AGP Executive Report

Global Health Governance: Public Citizen and Partners in Health say the U.S. has kept details of new bilateral health agreements secret, filing a lawsuit after Freedom of Information requests for memoranda of understanding were not met. Tobacco & Public Health: A WHO report says Kenya exported about Sh9.1bn worth of cigarettes in 2024 and ranks Kenya among Africa’s top tobacco-leaf producers, even as health risks deepen. Zambia Health Systems: CIDRZ trained laboratory staff on biosafety and biosecurity risk assessment to keep pace with Zambia’s growing diagnostic capacity. Health Workforce & Safety: Zambia Correctional Service warns the public about fake recruitment ads and scams that demand money, urging job seekers to use only official channels. Access to Care & Youth Health: RX Radio’s expansion plans highlight a child-led model that supports paediatric patients through hospital radio programming. Politics & Rights: Zambia’s detained opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been charged with treason, raising concerns about political space and treatment of dissent. Tech for Tourism: Zambia’s tourism push leans on technology and storytelling, including a drone light show celebrating Zambia–China ties.

Treason Charges: Zambia’s detained opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been formally charged with treason, deepening fears over how authorities handle dissent as he and running mate Makebi Zulu remain in custody. Maternal Health & Access: Kanyama Level One Hospital in Lusaka has recorded the highest number of deliveries ever, highlighting pressure on maternity services and the need for stronger support for frontline care. HIV Prevention Push: Zambia is scaling up twice-yearly PrEP injections, aiming to strengthen protection for people at higher risk and improve long-term prevention coverage. Cancer Care Closer to Patients: A new prostate care option is bringing treatment nearer to patients, a sign of expanding urology services and earlier access. Health Funding & Systems: Zambia’s external debt-service is projected to fall to about US$900m from 2026 after restructuring, freeing fiscal space for priority sectors including health. Contraception Research: A study on modern contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent girls and young women in high HIV-prevalence Southern African countries points to key determinants that can guide better programming. Public Health in the Field: Environmental health professionals are urged to focus on preventing outbreaks before they start, with calls for practical, locally scalable solutions. Road Safety & Trauma: A Rufunsa crash killed a father and son and left other passengers injured, underscoring the need for emergency response readiness and safer transport.

Treason Charge in Lusaka: Zambia’s detained opposition leader Brian Mundubile has been formally charged with treason, deepening fears over how authorities treat political dissent as he and running mate Makebi Zulu remain in custody. Public Health Funding Shock: A new report says Trump-era moves froze and reshaped global health funding, with bilateral agreements now driving HIV, TB, malaria and maternal health support—while details remain contested. HIV Prevention Push: Zambia is scaling up twice-yearly PrEP injections, aiming to strengthen HIV prevention access. Maternal & Youth Family Planning Research: New analysis focuses on modern contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent girls and young women in high HIV prevalence Southern African countries, highlighting determinants that affect uptake. Debt Relief for Health Space: Zambia’s external debt-service is projected to fall to about US$900m from 2026, freeing fiscal room for sectors including health. First Lady on Public Health: Zambia’s First Lady is calling for stronger public health action, urging prevention and community-level engagement. Road Safety Tragedies: Fatal crashes in Rufunsa and Mchinji have killed multiple people, underscoring ongoing injury and emergency care needs. Climate & Food Risks: Zambia’s rainfall outlook warns of drier-than-normal conditions in parts of the country, raising health risks linked to food insecurity and water stress.

Health Funding Accountability: Malawi’s health sector is still short of the Abuja Declaration target, with analysis pointing to K646bn denied over five years—showing up in broken CT scanners, idle ambulances and cancelled surgeries. Maternal & Newborn Care: Lusaka’s Kanyama Level One Hospital has set a delivery record, handling up to 35–50 births daily, and received over K300,000 in neonatal equipment to reduce referrals and manage complications on site. Road Safety & Injury Burden: A bus-truck crash on the Great East Road in Rufunsa killed four and left 36 injured, with victims taken to Mpanshya Mission Hospital. Zambia Economy & Health Costs: Zambia’s August inflation eased to 6.2% (from 6.5%), with health inflation reported at 9.0%, offering some relief to household budgets. Debt Relief for Social Spending: Zambia’s external debt-service is projected to fall to about US$900m from 2026, freeing resources for education, health, agriculture and social protection. HIV Prevention Scale-Up: Zambia is scaling up twice-yearly PrEP injections to expand protection. Climate & Health Risks: Zambia’s 2026/27 rainfall forecast flags higher drought risk in parts of the country, raising concerns for water, food and related health impacts.

