AGP Executive Report

Alcohol Safety Crackdown: Rwanda FDA has suspended the importation of 52 alcoholic beverage brands and ordered a full recall of listed products already in the country, citing serious public health concerns; importers must stop sales and submit recall reports within three working days. Public Health Enforcement: Rwanda National Police says it has destroyed more than 470,000 litres of ethanol seized for use in making substandard illicit drinks, as authorities intensify inspections and factory closures. DRC Ebola Update: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 4,000 confirmed cases and 1,850 deaths, with fears of further spread as response efforts struggle and displacement camps report cases. Migration Talks (Health Services Angle): Rwanda says it is still in discussions with Italy about hosting expelled asylum seekers, with a possible expansion of the Gashora emergency transit centre that provides medical care and psychosocial support while cases are processed. Digital Health & Inclusion: COMESA has started drafting a regional AI strategy and digital inclusion plan in Kigali, with healthcare among the priority sectors for where AI could deliver impact. Gorilla Conservation & Livelihoods: Rwanda is pushing a “green growth” model that turns conservation into jobs and business value, using mountain gorillas and protected ecosystems as economic capital.

Ebola Alert (DRC): The Democratic Republic of the Congo reports over 4,000 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,850 deaths, with transmission accelerating and children hit hard—while displacement camps in Ituri are now reporting cases, raising fears of wider spread. WHO Push (Response Strain): WHO chief Tedros says new infections are doubling in some hotspots and urges a major scale-up, as health workers strike over pay disrupt care. Rwanda FDA Crackdown (Alcohol Safety): Rwanda has suspended imports of 52 alcohol brands and ordered a full recall, citing serious public health concerns; authorities also destroyed 470,000+ litres of seized ethanol used in illicit drinks, after closures and arrests linked to deaths and blindness. Migration Talks (Health & Protection): Rwanda says it is still in talks with Italy about hosting expelled asylum seekers, potentially using the Gashora emergency transit mechanism that includes medical care and psychosocial support. Regional Health Context (El Niño Risk): East African governments are stepping up disaster preparedness after El Niño forecasts, warning of floods and humanitarian pressures that can strain health services.

Alcohol Safety Crackdown (Rwanda): Rwanda FDA has intensified action against unsafe liquor, ordering recalls and suspending imports of dozens of brands, including 14 Tanzanian listings, after seizures and shutdowns linked to deaths and blindness. Public Health vs Jobs: Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said saving lives comes first, even as authorities close noncompliant manufacturers and investigate how dangerous products entered the market. Ethanol Destruction: Police began destroying more than 470,000 litres of seized ethanol at Nduba dumpsite to stop it returning to the market. DRC Ebola Escalation: WHO and Africa CDC warn the DRC outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, with cases rising rapidly and health worker strikes over unpaid wages disrupting care. Ebola Reaches Displacement Camps: UNHCR reports Ebola cases in several Ituri displacement camps, raising fears of wider transmission among vulnerable populations. Regional Disaster Readiness (El Niño): Forecasts of El Niño-linked heavy rains are pushing East African governments to prepare for floods and humanitarian emergencies. Tanzania Health PPP: Tanzania signed Africa50-backed deals including expanded renal healthcare services, alongside electricity and natural gas projects.

Ebola Response in DRC: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warns the world’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is outpacing containment, with confirmed cases rising to about 3,874 and deaths to about 1,751; in Ituri, families say health workers are striking over unpaid wages, worsening access to care in a conflict-affected border region. Rwanda Alcohol Safety Crackdown: Rwanda FDA orders a nationwide recall of alcoholic beverages and suspends imports of 14 Tanzanian listings, after inspections linked contaminated liquor to at least 50 deaths and over 500 hospitalisations, with regulators citing safety and licensing violations. HIV Prevention Progress: UNAIDS reports new HIV infections and AIDS deaths are at their lowest in over 30 years, highlighting major gains in countries including Rwanda, alongside momentum toward new prevention options like lenacapavir. Maternal Care via Drones: Rwanda’s drone delivery system is credited with rapidly delivering blood in minutes when roads and staffing delays stalled care, showing both the power of fast logistics and the limits of what drones can fix. Food Safety for Trade: FAO trains lab experts across East Africa to better test pesticide residues and aflatoxin, aiming to strengthen compliance and protect consumers as regional food trade expands.

