AGP Executive Report

Clean Air Push: Rwanda marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Kigali, calling for cleaner air to protect health and children, with plans focused on better monitoring, vehicle emissions testing, cleaner transport, industrial controls and cleaner cooking. Trauma-Informed Care Training: A U.S. social work professor is in Rwanda leading trauma-informed care training for health and social development professionals, including midwifery students, to improve wellness and community healing. Ebola Watch (DRC): The DRC says its Ebola outbreak is “under control” and has passed its peak, but warns of flare-ups, ongoing transmission, and spread to a seventh province—while a separate report flags a new case in north-western Congo after travel via Rwanda and Uganda. Access to Biologics: Bio Usawa and Axmed announced a partnership to expand affordable biologic medicines across Africa, starting with ophthalmology and retinal diseases using a ranibizumab biosimilar. Community Sports as Prevention: Kigali’s Car Free Day is turning city streets into mass exercise events, positioning sport as a public-health tool for healthier, more active communities. Health Safety in Schools (DRC): Reports from Bukavu describe deadly school fires and stampedes, underscoring urgent child safety and emergency response needs.

DRC Ebola Update: The Democratic Republic of Congo says its 17th Ebola outbreak is “under control” and has passed its peak, but health authorities and Africa CDC warn risks remain as the virus spreads to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, after a patient traveled through Rwanda and Uganda—raising fears of new contacts and uneven transmission. Cross-Border Health Alert: A confirmed Ebola case in north-western Congo far from the outbreak epicentre highlights how movement can rapidly widen exposure routes, with officials calling for strict contact tracing and continued vigilance. School Safety Tragedy (DRC): In Bukavu, eastern DRC, a school fire triggered a stampede, killing at least 26 children and injuring others—renewing pressure on emergency preparedness and safer school infrastructure. Rwanda Air Quality Push: Rwanda marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies with renewed focus on monitoring, vehicle emissions testing, cleaner transport, industrial controls, and cleaner cooking—aiming for air quality to improve several times over time. Trauma-Informed Care Training (Rwanda): A US faculty visit supported trauma-informed care training for Rwanda’s health and midwifery professionals, strengthening community resilience and self-care for caregivers.

Ebola Alert in Congo’s West: DRC says its Ebola outbreak is “under control” and past its peak, but health officials and Africa CDC warn risks remain as cases spread to a seventh province, including Sud-Ubangi, far from the epicentre. A man who died after traveling via Rwanda and Uganda tested positive, raising fears of many contacts across provinces and borders. Cross-Border Health Pressure: Africa CDC says transmission is uneven and accelerating in North Kivu and Haut-Uele, with insecurity and population movement hampering response. Child Safety Crisis: In Bukavu, eastern DRC, a school fire and stampede killed at least 26 children (UNICEF), with some jumping from windows; injuries were reported at clinics. Local Blast Harm: In Rutshuru, North Kivu, an abandoned explosive device detonated after a child handled it, killing seven civilians and injuring three, with bodies taken to Rutshuru General Hospital. Rwanda Health Capacity: Rwanda hosted trauma-informed care training for health and midwifery professionals, building skills for resilience and community healing. Clean Air for Health: Rwanda marked National Clean Air Day, calling for cleaner transport, emissions testing, and stronger monitoring to protect children’s health.

Ebola Watch (DRC): DR Congo says its Ebola outbreak is “under control” and has passed its peak, but WHO and Africa CDC warn transmission is still uneven as cases spread to a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, after a patient traveled via Rwanda and Uganda—raising fears of wider exposure and contact tracing strain. Public Health & Safety (DRC): A deadly school fire in Bukavu triggered a stampede, killing at least 26 children (minors) and injuring others, with reports describing students jumping from upper floors and smoke-related injuries. Clean Air for Health (Rwanda): Rwanda marked National Clean Air Day in Kigali, with officials calling for collective action—stronger air monitoring, vehicle emissions testing, cleaner transport, industrial controls, and cleaner cooking—while noting air may need to be 3–4 times cleaner to meet health goals. Maternal Health Insight: Research highlights anaemia as an overlooked driver of severe postpartum haemorrhage, pointing to better prevention to reduce deaths during childbirth. Trauma-Informed Care (Rwanda): A visiting YSU professor led trauma-informed care training for health and social professionals in Rwanda, focusing on vicarious trauma, self-care, and community resilience skills.

