AGP Executive Report

Ebola Border Readiness: Ten countries in East, Central and Southern Africa, including Zambia, have stepped up border health controls in response to Ebola in the DRC, with plans for readiness checks, drills, standardized screening, and referral to medical facilities. TB Diagnostics Collaboration: CIDRZ hosted Uganda’s R2D2 TB network and Kebera Diagnostics Laboratories for a three-day exchange to strengthen research on TB diagnostic tools and improve access to life-saving diagnostics in Zambia and Uganda. Measles Warning: WHO estimates nearly 11 million people will contract measles in 2026, with the biggest risk in Africa and Asia; the report stresses vaccination as the key prevention tool. Police Push Back on Custody Death Claims: Zambia Police dismissed viral claims that detained suspect Patrick Mwansa died in custody, saying he is alive and in good health, and urged the public to rely on official updates. Lusaka Death Investigation: Police are investigating the sudden death of 25-year-old model and socialite Lisa Mutalu after she reportedly vomited and became unconscious; police say no physical injuries were found and a postmortem is underway. Kafwaya Case and Rights Calls: Lawyers and human rights groups are calling for an independent probe into the death of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during an election-period security operation, amid concerns over arrests and conflicting statements. Disability Inclusion: SADC countries are strengthening disability inclusion laws and programmes; Zambia’s National Policy for Persons with Disabilities (approved in 2025) covers health, education, employment and accessibility.

Election & Health Security: Zambia’s President-elect Hakainde Hichilema won re-election with 60% and urged unity and peace as celebrations continue, but the election period remains tense amid reports of violence and arrests. Fatal Shooting Probe: Police confirm former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead during a Kabulonga security operation on Aug 14, with his family later positively identifying the body; Amnesty and the Law Association of Zambia are calling for an immediate independent investigation into the circumstances, arrests, and due process. Sudden Death at Hospital: Police are investigating the death of 25-year-old socialite Lisa Mutalu, who reportedly began vomiting after an outing and became unconscious at her Kalundu residence; officers say no physical injuries were found and a postmortem is underway. Malaria Funding Debate: The African Pest Control Association and Nigeria’s #EndMalariaInNigeria campaign both criticize reliance on foreign aid for malaria control, urging stronger domestic ownership and financing. HIV Prevention Access: A report highlights supply limits affecting rollout of lenacapavir (LEN) HIV prevention injections, including Zambia’s recent start, as countries weigh demand against stock availability.

HIV Prevention Access: Zambia’s rollout of the twice-yearly lenacapavir (LEN) injection is gaining strong interest, but supply limits and clinic barriers risk leaving key groups behind—raising urgent questions about how demand is created and managed. Infectious Disease Response: CIDRZ and partners are piloting a digital outbreak coordination platform, ZEBRA, to help public health teams track outbreaks and manage response work more efficiently. Cancer Care Capacity: Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) is set to start major cancer surgery in October, aiming to reduce referrals and improve continuity of care for patients needing specialised operations. Maternal/Child Health & Malaria: New research warns climate change could shift childhood malaria hotspots across Africa, potentially increasing cases in cooler highland areas. Sports Governance & Health: Zambia’s Sports Council reforms expand the Executive Board to include health representation, aiming for better transparency in sports administration. Election Violence & Safety: Police confirm former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya was shot dead during an intelligence-led operation in Lusaka’s Kabulonga after the 2026 election, intensifying concerns over security operations and due process.

HIV Prevention Supply Crunch: Zambia’s rollout of lenacapavir (LEN) is growing, but limited doses and clinic access risks leaving key populations behind—demand is high, yet stock-outs and discrimination barriers could block those who need HIV prevention most. Infectious Disease Response Goes Digital: CIDRZ and partners launched ZEBRA, a digital platform to help Zambia’s public health teams coordinate outbreak response in one place, with user testing underway in Kafue. Cancer Care Expansion: Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) plans major cancer surgery from October, aiming to reduce patient referrals and improve continuity of care. Brukinsa Access Extended: BeOne Medicines and partners renewed the Brukinsa access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) through 2028, targeting about 1,000 patients cumulatively and potentially expanding to new countries including Zambia. Mental Health After Elections: Swala Pilu warns Zambia to address election-related emotional scars, urging leaders and citizens to support recovery and reduce stigma around mental health care. Transport Tragedy Health Impact: Lake Kariba ferry disaster in Zimbabwe continues to raise death tolls, with regional concern over safety, rescue capacity, and identification of victims.