Ebola Response Under Strain (DRC): WHO chief Tedros says the fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading faster than efforts to contain it, with cases reported at 3,874 and deaths at 1,751 as of Monday; in Ituri, health workers are striking over unpaid wages, worsening access to care amid insecurity. Rwanda Alcohol Safety Crackdown: Rwanda ordered a nationwide recall of alcoholic beverages and shut down more than 100 manufacturing facilities after inspections found safety and licensing violations; the health ministry links the crackdown to at least 50 deaths, over 500 hospitalizations, and reported vision loss. Rwanda FDA Enforcement Update: Rwanda FDA also revoked licenses and ordered removal of advertising materials for affected products, following earlier closures of eight liquor firms. Rwanda Health Logistics (Drones): Reporting highlights how Rwanda’s drone delivery system can get blood to remote patients in minutes—while also showing the limits when clinics and transport fail first. Regional Food Safety (Rwanda Included): FAO trained lab experts from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda to detect pesticide residues and aflatoxin, aiming to improve compliance and protect consumers as trade standards tighten. HIV Progress (Rwanda Listed): UNAIDS reports major gains in HIV prevention and treatment, noting Rwanda among countries achieving about an 80% reduction in new infections since 2010.

Alcohol crackdown in Rwanda: Rwanda FDA has shut down 100+ more alcohol manufacturing facilities and revoked licenses, ordering a nationwide recall and removal of related ads after public health concerns; the Ministry of Health links the surge in illicit brew to hundreds treated, including deaths and vision loss, as enforcement continues. Ebola emergency in DRC: WHO chief Tedros visited Congo as the Ebola outbreak accelerates at an “alarming” pace, with thousands of cases and deaths reported and some health workers striking over pay, worsening care access in conflict-hit Ituri. Food safety boost for Rwanda and region: FAO trained lab experts from Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda to detect pesticide residues and aflatoxin, aiming to strengthen regional testing and help farmers meet export standards under AfCFTA. Maternal care partnership (Kenya): Kenya’s Ministry of Health and the Beginnings Fund signed a five-year deal to expand quality maternal and newborn care, targeting workforce, medicines, referral networks and health information systems. Rwamagana irrigation for resilience: Rwanda’s SAIP II is helping farmers in Rwamagana adopt small-scale irrigation, shifting from drought-dependent farming to year-round production and better incomes. El Niño preparedness: Compassion International urges African churches to prepare ahead of expected severe El Niño flooding from Oct 2026, stressing coordination with police, local administrators and emergency agencies before rains start.

Rwanda Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda FDA has shut down more than 100 additional liquor manufacturing facilities and revoked licenses, ordering a nationwide removal of related advertising and a product withdrawal after earlier closures of eight firms—part of the “Tunywe Less” push amid reports of alcohol-related complications, including deaths and vision loss. Maternal Care & Drones: A Rwanda case study highlights how drone deliveries can save lives when hospitals lack blood types—showing faster access to emergency supplies during critical childbirth bleeding. DRC Ebola Spillover: With the DRC outbreak surpassing 3,400 cases and 1,600 deaths, China has sent medical teams to support overwhelmed health workers, as attacks and staff shortages continue to hamper response. Regional Maternal Health Deal: Kenya and the Beginnings Fund signed a five-year agreement to expand quality maternal and newborn care, targeting workforce, medicines, referral networks, and health information systems. Trade for Health Inputs: India and Rwanda’s first Joint Trade Committee meeting focused on boosting cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, critical minerals, and digital technologies. Mpox Alert (UK): UK health officials warn of a rapidly developing mpox situation linked to clade 1b cases, urging eligible people to get vaccinated to prevent wider spread.

Rwanda FDA Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda has ordered the immediate recall of dozens of alcoholic beverages and shut down eight liquor factories after inspections found breaches of production requirements, with manufacturers told to submit recall reports within three working days and consumers advised to stop drinking the affected products. Maternal Care Tech in Rwanda: A Muhanga case highlights how drones are being used to deliver life-saving blood during emergencies when hospitals lack the right blood type, cutting down critical delays. DR Congo Ebola Update: WHO and DRC health authorities report the Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest on record, with thousands infected and many deaths, while conflict and weak local infrastructure continue to hamper response. Mpox Alarm in the UK: UK health officials warn of a rapidly developing mpox outbreak linked to clade 1b cases, urging eligible people to get vaccinated as transmission may be spreading silently. Health Logistics Beyond Rwanda: Zipline is pushing for a bigger role in Ghana’s free primary healthcare rollout, arguing drone delivery can reduce stockouts and reach rural facilities more reliably. Malaria Advocacy via Football: A new push under the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” campaign aims to use football’s reach to drive prevention and stronger malaria response.

