AGP Executive Report

Caribbean Reparations Push: Caribbean states are preparing to sue the UK in international courts, using UN anti-racism treaty arguments, as Barbados PM Mia Mottley urges a shift from advocacy to a case that could demand slavery reparations. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: Florida confirmed its first locally acquired dengue death of 2026, highlighting how warm, rainy conditions can fuel Aedes mosquito spread; meanwhile, Orange County issued a dengue alert after new local cases. Latin America Waste & Health: A new report warns “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America are worsening public health as imported plastic overwhelms weak waste systems and leaks into communities. HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO expanded a procurement pathway for twice-yearly lenacapavir across 14 Latin America and Caribbean countries, aiming to close rising HIV prevention gaps. School Health Policy: Mexico approved nationwide cellphone restrictions for primary and secondary schools starting in October, citing learning focus and student emotional well-being.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO expanded access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention, creating a regional procurement pathway for 14 Latin America and Caribbean countries, pending local approvals. Mosquito-Borne Disease Watch: Florida confirmed its first locally acquired dengue death of 2026 in Hillsborough County, as officials warn warmer, rainy conditions can fuel Aedes mosquitoes. Caribbean Public Health & Youth: Saint Lucia launched Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 to push youth-led action against non-communicable diseases, linking mental and physical wellbeing. School Health Policy: Mexico approved nationwide cellphone restrictions for primary and secondary schools starting October, aiming to reduce classroom distraction and support student emotional wellbeing. Cuba Solidarity: An Italian “Route to Cuba” caravan is set to depart Sept. 23 to challenge U.S. blockade impacts and urge access to essential goods and humanitarian aid. Cancer Care Research: A real-world cohort study reports outcomes for neoadjuvant pembrolizumab-based chemoimmunotherapy in triple-negative and hormone receptor–low breast cancer.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO expanded lenacapavir access via a regional procurement pathway covering 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, aiming to close a major prevention gap as new HIV infections rose in the region. Dengue Alerts: Florida health officials confirmed the first 2026 dengue death in the state, while Orange County issued a public alert after two new locally acquired cases in Apopka, prompting targeted mosquito control and surveillance. Public Health Preparedness: Jamaica launched a voluntary external evaluation of its public health readiness and response under the International Health Regulations, focused on improving detection and response capacity. Caribbean Reparations Push: Caribbean leaders are preparing a potential legal strategy to sue Britain over slavery reparations using UN racism-related treaties, with plans to raise the issue at upcoming Commonwealth talks. Wellness Focus: Dominica’s youth ambassadors urged stronger action on both mental and physical well-being as Caribbean Wellness Day and Wellness Month roll on. Healthcare Infrastructure in Guatemala: A donation to Guatemala’s women’s clinics includes digital mammography and support for health posts, targeting earlier diagnosis and child malnutrition screening.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention via a regional procurement pathway covering 14 Latin America and Caribbean countries, with availability still tied to each nation’s regulatory decisions. Public Health & Women’s Care: In Guatemala, a donation of a digital mammography system and upgrades for women’s clinics and health posts is set to boost early detection of child malnutrition and deliver about 600 mammograms per month. Dengue Watch: Orange County issued a dengue alert after Florida confirmed two locally acquired cases in Apopka, prompting targeted mosquito control and enhanced surveillance. Pharma Supply Chains: India’s pharma exports are diversifying after nearly 10% shipment declines to the US, with growth in Brazil and other Latin American markets helping offset losses. Youth Wellness Push: Dominica’s youth ambassadors urged stronger focus on both mental and physical wellbeing as the Caribbean marks Wellness Month and Caribbean Wellness Day 2026.

