AGP Executive Report

Clinical Training: An East African Development Bank programme has trained 550 doctors in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in cancer and neurological care since 2016. Its 27 activities aimed to improve early diagnosis, referrals and treatment, and developed 58 oncology trainers. Mental Health: A study in Gasabo District examines what shapes adults’ use of mental health services, amid persistent barriers to care. Health Workforce: Apostle Paul Gitwaza apologised after sermon remarks linked nurses and midwives to witchcraft, prompting wider debate about trust in healthcare workers. Outbreak Preparedness: With Ebola cases rising in the region and Kenya reporting a case, Africa CDC has urged heightened preparedness.

Healthcare Trust: Apostle Paul Gitwaza apologized after a sermon linked nurses and midwives to witchcraft, but debate continues over the impact on public trust in health workers. Digital Health: Rwanda’s Information Society Authority and Singaporean firm Jonda Health are exploring technology partnerships to improve healthcare delivery and access. Outbreak Alert: Africa CDC urged stronger regional preparedness as Ebola cases reached 8,750; Kenya is tracing contacts after its first confirmed Bundibugyo case in a patient who travelled from the DRC through Uganda. Youth Health: Muhanga parents were urged to discuss sexual health with their children to help prevent teen pregnancies. Medical Training: Rwanda has opened a health sciences college focused on advancing military medicine.

Digital Health: Rwanda’s Information Society Authority and Singapore-based Jonda Health are exploring ways to use technology to improve healthcare delivery and access. Youth Health: A campaign in Muhanga urged parents to discuss sexual and reproductive health with children to help prevent teen pregnancies, abuse and sexually transmitted infections, especially among young people with limited access to reliable information. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC called for stronger regional surveillance and cooperation as cases spread across borders, including an imported case in Kenya; the agency urged vigilance rather than travel bans. Health Training: Rwanda has opened a health sciences college focused on advancing military medicine. Cancer Care: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute have signed a partnership to accelerate cancer care and research.

Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC is urging stronger regional vigilance as confirmed cases reach 8,750. A fatal imported Bundibugyo case in Kenya has prompted contact tracing and renewed concern about cross-border spread. Cancer Care: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute have signed a pact to accelerate cancer treatment and research. Health Workforce: A Rwandan preacher apologized after remarks linking nurses and midwives to witchcraft, drawing backlash from health workers. Health Innovation: Kigali startup Entelon is developing Mamora AI, which lets residents report symptoms to help detect community outbreaks early. Medical Training: Rwanda has opened a health sciences college focused on advancing military medicine.

Ebola Watch: Kenya has imposed enhanced screening on arrivals from Rwanda and nine other countries after confirming an imported Ebola case and death. Officials say one case does not indicate widespread transmission, but the response highlights heightened regional vigilance. Respect for Health Workers: Rwandan preacher Paul Gitwaza apologised after sermon remarks linked nurses and midwives to witchcraft, drawing criticism for demeaning the professions. Trauma Care: A study of 8,858 patients in Rwanda and three other countries found nearly half had died or remained disabled three months after injury, pointing to the need for locally tailored trauma services. Medical Training: Rwanda has opened a Defence College of Health Sciences to train military medical staff for routine care and demanding deployments. Cancer Care: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute have signed a pact to accelerate cancer care and research.

Ebola Watch: After Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola death, authorities began screening travellers from Rwanda and nine other countries at Nairobi airport. Kenya says the single case does not signal wider transmission; the DRC outbreak has caused more than 4,000 deaths. Trauma Care: A study of 8,858 patients across four countries, including Rwanda, found nearly half dead or disabled three months after injury, pointing to gaps in how patients reach and receive hospital care. Medical Training: Rwanda opened its Defence College of Health Sciences in Gako to train military clinicians for specialised care in peacetime and demanding deployments. Cancer Care: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute signed a partnership to accelerate cancer treatment and research.

Ebola Alert: Kenya confirmed an imported case of the Bundibugyo strain as the outbreak in DR Congo continued to worsen. Rwanda is among 10 countries whose travellers face enhanced screening at Nairobi’s main airport, underscoring the regional health risk. Military Medicine: Rwanda has opened its Defence College of Health Sciences in Gako to train military medical specialists for routine care and demanding deployments. Medicine Safety: Rwanda FDA faced public criticism after celebrating a regional award, amid scrutiny of its response to adulterated alcohol. Authorities have reported more than 50 deaths and hundreds of hospitalisations linked to the drinks this year. Cancer Care: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute have signed a pact to advance cancer care and research.