Digital Health Response: CIDRZ and ZNPHI are rolling out ZEBRA, a digital platform to help Zambia’s public health teams coordinate infectious disease outbreak response more efficiently, with a Kafue user testing workshop underway. Cancer Drug Access: BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation have extended the Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia to 2028, targeting about 1,000 cumulative patients and potentially expanding to Zambia and other countries. Mental Health After Elections: Swala Pilu warns that the emotional scars from Zambia’s 2026 elections may linger, urging leaders and citizens to support recovery and reduce stigma around mental health care. Regional Health & Integration: SADC leaders meeting in Durban backed a push for regional integration and industrialisation, with Zambia set to host the next summit and renewed focus on infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals transformation. Climate & Malaria: A new report says climate change could shift childhood malaria hotspots across Africa, potentially increasing transmission in cooler highland areas. Disaster Update: Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences over the Lake Kariba ferry disaster in Zimbabwe as investigations continue and recovery efforts report rising death tolls.

Cancer Access: Brukinsa access for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients has been extended to 2028 under a programme led by BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation, targeting about 1,000 cumulative patients; it has already supported 300+ patients in Armenia, Ethiopia and Nepal and may expand to countries including Zambia depending on readiness. Public Health & Safety: Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba ferry disaster linked to the Mbuya Nehanda tragedy continues to raise the death toll (now reported at 92), with search teams recovering bodies and families waiting for identification; the Zambian-water claim is being disputed by officials. Health System Leadership: President-elect Hakainde Hichilema says he will reopen a cancer hospital, framing the election as a national mandate and calling for calm, unity and responsible celebration. Regional Health & Integration: SADC leaders wrapped up a summit in Durban with renewed focus on regional integration and industrialisation, including commitments that touch health and cross-border cooperation. Energy Regulation: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board approved licences and permits worth about ZMW 18.4 billion for energy investments, including solar and petroleum supply chain expansion.

SADC Regional Health & Safety: The 46th SADC summit in Durban ended with renewed commitments on regional integration and industrialisation, with leaders also reiterating support for health security, including calls for continued action around the DRC Ebola outbreak. Zambia Election & Health System: Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second term with about 60% of valid votes, and reports say he has reopened a cancer hospital—an early signal for health priorities after the vote. Kariba Ferry Disaster (Cross-border emergency response): Lake Kariba tragedy death toll rose to 92 as search teams recovered more bodies; officials say some identifications may need DNA, underlining the strain on emergency and health services during mass-casualty events. Transport Safety & Public Health: MV Liemba’s rehabilitation in Tanzania is set for relaunch after technical trials, with officials stressing safety standards—important for reducing future travel-related injuries and outbreaks. Energy & Clinics: Malawi’s battery storage push highlights how unreliable power disrupts businesses and can affect clinics and vaccines—relevant for Zambia’s own health service resilience.

Election Mandate: President Hakainde Hichilema has won a second five-year term with 61.4% of the vote, as Zambia pushes an investment-led plan focused on sharply expanding copper production after debt restructuring. Energy Regulation: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board approved 23 licences and 20 construction permits worth about ZMW 18.4 billion for electricity, renewables and downstream petroleum, including solar projects and fuel retail capacity. SADC Health Security & Integration: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders backed deeper regional integration and highlighted health security cooperation, with condolences to the DRC over the Ebola outbreak and calls for safe access for health workers. Kariba Ferry Disaster: On Lake Kariba, the death toll from an overloaded RIDA ferry has climbed to 92, with major questions still unanswered about passenger numbers and whether the vessel exceeded safe capacity. Public Health & HIV Lessons: UNAIDS points to Cambodia’s 95-95-95 HIV progress as proof that strong leadership plus community partnerships can drive measurable treatment outcomes—Zambia is listed among countries reaching the targets. Digital Safety for Youth: A UNICEF U-Report poll gathered 211,300 responses across 119 countries on how young people experience life online, including views on AI and what they want governments to do. Local Health & Care: A Lusaka East Forest Reserve story links environmental damage to health impacts, including sewage pollution threatening livelihoods and causing illnesses.

