Foodborne Outbreak Alert: Michigan confirmed two deaths from cyclosporiasis tied to the U.S. outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, with health officials stressing that severe dehydration is the main danger and that routine tests may miss it. Mosquito-Borne Risk: Florida health departments issued dengue advisories after locally transmitted cases were confirmed in Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade, urging stronger mosquito protection during peak season. Caribbean Health Workforce: Jamaica and Ghana signed agreements to expand trade and also allow Ghanaian healthcare workers to work in Jamaica, alongside plans for exchanges to train staff. Jamaica Hospital Support: Lions Club donated medical supplies to Kingston Public Hospital, including adult care items, catheters, and breast milk pouches. Agriculture Health Link: Researchers reported a natural cocoa treatment using essential oils plus fengycin to suppress cocoa moniliasis and protect Latin American farms. Travel Safety: Summer travel guidance highlights how chronic conditions and medication management can make trips riskier without planning.

Peru Prison Health & Pardons: Ex-president Alejandro Toledo, jailed in the Odebrecht case, urged President Keiko Fujimori to speed up his humanitarian presidential pardon, citing serious heart problems, cancer, and bleeding. Dengue Alert in Florida: A confirmed dengue case was reported in Palm Beach County, with health officials coordinating mosquito surveillance and prevention; dengue is spread by specific mosquitoes and is often linked to travel to the Caribbean, Central and South America. Smallpox DNA in the Americas: Researchers reported direct molecular DNA evidence of smallpox from Chilean mummies, strengthening the link between early Spanish conquest and catastrophic outbreaks in Indigenous populations. Pet Health Rules at the Mexico-U.S. Border: Mexico’s SENASICA added new paperwork for dogs entering Baja from California, including a USDA-signed inspection certificate and possible tick checks, samples, and quarantine. Retirement Destinations: Forbes listed seven Latin American countries—Argentina, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay—among top retirement spots for Americans, citing healthcare and cost factors.

Dementia Prevention in Latin America: A two-year LatAm-FINGERS study across 11 countries found culturally adapted lifestyle programs improved memory and thinking in older adults at risk of dementia, with the most intensive coaching and structured social support delivering the biggest gains. Brain Health & Learning: New research presented at a neuroscience forum links speaking more languages with “younger” brain connectivity patterns, suggesting multilingual experience may slow brain aging. HIV Update: At AIDS 2026 in Rio, UNAIDS/KFF reports 1.2 million new HIV infections globally and warns that a sharp drop in donor funding—driven by reduced U.S. disbursements—could jeopardize progress. Obesity as a Medical Issue: In St. Kitts and Nevis, WHO data cited obesity affecting 45.6% of adults, with officials urging it be treated as a health condition, not a cultural joke. Communicable Disease Elimination: Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to develop a national roadmap to accelerate elimination of more than 30 communicable diseases, with PAHO support. Public Health Safety: WHO chief Tedros accused ultra-processed food giants of using lawsuits to block obesity protections, citing delays and costly legal battles. Cancer Care Boost (Argentina): Argentina’s Garrahan Hospital was ranked among the best-equipped in Latin America after modernization, including new radiotherapy equipment aimed at expanding pediatric cancer treatment.

Obesity as a medical issue in the Caribbean: St. Kitts and Nevis health officials say WHO estimates show 45.6% of adults living with obesity, urging people to treat it like a diagnosis—not a joke—using BMI as a risk tool while acknowledging its limits. Communicable-disease elimination roadmap: Trinidad and Tobago became the first Caribbean country to start building a national roadmap, with PAHO support, to accelerate elimination of more than 30 communicable diseases and conditions, including HIV, TB, hepatitis, syphilis, leprosy and cervical cancer. Access to cancer care in Argentina: Argentina’s Garrahan Hospital was ranked among the best-equipped in Latin America, highlighting modernization that boosts advanced imaging and pediatric cancer treatment, including a new linear accelerator. Food policy fight over obesity: WHO chief Tedros accused ultra-processed food giants of using lawsuits to block obesity protections, citing delays and costly legal battles. Public health and wildlife risk: Bird flu concerns are escalating after mass seabird deaths in Australia, with officials warning the outbreak could spread quickly—an animal-health signal with potential knock-on risks. Pharma pricing push in Panama: India’s ambassador says talks aim to bring more Indian drugmakers into Panama to increase competition and lower prices while keeping quality standards.