Hospital Care in Lusaka: Kanyama Level One Hospital says it has delivered the most babies in Zambia, recording 35–50 births daily and up to 800 patients on busy days, after receiving over K300,000 in neonatal equipment from Access to Health Zambia to reduce referrals and strengthen care for mothers and newborns. Maternal & Child Health Research: A new study examines modern contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent girls and young women in high-HIV-prevalence Southern African countries, highlighting drivers of unintended pregnancy and unmet contraception needs. Road Safety Tragedies: Police report a bus-truck crash on the Great East Road in Rufunsa killed four and injured 36, with preliminary findings pointing to a truck moving into the opposite lane; separately, a Mchinji crash after a tyre burst killed four. Public Health Systems: Zambia scales up twice-yearly PrEP injections, while digital microplanning is highlighted as a way to reach vulnerable groups for better outbreak response. Economy & Health Spending: Zambia’s annual external debt-service is projected to fall to about US$900m from 2026, freeing resources for sectors including health, as inflation eases to 6.2% in August. Community Health Access: A new prostate care option is reported as coming closer to patients, alongside a urology camp planned for September 3–6. Deaths in Custody: A 26-year-old football referee died in Kazungula police custody after being detained over alleged theft complaints; investigations are ongoing.

Debt Relief for Health Budgets: Zambia’s annual external debt-service is projected to drop to about US$900m from 2026, down from an estimated US$2.6bn without restructuring—freeing fiscal space for education, health, agriculture and social protection. Inflation Eases: August inflation slowed to 6.2% (from 6.5% in July), with food inflation at 6.0% and health inflation at 9.0%, offering some relief to household costs. Maternal Care Boost in Lusaka: Kanyama Level One Hospital recorded the highest number of deliveries in Zambia, with 35–50 births daily, and received neonatal equipment worth over K300,000 to reduce referrals and improve care. Road Safety and Injuries: A bus-truck crash in Rufunsa killed 4 and injured 36; police say the truck moved into the opposite lane to avoid a stationary vehicle. Contraception Research Focus: New analysis examines modern contraceptive use and its determinants among sexually active adolescent girls and young women in high-HIV-prevalence Southern African countries. Urology Access Campaign: A four-day urology camp (Sept 3–6) is set to offer specialist prostate and urinary care at lower cost, including minimally invasive treatment options. Community Health Equipment Handover: Access to Health Zambia donated neonatal equipment to strengthen on-site management of mothers and newborns in Kanyama.

Debt Relief for Health Spending: Zambia’s annual external debt-service is projected to drop to about US$900 million from 2026 after restructuring, easing pressure on government finances and freeing resources for sectors including health. Inflation Eases: ZamStats reports August inflation slowed to 6.2% (from 6.5% in July), with food inflation at 6.0% and health inflation at 9.0%, offering some relief to households. Maternal Care Boost in Lusaka: Kanyama Level One Hospital recorded the highest number of deliveries in Zambia, and new neonatal equipment worth over K300,000 is set to reduce referrals and strengthen care for mothers and newborns. Road Safety Tragedy: A bus-truck crash on the Great East Road in Rufunsa killed four and injured 36, with police citing a lane change to avoid a stationary vehicle. Urology Access Plan: A four-day urology camp in Tanzania (Sept 3–6) will offer specialist prostate and urinary care, including newer minimally invasive options. Early Outbreak Detection: A report highlights how frontline Zambia health workers used mobile-guided primary care data to spot cholera patterns early—before lab confirmation.

Inflation Watch: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August, down from 6.5% in July, with food inflation at 6.0% and non-food at 6.6%, offering some relief to households though prices are still rising. Maternal Health Boost: Kanyama Level One Hospital in Lusaka recorded the highest delivery numbers in Zambia, with 35–50 births daily, and received neonatal equipment worth over K300,000 to reduce referrals and strengthen on-site care. Road Safety & Health Impact: A bus-truck crash on the Great East Road in Rufunsa left four dead and 36 injured; victims were taken to Mpanshya Mission Hospital. HIV & TB Services: CIDRZ held stakeholder coordination to strengthen HIV services across Lusaka Province, while other health coverage highlights continued progress toward TB and HIV targets despite funding pressures. Urology Access: A urology camp in the region is set to offer specialist prostate and urinary care at cost-effective rates, including newer minimally invasive options. Health Policy Debate: A critical commentary warns that some “health aid” deals may trade medical support for access to private health data, raising concerns about digital colonialism and patient rights.

