AGP Executive Report

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.

Ebola in DR Congo: The outbreak has killed 4,018 people and reached 8,300 confirmed cases, with six new Ebola cases reported in rebel-held eastern Congo, linked to a single chain of transmission; response is further strained after a key Ebola transit centre burned down, forcing 19,000 people to flee. Rwanda-linked health logistics: Rwanda’s drone medicine delivery model is inspiring other countries—Lesotho is in advanced talks with Zipline to launch drone distribution of medicines to health facilities, with the first flights expected in the second half of next year. Digital health governance: Africa CDC is pushing Rwanda and other member states to strengthen health data stewardship and adopt interoperable digital standards, warning that secure, accountable governance is essential as health systems digitise. Local pharma capacity: Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean-Guy Afrika toured Labophar Plant in Huye, highlighting plans to expand production capacity, including intravenous fluids, to strengthen national supply chains. Preparedness for climate shocks: Rwanda is stepping up impact-based forecasting and early warning as a very strong El Nino is forecast to bring above-normal rainfall and higher risks of flooding and landslides.

Digital Health Governance: Africa CDC urged African countries to strengthen health data stewardship and adopt interoperable digital standards, stressing national ownership and secure, accountable systems as health tech scales across the continent. Rwanda HealthTech Momentum: Rwanda’s Africa HealthTech Summit spotlighted how “intelligent health systems” move beyond pilots—linking community information to doctors and decision-makers, and using connected infrastructure to support care at national scale. AI for Health Systems: Nigeria’s health minister said Africa must build intelligent digital health infrastructure before fully harnessing AI, warning that digitising fragmented systems won’t automatically create integration or value. Marburg-to-Ebola Preparedness Lessons: A report highlighted Rwanda’s Marburg response—rapid screening, contact tracing, and fast deployment of an experimental vaccine—contrasting it with ongoing Ebola struggles in the DRC and the need for readiness. Ebola Response Setback (DRC): UN officials said an Ebola transit centre fire in a DRC camp destroyed critical capacity and access to care, forcing the response to restart. Local Pharma Supply Chain: Rwanda Development Board CEO visited Labophar in Huye, reviewing plans to expand production capacity, including intravenous fluids, to strengthen medicine supply chains. El Niño Risk Planning (Rwanda): Rwanda is stepping up impact-based forecasting and early warning ahead of very strong El Niño rains, aiming to reduce flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. Health-Linked Migration Policy: EU lawmakers said Rwanda is open to hosting migrants transferred from Europe, but talks are still early—raising questions for regional health and welfare planning.

Health Data Governance: Africa CDC urged African countries to strengthen national health data stewardship and adopt interoperable digital standards, calling for secure, accountable systems that protect national ownership—discussed during an Africa HealthTech Summit session in Kigali. Digital Health Scaling: Nigeria’s health ministry said it is moving from scattered digital health tools toward a unified national system to end fragmented records and improve service delivery, governance, financing and outcomes. Rwanda HealthTech Focus: Coverage from the Kigali summit highlights Rwanda’s shift from pilots to practical, system-wide “intelligent health” use—linking community information to clinicians and decision-makers. Ebola Response Setback (DRC): UN officials warned that a burned Ebola transit centre in the Kigonze camp has cut critical care capacity for displaced people, forcing response teams to restart. Ebola Funding Push: The US hosted a G20 foreign ministers meeting that secured $470m in new commitments to accelerate DRC Ebola response, bringing pledges above $2bn since May. Pharma Supply Chain (Huye): Rwanda Development Board CEO visited Labophar in Huye, reviewing plans to expand production capacity, including new intravenous fluids manufacturing to strengthen healthcare supply chains. El Niño Preparedness (Rwanda): Rwanda Meteorology Agency said very strong El Niño could bring above-normal rainfall, raising flood and landslide risks—so early warning and anticipatory action are being strengthened. Migrant Return Hubs (EU-Rwanda): EU lawmakers reported Rwanda held early discussions about hosting “return hub” facilities for migrants transferred from Europe, with no agreements yet. Breast Cancer Awareness (Pink October): Qatar Airways and PSG renewed Pink October efforts to boost breast cancer screening awareness and support hospital programmes.