Cleaner Air Push: Rwanda marked International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Kigali, with officials calling for practical steps like better air monitoring, vehicle emissions testing, cleaner transport, industrial controls and cleaner cooking—while warning air may need to become 3–4 times cleaner to meet health goals. Trauma-Informed Care Training: A Youngstown State University professor led trauma-informed care training in Rwanda, bringing together nursing, midwifery, public health and counseling professionals to strengthen emotional resilience and reduce burnout in healthcare settings. DRC Ebola Escalation: Africa CDC says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond its epicenter, now reaching a seventh province (Sud-Ubangi) after a patient traveled through Rwanda and Uganda; officials warn of rising cases in North Kivu and Haut-Uele and stress the need for stronger response capacity. School Fire Tragedy (DRC): A deadly school fire and stampede in Bukavu killed at least 26 children, with reports describing pupils jumping from windows and injuries treated in local health centers.

Ebola Alert (DRC): Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak has surged beyond its epicentre, reaching a seventh province—Sud-Ubangi—after a man who traveled through Rwanda and Uganda tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain; local authorities say 6,843 cases and 3,310 deaths have been recorded, with Africa CDC warning spread is accelerating in North Kivu and Haut-Uele amid insecurity, displacement, and strained health services. Cross-Border Health Risk: Officials fear a large number of contacts because the patient used road and river routes, raising concerns for neighboring provinces and countries. School Fire & Stampede (Bukavu): In rebel-held Bukavu, a fire at two schools triggered a stampede, killing at least 26 minors (UNICEF reported 25 injured children), with survivors receiving care at health centers as mourning is declared. Rwanda Church Leadership: Rwanda’s Anglican Church elected Bishop Dr Manasseh Gahima as the new Archbishop and Primate, succeeding Laurent Mbanda.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Ebola has been detected in a seventh DRC province, South-Ubangi, after a man who travelled through Rwanda and Uganda tested positive following lab analysis. Authorities say local transmission is not yet confirmed, but the long-distance route raises fears of many contacts and wider regional risk. Ebola Spread (Regional): Africa CDC says the outbreak is rapidly moving beyond its epicentre in Ituri, with rising cases in North Kivu and Haut-Uele amid insecurity, displacement, and health worker disruptions. School Fire Tragedy (DRC): In Bukavu, rebel-controlled eastern DRC, a fire swept through two schools and nearby homes, killing at least 24 children (reports vary by source) and injuring dozens; officials say the cause is unknown and rescue access was difficult. Local Health Systems (Rwanda): Rwanda’s National Bank launched a push to reduce cash use, noting cash still covers large shares of medical bills and school fees—an indirect but important lever for smoother health and household payments.

School Fire Tragedy (DRC): In Bukavu, eastern DR Congo, a fire swept through two adjacent schools, killing at least 24 students (reports vary up to 26) and injuring dozens; officials say the blaze began near a house and spread to Ujamaa primary and Furaha secondary, with a narrow exit contributing to a stampede and suffocation. Ebola Alert (DRC): Africa CDC says the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond its epicenter, with cases and deaths rising in North Kivu and Haut-Uele amid insecurity, displacement, and health worker strike conditions. Cash-to-Digital Push (Rwanda): Rwanda’s central bank launched #TwagiyeKashiresi to close the gap between digital account access and cash use, noting cash still covers major spending like medical bills and school fees. Health System Quality Check (Rwanda): Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana toured Nyanza District facilities, highlighting Community Health Workers as the backbone of decentralized care and urging youth to protect their health. Preparedness Training (Rwanda): GLIDE concluded its Disease Elimination & Eradication Course in Rwanda, training public health leaders from multiple countries to turn disease plans into action. Regional Health Context: Reports also highlight ongoing strain on care capacity in Ebola-affected areas, with pediatric-focused supportive treatment described as critical where vaccines and antivirals are limited.

Ebola Readiness in the Region: The UN says it has trained nearly 200 community health officers in Rwanda on infection prevention, early detection and risk communication, with border and facility screening reviews underway as Rwanda stays on high alert due to proximity to DRC. El Niño Health Planning: Kenya and partners are stepping up preparedness for the 2026/27 rainy season, with focus on surveillance, labs, safe water and sanitation, risk communication, and keeping essential services running—key concerns for waterborne disease outbreaks after floods. Mpox Alert in Spain: Health workers in Spain are raising fears of a fresh monkeypox (mpox) outbreak after a confirmed case was reported in Marbella, with calls for stricter isolation in an infectious unit. Maternal Care Equity: A new focus on women with disabilities highlights barriers to antenatal, delivery and postnatal services, underscoring the need for accessible facilities, transport and better health information. Rwanda Digital Energy Tool: Rwanda is testing an “Energy Access Explorer” platform to map electricity needs against schools and health facilities, aiming to guide investment toward the biggest impact. Rwanda Conservation Spotlight: Rwanda’s 21st Kwita Izina named 22 baby mountain gorillas, reinforcing conservation gains and community-linked protection.