Disaster Preparedness: Trinidad and Tobago is being urged to treat the June Venezuela earthquake as a regional warning, highlighting how cross-border hazards can hit local coastlines and communities. Cyber & Public Health Partnerships: Trinidad and Tobago and Israel are discussing cooperation on cybersecurity, smart cities, and healthcare, framed around UN Sustainable Development Goals. Communicable Disease Elimination: Trinidad and Tobago has launched a national roadmap with PAHO support to accelerate elimination of more than 30 communicable diseases, targeting gaps in health systems and bottlenecks. Cancer Care Upgrade: Argentina’s Garrahan Hospital was ranked among the best in Latin America after modernization that expanded advanced imaging and pediatric cancer treatment capacity. Obesity Policy Under Fire: WHO chief Tedros accuses ultra-processed food giants of using lawsuits to block obesity protections, citing delays and costly legal battles. Skin-Health Warning: Experts warn that children as young as five are being exposed to skin-lightening products linked to long-term skin damage and potentially fatal skin cancer. Dementia Prevention Trial: A Latin America lifestyle intervention trial reported improved cognitive outcomes, adding momentum to culturally adapted dementia prevention.

Communicable Disease Elimination: Trinidad and Tobago is the first Caribbean country to build a national roadmap—supported by PAHO—to accelerate elimination of 30+ communicable diseases, including HIV, TB, hepatitis, syphilis, leprosy and cervical cancer. Bird Flu Watch: A suspected H5 bird flu mass mortality event is being investigated in South Australia after more than 80 dead and sick greater crested terns were found, raising concerns about rapid spread beyond wildlife. Obesity Fight Under Legal Pressure: WHO chief Tedros accuses ultra-processed food giants of blocking obesity protections through lawsuits, citing delays and costly legal battles across multiple countries. Cancer Care Upgrade: Argentina’s Garrahan Hospital was ranked among the best-equipped in Latin America after modernization under President Milei, including new advanced imaging and cancer radiotherapy capacity. Skin Bleaching Health Risks: Experts warn that children as young as five exposed to skin-lightening products face long-term damage and possible links to squamous cell carcinoma. HIV Prevention Access Gap: Lenacapavir shows near-total HIV prevention in trials, but activists say many Latin American countries can’t afford it despite licensing plans. Local Health Promotion: Jamaica’s Kingston Public Hospital marked its 250th anniversary with a wellness fair offering screenings, consultations and prevention education. Climate & Health: UN chief Guterres warns extreme heat tied to El Niño is worsening across regions, calling for protections, safer work, and climate action.

HIV Drug Access Fight: At the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio, activists protested as lenacapavir-based HIV prevention is “almost 100%” effective but priced out for much of Latin America, leaving countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Peru excluded from lower-cost licensing. Public Health & Prevention: Experts warn that US foreign aid cuts could block access to new HIV prevention options, undermining scale-up plans. Cardiac Care Upgrade: Health City Cayman Islands carried out the Caribbean’s first FARAPULSE™ pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation, aiming to expand advanced rhythm care regionally. Climate & Heat Risk: UN chief Antonio Guterres says El Niño is intensifying and pushing the world into “uncharted territory,” with hotter, drier conditions expected across parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Hospital Funding Pressure: St. Kitts’ Millennium Heights Medical Complex says the public owes over EC$20.5 million, threatening supplies and repairs. Foodborne Illness Alert: UK reports link returning travelers to cyclospora outbreaks tied to Mexico resort stays, prompting hygiene warnings. Healthcare System Cuts: Honduras’ Nasry Asfura administration is shrinking the state and took control of health early on, with austerity measures hitting services.

