AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness (Rwanda/Region): The UK pledged up to £800,000 to strengthen Rwanda’s National Ebola Preparedness and Contingency Plan, focusing on surveillance and early detection, infection prevention and control, WASH at high-risk sites like border points, plus risk communication and community engagement. Ebola Funding (U.S.): The U.S. State Department added $20m (Ksh2.59bn) for Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan, supporting emergency operations centres, surveillance/testing, border screening, infection control, and supplies. Ebola Outbreak Update (DRC): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the DRC is reported at 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths, with WHO noting contact tracing is below the level needed to stay ahead. Health & Nutrition (Rwanda): A Rwanda-focused study on drone delivery links to improved outcomes for children with severe acute malnutrition, including reduced in-hospital deaths. Agriculture & Health (Nyagatare): Nyagatare dairy farmers signed matching grant agreements worth Rwf 516m to tackle drought impacts with water storage and feed-processing support. Higher Education (Rwanda): Rwanda’s universities face a push to triple enrolment in five years to reach the global tertiary benchmark. Policy & Budget (Rwanda): Rwanda’s 2026/27 national budget totals Rwf 7.796tn, up 12%, with continued emphasis on agriculture, infrastructure, and resilience.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The UK announced up to £800,000 for Rwanda to strengthen its National Ebola Preparedness and Contingency Plan, focusing on surveillance and early detection, infection prevention and control, WASH at high-risk border areas, and risk communication with communities. Ebola Funding Surge: The U.S. also added $20 million (Ksh2.59bn) for Ebola preparedness across Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting emergency operations centres, lab testing, border screening, infection prevention and control, and supplies for rapid isolation and treatment. DRC Ebola Update: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has reached 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths, with response efforts complicated by conflict, displacement, and a lack of an approved vaccine. Rwanda Budget for Health-Adjacent Priorities: Rwanda’s 2026/27 national budget was set at Rwf 7.796 trillion, up 12%, with major allocations for recurrent and development spending that include continued investment in agriculture and infrastructure—key for long-term health resilience. Higher Education Push: Rwanda universities and higher learning institutions are being urged to triple enrolment over five years to reach the global tertiary target of 28%, with current enrolment around 9%.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The U.S. State Department announced an extra $20m (about Ksh2.59bn) for Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, bringing direct support to over $220m, with funds aimed at emergency operations centres, surveillance and lab testing, border screening, infection prevention and control, and supplies for rapid isolation and treatment. Regional Response Pressure: Human Rights Watch urged the DRC and partners to prioritize community engagement and reduce the role of security forces in eastern Congo’s Ebola response, warning that conflict-linked abuse and low trust could worsen outbreak control. Rwanda in the Mix: The same U.S. funding explicitly includes Rwanda, underscoring Kigali’s role in cross-border screening and health facility readiness as concerns grow over potential spread. Health Risk Advisories Elsewhere: Trinidad and Tobago announced stricter entry screening and travel cautions tied to the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, listing DRC, Uganda and South Sudan as high-risk. Local Health-Adjacent Development: Rwanda’s dairy sector story highlights improved fodder cultivation and training in Gatsibo under the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II, supporting better nutrition and household incomes.

Ebola Border Alerts: Rwanda is named among high-risk countries as WHO declares the Congo/ Uganda Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with travel advisories warning of enhanced screening for returning travellers. DRC Care Under Strain: At the epicenter in eastern DRC, health workers report Ebola patients with symptoms but limited testing and scarce protective gear—“we live with fear.” Regional Security & Health Risks: Human Rights Watch accuses Rwanda Defence Force and M23 of forced recruitment, abusive detention, and killings in eastern DRC, raising alarm for humanitarian access and disease control. Rwanda-Linked Transit Restrictions: UK guidance says transit from DRC through Rwanda is only allowed for exceptional humanitarian/essential travel and is subject to health risk assessment and approval. Policy Pressure on Health Aid: Human Rights Watch warns US bilateral health agreements with several African countries—including Rwanda—could jeopardise human rights via surveillance and sample access. Ebola Preparedness Funding (Nigeria): Nigeria’s President Tinubu approved a Presidential Ebola task force and released ₦10bn to strengthen NCDC readiness and airport screening.