Avocado Leaf for Hypertension: A new explainer digs into whether boiling avocado leaves and drinking the water truly helps lower blood pressure, separating tradition from what studies can (and can’t) show. Medication Safety Watch: A pharmacist highlights a lesser-known ramipril side effect—an ongoing dry cough that can persist while taking ACE inhibitors and typically improves after stopping. Dengue Vaccine Rollout in India: Takeda and Dr. Reddy’s will promote and distribute QDENGA® in India’s private market, with availability expected in the first half of 2027 for ages 4–60. Healthcare System Strengthening (Venezuela): Venezuela’s health ministry and CAF review cooperation deals and plan new actions to optimize care and strengthen infrastructure across care levels. HIV Prevention Access (Latin America): PAHO and Gilead moves to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across 14 countries, with civil society calling it a major win. Chile Rabies Milestone: Chile becomes the first South American country validated by WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem. Logistics for Life Sciences (Colombia): DHL Supply Chain expands in Colombia by acquiring Open Market, adding warehouses and temperature-controlled capabilities for pharma and medical supplies.

HIV Prevention Access: AHF says a new Gilead–PAHO deal to expand lenacapavir for HIV prevention across 14 Latin American countries is a win for civil society, after earlier concerns that Latin America was left out. Public Health Policy: PAHO will push pandemic prevention, preparedness and response priorities at the UN General Assembly, stressing sustained investment and stronger health systems across the Americas. Rabies Elimination Milestone: Chile became the first South American country validated by WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, citing sustained surveillance and dog vaccination efforts. HIV Emergency Response: Fiji declared a national HIV emergency after a sharp rise in new infections, with only 39% of people knowing their status and 22% on treatment—an urgent reminder for prevention and testing coverage. Access to Care for Overseas Veterans: A U.S. Foreign Medical Program faces growing reimbursement delays as more veterans seek care abroad and providers demand faster payment. Community Health Funding: CHRISTUS Health awarded $300,000 in grants to northern Louisiana nonprofits targeting chronic disease management, mental health, food insecurity and safe housing.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO say they’ve agreed to speed access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, building on earlier PAHO pathways. Regional Lab Capacity: CARPHA is strengthening Caribbean laboratory preparedness through a Barbados workshop, aiming to improve how the region detects and responds to outbreaks. Market Expansion in Cardiology: Catheter Precision reports LockeT has expanded to six hospitals in Brazil since its August launch, with plans to push into Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. Public Health Watch: Coverage highlights the spread of diphtheria and rising measles cases globally, underscoring renewed vaccine vigilance. Mental Health Tech: New reporting points to rapid growth in mental health apps, driven by expanding reimbursement and employer demand. Health & Wellness Industry Signals: A wave of new market reports spans digital cognitive rehab, biomarker testing, AI maternity monitoring, and secure medical data exchange—showing continued investment in tech-enabled care.

HIV Prevention Access: PAHO says it has secured a new regional pathway to expand access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention, using PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds under a Gilead deal to reach 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Public Health Systems: CARPHA convened Caribbean lab directors and partners to strengthen regional lab preparedness and speed up detection and response to health threats. Healthcare Access & Mobility: Nicaragua’s ambassador to Kuwait highlighted investment incentives, but on the health front the big local win is the North Central Regional Health Authority in Trinidad and Tobago launching patient transport golf carts at a major medical complex to help elderly and mobility-limited patients. Seismic Safety: New data suggests 74.9% of Colombia’s buildings weren’t designed to meet current earthquake-resistant standards, raising urgent risk-reduction questions. Logistics for Medicines: DHL Supply Chain agreed to acquire Colombia’s Open Market, boosting temperature-controlled and life-sciences healthcare logistics capacity. Animal Health Alert: A new world screwworm case in Texas puts horse and livestock owners on heightened alert, with Florida watching closely.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Gilead and PAHO agreed to speed access to twice-yearly lenacapavir injections for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, using PAHO’s regional revolving funds to reach more countries and close prevention gaps. Water Safety & Outbreak Response: A CDC report linked two St. Croix Legionnaires’ outbreaks to hotel water systems, including cold lines that warmed in tropical heat—raising the need for climate-tailored control guidance. Logistics for Health Supplies: DHL Supply Chain will expand in Colombia by acquiring Open Market, boosting capabilities for regulated healthcare and temperature-controlled pharmaceutical logistics. Public Health Milestone: Chile became the first South American country validated by WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, after decades of vaccination, surveillance, and rapid post-exposure care. Mental Health Alarm: Grenada recorded 10 suicides in a month, prompting calls to treat mental health as a daily priority and to spot warning signs earlier. Cancer Detection Tech: Mayo Clinic’s AI tool can flag pancreatic cancer on standard CT scans up to three years before diagnosis, aiming to improve early detection. Relocation & Health Access: Paraguay ranked second in South America for relocation in 2026, with affordability and residency options cited as key draws.

