AGP Executive Report

TB screening closer to communities: CIDRZ, with Zambia’s Ministry of Health, is bringing earlier tuberculosis detection and treatment nearer to high-risk groups, including pilot screening at alcohol-serving venues in Lusaka that showed strong case-finding results for TB and HIV. Water for health and housing: Lusaka’s housing estates are set to benefit from a new bulk water pipeline contract, with officials linking safe water access to fewer disease outbreaks and better public health. Student support expansion: President Hichilema says student loans, bursaries and meal allowances will be expanded beyond public universities, plus a future internship programme to help graduates secure jobs. Election campaign with health implications: Thousands of students rallied at State House as Zambia heads into the final days of the 13 August vote, while the burial dispute over late President Edgar Lungu continues to fuel political tension. Health insurance gaps: A new study says Zambia’s national health insurance scheme can cut costs for older people, but funding gaps still limit its full impact. NHIS coverage strain: Researchers also highlight persistent affordability and coverage challenges for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Malaria risk shifting: A new international study warns climate change may move malaria into new regions, raising concern for childhood malaria across East and southern Africa. Legal and medical rights concern: The family of Harry Valden Findlay says he was removed from police custody without clear legal authority and that missing daily medication could endanger his health.

Malaria & Climate Risk: A new Nature study warns climate change will shift malaria into cooler, high-altitude areas, with Kenya among countries expected to see about a 5% rise in transmission as rainfall and temperatures change. Zambia Health Insurance: A study says Zambia’s national health insurance scheme can cut costs for older people, but funding gaps limit its full impact—leaving some patients stranded. Family Planning Funding Call: The Gates Grand Challenge is offering up to $500,000 for AI-enabled family planning tools, aiming to improve contraceptive uptake and method continuation with strong safety and privacy safeguards. Health System & Power: President Hichilema says government has increased Constituency Development Fund allocations to K40 million per constituency, pointing to community projects including health facilities. Medical Rights in Custody: The family of Harry Findlay says he was removed from police custody without charge and without his medication, raising urgent health and legal-rights concerns. Child Protection Case: Police in Chipata arrested two men for allegedly defiling a mentally challenged 16-year-old girl, with a police medical report and court appearance expected soon. Food Safety Standards: Codex Alimentarius adopted new and revised food hygiene and labelling texts, including guidance on water reuse safety and controls for Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken.

Health Insurance & Chronic Disease: A new study says Zambia’s National Health Insurance Scheme can cut costs for older people, but funding gaps and coverage limits still leave many struggling to access care. Family Planning Funding Call: A $500,000 grant opportunity is open for AI-enabled family planning tools, aiming to improve contraceptive uptake and informed choice with safer, ministry-aligned content. Nursing & Patient Safety: Zambia-born nurse Debora Kapisha, detained by ICE in the US, was released after public pressure from nurses and supporters; the case highlights how immigration actions can disrupt healthcare staffing and patient continuity. Election & Health Services Promises: In the run-up to the 13 August vote, President Hichilema urged voters to back UPND, pledging a district hospital in Chembe and other community development linked to services. Rural Health Access via Power: The Rural Electrification Authority says it invested over K167m in Northern Province (including solar-for-health installations) to support households, schools and health facilities. Violence & Community Impact: Police report a defilement case in Chipata involving a mentally challenged 16-year-old, with suspects arrested and expected to appear in court. Road Safety Tragedy: A fatal head-on crash near Heroes Acre in Zimbabwe killed four, including a couple travelling from Zambia for a funeral.

Family Planning Funding: A new Gates Grand Challenge is offering up to $500,000 for AI-enabled family planning tools, with strict demands for real-world impact on contraceptive uptake and safe, ministry-aligned content. Election & Health Promises: As Zambia votes Thursday, coverage highlights the stakes for cost-of-living pressures and the leading presidential contenders, while Hakainde Hichilema urges Chembe voters to back UPND—promising a district hospital and expanded support for farmers and social cash transfers. Health Workforce Support: ZUNMO advises newly recruited volunteer nurses not to fear rural postings, stressing that remote health centres can be the difference between life and death. Budget for Services: The Ministry of Finance released K21.1 billion in July to sustain public services, food security, debt obligations, free education and capital projects—key inputs for health system delivery. Water & Public Health: Government commissioned upgraded boreholes converted into small piped water schemes in Chilanga and Kafue, aiming to cut waterborne disease risk and improve access to safe water. Cross-border Trade (Health Link): SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures for small-scale traders, which can reduce delays that affect access to medicines and supplies. Care for Chronic Disease Youth: Camp Tuli Bonse 2026 in Chongwe brings together young people living with sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes for education and support, backed by the Ministry of Health and CIDRZ. Nurse Detention Case: Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha, detained by ICE in the US, was released after protests and political pressure, underscoring how immigration processes can disrupt healthcare staffing.