EU Migration Policy: Greece says a first “return hub” for rejected asylum seekers could start in the second half of 2027, with Rwanda or Uganda repeatedly mentioned but not confirmed; EU lawmakers also say Rwanda is open to hosting facilities, though talks are still early and agreements are not final. Digital Health & Workforce: Rwanda’s HealthTech push is highlighted at the Africa HealthTech Summit in Kigali, with a focus on scaling beyond pilots using trusted data, connected systems, and trained health workers. Health Partnership: Rwanda and Switzerland renew talks in Bern to expand cooperation on digital health, health worker training, epidemic preparedness, research, and life sciences, including support for Rwanda’s National Health Intelligence Centre. Ebola Preparedness: The UAE pledges $10m to support Ebola containment in Africa as Kenya tightens surveillance and border readiness, emphasizing cross-border coordination. Cancer & Pharma Recognition: Uganda’s Dr Matthias Magoola (Dei BioPharma) is named among Africa’s 100 most influential people, spotlighting efforts to boost local biotech and improve access to cancer treatment. Local Investment & Health-Linked Sectors: Huye launches an essential district investment forum, spotlighting opportunities in education, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to create jobs and improve living standards.

Rwanda–Switzerland Health Partnership: Rwanda’s Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana met Swiss officials in Bern to expand cooperation on digital health, health-worker training, epidemic preparedness, research, and life sciences, including support for Rwanda’s National Health Intelligence Centre and workforce reform. Ebola Preparedness in the Region: The UAE pledged US$10m to support Ebola containment across Africa as Kenya tightens surveillance and border preparedness, with cross-border coordination highlighted as key to slowing spread. DRC Ebola Update: The DRC reported 8,067 Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths, while misinformation continues to fuel resistance to prevention efforts, including an attack on a radio health advocate in Butembo. Local Health & Community Support: In Uganda, World Gorilla Day activities included free medical camps for over 120 residents near Bwindi, linking conservation with community wellbeing. Rwanda Research Spotlight: A letter in a Kigali University Teaching Hospital T2DM study challenges causal claims about age and complications, urging better adjustment for diabetes duration. Investment & Health-Adjacent Growth: Huye launched an essential district investment forum highlighting opportunities in education, agriculture, tourism, and pharmaceuticals—aimed at job creation and improved living standards.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 8,067 Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths (48.4% fatality rate), with the outbreak active in 63 health zones; Africa CDC says cases are leveling off but the situation is still “not under control,” as conflict and weak access to care hamper surveillance and early treatment. Cross-Border Preparedness (Kenya): The UAE pledged US$10 million to support Ebola containment across Africa, highlighting Kenya’s stepped-up border surveillance, lab capacity, infection prevention and emergency response as thousands cross key corridors daily. Rwanda–Switzerland Health Partnership: Rwanda’s Health Minister met Switzerland’s federal health portfolio to expand cooperation on digital health, training and capacity building, epidemic preparedness, research, and life sciences—linked to Rwanda’s Health Sector Strategic Plan and its National Health Intelligence Centre. Diabetes Care (Kigali UTH Letter): A letter challenges a Kigali University Teaching Hospital T2DM study’s conclusions, arguing missing diabetes duration data may limit how strongly age can be linked to treatment and complication outcomes. Health Systems & Immunisation (Africa CDC): Africa CDC launched a 2026–2030 Continental Immunisation Strategy to address slow coverage growth, inequities, vaccine hesitancy, and financing pressures, focusing on data systems, community engagement, and emergency-ready immunisation.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 8,067 Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths (48.4% fatality), with Africa CDC warning the outbreak is still “not under control,” as conflict and weak access to care hamper surveillance and early treatment. Cross-Border Preparedness (Kenya/UAE): The UAE pledged US$10m to support Ebola containment in Africa while Kenya boosts border surveillance, lab capacity, and infection prevention at key entry points. Local Health Research (Kigali): A letter challenges a Kigali University Teaching Hospital study on type 2 diabetes outcomes, arguing diabetes duration—not age alone—may better explain complication risks. Health Systems & Immunisation: Africa CDC launched a Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026–2030, aiming to close vaccine gaps amid falling coverage, rising outbreaks, and financing pressure. Rwanda Public Finance (Health Funding Context): Rwanda shared its debt transparency experience with 22 African states in Kigali, as better disclosure and borrowing terms can protect public spending priorities.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo reports Ebola cases have surged past 8,000 (8,067) with 3,901 deaths, a 48.4% fatality rate, as health officials warn the outbreak is still “not under control,” with conflict, weak services, and mistrust hampering response. Regional Health Security (Africa CDC): Africa CDC flags 10 countries at risk of Bundibugyo Ebola spread, including Rwanda, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity, and rapid isolation at points of entry. Rwanda Health Policy & Prevention (UNGA): Future Health convenes global leaders in New York, including Rwanda, pushing health systems toward prevention and earlier intervention through better risk data, financing for prevention, stronger delivery capacity, and trusted community-focused care. Access to Care (Oral Health): Dr. Abbas Jessani is recognized for work improving oral health access for marginalized communities, including partnerships studying disparities in Rwanda. Health & Inclusion (Disability): Rwanda-linked coverage highlights broader inclusion efforts, including sign language advocacy in Nigeria, underscoring access to essential services for deaf communities. Public Finance for Health (Rwanda): Rwanda shares its debt transparency experience with 22 African states in Kigali, as better disclosure and accountability can shape how governments fund health priorities.

