AGP Executive Report

COVID Accountability: Dr. Anthony Fauci again refused to answer Senate questions, invoking the Fifth Amendment as Sen. Rand Paul pushes a contempt vote after releasing thousands of Fauci diary pages that critics say show celebrity obsession and tense ties with Trump. Public Health Access: A new report highlights the digital health divide—rural and low-income patients often can’t use telehealth due to broadband gaps, delaying care until emergencies. HIV Prevention Advances: At AIDS 2026, researchers discussed long-acting options and new findings, including rare breakthrough infections on lenacapavir PrEP and promising results for a weekly HIV treatment pill. Food Safety & Outbreaks: Cyclosporiasis cases keep rising in the U.S., with Wisconsin reporting 160 cases and many without recent travel. Community Care: Ohio’s GuardCare returns with free, no-appointment healthcare for residents in Athens County, including services for people with mobility and developmental needs. Workforce & Care Delivery: Vermont’s Crescent Manor begins onboarding four bachelor-prepared nurses from Mexico to address long-term care staffing shortages.

HIV Funding Crisis: UNAIDS and KFF report donor government HIV funding fell by $2.1B in 2025 (a 25% drop), driven largely by reduced US support—threatening prevention, testing, and treatment in low- and middle-income countries. Measles Response: Delaware County, Pennsylvania is running a mobile “catch-up” vaccine clinic even with zero local cases, as 2026 measles totals in the state hit a 30-year high and outbreaks spread. Public Health Workforce Reform: In the Philippines, health worker groups urged lawmakers to amend the Magna Carta for Health Workers, saying key provisions still aren’t fully implemented and pay and hazard allowances lag behind rising workloads. Global Medtech Push: South Africa’s medtech market is drawing intense competition, with WHX Johannesburg set to spotlight devices across a fast-growing regional healthcare economy. Clinical Innovation & Rare Disease: argenx agreed to buy Forte Biosciences for about $2.2B to expand immunology with FB102, while BioMarin and n-Lorem launched a collaboration targeting ReNU syndrome. Climate & Health: Wildfires in France and Spain are driving evacuations and testing cross-border disaster readiness as heat worsens conditions.

Digital Health Expansion (Jordan): Jordan’s Digital Health Center says it has completed 45,000+ remote radiology reports, monitored 55,000+ dialysis sessions, and handled 2,000+ ICU cases, urging wider hospital and clinic connectivity. Hepatitis C Push (Pakistan): Pakistan’s health minister declared Hepatitis C a national emergency, citing 10M+ people living with the virus and 110,000 new infections yearly, and pointing to curative antivirals. HIV Prevention Update (Global): New open-label results for twice-yearly lenacapavir PrEP report no new infections in one PURPOSE trial and only one in another, with high adherence and no new safety concerns. Cancer Trial Signal (China): GSK reports its B7-H3 antibody-drug conjugate Ris-Rez met a phase 3 progression-free survival goal in relapsed osteosarcoma, supporting a China regulatory submission. Blood Supply Alert (U.S.): The American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis, warning type O supplies are below a day and urging immediate donations. Care Delivery & Tech (U.S./UK): Ellipsis Health named a new chief clinical officer to expand AI care for cardiac conditions; Cambridge Heartwear won an NHS supply chain framework up to £184M for heart monitoring. Public Health & Access (Vermont): Vermont is dropping the AHEAD healthcare model and shifting to a $195M rural health transformation fund. Food Safety (U.S.): FDA officials told a food-safety conference the U.S. food supply is safe despite record cyclospora outbreaks. Workforce & Community (U.S.): NAMI Charleston received a $50,000 donation to expand free mental health education and support.

