AGP Executive Report

Ebola Alert: CDC Africa says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is straining hospitals, with about 1,200 confirmed cases and 305 deaths, and warns Europe has recorded its first case after a doctor returned from the DRC—urging emergency treatment centres and rapid scale-up of care. Zambia-China Health Support: Zambia commended a Chinese medical team for outpatient care, outreach camps, training local staff, and donating equipment—highlighting reduced need for patients to travel abroad for specialist treatment. Health Research Partnerships: CIDRZ and Mulungushi University opened talks on a strategic partnership to strengthen research, postgraduate training, lab capacity, and data science for Zambia’s evolving health needs. Foreign Aid Transparency: Civil society is demanding transparency over a proposed US health aid deal, after concerns about health data sharing and possible links to critical minerals access. TB Diagnostics Push: The Global Fund backs a near point-of-care TB test rollout in 13 countries, aiming to speed diagnosis where clinics lack equipment and specialist staff. Economy vs Living Costs Debate: Opposition and economists trade blows over Zambia’s foreign exchange reserves and inflation—while Zambia’s GDP grew 7.7% in 2026 Q1 and inflation eased to 6.5% in June. Public Health Governance: Zambia’s foreign reserves debate also spills into politics, with calls for “results” over “figures,” and reminders that reserves help pay for imports like fuel and medicines. Safety & Care: Police reclassified the Kabwata shooting case to murder after a wounded Zambia Army officer died following treatment at UTH, with a post-mortem pending.

HIV Funding Appeal: Zambia urged renewed global support to keep momentum in the fight against HIV and AIDS, warning that declining resources could reverse gains in testing, treatment and viral suppression. Maternal Health Research: A large study across Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania and Zambia found routine episiotomy may raise the risk of life-threatening postpartum bleeding in anaemic mothers, calling for stricter use of the procedure. TB Diagnostics Push: The Global Fund backed a near point-of-care molecular TB test rollout in 13 countries, aiming to speed up diagnosis in underserved areas. Local Health Partnerships: CIDRZ and Mulungushi University discussed a strategic partnership to strengthen research, postgraduate training and lab capacity in Zambia. Economic Policy & Health Costs: Zambia’s economic debate over foreign exchange reserves and inflation continues, with officials and economists arguing reserves protect imports like medicines while inflation affects household purchasing power. Energy and Health Access: Coverage also highlights electricity access gaps and the need for cleaner power expansion—linked to broader wellbeing and service delivery.

TB diagnostics and access: The Global Fund announced a near point-of-care molecular TB test rollout in 13 countries, aiming to speed up diagnosis with rapid, accurate results for underserved areas. HIV funding pressure: Zambia urged renewed global commitment to keep momentum in ending AIDS by 2030, warning that shrinking resources could reverse gains. Research capacity boost: CIDRZ and Mulungushi University opened talks on a strategic partnership to strengthen research, postgraduate training, and lab/data science capacity. Food safety focus: Zambia marked World Food Safety Day, with officials warning that unsafe food is driving millions of preventable foodborne disease cases and calling for stronger inspection, surveillance, and lab testing. Maternal health concern: A study linked routine episiotomy to higher risk of dangerous postpartum bleeding in anaemic mothers, raising calls for safer childbirth practices. Energy and health link: A report on Africa’s electricity gap highlights how unreliable power fuels health and safety risks in informal settlements, including fire and unsafe connections. Local health systems and services: Chinese doctors provided free medical services to TAZARA workers and passengers in Dar es Salaam, screening for common conditions like high blood pressure and digestive issues. Policy and health financing debate: A Zambia–US health deal discussion raised concerns about data access and mining-linked conditions, with possible medicine funding risks if no agreement is reached.

