AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alert (Zambia): Zambia’s Ministry of Health says two suspected Ebola cases from the DRC tested negative, while authorities keep screening and surveillance at entry points and for people with Ebola-like symptoms as the Bundibugyo strain spreads regionally. Ebola Alert (DRC): The DRC reports suspected cases rising to 1,028, with Africa CDC warning that 11 other countries—including Zambia—are at high risk, as WHO and partners push for faster response. Public Health Policy (Tobacco): Eastern Province officials call for stronger action against tobacco and nicotine, highlighting risks to young people and the burden on fragile health systems, including harms from second-hand smoke. Health & Wellness (Weight/Strength): A Zambian doctor and public figure says his weight loss is intentional and focused on strength and fitness, pointing to rising hypertension and urging healthier lifestyles. Legal Awareness (Wills): Zambia’s Attorney General urges citizens to write wills to prevent costly family legal battles, noting low public awareness of basic legal steps. Health Governance & Finance (Debt): Zambia moves to buy back over US$1.3bn in Eurobonds, aiming to cut future debt costs and improve fiscal stability—key for funding services like healthcare. Mining Safety (Chingola): A man dies after a tunnel collapse at an illegal mining site in Chingola, as government warns it will not spend public resources on rescues tied to illegal mining. Regional Justice & Travel: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to advance a proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming to reduce travel barriers and boost regional tourism.

Ebola Alert (DRC): Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 1,000 (1,077 suspected; 246 probable deaths), with 11 other countries now at high risk, including Zambia. Zambia Response: Zambia’s Ministry of Health reports two suspected Ebola cases tested negative and says screening tools and protocols are already operating at entry points and for people with Ebola-like symptoms. Border Surveillance (Nakonde): In Muchinga, Nakonde health officials say they’ve intensified checks, hand hygiene, and monitoring at the border despite no confirmed cases in Zambia. Outbreak Pressure (MSF): Médecins Sans Frontières warns the outbreak is spreading faster than response measures, and that border and airport closures are delaying aid and specialists. Clean Cooking (AfDB): The AfDB and Italy launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville targeting one million households, linking cleaner energy to better health outcomes and lower emissions. Hypertension & Weight (Zambia): A local health commentary cites rising high blood pressure at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital and highlights lifestyle-focused weight loss amid growing obesity concerns.

Ebola Watch (Zambia): Zambia says two suspected Ebola cases tested negative after lab checks, but health authorities are keeping high alert and using screening tools and protocols at entry points and for people with Ebola-like symptoms as the DRC outbreak grows. Regional Preparedness: IGAD urges urgent cross-border action, citing porous borders and high mobility, while Africa CDC lists several countries at risk of Ebola exposure, including Zambia. Ebola Outbreak (DRC): The DRC reports suspected cases rising to 1,028 linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, with no vaccine available, as communities and health facilities face unrest and safe burials under protection. Public Health (Local): Nakonde District intensifies Ebola surveillance at the border with stricter traveler checks, hand hygiene enforcement, and ongoing preparedness meetings. Cardiometabolic Health (Zambia): Dr. Gabriel Pollen addresses public concern over his weight loss, linking Zambia’s rising hypertension to high salt intake, excess weight, low exercise and smoking, citing a Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital report. Health & Cost of Living (Zambia): Inflation eases to 6.6% in May, with food inflation slowing to 6.9%, while non-food inflation rises, including higher pharmaceutical product costs.

Ebola Watch: Zambia has investigated and cleared two suspected Ebola cases after laboratory tests, even as the DRC reports suspected cases rising to 1,028 and warns of cross-border risk. Border Screening Boost: The Ministry of Health says it is using Ebola screening tools and protocols at entry points and for people with Ebola-like symptoms, with facilities identified for suspected patients and support from WHO and Africa CDC. Regional Preparedness Push: IGAD has urged urgent, coordinated regional action, including stronger cross-border surveillance and harmonized response plans, warning that porous borders and high mobility can spread outbreaks fast. At-Risk Countries Listed: Africa CDC director-general Jean Kaseya says Angola and Zambia are among 10 African countries at risk of Ebola exposure as the Bundibugyo strain spreads in the DRC. Local Health Response: In Nakonde, Muchinga, district health teams have intensified surveillance, traveler screening, and hygiene measures despite no confirmed cases in Zambia.