Ebola Preparedness in Focus: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Emerging Public Health Threats and released ₦10bn to strengthen the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and boost airport screening and emergency response as Ebola resurges in DR Congo and Uganda. Congo Health Workers Under Strain: At the epicenter of DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak, clinicians report patients with Ebola-like symptoms not being tested and facilities lacking protective gear—“we live with fear”—as cases rise and the outbreak includes the rarer Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine. Human Rights and Conflict Health Risks: Human Rights Watch alleges forced recruitment, abusive detention, and killings by M23 and Rwandan forces in eastern DR Congo, adding to the instability that fuels disease spread. Vaccine Communication Push: Ghana prepares a nationwide HPV vaccination drive for over 2.5 million girls, training media to counter misinformation and improve vaccine uptake. Rwanda in the Supply Chain Spotlight: A Global Witness investigation traces smuggled conflict coltan from DR Congo into global electronics supply chains, pointing to Rwanda-linked exports and buyers. Labour Policy With Health Implications: Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and bans 27 others, including Rwanda, raising concerns for migrant health access and continuity of care.

Ebola Response Boost (Nigeria): President Bola Tinubu approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness and emerging public health threats, releasing N10 billion to strengthen the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and improve airport and border readiness as cases surge in DR Congo and Uganda. Ebola Risk & Public Health (Regional): Coverage highlights how the current Congo outbreak is accelerating fast, with the Bundibugyo strain lacking a licensed vaccine, and notes growing cross-border concern. Ebola Screening Backlash (Kenya): Protests erupted over a U.S.-funded Ebola isolation ward plan, with critics warning of “double standards” and fears of exposing Kenya to risk. Rwanda-Linked Legal Health Story: The appeal trial began in Paris for a Rwandan doctor convicted over 1994 genocide complicity, with proceedings expected to run until July 17. Rwanda Care Capacity (TCM): A report on Masaka Hospital in Kigali says traditional Chinese medicine is now a major part of patient demand, supported by a Chinese medical team expanding clinical capacity. Food Safety Watch: A separate health-and-wellness piece warns against using non-food-grade plastic bags for hot food, linking heat and oil to chemical migration.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak surged to 515 confirmed cases with 91 deaths, as WHO battles a rare strain with no approved vaccine or targeted treatment and cross-border risk rises into Uganda. Regional Response: The EU called the ceasefire a health emergency, flying 100 tonnes of supplies to Ituri and urging safer access for treatment centres amid conflict that disrupts care. Rwanda Link: Rwanda is among countries named in a temporary visa restriction list tied to Ebola risk, reflecting how the outbreak is reshaping regional movement and health planning. HIV Systems: Experts warn that HIV prevention integration into mainstream services must not weaken access for vulnerable groups. Rwanda Care Capacity: At Masaka Hospital (Kigali area), Chinese medical cooperation is expanding clinical capacity, with traditional Chinese medicine drawing many patients. Health Aid Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch says US health agreements may condition aid on surveillance data access and other extractive terms, including in Rwanda. Cancer Training (Africa): Merck Foundation continues oncology capacity-building via scholarships and cancer awareness initiatives.

Ebola Emergency in DRC: The EU says a ceasefire is now a health emergency as it flies 100 tonnes of supplies to Ituri, where Bundibugyo Ebola is spreading fast; WHO reports nearly 500 confirmed cases and no approved vaccine for this strain. Frontline Strain: In Mongbwalu, Congo, hospital leaders say allowances and support are missing even as staff treat suspected cases around the clock. Regional Response & Funding: East African Community health ministers push coordinated Ebola surveillance and harmonised protocols, but the plan faces a funding wall and unpaid contributions. Rwanda Preparedness: Rwanda says it has activated response teams and built capacity for surveillance, diagnostics, contact tracing and case management, while monitoring outbreaks in neighbouring DRC and Uganda. Chikungunya Vaccine Push: Institut Pasteur launches ACT-CHIK with €15.3m EU funding to advance a measles-virus-based chikungunya vaccine through Phase Ib/III trials in four African countries and prepare local manufacturing. Health Aid Under Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch warns US bilateral health agreements could tie aid to access to sensitive health data and pathogen samples. Teen Maternity Care Debate (Kenya): Officials call free teen maternity care “damage control,” urging stronger prevention as adolescent pregnancy and young people’s HIV infections remain high.