HIV Funding Crunch: UNAIDS warns HIV could rebound after global HIV programme funding fell 18% in 2025 to $7.3B, disrupting prevention and treatment and putting the 2030 AIDS goal at risk. Public Health Messaging: South Sudan media training urges journalists to consult health authorities for Ebola coverage, stressing accurate descriptions and safe hygiene to prevent misinformation. Dengue Vaccine Milestone (India): India’s regulator approved Qdenga, the country’s first dengue vaccine, for ages 4–60, with rollout expected by early 2027 as cases surge. NCDs “Silent Killer” (Cambodia): Experts cite rising diabetes, hypertension and cancer, urging lifestyle changes and regular screenings as the healthcare burden grows. Healthcare Affordability (US/ACA): Colorado says ACA individual-market premiums may rise ~11% in 2027 after expiring tax credits, while enrollment drops. Dialysis Supply Dispute (South Africa): Gauteng Health says Charlotte Maxeke dialysis continued via contingencies despite sodium bicarbonate and filter procurement delays, while critics dispute the severity. Workforce + AI Tension (US): A nurses’ group says AI agents replaced utilization review nurses in the Bronx, raising privacy and patient-safety concerns. Device Innovation (Bangladesh): The PM backs locally made ventilators and high-flow oxygen machines, promising support for testing, approvals and production. Global Drowning Prevention: WHO launches PROTECT, a policy package to cut drowning deaths with safer water infrastructure, rescue/resuscitation capacity, education and transport standards. Public Health + Finance (Africa): ECA and AU leaders call for stronger domestic resource mobilization and unity to handle mounting global crises and shrinking development finance.

HIV Response Momentum: Thailand’s key population-led health services model is being highlighted at AIDS 2026 as a people-first, rights-based approach to reach groups traditional systems miss. Measles Warning: The U.S. is seeing measles at a 35-year high, with outbreaks driven by low vaccination and a CDC review set to assess transmission over the past year. Vaccination Access Tech: Kuwait launched digital vaccination reminders via Sahel and Salem apps, and also recognized midwifery as a formal profession to strengthen maternal and child care. Labor & Care Delivery: Nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital filed an unfair labor complaint over alleged limits on some nurses joining a strike. Public Health Under Strain: Southern Tier officials are urging blood donations as the American Red Cross faces a national shortage affecting surgeries and trauma care. Global Funding Pressure: AIDS experts warn HIV progress is in “real danger” as international funding drops sharply. Water & Health: Ghana’s Gold Fields Foundation and World Vision delivered a sustainable water system to Damang, aiming to improve WASH and healthcare delivery. Cancer Screening Push: India’s ACTREC is calling for stronger oral and head-and-neck cancer screening and early diagnosis as the burden rises.

Tobacco Control Push: Philippines local officials are urging President Marcos Jr. to fast-track the Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Act ahead of his Sona, aiming to curb secondhand smoke and youth vaping in public spaces and workplaces. Nutrition Policy: India’s parliamentary panel recommends mandatory front-of-pack labels flagging high sugar in packaged foods, with extra scrutiny for infant and children’s products. New Drug Threat: Malaysia’s anti-drug agency warns “piu-piu” synthetic substances are being mixed into vape liquids, with reports of fentanyl content and hallucinogenic “zombie-like” effects. Public Health Surveillance & Safety: Los Angeles County confirms a measles exposure at LAX (Gate 206) and urges MMR protection; in the U.S., the CPSC is demanding hospitals share emergency-room patient records, raising privacy alarms. Care Access & Equity: Flint, Michigan is creating an executive public health office to tackle neighborhood-level life expectancy gaps. Global Health Innovation: Harbour BioMed and Sinopharm will form an innovation consortium to develop antibody biologics, targeting oncology and immune-mediated diseases. Diabetes Tech Update: Medtrum advances Germany’s launch of a higher-capacity 300U tubeless patch pump for insulin needs.

Public Health & Conflict: Iran’s strikes on Kuwaiti power and desalination infrastructure (17–22 July) are condemned as violations of international humanitarian law, with warnings that disrupting civilian water and electricity can cascade into hospital, sewage, and food-system failures. Ebola Response: In the DRC, Ebola control is being hampered by weak tracking and falling contact-tracing coverage, while WHO reports lab testing kits have run out in key regions. HIV Prevention Funding: Zambia faces a major PrEP drug shortfall after U.S. prevention funding cuts, forcing rationing of lenacapavir for initiations even as treatment supplies continue. Maternal/Child Health: Bangladesh’s measles outbreak keeps worsening, with deaths rising to 820 (confirmed and suspected) and hundreds of new suspected cases daily. Nutrition & Food Safety: A Texas audit found most toddler foods are ultra-processed and many fail WHO nutrient standards, as regulators consider front-of-pack labeling changes. Chronic Disease Prevention: Qatar’s PHCC says obesity is now a top public health issue, driven by diet, inactivity, screen time, and marketing—calling for community and institutional action. Climate & Health Systems: Canada’s Senate committee urges a wildfire overhaul, warning record fire seasons are becoming a public health crisis. Healthcare Workforce: Canada lists priority recruitment needs for nurse practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, and social workers.