Ebola Screening Update: Zambia’s Ministry of Health says two suspected Ebola cases tested negative, while authorities step up entry-point screening, isolation capacity, and lab support with WHO and Africa CDC backing. Regional Preparedness: IGAD urges coordinated cross-border action against the DRC Ebola outbreak, including strengthened surveillance and harmonized response as mobility and porous borders raise risk. Ebola Surveillance in Nakonde: Muchinga’s Nakonde district intensifies border checks, symptom monitoring, and hygiene controls to prevent any imported case, even as Zambia remains without confirmed infections. Inflation Watch (Household Impact): Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.6% in May as food prices—especially mealie meal and rice—fell, though non-food costs rose, including pharmaceutical products and fuel-related items. Clean Energy for Health Facilities: A Chinese firm donates solar mini-grid equipment worth US$350,000 for Kaumbwe, including power for nine schools and five rural health centres. Digital Health Enablement: Zambia signs an MoU with Huawei to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with plans to support AI services across government, including healthcare.

Inflation Watch: Zambia’s annual inflation eased to 6.6% in May (from 6.8% in April) as food prices—like mealie meal, maize grain and imported rice—cooled, while non-food inflation edged up to 6.1%, driven by higher pharmaceutical and fuel costs. Ebola Preparedness: In Nakonde, Muchinga, the Ministry of Health has intensified border surveillance and traveller screening despite Zambia having no confirmed Ebola cases, with hand hygiene and sanitation protocols strengthened. Regional Ebola Alarm: Africa CDC reports suspected Ebola cases in the DRC and Uganda have surpassed 1,000, with Zambia listed among 11 countries at high risk; the Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or treatment, complicating containment. Solar for Health Facilities: A Chinese firm donated solar mini-grid equipment worth $350,000 for Kaumbwe—powering nine schools and five rural health centres with reliable electricity for lighting, refrigeration and ICT. Digital Health & AI Skills: Zambia and Huawei signed an MoU to build a National AI Data Centre and train 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, aiming to expand AI-powered services across government ministries. Ecosystem & Livelihoods: Zambia launched the Kafue Flats Wildlife, Habitat, Health and Livelihood project to restore degraded ecosystems, boost climate resilience and protect biodiversity. Court Update (Health Governance Impact): The South African appeals court heard arguments in the Edgar Lungu burial dispute, a case with major political and public interest implications for Zambia.