Maternal Health: A major multinational study warns routine episiotomy may raise the risk of dangerous postpartum bleeding in anaemic mothers, with findings from deliveries across Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania and Zambia. HIV Response: Zambia calls for renewed global HIV/AIDS funding, warning that declining resources could undo gains in testing, treatment and viral suppression, especially as infections rise among young people. Food Safety: Zambia marks World Food Safety Day after reporting over 7.2 million foodborne disease cases in five years, urging stronger food handling, hygiene, inspection and lab testing. Public Health Security: Experts warn Ebola spread could accelerate as cases surpass 1,000, citing insecurity, population movement, vaccine gaps and funding shortfalls. Local Health & Justice: Police in Lusaka detain two female juveniles over the suspected murder of an 18-year-old in Kamwala South; the body is at UTH for a post-mortem. Energy & Health Link: A study on Africa’s electricity future highlights how power expansion can strain water resources and worsen climate impacts—key risks for health systems. Access to Care: In Namibia, workers at Furnmart & Home Corp submit a petition over wages, housing allowance and unaffordable medical aid—issues that directly affect wellbeing. Burial Dispute: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal rules that Edgar Lungu can be buried in South Africa, ending a long legal fight with Zambia’s government.

HIV Funding Push: Zambia’s Ministry of Health is calling for renewed global commitment and sustainable financing to keep AIDS gains on track to end the disease as a public health threat by 2030, warning that declining resources and rising infections among young people could reverse progress. Food Safety Alert: Zambia marks World Food Safety Day with reports of over 7.2 million foodborne disease cases in five years, urging stronger food handling, hygiene, inspection, surveillance, lab testing, and public awareness. Ebola Spread Worry: An explainer flags critical constraints as Ebola cases in the DRC surpass 1,000, with insecurity, population movement, vaccine gaps, and funding shortfalls raising fears of further regional transmission, including Zambia listed as high risk. Digital Learning Boost: Envoys flag off cross-border DigiTrucks—solar-powered mobile computer labs—aimed at improving ICT education for underprivileged students in rural areas. Lungu Burial Ruling: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal rules that Edgar Lungu’s family can decide his burial site, ending Zambia’s legal fight and clearing the way for a private burial in South Africa. Medicaid Fraud (US): Two women face charges over alleged Wisconsin Medicaid timecard fraud involving personal care work, highlighting ongoing healthcare fraud enforcement.

Disability Inclusion Push: Zambia’s health and social sector spotlighted disability empowerment as Zimbabwe’s National Disability Expo 2026 opens in Masvingo, with hundreds of exhibitors expected and a focus on inclusion, accessible facilities, and cross-border participation. Ebola Risk Watch: An explainer warns that Ebola spread in DRC and Uganda is accelerating past 1,000 cases, driven by insecurity, displacement, lack of a licensed strain-specific vaccine, and funding gaps—Zambia is listed among high-risk countries. HIV Prevention Update: In regional HIV news, men are reportedly taking up Lenacapavir (twice-yearly HIV prevention injection) faster than women in early adopter settings, with emphasis that it must be used alongside other prevention tools. HIV/AIDS Commitment: Zambia calls for renewed global financing to end AIDS by 2030, citing strong national HIV control targets but warning of rising incidence among young people, drug resistance, and shrinking external support. Public Health Governance: A new report attacks IMF social-spending advice as “debt enforcer” policy that cuts essential services, noting debt payments can outstrip health and education budgets. Court & Community Health Context: A Lusaka murder case saw two female juveniles detained over the suspected killing of an 18-year-old, with a post-mortem pending at UTH to determine cause of death. Legal/Health Access Angle: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruled Edgar Lungu’s family should decide his burial site, ending Zambia’s bid to repatriate for a state funeral—an issue that has kept his remains in limbo since his death in 2025.