Ebola Alert: Kenya has confirmed an imported case linked to the deadly outbreak in the DRC and stepped up airport screening for travellers from Rwanda and nine other countries, underscoring the need for regional vigilance. Alcohol Safety: Rwanda FDA’s award announcement drew sharp criticism amid the deadly adulterated-alcohol crisis. Authorities have reported more than 50 deaths and hundreds of hospitalisations, while closing factories and recalling products. Cancer Care: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute have signed a pact to advance cancer care and research. Nutrition and Food Security: Rwanda’s Africa Improved Foods has appointed Daniel Nyange as managing director; the company makes nutritious, affordable foods. Meanwhile, the CDAT project is helping smallholder farmers improve production and market access, with potential benefits for household food security.

Ebola Alert (DRC): A deadly Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has surged past 8,000 cases and 4,000 deaths, with no approved treatment yet and vaccines only in trials—while the spread is raising urgent questions about how ready the world is for the next pandemic. Ebola Spillover (Kenya): A Kenyan man who traveled from the DRC via Uganda to Nairobi was screened, isolated, tested positive, and died—showing how quickly outbreaks can cross borders. Rwanda Preparedness Lesson: A look back at Rwanda’s 2024 Marburg response highlights rapid contact tracing, mass screening by community health workers, and fast deployment of an experimental vaccine—cutting fatality to 22%. Cancer Leadership (Africa): Nigeria’s Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is set to become the first African president of UICC, spotlighting long-standing cancer care gaps across Africa. Local Health Workforce Story (Rwanda): Rwandan journalist Gato Marcelline, now at RBA Radio Rwanda, turns disability into a media career—an inspiring reminder of inclusion in health and public communication. Health Financing (Zambia): Zambia plans to sign a revised $1.5bn US health funding deal after disputes over patient data and other terms were adjusted. Digital Governance & Care Access: Rwanda-linked reporting on AI governance and accountability raises the stakes for how automated systems affect public services, including health.

Ebola in the region: A deadly Ebola case linked to the Bundibugyo strain has reached Kenya, after a man travelled from the DRC via Uganda and died after testing positive—raising alarms for screening and isolation capacity. DRC outbreak impact: New reporting says Ebola in eastern DRC has killed more than 4,000 people, with children hit hard—961 under-18 deaths reported since May 15. Rwanda’s preparedness lesson: One analysis points to Rwanda’s 2024 Marburg response—rapid contact tracing, mass testing and fast deployment of an experimental vaccine—as a model for readiness when outbreaks cross borders. Local health & nutrition support: In Ngororero, Rwanda’s chicken-and-egg social program is improving nutrition; stunting reportedly fell from 50.5% (2020) to 35.8% (2026). Cancer care partnership: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute signed a pact to accelerate cancer care and research. Health system governance: A UAE–World Bank initiative launched a “Zero Government Bureaucracy” exchange programme including Rwanda, aiming to simplify services and reduce administrative burdens that can affect access to care.

Ebola in Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed more than 4,000 people, with officials reporting 4,018 fatalities out of 8,300 cases as the response struggles amid conflict and mistrust. Adolescent health in Rwanda: Rwanda is pushing a “schools as health entry points” approach, aiming to spot problems early and connect students to support; the latest data flags rising teenage pregnancy (8% of girls 15–19). Cancer partnership: Rwanda and France’s Gustave Roussy Institute signed a pact to accelerate cancer care and research. Food and nutrition support in Rwanda: A social program in Ngororero is giving vulnerable families chickens and eggs; reported stunting fell from 50.5% (2020) to 35.8% (2026). Digital health governance: A discussion on Rwanda and the region’s move to automate public services raises accountability concerns when algorithms harm citizens. Vaccine manufacturing push: NAFDAC leaders in Nigeria are seeking international support to restart local vaccine production, aiming for WHO Maturity Level 4 for vaccine lot release.

Ebola Update (DRC): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to 8,300 cases and 4,018 deaths, with a reported fatality rate of 48.4% as conflict and mistrust keep disrupting care and response, including a burned Ebola transit centre. Cancer Care (Rwanda–France): Rwanda’s Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana signed a pact with France’s Gustave Roussy Institute to expand cancer care, training, radiology, research, and innovation. Adolescent Health in Schools (Rwanda): Rwanda is pushing schools to spot health problems early and connect students to support, as new data shows rising teenage pregnancy (8% of girls 15–19 ever pregnant, up from 5% in 2019–20). Nutrition & Livelihoods (Ngororero): A social program giving vulnerable families chickens is improving child nutrition—one mother linked eggs to rapid weight gain—and local officials report stunting falling from 50.5% (2020) to 35.8% (2026). Health Systems & Governance (Rwanda region): The UAE and World Bank launched a “Zero Government Bureaucracy” government exchange programme including Rwanda, aiming to cut administrative burdens and improve service delivery. Vaccine Manufacturing (Nigeria, regional relevance): NAFDAC is seeking international support to restart local vaccine production to reach WHO vaccine lot release maturity level 4. Accessibility Story (Rwanda): Blind journalist Gato Marcelline is building a career at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, highlighting inclusion in media and public life.