HIV Access Crisis: A “miracle” injectable HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir (twice-yearly shots), is nearly 100% effective in trials, but Latin American countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Peru are being priced out—sparking protests at the AIDS 2026 conference in Rio. HIV Prevention Funding: Experts warn that US foreign aid cuts could block rollout of lenacapavir, leaving rural and stigmatized groups with fewer options. Cardiac Care Upgrade: Health City Cayman Islands performed the Caribbean’s first FARAPULSE™ pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation, signaling a shift toward non-thermal, tissue-selective procedures. Public Health & Travel Risk: UK health authorities report a surge in cyclospora cases among travelers returning from Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Cancún, with guidance focused on food and water hygiene. Healthcare Capacity: Saint Lucia commissioned a rehabilitated dialysis unit at St. Jude Hospital (Augier site), adding 14 stations to keep life-saving care running. Climate & Heat: UN chief António Guterres urged faster action as El Niño intensifies extreme heat and drought risks across the Americas and beyond. Local Health Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis’ MHMC says the public owes over EC$20.5 million, threatening supplies and repairs even as care continues.

Travel Health Alert: UKHSA reports a sharp rise in cyclospora among travelers returning from Mexico, linked to contaminated food (salads, soft fruit, herbs), with “explosive diarrhoea” and other GI symptoms that can start about a week after infection. Regional Lab Capacity: CARPHA launched whole genome sequencing at its AMR reference lab in Trinidad, boosting the Caribbean’s ability to track drug-resistant bacteria and speed up response. Haiti Maternal Care: Doctors Without Borders resumed maternity services at Isaïe Jeanty Hospital in Port-au-Prince after nearly three weeks of suspension due to gang clashes endangering patients and staff. Caribbean Cardiac Milestone: Health City Cayman Islands completed the Caribbean’s first FARAPULSE™ pulsed field ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation, aiming for minimally invasive treatment with rapid recovery. Nursing Workforce: Trinidad and Tobago launched a program to encourage nurses in the diaspora to return home, addressing public healthcare staffing shortages. Public Health Evidence: Ancient DNA studies from Chilean mummies provide strong genetic support that smallpox was brought to the Americas during European colonization.

Caribbean Health Security: CARPHA’s Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory just launched, boosting AMR testing (including antimicrobial susceptibility and whole genome sequencing) and strengthening cross-island surveillance and faster responses. Measles Watch: Doctors are sounding alarms as measles cases hit a 35-year high in the U.S., with transmission continuing longer than elimination standards allow—raising pressure on vaccination coverage. Haiti Maternal Care: Doctors Without Borders resumed maternity services at Isaïe Jeanty Maternity Hospital in Port-au-Prince after suspending operations due to gang clashes, urging protection for healthcare workers and facilities. Global Vaccines Funding: The U.S. will release $600M to Gavi after commitments to move away from mercury-containing vaccines and improve transparency. Travel Health Alert (Mexico): UK travelers are being warned about a rise in cyclospora-linked “explosive” diarrhoea cases tied to hotels in Riviera Maya and Cancun. Research & Chronic Disease (Montserrat): Montserrat’s Research Day highlighted evidence-based approaches for hypertension, diabetes and mental health pressures. Smallpox History (Chile): Ancient mummy DNA from northern Chile adds strong genetic support that European colonization brought smallpox to the Americas.

Travel Health Alert (Mexico): UKHSA says cyclospora cases tied to Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Cancun have surged, with 67 UK-returning cases reported from April–July; symptoms include violent watery diarrhoea, cramps, fever, and some cases may need antibiotics. Public Health Systems (Dominican Republic): The Dominican National Health Service says the Central American and Caribbean Games showed the network’s response capacity, with free care across 200+ hospitals and 1,700 primary units, coordinated through a major reference center. Mental Health (Grenada): Grenada launched a toll-free 988 suicide hotline with trained crisis responders and a public awareness push. Healthcare Access (Barbados): A mental health advocate calls for stronger crisis response and forensic mental health services after an inmate death, urging better first-responder training. Medical Infrastructure (Caribbean): Officials report the MRI Centre at Joseph N. France General Hospital is in final phase, aiming for operations by year-end. Neglected Disease (Latin America): A feature highlights mycetoma’s slow, stigmatizing damage and limited availability of truly effective medicines in referral settings across the region. Nutrition/Diabetes (Mexico): Yuhan launches a blood-sugar probiotic in Mexico under “GlucoBiotic,” targeting functional food demand and diabetes prevalence. HIV Funding (Americas): Activists protest at AIDS 2026 in Rio, citing reduced humanitarian aid and pressure on HIV programs. Sanctions & Health (Cuba): Cuba says 7,000+ containers of food and medicines remain stuck in Caribbean ports due to U.S. sanctions, warning of worsening access to essentials like potable water.