Court Ruling (Health & Human Dignity): Zambia’s government has conceded defeat after South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that Edgar Lungu’s family—not the state—decides where and how he will be buried, overturning an earlier order that would have repatriated his remains for a state funeral in Lusaka. Public Health (TB Vaccines): Zambia, Kenya and Malawi joined TB vaccine stakeholders in Nairobi to prepare for possible rollout of new adult and adolescent TB vaccines, with WHO noting the scale of TB deaths and the potential impact of improved vaccines. Surgery Access (Anaesthesia Shortage): A warning from across sub-Saharan Africa highlights a looming crisis as halothane stocks run out, threatening safe child surgeries in countries including Zambia and exposing underfunding in anaesthesia systems. Water & Sanitation: President Hichilema reaffirmed plans for universal access to clean water and safe sanitation, citing dam and borehole investments and emergency drilling after drought. Clean Energy for Health: BB Energy launched LPG distribution in Zambia to support cleaner household energy as electricity shortages push demand. Sickle Cell Care: Lusaka stakeholders called for stronger systems, earlier diagnosis, and community involvement to close survival gaps for people living with sickle cell disease.

Court Ruling on Burial Dispute: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has overturned a Pretoria High Court decision in the long-running Edgar Lungu remains case, backing the Lungu family’s wish to bury him in South Africa—leaving Zambia’s government to decide its next legal and funeral steps. Clean Cooking & Energy Access: BB Energy has launched LPG distribution in Zambia through BBE-D Gas Zambia, aiming to expand household and commercial access to cleaner, more reliable fuel as electricity shortages push demand. Child Surgery Safety Alert: A charity warns African hospitals face major costs and delays as halothane stocks run out after 2027, with Zambia’s anaesthetists saying the country is already “playing catch-up” on equipment and training. Sickle Cell Care Push: Lusaka stakeholders marked World Sickle Cell Day calling for stronger systems, early diagnosis, better treatment access, and community action to close survival gaps. Maternal Death Records Under Fire: A new critique says 83.4% of maternal death certificates in Zambia contain errors, urging urgent training and better certification to prevent avoidable deaths. Road Safety for Learners: Zambia Road Safety Trust and partners expanded the Safer Journeys to School programme, targeting crash risks near schools and reporting thousands of child road deaths and injuries. Health Workforce & Systems: Separate coverage highlights calls for government to retain health workers and strengthen health sector delivery, alongside broader health funding pressures. Business & Health-Adjacent Policy: MTN Mobile Money Zambia launched Salary Advance, while an AI readiness consultation (RAM 2.0) discussed how technology could support health service delivery.

Sickle Cell Survival Gap: Experts, patients and caregivers at a Lusaka symposium urged Zambia to strengthen systems for early diagnosis, newborn screening, reliable supplies, trained health workers and community action to cut preventable deaths from sickle cell disease. Anaesthesia Shortage Alert: A continent-wide warning says halothane stocks are running out after the last manufacturer shut down in 2023, with Zambia among countries “playing catch-up” on equipment and training needed for safe child surgeries. Maternal Death Records Under Fire: A new report claims 83.4% of maternal death certificates in Zambia have errors in the immediate cause of death, calling for urgent training and better certification to prevent repeat deaths. Road Safety for Learners: The Safer Journeys to School initiative expands in Lusaka, targeting the high crash risk near schools and pushing safer road design plus community and police involvement. Digital Financing for Health Bills: MTN Mobile Money Zambia launched “Salary Advance” for eligible public-sector employees, offering faster salary-based financing that can help cover emergencies including medical costs. Weather Watch: ZMD forecasts minimum temperatures from 4°C to 23°C and advises caution around windy water conditions and dusty areas to reduce respiratory risks. Global Health Data Privacy: A major investigation highlights “digital colonialism” concerns as U.S. aid deals reportedly demand access to Africans’ health data, raising fears of misuse and breaches.