Ebola & Conflict Response: The EU says a ceasefire in eastern DR Congo is now a “health emergency,” after flying 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Ituri, where Ebola has been declared an international emergency and no specific vaccine or treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain. Frontline Health Worker Strain: In Mongbwalu, Congo, hospital leaders report working around the clock with little pay or rest, while infection prevention measures struggle against insecurity and late-night case notifications. Rwanda Preparedness: Rwanda’s Prime Minister and Health Minister say the country has activated Ebola response capacity—communication, surveillance, diagnostics, contact tracing, and case management—while monitoring outbreaks in neighboring DR Congo and Uganda. Cancer Survivorship: National Cancer Survivors Day is marked to celebrate people living after cancer and to push awareness of the daily challenges survivors face. Blood Systems Gap: A new focus on Africa’s blood supply highlights preventable deaths from low donation rates and unsafe, unreliable delivery of compatible blood. Teen Maternity Care Debate: Kenya’s free teen maternity policy is described as “damage control,” with calls to prevent pregnancies earlier to protect survival.

Ebola Response & Ceasefire Push: The EU says the eastern DRC Ebola outbreak has become a “health emergency,” flying 100 tonnes of medicine, tents and protective gear to Ituri while urging a ceasefire so aid and health workers can reach communities. Rwanda Preparedness: Rwanda’s Prime Minister and Health Minister say the country has activated response teams and built capacity across communication, surveillance, diagnostics, contact tracing and case management, with no Ebola cases reported locally but monitoring ongoing in DRC and Uganda. Frontline Strain in Congo: Reports from Mongbwalu describe Ebola clinicians working long hours with little or no allowances, highlighting how conflict and weak support worsen outbreak control. Outbreak Outlook: US health officials warn the Central Africa Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more without strong public health interventions. Local Health & Access: Rotary Club Kigali Golf launched a drive to raise US$250,000 for advanced urology equipment at CHUK, aiming to expand specialized care in Rwanda. Public Health Messaging: Rwanda-linked regional coverage also flags the need to fight misinformation during health crises, while Tanzania urges youth to lead the drug fight. Transport Cost Relief: Rwanda’s government introduced “Nkunganire” to cushion citizens from rising public transport costs driven by fuel price pressures. Energy & Health Risk: A new study links charcoal and firewood dependence to forest loss and health harms, including in Rwanda’s urban supply chains.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is hitting hard at the frontline, with AP reporting health workers at Mongbwalu General Referral Hospital receiving little or no compensation while treating a surge of patients. Ebola Forecast (Global): U.S. CDC modeling warns Central Africa’s outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more without strong public health interventions to isolate infections. Regional Response (EAC/Africa CDC/WHO): WHO and Africa CDC rolled out a $518m, six-month response plan, while Kenya launched a joint continental preparedness and response effort—both stressing surveillance, testing, contact tracing, and community engagement. Misinformation Fight (DRC): In Bunia, a daily radio program is tackling rumors and skepticism as the outbreak spreads, featuring health specialists answering questions. Rwanda Angle (Travel/Preparedness): A travel advisory from St. Vincent and the Grenadines lists Rwanda among countries where enhanced screening and quarantine may apply for arrivals. Local Tech for Health: Rwanda’s drone revolution is highlighted as medical drones help save lives and reshape healthcare delivery. AI Governance (Africa): A piece on Africa’s AI governance calls for strong frameworks, noting multiple countries—including Rwanda—have launched national AI strategies.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Congo): WHO and Africa CDC-backed reporting says Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak could surge to 20,000+ cases if isolation and other public health steps lag, with U.S. CDC modeling warning of a worst-case scale. Regional Response Funding: WHO and Africa CDC also unveiled a $518m, six-month plan to strengthen surveillance, testing, contact tracing, border screening, clinical care, and community engagement across affected countries. Local Health Messaging: In eastern Congo’s Ituri, a radio program is tackling skepticism and misinformation around the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain, featuring daily updates and Q&As with health specialists. Rwanda & Neighbouring Travel Measures: A St. Vincent and the Grenadines advisory urges avoiding non-essential travel and calls for enhanced screening and possible quarantine for arrivals from Ebola-risk countries including Rwanda. Health System Strain: Separate coverage highlights how frontline facilities in Congo face fear, shortages of protective gear, and limited access to testing—conditions that can slow containment.