Hepatitis Funding Push (Philippines): On World Hepatitis Day, a liver specialist urged the government to fully fund hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment, saying many patients stay undiagnosed or untreated and calling for a fully staffed national hepatitis program plus PhilHealth coverage so cost doesn’t block care. Drowning Prevention Warning (Afghanistan): Afghanistan’s disaster agency reported at least 148 accidental drownings in a year, blaming summer heat, weak safety precautions and poor supervision, and urged strict water-safety practices. Food Safety Probe (Armenia): Armenia Marriott launched an internal investigation after illness reports tied to a French Embassy reception; food samples were sent for lab testing ahead of an official inspection. Community Care Drive (US—Hawaii): Tropic Care 2026 delivered more than $1M in free medical, dental, optometry and mental health services across multiple one-stop clinics for underserved residents. Mpox Rumor Quashed (Nigeria—Benue): Benue officials said no Mpox outbreak is confirmed after surveillance and lab sampling of a suspected case. Antibiotic Stewardship (India): The Indian Medical Association launched a free online certificate course to promote rational antibiotic use and curb antimicrobial resistance. Vaccine Manufacturing Boost (Africa—South Africa): The AfDB backed Biovac with about R250m to expand local vaccine production, aiming to cut reliance on imports. Period Products Update (UK): The UK government reiterated it’s already working to improve access to period products, citing existing schemes amid calls for free supplies. Universal Health Coverage Pressure (Nigeria): Stakeholders warned insecurity, health-worker shortages and weak healthcare provisions are blocking progress toward universal health coverage. Healthcare Data Compliance (India): India’s National Medical Commission issued notices to 18 medical colleges over ABDM HMIS lapses, warning of possible recognition action.

Measles Surge: The U.S. reports measles cases have topped the worst year since 1991, with outbreaks spreading across multiple states and most patients unvaccinated. Outbreak Response: In the DRC, Ebola deaths and cases keep climbing fast, with officials warning the virus is spreading “like a wildfire” and that the rare variant has no approved vaccines or treatments. Mpox Rumors vs Reality: Nigeria’s Benue State says no Mpox outbreak is confirmed after suspected cases were reported; officials are investigating and stressing lab confirmation before panic. Maternal Health Push: Rajasthan plans a state-level cancer cell and expands maternal care and disease preparedness, while Telangana’s survey flags rising C-sections and growing diabetes and hypertension burdens. Public Health Integrity: India warns travelers about fake Air Suvidha 2.0 websites, stressing the service is free and only the official portal should be used. Healthcare Access & Care Models: Bangladesh says it will take healthcare services to people’s doorsteps, including homoeopathy training upgrades. Workforce & Tech: Ethiopia graduates AI startup trainees to build local capacity, and AI-in-healthcare coverage focuses on supporting clinicians rather than replacing them. Policy & Systems: Kenya’s parliament speaker urges leaders to avoid tribal politics to protect unity. Disaster & Safety: West Virginia seeks expedited federal disaster aid after severe storms and flooding. Care Innovation: FDA accepted a biologics license application for a Duchenne muscular dystrophy therapy, and a dementia agitation trial reports positive results for a THC/CBD hospice-eligible population. Global Health Security: An Africa Health Security index finds big gaps remain despite improved preparedness.

Cancer Drug Update (US): Celcuity’s REVTORPYK (gedatolisib) won FDA approval for HR+/HER2−, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer without a detected PIK3CA mutation, to be used with fulvestrant (with or without palbociclib) after progression on endocrine therapy; commercialization is planned for late Q3 2026, with a supplemental filing for PIK3CA-mutant disease in Q3 2026. Public Health—Measles (US): CDC data show a historic measles surge, with 2,318 cases reported nationwide—highest since 1991—spreading across age groups as vaccination rates continue to slip. Infectious Disease—Ebola (DR Congo): Escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo is hampering Ebola containment, with reports of over 1,000 confirmed deaths and major mental-health fallout for children. Health Systems & Workforce (UK): The Royal College of Physicians says resident doctors remain at high burnout risk and highlights training environment concerns, as it is shortlisted for a lobbying award tied to its next-generation campaign. Policy & Access (Wisconsin, US): Gov. Tony Evers announced Wisconsin ranked in the top five for veteran employment services for the third straight year, ahead of National Hire a Veteran Day. Global Health & Nutrition: Scientists warn climate change is likely to reduce key nutrients in staple foods, raising the stakes for nutrition security. Pharma Safety (UAE): Emirates Drug Establishment says it’s stepping up inspections of compounding pharmacies and reports no unapproved peptide products found in licensed warehouses.