Energy & Health Systems: Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board approved 23 licences and 20 construction permits worth about ZMW 18.4 billion for electricity, renewable energy and downstream petroleum projects, including utility-scale solar and fuel retail stations—moves that can support reliable power for health facilities and supply chains. Medical Privacy: A report warns that U.S. efforts to expand access to medical records are outpacing protections, highlighting how health data can be shared beyond what people assume is covered. HIV Care Lessons: UNAIDS points to Cambodia’s 95-95-95 HIV success and notes Zambia among countries reaching key targets, reinforcing that strong health systems plus community partnership drive viral suppression and better outcomes. Public Health & Safety: Recovery continues after Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba ferry disaster, with the death toll rising to 84 as search teams work to locate missing passengers—an urgent reminder of transport safety and emergency response needs across the region. Child Welfare in Zambia: A Dominican convent in Zambia continues supporting vulnerable children, including a young man born at Kitwe Teaching Hospital to an HIV-positive mother, underscoring the role of care networks where treatment access has gaps. AI Governance: Zambia and China discuss deeper AI cooperation, with Zambian officials stressing sovereignty, locally tailored applications, and safeguards so data and governance reflect Zambia’s context.

Lake Kariba Ferry Tragedy: Zimbabwe police say the death toll from an overloaded RIDA ferry capsizing on Lake Kariba has climbed to 84, with rescuers recovering four more bodies and search operations still ongoing for missing passengers; reports say the boat was authorised for 90 but carried far more, and officials are also urging expanded search efforts that may reach Zambian waters. Health & Safety in Focus: The disaster highlights ongoing risks around transport safety on the Zambia–Zimbabwe border lake route that communities rely on for fishing and trade. HIV Prevention Success: UNAIDS highlights Cambodia’s achievement of the 95-95-95 HIV targets, noting Zambia is among countries that have reached the goals, reinforcing the role of strong health systems and community partnerships. Zambia Election Health Worker Claims: Zambia’s government denies social media allegations of army shootings of opposition figures, while the EU election observer mission raises concerns about misuse of state resources, including health worker recruitment messaging during campaigns. Local Care Update: ECZ mourns the death of a poll staff member in Mporokoso after she was diagnosed with very high blood pressure and later died. Community Wellness & Dignity: FLECHAS donates menstrual hygiene dignity kits to schoolgirls in Tsumkwe, supporting menstrual health and reducing barriers to education.

Lake Kariba Ferry Tragedy: Zimbabwe police say the death toll from an overloaded ferry capsizing on Lake Kariba has climbed to 80, with 18 children among the dead; search and recovery continues as authorities verify how many people were aboard and survivors report the boat took on water after rough conditions. Zambia Election Health & Safety: The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) mourns the death of a poll staff member in Mporokoso who was diagnosed with very high blood pressure after complaining of a headache while on duty. Cross-Border Health Capacity: A regional programme in Dar es Salaam trains health workers to strengthen chronic disease surveillance, integrating non-communicable disease monitoring into frontline field epidemiology in Zambia and other Eastern/Southern African countries. Green Jobs, Health & Environment: Zambia, Japan and the ILO launched a sustainable e-waste management project in Central Province aimed at protecting the environment while creating youth employment. Connectivity for Care Access: Airtel and Starlink launched Africa’s first satellite-to-phone service in the DRC, enabling eligible users to connect in areas without conventional mobile coverage. Cancer Care Push (Mbeya): Tanzania released funds for a Southern Highlands cancer centre at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital to decentralise specialist oncology services.

Zambia Election & Governance: Zambia’s Electoral Commission resumed vote counting after a nationwide halt linked to ballot theft and attacks on election officials, while EU observers alleged misuse of state resources by the ruling UPND during the campaign. Health & Safety (Regional Disaster): On Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe’s ferry capsizing death toll climbed to 72 after recovery of 25 more bodies, with authorities citing overloading and rescue slowed by cold weather. Cancer Care (Zambia): Zambia released over Sh11 billion for an upgraded cancer centre at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, aiming to decentralise oncology services and cut travel costs for patients across the Southern Highlands. Youth, Jobs & Environment (Zambia): Zambia, Japan and the ILO launched a Sustainable E-Waste Management for Youth Employment project in Central Province to create green jobs while improving environmental protection. Public Health Access (Zambia): Zambia inaugurated an upgraded Livingstone Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service lab to reduce testing costs and speed up plant health checks for farmers and exporters. Menstrual Health (Regional): FLECHAS donated hygiene dignity kits to schoolgirls in Tsumkwe, supporting menstrual health and reducing absenteeism. Court & Justice (Regional): Botswana’s? (No) Zambia-linked: Lesotho? (No) Metsing’s treason trial in Botswana? (No) Former Deputy PM Mothetjoa Metsing’s treason trial was postponed to September after he travelled to Zambia as an election observer.