Ebola preparedness: Africa CDC warns 10 African countries, including Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania, are at risk as DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak nears 8,000 confirmed cases—urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity and rapid isolation at points of entry. Immunisation push: Africa CDC launches a Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026–2030 as vaccination coverage lags behind population growth and outbreaks rise, with a focus on financing, data systems, community engagement and supply. Maternal health media partnership: UNFPA in Congo-Brazzaville courts journalists to help promote reproductive health, family planning and end gender-based violence, with Rwanda’s UNFPA leader highlighted. Prevention at UNGA: Abu Dhabi’s Future Health convenes ministers and leaders on shifting health systems toward prediction and prevention, including Rwanda’s participation. Kigali sober generation: Kigali officials and Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana use Umuganda to tackle illicit alcohol and promote hygiene and safer rainy-season practices. Digital access goal: GSMA and PDAA roll out a roadmap to connect one billion Africans by 2030, stressing affordability, energy and digital skills—not just network coverage. Rwanda genocide case (UK): UK court keeps Dr Vincent Brown in custody unless he pays a £100,000 guarantee, with stricter bail conditions and electronic monitoring.

Immunisation Push: Africa CDC says vaccination coverage is lagging behind population growth and inequities, with 7.1 million children in Africa missing even one routine vaccine dose, and has launched a Continental Immunisation Strategy 2026–2030 to tackle financing, data systems, community engagement, supply and manufacturing. Ebola Readiness (Africa): Africa CDC warns 10 countries—including Kenya and Rwanda—are at risk as the DRC Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak nears 8,000 confirmed cases, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity and rapid isolation at points of entry. Rwanda Health Security (Local): Kigali’s Umuganda in Rusororo, Gasabo, doubled as a public health push against illicit alcohol and other harmful behaviors, with Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana joining hygiene and sober-generation messaging. Prevention at UNGA: “Future Health” convened Rwanda and other leaders in New York to shift health systems toward prediction, prevention and earlier intervention, stressing population data, prevention financing, delivery capacity and trusted community-linked services. Clean Cooking Priority: The African Development Bank calls for clean cooking to be central to Africa’s energy transition, citing major health and economic harms from household air pollution.