Maternal & Newborn Care Boost: Kanyama Level One Hospital in Lusaka set a record for deliveries, with 35–50 births daily, and received over K300,000 in neonatal equipment to manage complications on site and reduce referrals. HIV Prevention Scale-Up: Zambia expanded long-acting injectable PrEP (Lenacapavir) to 106 public clinics across 13 high-burden districts, aiming to cut pill fatigue and stigma barriers. Cancer Access Partnership: BeOne Medicines and partners renewed support through 2028 to expand access to Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries. Urology Camp Planned: A four-day urology camp (Sept 3–6) will offer specialist care for prostate enlargement, urinary conditions and erectile dysfunction, using minimally invasive Rezūm and HoLEP options. Road Safety & Health Impact: A bus-truck crash on the Great East Road in Rufunsa left 4 dead and 36 injured, with victims taken to Mpanshya Mission Hospital. Inflation Watch (Health Costs): August inflation eased to 6.2%, but health inflation rose to 9.0%, keeping pressure on household medical spending. Food Security Warning: Zambia’s record maize harvest may not prevent El Niño risks, with drought potentially affecting water, livestock, power and prices. Ebola Preparedness Signal: WHO reports Africa health gains despite major funding cuts, including progress on HIV and TB targets.

HIV Prevention Rollout: Zambia has expanded long-acting injectable PrEP (Lenacapavir) to 106 public clinics in 13 high-burden districts, aiming to cut pill fatigue and stigma by shifting from daily tablets to two injections per year. Ebola Watch: Africa CDC warns the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading fast, with cases surpassing 5,500 and WHO’s emergency committee issuing updated temporary recommendations for surveillance, infection control, and community engagement. Food Security & Climate: Zambia’s record maize harvest is being weighed against rising El Niño risks, with drought expected to hit water, livestock, electricity and household incomes in vulnerable districts. Traditional Nutrition: A look at how Zambian traditional foods may offer better fiber and micronutrients than ultra-processed options, highlighting a growing nutrition conversation in Lusaka. Access to Care Costs: At Karanda Mission Hospital, families face a harsh reality: even when treatment is affordable, daily survival costs can become the biggest barrier. Animal Health & Exports: ZAMRA says stronger regulation of veterinary medicines is key to protecting animal health and unlocking Zambia’s US$1bn beef export goal. Public Health Funding (Africa): WHO says Africa is making health gains despite sharp global funding cuts, including progress on HIV and TB treatment targets. Local Health Partnerships: BeOne Medicines and The Max Foundation renew support to expand access to Brukinsa for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries.

HIV Prevention Boost in Zambia: Zambia has scaled up long-acting injectable PrEP, Lenacapavir, to 106 public clinics across 13 high-burden districts—aimed at tackling pill fatigue and stigma by shifting prevention to just two injections per year. Cancer Access Partnership: BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation renewed their collaboration to expand access to Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries. Primary Care Closer to Home: Bayer and Zambia’s Ministry of Health handed over the Munzele Health Centre in Kabwe, cutting a 20km travel barrier to basic outpatient care for thousands in Munga Ward. Ebola Watch in the Region: Africa CDC warned that Ebola in DR Congo is rapidly expanding geographically, with WHO and partners updating temporary recommendations to strengthen surveillance, infection control and community engagement. Food and Nutrition Angle: A feature highlights how traditional Zambian foods—fresh, minimally processed and often preserved by drying or fermentation—may offer better fibre and micronutrients than ultra-processed options. Animal Health & Safety: Zambia’s ZAMRA says stronger regulation of veterinary medicines is key to protecting livestock health and supporting Zambia’s US$1bn beef export goal.

HIV Prevention in Focus: Zambia has scaled up long-acting injectable PrEP (Lenacapavir) to 106 public clinics across 13 high-burden districts, aiming to cut pill fatigue and stigma linked to daily oral PrEP. Cancer Access: BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation renewed their partnership to 2028 to expand Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries. HIV Service Coordination: CIDRZ and the Lusaka Provincial Health Office held an HIV stakeholder meeting to strengthen retention in care, viral load management, prevention and Advanced HIV Disease services. Primary Care Expansion: Bayer and Zambia’s Ministry of Health handed over the Munzele Health Centre in Kabwe, reducing a 20km barrier to basic outpatient care for nearby communities. Ebola Watch: WHO and Africa CDC flagged rapid geographic spread of Ebola in DR Congo and updated temporary recommendations for surveillance, infection prevention and community engagement. TB Diagnostics Update: A new affordable molecular TB testing approach is highlighted as a major step toward wider, faster detection in high-burden settings. Animal Health & Food Security: ZAMRA says stronger regulation of veterinary medicines is key to protecting animal health and supporting Zambia’s US$1bn beef export goal.