HIV Funding Shock: South Africa says it will raise alarm at a UN HIV/AIDS meeting over steep global health aid cuts, as the US winds down PEPFAR—already slashed by 75%—threatening treatment continuity for millions. Child Surgery Crisis: Africa faces a looming anaesthesia shortage as halothane production ends; Zambia’s anaesthetists warn facilities may run out by 2027, forcing costly equipment and training changes. Maternal Health Data Alarm: A 2025 review using Ministry of Health data claims 83.4% of maternal death certificates in Zambia have errors, with women dying while certification and training reforms reportedly stall. Road Safety for Learners: Lusaka launches the Safer Journeys to School initiative to cut crashes near schools, citing that road accidents are a leading cause of death and many incidents happen within 500m of schools. Weather & Health Risk: ZMD forecasts minimum temperatures from 4°C to 23°C and warns dust exposure can worsen respiratory illness; water transport operators are urged to be cautious in windy conditions. Infrastructure Update: Lusaka–Ndola Dual Carriageway hits 78% completion, with travel times to Kabwe reportedly down to about 1 hour 30 minutes. Policy & Health Data Privacy: A ProPublica report highlights “digital colonialism” concerns as US health deals reportedly seek access to Africans’ citizens’ data. Local Health Tech: Zambia-linked efforts include calls for stronger TB diagnostic capacity and support for health innovations across Africa.

Health data privacy: A ProPublica report says the U.S. is demanding access to Africans’ private health data as a condition for lifesaving aid, raising fears of misuse and breaches even as officials claim data will be anonymized. Ebola alert: WHO and Africa CDC warn that DRC’s Ebola outbreak is spreading across borders, with contact tracing coverage dropping and labs running low on testing kits. Zambia hospital upgrade: Chinese doctors supported Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital with advanced digestive endoscopy technology and training to improve diagnosis and treatment of stomach and colon conditions. Emergency response capacity: Egypt’s Ambulance Authority reports about 2 million ambulance services annually, with response times often 8–11 minutes and plans to reach 8 minutes for emergencies. Local health support: Zambia Revenue Authority donated seized cooking oil to Lusaka hospitals and disability homes after it was declared fit for human consumption. Road safety and health impact: Two pedestrians died after a runaway coal wagon hit them near Kafue Bridge, highlighting risks to public safety and access to care. MS care in Africa: An AFRICTRIMS conference in Accra focused on improving MS and other autoimmune disease diagnosis and care across Africa, including patient advocacy and policy work.

Zambia Health & Care: ZRA donated 1,200 units of seized cooking oil to hospitals and charities in Lusaka, including University Teaching Hospitals and several level-one facilities, after the oil was declared fit for human consumption—an anti-smuggling push that also supports patient care. Hospital Tech Transfer: Chinese doctors supported Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital with advanced digestive endoscopy technology and training, boosting local capacity to diagnose and manage conditions like ulcers and cancers. Public Health Emergencies: WHO and Africa CDC report Ebola in the DRC is spreading, with contact tracing coverage dropping to 56.5% and labs running out of testing kits—raising fears of missed cases and delayed containment. Health Systems & Access: Egypt’s Ambulance Authority says it handles about 2 million ambulance services yearly, with 86% citizen satisfaction and response times of 8–11 minutes on highways, aiming for 8 minutes for emergencies. Community Health & Safety: Two pedestrians died after a runaway coal wagon detached from a train and struck people near Kafue Bridge, highlighting ongoing risks around rail reserves.

Healthcare Tech in Zambia: Chinese doctors supported Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka with advanced digestive endoscopy technology and training to boost diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal conditions like ulcers and cancers. Public Health & Safety: Zambia Police report two pedestrians died after a detached runaway coal wagon struck them near Kafue Bridge in Lusaka, highlighting risks around railway reserves. Health System Governance: A commentary flags instability at ZAMMSA since 2021, citing repeated leadership changes amid procurement and medicine-quality scandals, as Zambia pushes for stronger health sector oversight. Access to Care: ZRA donated 1,200 units of seized cooking oil to hospitals and disability homes in Lusaka after it was declared fit for human consumption by the city public health unit. Regional Health Funding Watch: The US says it will cut HIV/AIDS programme funding in South Africa, where over 8 million people live with HIV, raising concerns for prevention and treatment support. Malaria Prevention Update: A new review finds insecticide-treated bed nets still save lives and prevent malaria infections despite growing mosquito resistance. Refugee Welfare: Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to refugees’ protection and inclusion during World Refugee Day, including World Bank-funded support for host communities. Workplace Social Protection: Vice President Mutale Nalumango launched the rebranding of the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board, stressing support for workers and families affected by occupational injuries and diseases.