Foodborne Outbreak Watch: The CDC says the biggest known cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to 9 states, with 11,500 reported illnesses this season and 4,173 confirmed, as investigators continue tracing how contaminated produce moved through the U.S. supply chain. Public Health Guidance: Local stores in Rhode Island are pulling recalled lettuce and urging customers to wash all produce, while a Quebec doctor warns the rise deserves medical attention but shouldn’t trigger panic. Measles Alert: The U.S. has hit a 35-year high for measles, with 2,318 cases in 2026—already surpassing last year’s total—raising pressure on vaccination coverage. Interoperability Update: The U.S. ONC released USCDI Version 7, adding 30 new data elements to support safer care and smoother national health information exchange. Global Health Diplomacy: BRICS health delegates adopted a consensus declaration after visiting India’s PGIMER, praising Ayushman Bharat and backing shared priorities on healthy lifestyles and mental wellness. Workforce & Access: Jamaica’s National Health Fund opened applications for its $25M EduCare grants to help healthcare students stay in training. Clinical Innovation: Aster Hospital in the UAE used new optical coherence tomography heart imaging for more detailed views during complex artery procedures. Policy & Prevention: Spain advanced a draft plan to expand smoke-free outdoor areas, including beaches and public pools, to cut secondhand smoke exposure.

Pediatric Access Boost: Philippines President Marcos inaugurated the Jose B. Lingad Children’s Medical Center in Pampanga, aiming to spare families in Regions I–III from long trips to Metro Manila for specialized care. Public Health—Water & Infrastructure: South Africa released its National Water Action Plan, targeting municipal failures with infrastructure investment, legal reforms, and anti-corruption steps; the country also plans to pull in private capital via blended-finance projects. Global Policy—Drowning Prevention: WHO rolled out its PROTECT Technical Package for Drowning Prevention, calling drowning a neglected but preventable public health and development crisis. Healthcare Tech Funding: CARPL.ai raised $10M (IFC-led) to expand its radiology AI marketplace, while UK respiratory AI firm TidalSense secured €16.6M to scale COPD diagnostics. Disease Surveillance & Safety: Shelby County confirmed 11 cyclosporiasis cases, with guidance to seek care for severe or prolonged diarrhea; Hong Kong reported dengue updates and reminded residents to prevent mosquito bites. Transplant System Upgrade: Paraguay launched SINATPy, a digital platform to streamline organ allocation and improve transparency. Prison TB Diagnostics: Zimbabwe prisons received a HumaLoop T TB diagnostic system to speed screening and same-day treatment. Drug Policy Shock: Reports say Trump plans 100% tariffs on imported generic medicines from 2028, raising concerns about higher prices and access.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): The Ebola death toll in eastern Congo has reached 1,333 with 2,536 confirmed cases and a 40.7% lethality rate, as health officials warn contact tracing is lagging and transmission continues. Obesity Care (U.S.): A new JAMA Pediatrics analysis finds young people are increasingly turning to GLP-1s for obesity, while bariatric surgery use is dropping—raising calls for clearer guidance for adolescents and young adults. Food Safety (U.S.): Cyclospora linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has triggered new cases, including nine in New Hampshire tied to lettuce served at a medical center cafeteria, as Taylor Farms faces renewed scrutiny and recalls. Measles (U.S.): The U.S. has logged 2,295 measles cases this year—already the highest since 1991—prompting booster reminders for people who may have received older vaccine formulations. Public Health & Climate: A new report warns climate change and armed conflict reinforce each other, creating a “polycrisis” that hits health systems hardest. Policy (Spain): Spain’s Congress approved changes to expand neonatal screening, hailed by patient groups as a major early-diagnosis milestone. Mpox (Madagascar): Confirmed mpox cases in Madagascar climbed to 3,022, with new vaccine doses sent to high-risk groups. Healthcare Trust (U.S./Global): A consumer survey finds patients trust generative AI nearly as much as doctors—yet the system isn’t built for that shift. Regional Health & Tourism (Malaysia/Philippines): Malaysia is launching BGMT 2026 to grow cross-border healthcare, medical tourism, and investment between Sarawak and Mindanao.