Alcohol Safety Crackdown (Rwanda FDA): Rwanda has ordered the immediate closure of eight liquor factories and a nationwide recall of affected spirits after inspections found regulatory and public-health breaches, with distributors told to stop sales and consumers advised to stop drinking the recalled products. Ebola Alert (DR Congo): The WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest recorded in the country, with reported cases and deaths continuing to rise and no approved vaccine or treatment for the specific strain. HIV Funding Pressure (UNAIDS): New AIDS 2026 reporting highlights a sharp funding drop driven by declines in US disbursements, warning that progress is at risk as new HIV infections rise in several countries. Maternal & Newborn Care Deal (Kenya): Kenya signed a five-year partnership worth Sh10.4bn to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare across priority counties, aiming to cut preventable deaths through better facilities, medicines, referrals, and health information systems. Trade for Health Inputs (India–Rwanda): India and Rwanda’s first Joint Trade Committee meeting focused on boosting cooperation in critical minerals and healthcare, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, alongside digital technologies and manufacturing.

Ebola Alert (DRC): The WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace and is now the largest recorded in the country, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30; the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, and insecurity, displacement and cross-border movement are complicating response. Rwanda Alcohol Crackdown: Rwanda FDA has closed eight alcohol manufacturing plants and revoked licences for at least 38 drink brands after inspections linked to a deadly alcohol-related crisis, with reports of at least 50 deaths, more than 100 cases of blindness, and kidney damage among victims. Rwanda Health & Fitness Push: Rwanda’s health and sports ministers backed community fitness events in Kigali, stressing cardio and strength training plus healthy eating as practical steps for long-term wellbeing. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS-linked reporting at AIDS 2026 warns global HIV response funding plunged in 2025 (driven by reduced US support), while new infections rose to 1.2 million globally in 2025. Rwanda–India Trade (Health Focus): India and Rwanda’s joint trade committee meeting flagged pharmaceuticals and healthcare among priority sectors for deeper cooperation. Regional Health Security (Travel): Saudi Arabia announced temporary entry restrictions for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan due to Ebola risk, while increasing screening for arrivals from several other African countries including Rwanda.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The WHO says the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the country’s biggest recorded, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths as of July 30, driven by insecurity, displacement and cross-border movement. Regional Health Response: Africa CDC warns operational constraints are hampering the response and says it will join WHO leaders in Bunia to push for faster detection and containment. Rwanda Care Capacity (Cardiac): An Israeli pediatric cardiologist traveled to Rwanda to help save an 11-day-old baby with a rare heart defect at King Faisal Hospital, highlighting growing local ability for complex pediatric procedures. Policy & Public Health (Alcohol): Rwanda’s alcohol ban is being urged to move beyond the emergency crackdown by improving data on methanol-related deaths and strengthening treatment pathways. Trade for Health (India-Rwanda): India and Rwanda launched a Joint Trade Committee, prioritizing critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, digital technologies, and renewable energy—aimed at boosting business-to-business investment. Ebola Risk Screening (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia temporarily restricted entry from three African countries due to Ebola risk and increased screening for travelers arriving from several others, including Rwanda.