Cancer Care Investment: Zambia’s neighbour Tanzania is set to build a Southern Highlands Zonal Cancer Centre at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, with over Sh11bn released so specialised oncology services reach more patients and cut travel burdens. Election Health Context: Zambia’s Electoral Commission resumed vote counting after a nationwide halt caused by attacks and ballot theft, as ECZ urged candidates to wait and warned against sharing marked ballots—an environment that can affect access to care and safety for communities. Public Health Alerts: Africa CDC warned Ebola in DR Congo is expanding faster than response efforts, with cases and deaths surpassing 2,000, raising the risk of wider transmission. HIV Prevention Lessons: UNAIDS highlights progress toward 95-95-95 targets, noting Zambia among countries reaching key HIV milestones—showing community and health-system partnerships work. Plant Health & Safety: Zambia inaugurated an upgraded Livingstone Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary lab to speed testing and cut costs by up to 50%, supporting safer plant movement and protecting livelihoods tied to food systems. Community Care Link: A UK surgeon’s ongoing volunteer work at Chitokoloki Mission Hospital in Zambia underscores cross-border support for cancer, trauma and reconstructive surgery.

Election Update: Zambia’s Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has resumed counting after a nationwide halt caused by attacks on election officials and ballot box theft, with officials urging candidates to wait as results are verified and consolidated. Public Safety & Health: The disruption comes as Zambia’s vote is closely watched, while the wider region faces health shocks including Ebola in DR Congo, where Africa CDC warns the outbreak is expanding faster than response efforts. Cancer Prevention: A new study discusses cervical cancer screening approaches, highlighting how AI-supported and low-cost methods like visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) could improve access and consistency. Plant Health & Food Security: Zambia inaugurated an upgraded Livingstone Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service lab to cut testing costs and speed up clearance for farmers and exporters, supporting safer agricultural trade. Regional Health Partnerships: Zambia is also linked to broader HIV progress narratives, including UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 achievements where Zambia is cited among countries reaching key targets.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has surged past 2,000 deaths, with spread now outpacing response efforts as cases climb across more provinces. HIV Progress Story: UNAIDS highlights Cambodia’s achievement of the 95-95-95 targets, stressing that strong leadership plus community partnerships can drive down transmission and keep people healthy. Cervical Cancer Screening: A new study discusses cervical cancer prevention using AI-assisted image analysis for VIA screening, aiming to improve consistency where lab capacity is limited. Election & Health Funding: As Zambia votes, U.S. senators urge a peaceful, fair process and note concerns about the electoral environment, while earlier reporting flags stalled U.S. health funding talks linked to mining deals. Zambia Health Systems Upgrade: Zambia hands over a rehabilitated Livingstone Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service lab to speed plant testing and cut costs, supporting safer agri-trade and food security. Regional Health Cooperation: SADC leaders reiterate priorities on resilience and inclusive development, with health and stability tied to broader regional transformation. Community Health Outreach: TWR’s Reach4Life expands Bible-based youth support across Zambia and other countries, tackling issues like addiction and family conflict through radio.

Zambia Election Health & Rights Watch: U.S. senators Jeanne Shaheen, Cory Booker, Jeff Merkley and Chris Van Hollen urged peaceful, fair voting on Aug 13, warning of ruling-party moves that could undermine the electoral environment and citing past arrests and intimidation; Voter Focus: President Hakainde Hichilema cast his ballot in Lusaka and called turnout “the millions of votes” that will shape the next five years, while opposition leader Brian Mundubile said the process is unlikely to be free and fair; Health Systems & Trade: Zambia handed over an upgraded Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service lab in Livingstone to cut plant testing time and costs by up to 50%, helping farmers and exporters meet sanitary requirements; Agri-Seed Access: COMESA launched COMSIS in Lusaka to standardize seed certification and labels across member states, aiming to improve access to quality seed and boost food security; Environment & Public Health Risk: A 2025 Copperbelt tailings dam failure linked to toxic arsenic, lead and zinc releases into the Kafue River continues to affect communities living on contaminated land.