Measles Alert (US): California has doubled measles cases this year (52 vs. 25 in all of 2025), with most patients unvaccinated or with unknown records—health officials warn the state could surpass its 2015 high. Heat & Health (US/Europe): A dangerous US heat dome threatens millions with “feels like” temperatures above 100°F, while Spain moves to ban smoking on terraces and beaches, citing public health harms. Public Health Policy (Canada): Canadian health groups back more federal investment tied to reforms, including safer cross-border care and better data sharing. Digital Governance for Health (Malaysia): Regulators at an international conference pushed for agile digital governance, stronger platform accountability, and trust-focused rules. Oncology Data (UK/Scotland): Flatiron Health expands its global oncology network via a first Scotland partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to turn routine care into research-ready real-world data. Global Health Security (Africa): African leaders at an AU summit renewed calls for “health sovereignty” and more domestic financing as aid cuts bite. Ebola Preparedness (Kenya): India delivered 4.5 tonnes of medical supplies to boost Kenya’s Ebola readiness and surveillance capacity.

Ebola Emergency: Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 confirmed deaths, with 2,473 cases reported as conflict and community resistance strain a response that still lacks vaccines and treatments for the Bundibugyo virus. Cancer Data Funding: The U.S. Congress passed FY 2026 funding that preserves cancer surveillance, including $53.4M for the CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries and a $150M NIH cancer boost. Medtech Push: J&J won FDA marketing authorization for its Ottava robotic surgery system, starting with upper-abdomen procedures and aiming for broader launches. Medicare Drug Design: Payers are leaning harder on step therapy, formulary exclusions, and prior authorization as IRA-driven Part D changes reshape benefit design. Heat-Related Deaths: France reported 5,700+ excess deaths during a historic June heat wave, with mortality rising sharply among older adults. Public Health Preparedness: Kenya received India’s five-tonne PPE and rapid test donation to strengthen Ebola readiness and isolation capacity. Health System Strain: An IT outage hit hospitals in New Zealand’s Waikato region, with unions blaming Health NZ IT workforce cuts. Rising Diabetes Risk: New England data show type 2 diabetes is surging fastest among young women, linked to earlier obesity. Alcohol Crackdown: Nigeria’s NAFDAC began nationwide enforcement against sachet and under-200ml PET alcohol products.

HIV Prevention Access: South Africa’s rollout of twice-yearly Lenacapavir for HIV prevention faces a make-or-break risk: experts warn that long-standing barriers to healthcare access could limit uptake for priority groups. HIV Testing in Key Populations: In Laos’ Oudomxay Province, HIV testing of 264 female sex workers found 12 positive cases, underscoring the need to expand voluntary testing and timely treatment. Dengue Emergency Pressure: A Sudan civil society group in Blue Nile is calling for a public health emergency as dengue cases surge, citing rising treatment costs and a strained health system. Vaccination Push: Afghanistan signed a $5.3M deal to boost oral polio vaccination in remote provinces, aiming to reach hundreds of thousands through dozens of health facilities. Foodborne Outbreak Watch: North Carolina reports a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak (561 cases), while the CDC links the wider U.S. outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell restaurants. Policy & Rights: France approved a ban on social media for children under 15, with health watchdog concerns cited; Amnesty International also urged an investigation into alleged Pakistani strikes on a Kabul drug rehab center. Digital Health Infrastructure: India’s Zayed Sustainability Prize Beyond2020 is deploying solar-powered health centres, improving care for 200,000+ people in remote areas. Healthcare Workforce Advocacy: Philippines barangay health workers renewed calls for passage of the long-delayed Magna Carta of BHWs ahead of the president’s SONA. Market Signals: EY reports strong FY26 growth in India’s hospitals and diagnostics, driven by higher-acuity care and capacity expansion.