El Niño Health Watch (Kenya): WHO is working with Kenya to assess risks and strengthen preparedness for the 2026/2027 El Niño rains, focusing on disease surveillance, early warning, labs, safe water, sanitation and hygiene, risk communication, and keeping essential services running as floods could trigger outbreaks like cholera and typhoid. Primary Healthcare Push (ECSA-HC): ECSA-HC urged bigger investment in primary healthcare, health workers, technology and sustainable financing to build resilient, self-reliant health systems for universal coverage and stronger health security. Maternal Care Equity (Nigeria): A study highlights how women with physical or visual disabilities face major barriers to antenatal, facility delivery and postnatal care—linked to inaccessible services, transport, negative staff attitudes and limited health information. Blood Safety (Uganda): Research from Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital flags bacterial contamination risks in stored blood for transfusion, underscoring the need to protect patients with cancer from infectious complications. Medicines Security (Tanzania): Leaders warned that dependence on imported medicines and medical supplies leaves health systems exposed, calling for urgent investment in local manufacturing and supply resilience. Rwanda Health Tech (Energy Access): Rwanda is testing a digital “Energy Access Explorer” map to guide where electricity is most needed, including near schools and health facilities, aiming to close access gaps. Rwanda Conservation & Community: Rwanda marked Kwita Izina’s 21st edition with 22 baby gorillas named, spotlighting conservation gains tied to community development and long-term health of ecosystems. Rwanda Transport for Services: Rwanda and China launched a Kigali road expansion (Prince House–Masaka) expected to improve traffic flow, safety, and access to jobs and essential services. Rwanda Sports Economy (Kigali): SportsBiz Africa Forum 2026 opened in Kigali, framing sport as an engine for jobs, investment and social development—relevant to youth wellbeing and community health. Rwanda Insurance Update: ASSAR revised motor third-party insurance tariffs effective 1 October 2026, responding to rising claim costs and medical treatment expenses.

El Niño Health Prep: Kenya’s Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is rolling out El Niño preparedness in 18 high-risk counties, focusing on disease surveillance, early warning, lab response, safe water/sanitation, risk communication, and keeping essential services running as floods threaten cholera, typhoid, dysentery and diarrhoeal disease. Rwanda Energy Access Mapping: Rwanda is testing the Energy Access Explorer, a digital map that links where people live, schools and health facilities, and existing power infrastructure to help policymakers and investors target the biggest electricity access gaps. Roads for Access to Care: Rwanda and China launched a Kigali road expansion (Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka), aiming to cut travel time and improve access to jobs, markets and essential services. Public Health Prevention Message: Kenya’s public health leadership stresses prevention and early detection—vaccination, clean environments, and prompt care—to reduce the burden of dengue, malaria, cholera, TB, and chronic diseases. Motor Insurance Update: Rwanda’s insurers association revised motor third-party insurance tariffs, effective 1 Oct 2026, citing rising claim costs and medical treatment expenses. Regional Health Context: DRC’s Ebola crisis is worsening amid conflict and hunger, with WHO reporting major case and death figures and highlighting fragile health systems.

El Nino Health Prep: WHO is working with Kenya to assess risks ahead of the 2026/27 El Nino rains, focusing on disease surveillance, safe water and sanitation, lab response, and keeping essential services running during floods. Public Health Mindset: A Kenyan public-health leader stresses that dengue, malaria, cholera, TB, hypertension and diabetes can be reduced through prevention, early detection, and fast action—before people reach hospitals. Air Quality Warning: On the UN’s International Day of Clean Air, a new Africa Air Quality Brief says many African countries still miss WHO PM2.5 limits, with West Africa seeing repeated days above the guideline. Rwanda–Oman Trade & Health Links: Rwanda and Oman signed agreements and MoUs in Salalah covering logistics, inland dry ports, agriculture, investment promotion, and cooperation areas including healthcare. Kigali Transport Upgrade: Rwanda and China launched a Kigali road expansion/upgrade project to cut congestion, improve road safety, and speed access to jobs and essential services. Health Tech Capacity: Ghana’s new photonics and optics lab at KNUST aims to build local skills for advanced instruments that could support medicine authentication and disease screening. Rwanda Conservation & Child Surgery: Rwanda’s Kwita Izina featured new gorilla naming, while Kids Operating Room highlights continued growth in children’s surgical capacity across Rwanda.