Refugee Day in focus: Zambia marked World Refugee Day with government reaffirming protection, inclusion and socio-economic empowerment, including plans to integrate refugees into national programmes and support host areas under a World Bank-funded project. Hospital tech upgrade: Chinese doctors supported Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital to strengthen gastrointestinal services, including advanced digestive endoscopy technology and training for local clinicians to better diagnose ulcers and cancers. Healthcare access via enforcement: Zambia Revenue Authority donated 1,200 units of seized cooking oil to hospitals and charitable institutions in Lusaka after it was declared fit for human consumption. Malaria prevention reassurance: A new review reports insecticide-treated bed nets still save lives and protect against malaria transmission despite rising mosquito resistance. Health system stability concern: An opinion piece highlights leadership instability at the Ministry of Health and ZAMMSA since 2021, raising alarms about governance and medicine supply risks. Workers’ welfare: Vice President Mutale Nalumango launched WCFCB rebranding, stressing support for workers and families affected by occupational injuries and diseases. Public health and wellbeing push: Access Bank Zambia sponsored the NAPSA Pensioners Marathon, themed “Your Health is Your Wealth,” promoting healthy living and retirement preparedness.

Advanced GI Care: Chinese doctors supported Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka with advanced digestive endoscopy technology and training to improve diagnosis and treatment of stomach ulcers and cancers. Health System Funding: Healthcare Co-operating Partners Group welcomed higher domestic health funding (K23bn in 2025 to K26bn in 2026), citing more essential medicines, oxygen plants, and new mini-hospitals—while urging more WASH investment ahead of El Niño. Hospital Sanitation Push: Lusaka aspiring mayor Chitambala Mwewa demanded urgent repairs to sanitation at UTH, saying non-functioning toilets undermine public health and dignity. Medicines Access via Enforcement: ZRA donated 1,200 units of seized cooking oil to hospitals and disability children’s homes after it was declared fit for human consumption. Refugee Welfare: Government reaffirmed protection and inclusion for refugees, citing the World Bank-funded Zambia Refugees and Host Communities Project to benefit both refugees and host communities. Workplace Social Protection: Vice President Mutale Nalumango launched WCFCB rebranding, highlighting support for workers injured or affected by occupational diseases. Health Workforce Retention: MoH said it will keep engaging to retain skilled health workers and strengthen malaria case finding, WASH, and disease surveillance.

Health Sector Leadership Instability: A new analysis by Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba highlights repeated changes in Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) leadership since 2021, linking instability to procurement and medicine-quality scandals. Budget & Service Delivery Push: Government says it is keen to retain health workers and strengthen malaria case finding, WASH and disease surveillance as it rolls out the 2027–2029 medium-term health budget plan. Funding for Medicines & Facilities: Healthcare Co-operating Partners Group praises higher domestic health funding (K23bn in 2025 to K26bn in 2026), citing more essential drug allocations and commissioning of oxygen plants, mini-hospitals and health posts. Hospital Sanitation Concern: Lusaka aspiring mayor Chitambala Mwewa calls for urgent repair of non-functioning toilets at University Teaching Hospital, saying sanitation is a public health and dignity issue. Clinical Capacity Upgrade: Chinese doctors at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital introduced advanced digestive endoscopy technology and trained staff to improve diagnosis of ulcers and cancers. Malaria Prevention Still Works: A review of trials reports insecticide-treated bed nets remain effective despite rising mosquito resistance. Social Security & Wellness: Access Bank Zambia sponsors the NAPSA Pensioners Marathon (July 25, 2026) under “Your Health is Your Wealth,” promoting retirement preparedness and healthy living. Forex Reserves Update: Commentary says Zambia’s gross international reserves have reached about US$6.47bn, supporting import cover and currency stability.