Ebola Surge in the Region: Africa CDC says suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo and Uganda have passed 1,000 (1,077 suspected, 246 probable deaths), with 129 confirmed in DR Congo and 8 in Uganda, while 11 other countries—including Zambia—are flagged as high risk. Eastern DR Congo Response Under Strain: WHO warns insecurity, displacement, and mistrust are blocking contact tracing and early care as the outbreak spreads across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Zambia’s Health Supply Move: South Africa’s six-month ARV dispensing push (6MMD) is highlighted as a model to cut clinic visits and prevent treatment interruptions—relevant as Zambia and the region look to strengthen chronic care continuity. Local Health System Work: CIDRZ recognises staff for performance and innovation during Labour Day, underscoring workforce wellbeing as part of stronger health delivery. Health Policy Debate: Zambia’s “free education” law sparks backlash after claims it isn’t truly free—raising concerns about overcrowding that can also affect school health and wellbeing. Court Watch: Edgar Lungu’s repatriation case returns to South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal, with implications for national processes around medical travel and state funeral arrangements.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: Suspected Ebola cases in eastern DR Congo have climbed to 1,077 (121 confirmed) with 17 deaths, spreading across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, as WHO urges neighbours to act and conflict disrupts response. Regional Border Moves: Uganda reported new cases and temporarily closed its border with Congo; several countries, including Zambia, are flagged as high-risk by Africa CDC, while travel advisories and airport screening measures expand across the region. Zambia Health System Progress: University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka says it has carried out 39 kidney transplants since 2018, with plans to expand to Ndola Teaching Hospital. Digital Health & Skills: Smart Zambia and Huawei sign an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training of 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, targeting AI-powered public services including health. Workforce Recognition: CIDRZ honours staff at Labour Day awards for strengthening healthcare systems through innovation and cost efficiency. Kafu Flats Restoration: A new GEF-funded project aims to restore Zambia’s Kafue Flats and protect livelihoods and biodiversity under climate pressure.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola situation is worsening fast, with suspected cases reported at 1,077 (121 confirmed) and 17 deaths since the outbreak began May 15, as health teams push on despite insecurity and field challenges. Regional Risk & Travel Moves: Africa CDC says 10 countries—including Zambia—face outbreak risk, while several countries outside the region are tightening travel and entry rules, including St Kitts and Nevis and The Bahamas, citing heightened Ebola precautions. Zambia Health Capacity (Kidney Care): University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka has carried out 39 kidney transplants since 2018, with four already completed in 2026 and plans to expand to Ndola Teaching Hospital. Primary Healthcare Funding: Zambia is among four sub-Saharan countries selected for a €10m global health fund to help ministries become “investment-ready” for primary healthcare projects. Mental Health (Regional Workshop): South Africa’s mental health workshop in Johannesburg will include Zambia and aims to produce rapid mental health landscape analyses ahead of a Kigali summit. Health System Integrity (Medicines Theft): Police in Chama arrested two security guards over theft of anti-malaria Coartem worth K12,750 from Nthonko Rural Health Post. Wellness & Community: A Lusaka-based wellness trend piece highlights waterfall travel as a mental and physical reset for travellers. Health Innovation (Festival): Ghana will host Africa’s Health Innovation Festival (June 4–6), with youth-led health solutions and innovators from Zambia expected to participate.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is spreading faster than responders can keep up, with 900+ suspected cases, 101 lab-confirmed, and 220+ suspected deaths; the risk inside DR Congo is raised to “very high” as insecurity and delays in detecting cases hamper containment. Regional Response (Zambia in focus): Zambia is listed among high-risk countries, with neighbouring countries tightening entry and travel measures; the message for the region is clear—screening and border surveillance are being stepped up to reduce importation risk. Zambia Health Capacity: Kidney transplant programme accelerates at University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, reaching 39 transplants since 2018 and targeting 36 more in 2026, with plans to expand to Ndola Teaching Hospital. Primary Healthcare Funding: Zambia is selected for a €10 million global health fund initiative via EIB Global/Health Impact Investment Platform to help make health projects “investment-ready” and strengthen primary care. HIV Care (Eastern Province): Chipata Central Hospital reports 6,250+ people on ART, including 100+ children, as AHF launches stronger prevention and service support. Medicines Theft (Chama): Police arrest two security guards over theft of Coartem worth K12,750 from Nthonko Rural Health Post. Road Safety (Kafue): Great North Road crash at Mhango Curve kills two and leaves six hospitalised. Digital Health & Skills: Smart Zambia and Huawei sign an MoU for a National AI Data Centre and training for 5,000 ICT professionals by 2028, with expected spillover into public services including health.

Ebola alarm, Zambia in the spotlight: Western Uganda’s bat–human spillover risk is being flagged as the Bundibugyo Ebola strain drives a fast-moving outbreak in eastern DRC, with WHO and Africa CDC warning response efforts are “playing catch-up” as suspected cases near 1,000 and deaths rise. Cross-border pressure: Neighbours are tightening movement—Ebola screenings at major US airports, Covid-style checks in several countries, and border closures that are already triggering shortages in places like Bukavu. Zambia health capacity: Locally, Chipata Central Hospital says it is supporting over 6,000 people on ART, while AHF is stepping up prevention at priority sites. Road safety: One person died and 10 were injured in a Kafue head-on crash on the Great North Road after an attempted overtaking on a curve. Governance & politics: ECZ nomination processes are praised as peaceful, even as election campaign debate heats up.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: The WHO warns the DR Congo Ebola outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts, with more than 900 suspected cases and about 220 suspected deaths, as attacks on treatment centres and patients fleeing add to the chaos. Cross-Border Pressure: Neighbours are being urged to act immediately, while Rwanda’s border moves are already triggering shortages in eastern Congo and the US has ramped up Ebola screening at major airports. Aid and Preparedness: Switzerland announced $3.8m to support DR Congo response, and Ethiopia says it has tightened inspections, airport surveillance, and lab readiness. Zambia in the Mix: Zambia is among countries flagged at high risk, and local health research continues—CIDRZ presented clinical validation of a disposable plasma separator to simplify HIV viral load testing. Local Governance & Health Resilience: Zambia’s ECZ was praised for a peaceful nomination process, and Zambia, WFP and the UK Met Office launched a $3.6m climate early-warning initiative to protect communities from drought and floods.