HIV Prevention Access: PAHO and Gilead announced a regional pathway to expand twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP across Latin America and the Caribbean via PAHO’s revolving funds, aiming to close HIV prevention gaps. Public Health Milestone: Chile became the first South American country validated by WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, after decades of dog/cat vaccination, surveillance, and post-exposure care. Measles Watch: WHO estimates measles cases rose 8% globally versus pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with nearly 11 million expected infections in 2026 and outbreaks reported across the Americas and Europe. Kidney Disease Alert: Reports from Texas describe a “silent killer” kidney disease of unknown cause striking young, otherwise healthy men, echoing Central America’s Mesoamerican nephropathy. Climate & Health: Scientists warn El Niño plus record heat could drive unusually extreme weather, raising risks for disease spread and health emergencies. Caribbean Health Leadership: PAHO and UWI completed a third cohort of a health policy and systems postgraduate programme, training leaders from eight Caribbean countries. Community Health & Care: International MedAdvance opened in Paraguay, bringing together 121 healthcare and mission leaders from 15 countries to train and mobilize new global healthcare volunteers.

Public Health Milestone (Chile): Chile became the first South American country validated by WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, with the last dog-to-human case reported in 1972—thanks to decades of dog vaccination, surveillance, and post-exposure prevention. Health & Environment (Mosquitoes): UF/IFAS researchers documented a mosquito species (Aedes amateuri) for the first time in the U.S., found in southeastern Arizona, underscoring how climate and monitoring can shift disease risk. Clinical Research (Lung Cancer): Updated HARMONi trial results were presented at WCLC 2026 for ivonescimab plus chemotherapy in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, reporting consistent overall survival improvement and no new safety concerns. Healthcare Access & Policy (Belize): Belize backed calls for legally binding vaccine and medicine-sharing guarantees during future pandemics, pushing WHO negotiations toward enforceable contracts. Wellness & Prevention (Caribbean): Guyana marked Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 with a wellness walk focused on preventing chronic non-communicable diseases, plus nutrition booths and healthier snack options. Trade & Health Workforce (Belize-Honduras): Belize and Honduras explored a partial-scope trade agreement and a health initiative to expand specialist training and residency access for Belizean healthcare workers.

Rabies Elimination Milestone: Chile became the first South American country validated by WHO for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, after decades of pet vaccination, surveillance, and access to post-exposure care. Dengue Risk Watch: With El Niño expected to intensify heat and rainfall patterns, countries across Latin America are bracing for dengue surges, while in the U.S. Kentucky and Florida reports highlight how mosquito seasons and local conditions can quickly change risk. Community Wellness Push: Guyana marked Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 with a wellness walk and nutrition booths, focusing on preventing chronic non-communicable diseases through healthier daily habits. Health System Strain in Cuba: An AP report describes how Cuba’s ongoing shortages and power cuts are taking a psychological toll, with primary care doctors increasingly acting as counselors for patients under extreme stress. Medical Care Access & Safety: A cruise passenger in Alaska required Royal Canadian Air Force evacuation after a medical emergency, underscoring the importance of rapid response and onboard-to-hospital coordination. Cardiac Tech Market Signals: New market reports project continued growth in radiofrequency ablation and related arrhythmia devices, reflecting ongoing investment in electrophysiology care.