Ebola Alert (DRC): Africa CDC warns the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is rapidly expanding, with confirmed cases reported above 5,500 and WHO’s emergency committee issuing updated temporary recommendations for surveillance, infection control, and community engagement. HIV Services (Lusaka): CIDRZ and the Lusaka Provincial Health Office convened stakeholders to strengthen HIV care coordination, focusing on retention, viral load management, prevention, advanced HIV disease services, and better data use. Cancer Access (Zambia-linked): BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation renewed their Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access partnership through 2028, aiming to reach about 1,000 CLL patients across low- and middle-income countries. Primary Care Expansion (Kabwe): Bayer and Zambia’s Ministry of Health handed over the Munzele Health Centre in Kabwe, cutting a 20km travel barrier to outpatient services for over 10,000 residents. TB Diagnostics (Global): A report highlights a new affordable molecular TB testing approach that could expand primary-care access and reduce missed diagnoses. Access to Care (Karanda, Zimbabwe): A human-interest report shows how families struggle to afford food and shelter while waiting for treatment at Karanda Mission Hospital, underscoring the hidden costs of care.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is rapidly expanding, now with 5,514 confirmed cases and 2,642 deaths, warning it has spread from 3 health zones to about 57 across six provinces in the first 100 days. Access to Care: Bayer and Zambia’s Ministry of Health have handed over the Munzele Health Centre in Kabwe (EUR 125,000), cutting a 20km barrier to basic outpatient services for 10,000+ residents. HIV Services Coordination: CIDRZ and Lusaka Provincial Health Office held a stakeholder meeting to strengthen HIV prevention and Advanced HIV Disease services, focusing on retention, viral load management, data quality and capacity building. TB Testing Upgrade: A new, affordable molecular TB testing approach is highlighted as a way to expand rapid diagnosis in primary care, including options like tongue swabs where sputum isn’t possible. Election Tensions: Civil society’s Parallel Vote Tabulation confirms Hichilema’s re-election but flags regional divisions and calls for improvements in police conduct and political tensions. Public Health at Borders: ECSA-HC launches a six-month emergency Ebola response along 33 border points of entry across trade and migration corridors, including Zambia, to detect and isolate suspected cases early. Local Health Hardship: At Karanda Mission Hospital, families and patients face a daily survival squeeze—US$1 can mean the difference between a meal and a place to sleep while treatment takes days or weeks.

Primary Healthcare Access: Bayer and Zambia’s Ministry of Health officially handed over the Munzele Health Centre in Kabwe (Central Province), funded with a EUR 125,000 investment, cutting a long 20km travel barrier to basic care for 10,000+ residents. HIV Services Coordination: CIDRZ and the Lusaka Provincial Health Office convened stakeholders with the Ministry of Health to strengthen HIV service delivery across Lusaka, focusing on retention in care, viral load management, prevention, and support for facility and community health workers. TB Testing Breakthrough: A new era for tuberculosis diagnostics is highlighted, with affordable molecular testing designed to expand access in primary care and reduce reliance on slower, less sensitive methods. Ebola Preparedness at Borders: ECSA-HC launched a six-month emergency response to prevent Ebola spread along major DRC-linked trade and migration corridors, strengthening frontline border teams for early detection, isolation, and reporting. Maternal/Child Health & Community Needs: The Munzele centre handover also points to ongoing gaps in maternal and child health and communicable disease burden in fast-growing Kabwe. Public Health & Safety: Police and hospital reporting on sudden deaths and investigations continue to draw attention to urgent clinical and forensic follow-up needs.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month emergency response to stop Ebola spreading from the DRC into neighbouring countries, including Zambia, by strengthening border health teams at 33 priority points of entry along 16 trade and migration corridors. Public Health at Borders: The programme, backed by the World Bank, focuses on early detection, safe isolation, rapid notification, and better lab transport and cross-border reporting to catch suspected cases before they reach communities. Sudden Death Investigation: Lusaka police are investigating the death of 25-year-old model and influencer Lisa Mutalu after she reportedly vomited and lost consciousness following a night out; police say no physical injuries were found and a postmortem is underway. Health & Safety Misinformation: Zambia Police also dismissed social media claims that detained suspect Patrick Mwansa died in custody, saying he is alive and in good health, urging the public to rely on official updates. Animal Health Response: In Kabwe, police helped rescue 11 dogs from the meat trade; one died, while others are receiving care and vaccinations, with LAWS appealing for donations for veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.