Ebola Crisis Escalates in DR Congo: Frontline teams in eastern DR Congo are facing attacks on treatment sites and patients fleeing as the outbreak spreads fast. Reports from Ituri say crowds tried to reclaim bodies at a Mongwalu Ebola centre, with shots fired in the air, and that the same hospital compound was targeted again after an isolation tent was burned. Regional Alarm: WHO and Africa CDC warn neighbouring countries—including Zambia—are at high risk, with WHO calling the situation “extremely serious” and saying the epidemic is moving faster than response. Cross-Border Spillover Fears: Italy has detected two suspected Ebola cases in Milan linked to travel from Uganda, while countries around Congo are rolling out “Covid-style” movement checks. Zambia Health Watch: Zambia is named among the 10 high-risk countries, as health authorities push preparedness amid the growing threat. Local Health Accountability: In Lusaka, a MoH accountant and pharmacist appear in court over alleged theft of K414,270.

Ebola emergency escalates across Central and East Africa: The WHO has declared a global public health emergency over the fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, warning that the epidemic is spreading faster than response teams can keep up. Numbers keep rising: Africa CDC and WHO say there are now over 900 suspected cases in DR Congo, with suspected deaths also climbing to around 220, while confirmed cases remain in the hundreds across the two countries. Regional threat widens: Africa CDC has flagged 10 countries at high risk of spillover, including Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and others, urging immediate preparedness and tighter entry screening. Zambia context: Zambia is on the high-risk list, and the week also saw Zambia activate Ebola response centres following the DRC outbreak. Local developments: President Hakainde Hichilema honoured several Zambians at an investiture ceremony marking Africa Freedom Day, including a cervical cancer advocate. Other health pressure: In HIV prevention, demand for a new PrEP injection is outstripping supply in parts of Africa, with early rollouts reaching only a fraction of need.

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO says suspected Ebola cases in conflict-hit eastern DR Congo have topped 900, with 101 confirmed, as the outbreak’s death toll climbs and the WHO risk level is raised to “very high.” Regional Lockdown Moves: Neighbouring countries are rolling out “Covid-style” border checks and screening, while Uganda confirms three more cases (total five) and suspends public activities in the epicentre area. Africa CDC Alarm: Africa CDC warns 10 countries—including Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Angola and others—are at high risk, citing cross-border movement and insecurity. Zambia Angle: Zambia is named among the at-risk states, with preparedness and screening measures being discussed across regional entry points as the WHO declares the outbreak an international emergency.

Ebola Surge in DR Congo: DR Congo’s health ministry says deaths have jumped to 204 from 867 suspected cases, as the WHO upgrades the outbreak risk to “very high” and warns the virus is spreading fast in conflict-hit eastern provinces. Uganda Adds New Cases: Uganda confirmed three more Ebola cases, bringing its total to five. Red Cross Losses: The Red Cross mourned three volunteers who died after suspected Ebola exposure while handling bodies in Ituri. Regional Alarm: Africa CDC warns 10 countries—including Kenya and Zambia—are at high risk of exposure, citing high mobility and insecurity, while regional bodies step up border screening and emergency response. Zambia Watch: Zambia is on the Africa CDC high-risk list, with authorities urged to stay alert as cross-border measures tighten across the region.