Ebola Alert (DRC): WHO says the DRC Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest recorded in the country, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths (44% fatality) as of July 30, driven by the Bundibugyo strain and complicated by insecurity, displacement and cross-border movement. Regional Response (Africa CDC): Africa CDC warns of operational constraints and says it will join WHO in visiting Bunia to help strengthen early detection and stop spread to new zones. Local Health Pressure (Burundi): In Bujumbura, SOS Médias Burundi reports 80–120 wounded Congolese soldiers and Wazalendo fighters being treated at Tanganyika Hospital, with other patients complaining of delayed care and a two-tier system. Trade for Health (India–Rwanda): Rwanda and India’s first Joint Trade Committee meeting in New Delhi sets a permanent mechanism, prioritising critical minerals, pharmaceuticals/healthcare and digital technologies—highlighting India as a major source of Rwanda’s pharma imports. Newborn Card Care (Rwanda): An Israeli pediatric cardiologist travelled to Rwanda to help save an 11-day-old with a rare heart defect, underscoring growing local capacity for complex procedures. HIV Funding Watch (UNAIDS): UNAIDS warns that global HIV prevention funding fell sharply in 2025, risking a resurgence even as countries including Rwanda report major progress.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is intensifying at an “exceptional” pace, now the largest recorded in the country, with 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths reported by July 30 (about 44% fatality). The outbreak is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, with no approved vaccine or treatment for it yet, and insecurity plus displacement and cross-border movement are complicating response. Regional Health Capacity: Africa CDC warns operational constraints are hampering the response and says it will push for faster detection and containment, including a planned visit to Bunia. Public Health Policy (Rwanda): Rwanda’s government is urged to turn its alcohol ban into a full strategy, with better data on methanol-related deaths and district hotspots, plus stronger treatment planning so harm doesn’t shift to other products. Health & Care (Rwanda): An Israeli pediatric cardiologist traveled to Rwanda to help save an 11-day-old newborn with a rare heart defect, highlighting growing local capacity for complex pediatric cardiac procedures. Trade for Health (India–Rwanda): India and Rwanda’s Joint Trade Committee prioritised pharmaceuticals and healthcare alongside critical minerals and digital technologies, with Rwanda noting India as a major source of pharma imports. Epidemic Preparedness (Region): Kenya and partners including Rwanda are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, aiming to cut costs and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing ever recorded, now the second-largest by confirmed cases, with 3,442 cases and 1,521 deaths reported since May 15; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says teams will push harder on early detection and response as WHO plans a visit to Bunia on Aug. 2. Ebola Watch (Global): Separate reporting notes the outbreak has surpassed the 2018–2020 total, driven by the Bundibugyo strain with no approved vaccine or treatment, while vaccine development and clinical trials are underway. HIV Funding Alert: UNAIDS warns that cuts to international HIV prevention and community services could trigger a resurgence, citing a 23% drop in HIV development assistance in 2025 and estimating 1.2 million new infections and 570,000 AIDS deaths. Rwanda Trade & Health Links: India and Rwanda’s first Joint Trade Committee meeting prioritised pharmaceuticals and healthcare alongside critical minerals and digital technologies, with India also noting it supplies about 24.5% of Rwanda’s pharma imports. Regional Health Procurement: Kenya and 10 other African countries, including Rwanda, are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks to cut costs and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers. Rwanda FDA (Public Health): Rwanda FDA revoked all ethanol import licences over public health concerns. Health Diplomacy: Rwanda and Ethiopia pledged deeper cooperation in health, including training opportunities for Rwandan students in Ethiopian health institutions. Health Workforce & Care Access (Regional): A mission in Zambia supported pediatric cardiac surgery capacity-building, highlighting how access to antibiotics and specialist care can prevent severe outcomes like rheumatic heart disease.

DR Congo Ebola Surge: The latest outbreak in eastern DR Congo has passed 3,500 confirmed cases, reaching 3,532 with 1,556 deaths across five provinces, driven by the Bundibugyo strain; officials say there’s no approved vaccine or treatment yet, while new vaccine efforts are underway and Africa CDC warns response capacity is under strain. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS reports global HIV prevention funding fell 23% in 2025, warning cuts could trigger a resurgence; it notes major progress in countries including Rwanda, but says gains remain fragile without sustained investment. Regional Health Security: Kenya and 10 other African countries are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, including Rwanda, aiming to cut costs and speed access to medicines and lab equipment. Rwanda-US Health Talks: President Paul Kagame met a bipartisan US congressional delegation, discussing deeper cooperation in health alongside energy and investment. Rwanda Health & Infrastructure Leadership: Kagame appointed a dedicated CEO for Bugesera Airport City as construction moves into major airport facilities, signaling a new phase for Rwanda’s aviation-driven development. Workplace Wellness: Bank of Kigali launched a wellness festival to promote healthier workplaces. Diplomatic Health Link: Rwanda received Oman’s ambassador credentials, with both sides exchanging greetings and wishes for good health and continued cooperation.

Ebola Watch (DRC): The DRC Ebola outbreak keeps worsening, with July 28 figures showing 3,442 cases and 1,521 deaths, and nearly 797 people hospitalised or in isolation as the health system strains to respond. Health Diplomacy (Rwanda–Ethiopia): Rwanda’s foreign minister says ties with Ethiopia are deepening, including health cooperation where 130 Rwandan students are pursuing PhD and master’s training in Ethiopian health institutions. Digital Health Readiness (Rwanda): Rwanda plans to phase out 3G by June 30, 2027, then gradually retire 2G, aiming for faster, more reliable connectivity for services including mobile banking, e-services, education and digital health platforms. Water & Clinics Support (UK–Rwanda): Avolta UK’s 20-year partnership with One Water has raised over £3.35m, funding clean water projects in countries including Rwanda, with support reaching health clinics and schools. Youth & Cost Pressures (Rwanda in focus): A 2026 African Youth Survey reports Rwanda as the strongest story on confidence and safety, while also highlighting that rising food and fuel costs are the top pressure across young Africans. HIV Funding Alarm (Africa): Global HIV response funding fell sharply in 2025, raising fears of resurgence as AIDS 2026 opens with targets not being achieved.