Global Health Diplomacy: Abu Dhabi’s Future Health convened ministers and health leaders at UNGA 81, including Rwanda, pushing health systems toward prediction, prevention, and earlier intervention—highlighting population data, prevention financing, delivery capacity, and trusted community-focused care. Ebola Preparedness: Africa CDC warned 10 African countries, including Rwanda, are at risk as DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak nears 8,000 confirmed cases, urging stronger surveillance, lab capacity, and rapid isolation at points of entry. Rwanda Community Health & Harm Reduction: Kigali’s Umuganda in Gasabo focused on building a sober generation, with officials urging residents to report and eliminate illicit alcohol and improve hygiene and safe practices during rainy seasons. Pandemic Readiness Debate: WHO DG Tedros said the next pandemic is “a matter of when, not if,” citing COVID-19’s toll and ongoing outbreaks like DRC Ebola to stress sustained preparedness. Clean Cooking for Health: The AfDB backed clean cooking as a top priority in Africa’s energy transition, linking household air pollution harms—especially to women and children—to health and development goals. Surgical Care Support: The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism and Humanitarian Awards recognized global surgeons working to expand quality surgical care in underserved communities.

Substance Abuse & Public Health: Kigali’s Umuganda in Rusororo pushed a “sober generation” message, with officials urging residents to report and help eliminate illicit alcohol (ibyuma) and other harmful behaviors, while also reinforcing hygiene and safe drainage practices. Pandemic Preparedness: WHO DG Tedros Ghebreyesus warned that the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if, citing COVID-19’s massive toll and pointing to ongoing Ebola activity in DRC as proof outbreaks can emerge anywhere. Health Systems at UNGA: Future Health convened global leaders in New York to shift health systems toward prediction, prevention, and earlier intervention, highlighting needs for population data, prevention financing, delivery capacity, and trusted services. AI & Health Governance: Rwanda’s PM Justin Nsengiyumva urged that countries without frontier AI capacity shouldn’t blindly trust systems built elsewhere, and said Rwanda’s National AI Agency can host regional testing to improve safety and accountability. Digital Access for Health Services: GSMA and PDAA released a roadmap noting that many Africans live in mobile broadband coverage but still can’t use mobile internet—an access gap that can limit uptake of online health services. Ebola Readiness (Regional): Britain deployed Ebola specialists to South Sudan to support infection control, awareness, and border screening ahead of fears of imported cases from DRC.

Pandemic Preparedness: WHO DG Tedros Ghebreyesus warned that the next pandemic is “a matter of when, not if,” citing COVID-19’s 20 million deaths and ongoing Ebola risks in DRC, urging countries to keep investing in readiness. Marburg Lessons for Rwanda: Rwanda is using its Marburg experience to push stronger pandemic preparedness systems, including surveillance and rapid response. Rwanda at UN AI Governance: Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva told the UN that countries without frontier AI capacity shouldn’t just trust systems built elsewhere, and said Rwanda’s AI agency can help regional shared testing. Digital Health Security (Regional): The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued an advisory about a possible data breach tied to Ebola screening data at Kenyan ports of entry, potentially including health information. Ebola Surveillance (Regional): Ekiti State in Nigeria stepped up disease surveillance and rapid response to prevent Ebola and diphtheria spread. Health Systems & Workforce: The ACS/Pfizer Surgical Volunteerism awards highlighted global surgeons expanding surgical care capacity for underserved communities. Rwanda–Pakistan Trade (Health Indirect): Rwanda and Pakistan signed a trade cooperation deal to expand investment and supply chains—relevant for future access to medicines and health inputs.

Pandemic Preparedness: WHO DG Tedros Ghebreyesus warned that the next pandemic is “a matter of when, not if,” pointing to Congo’s Ebola and other outbreaks as proof that threats can start anywhere and demand international response. Marburg Response: Rwanda used its 2024 Marburg experience to argue for stronger pandemic preparedness systems, including surveillance and rapid activation of health services. AI Governance in Health: Rwanda’s Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva told the UN that countries without frontier AI capacity shouldn’t just trust systems built elsewhere, pushing for shared, testable AI safety—relevant as Rwanda leads discussions on AI scaling in health and agriculture. Digital Inclusion Gap: GSMA and PDAA released a roadmap to close Africa’s “covered but offline” problem, warning that hundreds of millions can’t access digital services even where mobile broadband exists. Ebola Readiness Abroad: Britain deployed Ebola specialists to South Sudan to train infection control and prepare for possible imported cases from DRC. Rwanda–Pakistan Trade (Health Supply Angle): Rwanda and Pakistan signed a Trade Cooperation Agreement to expand investment and supply chains—potentially supporting access to goods and medicines through stronger regional links.