Stroke Recovery in the Caribbean: St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew says he suffered a vertebral artery dissection stroke, is out of hospital in Florida rehabilitation, and says government operations are continuing with contingency plans. Cancer Diagnostics in Latin America: Telix’s FDA approval of Pixclara (FET-PET) for imaging gliomas could help clinicians distinguish recurrent/progressive brain cancer from treatment-related changes in adults and children. HIV Prevention Access Debate: A report revisits lenacapavir’s promise for HIV prevention alongside the hard reality of pricing and limited access, even after IP licensing for lower-cost generics. Water & Health Equity: Water Mission’s 10th annual Walk for Water in Beaufort County targets safe water for 2,000 people, highlighting how water-related illness fills hospital beds worldwide. Mental Health Under Strain in Cuba: An AP look at Cuba’s shortages and heat describes rising psychological tolls as families and patients struggle without relief. Public Health & Lifestyle Risk: Multiple reports link very hot tea/coffee to higher oesophageal cancer risk, urging people to let drinks cool. Environment-to-Health Link: A study says China’s plastic-waste import ban has shifted pollution hotspots to parts of Latin America, where waste handling capacity lags.

Lung Cancer Access: At IASLC 2026, Memorial Cancer Institute’s Luis E. Raez said Latin America’s biggest barrier is molecular testing access, arguing for lower-cost PCR approaches (about $300) so patients can reach targeted therapies instead of waiting for costly NGS (around $5,000). Oncology Trial Update: Akeso reported updated overall survival results for ivonescimab vs pembrolizumab in PD-L1–positive advanced NSCLC (HARMONi-2), with a 27% death-risk reduction and longer median survival. Public Health & Youth Wellness: Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 (CARICOM/CARPHA) pushes “Our Mind. Our Body. Our Wellness” with practical steps like reducing sitting, moving daily, and tackling NCD risk through youth-led environments. Malaria & Local Innovation: Panama researchers turned Caribbean sargassum into a potential malaria lead, finding strong lab inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum with early signs of low harm to healthy cells. Environmental Health Spillover: A report links China’s plastic-waste import ban to rising health and pollution risks across Latin America, naming hotspots from Panama to Paraguay where waste handling capacity lags. Care in Corrections: Barbados opened an improved medical unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility to deliver routine and urgent care in-house, aiming to reduce transfers and public health risks.

Public Health & Environment: A new study says China’s 2018 plastic-waste import ban has pushed “waste colonialism” onto Latin America, flagging hotspots in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Paraguay, where limited capacity leaves tens of thousands of tons ending up in open dumps daily. Cancer Risk: A large UK study links drinking very hot tea and coffee with more than triple the risk of oesophageal cancer, urging people to let hot drinks cool. Caribbean Wellness & Mental Health: CARICOM marks Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 with a youth-focused message on mental and physical well-being, while St. Lucia highlights free community counselling options and referral pathways. Healthcare Access in Prisons: Barbados opens an improved medical unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility to reduce transfers and strengthen inmate care. HIV Stigma: Brazil’s HIV advocates push back against stigma, sharing how treatment-resistant cases and social rejection can derail lives. Health Systems Watch: A Cuban investigation into healthcare privatization and corruption is a finalist for the Roche Health Journalism Award. Clinical Research (Eating Disorders): A Peru–Costa Rica scoping review finds Latin American eating-disorder intake swings wildly, with nutrient shortfalls tied to binge and bulimia patterns.

Caribbean Youth Wellness Push: CARICOM marked Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 with a focus on youth empowerment, mental and physical well-being, and tackling non-communicable diseases that drive about 75% of deaths in 2024. Men’s Health & Screening: The region also urged men to discuss prostate cancer risk and screening with their doctors, noting many early cases show no symptoms. Prison Healthcare Upgrade: St. Lucia’s Ministry of Health opened an improved medical unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility to deliver routine and urgent care on-site, easing transfers and reducing public health and security risks. HIV Stigma Fight (Brazil): A report from Rio highlighted how people living with HIV are still facing fear and social rejection, even as advocates push for better knowledge and support. Eating Disorders in LATAM: A scoping review found extreme calorie swings among people with eating disorders in Latin America, with nutrient shortfalls that can worsen health outcomes. Cuban Health System Scrutiny: A Cuban investigation into healthcare privatization and corruption reached the Roche Health Journalism Award shortlist. Mexico Cannabis Rule Clarified: Mexico’s Supreme Court allowed authorized adults to prepare cannabis edibles for personal use, while keeping clear limits against commercial products.