Ebola Outlook: US CDC modelling warns Central Africa’s Ebola outbreak could reach 20,000 cases or more if infected people aren’t isolated fast enough, with experts urging stronger public health action as confirmed cases sit around 400. Regional Response: WHO and Africa CDC backed a $518m, six-month plan to contain Ebola in DR Congo and neighboring Uganda, including surveillance, testing, contact tracing, border screening, and community engagement. On-the-Ground Care Gaps: In eastern Congo, health workers report fear and shortages—some facilities lack Ebola test access and adequate protective gear—while patients fall ill before confirmation. Misinformation Fight: A radio program in Bunia is tackling rumors and skepticism by airing daily updates and letting residents call in questions. Travel & Screening Pressure: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict Ebola travel advisory and stepped up border surveillance, screening, and quarantine readiness, listing Rwanda among targeted countries. Rwanda Tech in Health: Rwanda’s medical drone delivery model is highlighted as a way to get blood, vaccines, medicines, and emergency supplies to remote clinics in minutes.

Ebola Response in the Region: WHO and Africa CDC rolled out a $518m, six-month plan to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC and neighboring Uganda, as cases and deaths rise and health systems struggle with testing, protection, and community trust. Cross-Border Health Security: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land borders, setting up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate response. On-the-Ground Protection Gaps: Reports from Ituri describe clinicians sick with Ebola symptoms, samples taken without results, and shortages of protective gowns and masks—fueling fear and delays in care. Misinformation Fight: In Bunia, a daily radio program is tackling rumors and skepticism, using health specialists and call-ins to improve public understanding. Rwanda Health Innovation: Rwanda’s medical drone delivery model is highlighted as a lifesaving “last-mile” solution, cutting supply delivery from hours to minutes for blood, vaccines, and medicines. Child Survival Warning: New analysis says progress in newborn and child survival has slowed since 2015, putting many countries at risk of missing 2030 targets.

Ebola in Congo & risk communication: In Bunia, eastern DRC, a rare Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has killed at least 62 people out of 363 confirmed cases, with rumors and attacks on health workers slowing control. A local radio station launched a daily 45-minute program with health specialists and call-ins to tackle misinformation and build trust. Women at highest risk: Separate reporting from Bunia highlights how women are often first caregivers—bathing, feeding, and washing sick relatives—while lacking protective gear, leaving pregnant women facing especially dangerous choices. Regional coordination in East Africa: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce, with mobile labs deployed across partner states to speed up testing and case detection. Rwanda-linked health tech: In Kigali, Huawei and partners discussed AI-powered digital transformation for banking and broader services—relevant to how health systems may digitise care delivery and data management.

Ebola Regional Response: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and set up a dedicated regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response as confirmed cases in eastern DRC rise. Frontline Risk for Women: Reporting from Bunia, eastern Congo highlights how women are often the first caregivers in Ebola outbreaks—feeding, bathing and washing patients—while lacking protective gear, leaving pregnant women facing especially brutal choices. WHO: Response Still Behind: WHO’s chief said the Congo outbreak had a “big head start” and that testing is improving, but contact tracing still needs strengthening amid militant attacks that disrupt care. US Boosts Preparedness: The US announced more than $162m for a regional Ebola effort, including IOM support for screening and surveillance at points of entry across countries including Rwanda. DRC Outbreak Adds Pressure: Congo’s military reported an attack by the Allied Democratic Forces in North Kivu, underscoring how insecurity is complicating Ebola control efforts.