Air Quality & Public Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief reports that more than 20 African countries missed even the WHO’s loosest PM2.5 guideline in 2025, with West Africa seeing over 120 unsafe days in parts of 2025—raising fresh urgency for cleaner air policies that protect lungs and reduce disease risk. Prevention Messaging: Kenya’s public health leadership stresses that dengue, malaria, cholera, TB, hypertension and diabetes can be reduced through prevention, early detection and timely care—pushing communities to act before patients reach hospitals. Rwanda–Oman Health & Trade Links: Rwanda and Oman signed agreements and MoUs in Salalah covering logistics, land and dry ports, agriculture, investment promotion and healthcare cooperation—aimed at expanding access to services and strengthening regional supply chains. Pharma Manufacturing Cooperation: Tanzania and Algeria discussed technology transfer and investment to boost local pharmaceutical production, targeting reduced medicine import dependence and wider access to medicines across Africa. Rwanda Health Workforce & Access: Rwanda is set to expand inland dry port logistics with Oman, while separate coverage notes Rwanda’s push for local capacity in advanced scientific tools that can support medicine authentication and disease screening. Regional Health Context: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia, limiting legal access to satellite internet for rural health and services—highlighting how connectivity gaps can affect healthcare delivery.

Rwanda–Oman Health & Investment Talks: President Paul Kagame met Oman’s Sultan Haitham in Salalah to discuss cooperation that includes healthcare alongside mining, renewable energy, food security, land ports and logistics—aiming to turn the partnership into new investment deals. Youth-Friendly Health Access: Regional experts (Uganda, Kenya, Zambia and Rwanda) urged a review of age-of-consent rules and how legal barriers can block adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, amid high teenage pregnancy rates in Uganda. Nutrition as Health Infrastructure: A new BCG report says healthier school meals could generate major health and economic gains, including up to $120M–$155M in annual benefits in Rwanda, while helping curb rising diet-related diseases. Women in Health & Media: Rwanda filmmaker Nailla Simbi is moving from editing into directing, highlighting the push for more women in technical roles behind the camera. Conservation With Public Health Links: Rwanda’s Kwita Izina continues to spotlight gorilla recovery—an ecosystem story that supports broader wellness through healthier landscapes.

Rwanda–Oman Talks: President Paul Kagame met Oman’s Sultan Haitham in Salalah to push cooperation on mining, renewable energy, food security, land ports, logistics and healthcare—aiming to turn ties into investment and practical partnerships. Regional Condolences: Rwanda joined African leaders in mourning Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan after the death of her husband, Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan, who died in Zanzibar after heart treatment. Energy Transition in Kigali: Leaders and investors gather in Kigali for the RE4SG 2026 conference (Sept 8–10) to shift Africa’s clean energy agenda toward bankable projects, local manufacturing and scalable solutions. Food as Health Infrastructure: A new BCG report says healthier school meals could unlock over $100m in annual value in Rwanda while tackling rising diet-related diseases across Africa. Farmer-Centred Agriculture: One Acre Fund says Rwanda’s next agriculture push should reduce “input-by-input” friction by bundling seeds, fertilizer credit, insurance, extension and market access into one integrated model. Youth & Consent: Regional experts urged a rethink of age-of-consent rules as Uganda struggles with teenage pregnancies and barriers to youth-friendly healthcare.

Smart Diabetes Care: A Rwandan prosthetist, Prisca Nikuze, is developing a smart insole to detect early diabetic foot pressure problems—aiming to prevent ulcers and reduce amputations. AI for Health & Diagnostics: Researchers in Uganda and Rwanda showcased AI tools that speed up diagnosis of diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and cervical cancer using smartphone-linked microscopy. Conservation & Community: Rwanda’s Kwita Izina named 22 baby mountain gorillas, while officials stressed a new phase focused on protecting a growing population and ensuring nearby communities benefit. Gorilla Numbers Rise: Rwanda’s mountain gorilla conservation enters a “new phase” as the population grows, with continued emphasis on sustaining habitats and livelihoods. Health & Food Safety Alert: Former VP Yemi Osinbajo says lab tests found freshly squeezed orange juice his wife drank unfit for consumption, raising concerns about chemicals used on fruits and vegetables. Bilateral Health-Adjacent Links: Rwanda and Oman are deepening cooperation ahead of President Paul Kagame’s visit, including aviation and digital/infrastructure ties that can support health systems.