Cancer Care Partnership: Rwanda’s Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana signed a memorandum with France’s Gustave Roussy Institute to expand cancer care, training, research, and innovation. Adolescent Health in Schools: Rwanda is pushing schools to act as early-warning hubs for adolescent health needs, citing rising teenage pregnancy figures from the 2025 DHS. Digital Health Systems: Nigeria opened the Africa HealthTech Summit in Kigali by outlining a move from scattered digital tools to a unified National Digital Health Architecture. Ebola Update (DRC): The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths (over 8,300 cases) as conflict and community resistance disrupt surveillance and response, including incidents like a burned patient transit centre. Vaccine Manufacturing Push (Regional): NAFDAC leaders in Nigeria urged international partners to support local vaccine fill-and-finish modular manufacturing to reach WHO vaccine lot release maturity. Food & Nutrition Support: A Rwanda social program in Ngororero is distributing chickens to vulnerable families, improving nutrition and helping reduce child stunting. HealthTech in Kigali: The Africa HealthTech Summit highlighted Rwanda’s drive to build homegrown health solutions, with a focus on turning innovation into real service delivery.

Cancer Care Partnership: Rwanda’s Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana signed a memorandum with France’s Gustave Roussy Institute to expand cancer care, radiology, training, and research—an upgrade for oncology capacity in Rwanda. Adolescent Health in Schools: Rwanda is pushing schools to act as early-warning hubs for adolescent health, citing rising teenage pregnancy figures from the 2025 Demographic and Health Survey and the need to connect students to support fast. Digital Health Systems: Nigeria’s push for a unified National Digital Health Architecture (NDHA) highlights a regional lesson for Rwanda too: moving from isolated tools to connected national systems. Ebola Watch (DRC): The DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths and 8,300 cases, with insecurity and community resistance complicating surveillance and response. Food Security Pressure: Malawi faces worsening food insecurity as El Niño is expected to delay rainfall and reduce agricultural labour and production. Vaccine Manufacturing (Regional): Nigeria’s regulator NAFDAC says lack of local vaccine production is delaying WHO Maturity Level 4 for vaccine lot release, urging partners to support fill-and-finish modular plants.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s worst-ever Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths, with 4,018 fatalities reported from 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, as conflict, weak infrastructure, and mistrust keep response efforts struggling. Health System Disruption: A key Ebola patient transit centre in Ituri burned down after soldiers entered a displaced people site, forcing 19,000 people to flee and making containment harder. Surveillance Concerns: Africa CDC warns that falling case reports may reflect gaps in monitoring due to insecurity and community resistance, meaning transmission could be undercounted. Cancer Care (Rwanda-France): Rwanda’s Health Minister signed a pact with France’s Gustave Roussy Institute to expand cancer care, training, research, and innovation. Adolescent Health in Schools (Rwanda): Rwanda is pushing schools to act as early-warning hubs for adolescent health needs, including rising teenage pregnancy rates. Digital Health (Regional): Nigeria unveiled a unified National Digital Health Architecture to connect digital tools into one national system.

Cancer Care Partnership: Rwanda’s Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana signed a pact with France’s Gustave Roussy Institute to expand cancer care, training, radiology, and research—an effort backed by the French Embassy. Ebola Crisis in Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 deaths (4,018) from 8,300 cases across seven provinces, with response hampered by conflict, mistrust, and the burning of a key patient transit centre that forced 19,000 people to flee. Cross-Border Spread: Reuters reports six new Ebola cases in rebel-held areas controlled by AFC/M23, showing transmission chains reaching Kayna and nearby zones. Digital Health Push: Nigeria says it’s moving from scattered digital tools to a unified National Digital Health Architecture to connect systems like electronic medical records and telemedicine. UHC & Preparedness: A UN push links universal health coverage with pandemic prevention, stressing resilient primary health care, community trust, and preparedness financing. Conservation & Health Link: Rwanda’s grey crowned crane work earned veterinarian Dr. Olivier Nsengimana a TIME100 Next spot, highlighting community-led conservation that protects ecosystems people depend on.