Nurse Safety & Rights: Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha, detained by US ICE at Boston’s Logan Airport while her asylum case is pending, has been released after a week of pressure from Maine Medical Center staff and unions; she says she is “so thankful to be home” and is legally authorized to work in the US while her case is processed. Workforce & Rural Health: ZUNMO president Fray Michelo urged newly recruited volunteer nurses not to fear rural postings, stressing that remote health centres can be the difference between life and death, while calling for better accommodation, incentives and equipment. Maternal & Child Health: Chadiza District reaffirmed support for breastfeeding mothers during World Breastfeeding Week, citing declining exclusive breastfeeding rates and urging workplaces to become breastfeeding-friendly. Local Health Infrastructure: Government commissioned upgraded boreholes converted into small piped water schemes in Chilanga and Kafue at K5.8 million, aiming to improve access to safe water and reduce waterborne disease risk. Community Health Support: Camp Tuli Bonse 2026 in Chongwe brought together young people living with sickle cell disease and type 1 diabetes for health education, mentorship and peer support. Public Health & Crime: Police reported a 19-year-old pupil in Lumezi died after allegedly consuming suspected poison, and a separate Mufulira case where a 20-year-old man died after an assault following a funeral. Health-Adjacent Policy: Zambia and DRC held talks in Ndola to curb illegal offloading of transit cargo, a move aimed at reducing smuggling and protecting customs revenue.

Maternal & child health support: Zambia’s Ministry of Health-backed PEN-Plus clinics and CIDRZ’s Camp Tuli Bonse 2026 in Chongwe are spotlighting better care for young people living with severe chronic conditions, with health education and peer support for sickle cell and type 1 diabetes. Water & hygiene for disease prevention: Government commissioned 10 upgraded boreholes into small piped water schemes in Chilanga and Kafue (K5.8m), aiming to cut waterborne disease risk and improve public health. Breastfeeding push: Chadiza authorities renewed support for breastfeeding mothers as exclusive breastfeeding rates decline, citing misinformation, workplace barriers, and weak community support. Election-era health policy context: Zambia’s National Policy on Legal Aid Services 2026 aims to expand access to justice nationwide by 2030—relevant for vulnerable patients and families needing support when health and rights issues arise. Community health infrastructure: Kafue District handed over a CDF-funded market shelter and ablution block to improve sanitation and hygiene in trading areas. Regional health workforce spotlight: In the US, Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha was released from ICE detention after union and community pressure, underscoring how immigration enforcement can disrupt healthcare staffing. Food & nutrition affordability: Reports highlight that healthy diets are becoming unaffordable for many households, raising nutrition security concerns beyond just maize availability.

Tobacco Control: A global push to protect young people from nicotine addiction is gaining momentum, with Zambia highlighted for how the tobacco industry is trying to weaken rules on advertising and flavours. Water & Public Health: Government commissioned upgraded boreholes converted into small piped water schemes in Chilanga and Kafue (K5.8m), aiming to cut waterborne disease risk and improve daily health. Breastfeeding Support: Chadiza reaffirmed breastfeeding support ahead of World Breastfeeding Week, citing declining exclusive breastfeeding rates and calling for better family, workplace, and community backing. Health Workforce & Migration: In the U.S., Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha—detained by ICE despite work authorization while her asylum case was pending—was released after strong union and community pressure, underscoring how immigration enforcement can disrupt healthcare staffing. Election & Health Context: As Zambia heads to polls, coverage frames the choice as continuity vs change, with campaign messaging repeatedly tied to jobs, agriculture, and service delivery—issues that directly shape health outcomes. Cross-Border Trade & Health Risks: Zambia and DRC agreed to tighten controls on transit cargo to curb smuggling and illegal offloading, a move that can also reduce public health risks linked to unsafe or unregulated goods.

NHIMA vs private providers: A Lusaka retiree with type 2 diabetes says his pharmacy stopped processing NHIMA claims, leaving him unable to get life-critical medicine and highlighting a wider dispute that is pushing patients into out-of-pocket costs. Breastfeeding support in Chadiza: District leaders marked World Breastfeeding Week, noting exclusive breastfeeding rates have declined and calling for accurate information, stronger community support, and breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Volunteer health worker recruitment: Zambia’s Civil Service Commission says it has started validating applications for the president’s directive to employ volunteer health workers, with recruitment of 2,600 set to close today. Cancer care upgrade at Cancer Diseases Hospital: President Hichilema reopened the facility after a US$31 million upgrade and urged health workers to stop using personal phones on duty. Cross-border trade and smuggling controls (health-adjacent impact): Zambia and DRC held talks in Ndola to tighten border measures to stop illegal offloading of transit cargo—an issue that can affect access to medicines and supplies. Maine nurse released (Zambian connection): Debora Kapisha, a Zambian nurse detained by ICE in the US, was released after union and community pressure, and she said she is “so thankful to be home” and returning to patients. Child death investigation in Lumezi: Police report an eight-year-old boy died after allegedly being lured into the bush and buried alive with his nine-year-old sister, with an investigation underway. Fertiliser plant in Lusaka: Omnia began construction of a soil-specific fertiliser blending plant to boost crop yields—important for nutrition and long-term health.

NHIMA vs private providers: A Lusaka retiree with type 2 diabetes says his pharmacy can’t process NHIMA claims because suppliers won’t release stock until old bills are paid, leaving patients stranded and pushing up out-of-pocket costs. Breastfeeding push in Chadiza: Ahead of World Breastfeeding Week, Chadiza reaffirmed support for mothers as exclusive breastfeeding rates reportedly decline, citing misinformation, early stopping, workplace barriers, and breast milk substitute marketing; officials urged breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. ICE nurse release (Zambia-born): Maine Medical Center nurse Debora Kapisha, detained by U.S. ICE after overstaying a visa, was released after protests; U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree says she had applied for asylum and was legally authorized to work. Volunteer health workers recruitment: Zambia’s Civil Service Commission says it has started validating applications for the first provinces under President Hichilema’s directive to employ volunteer health workers, with 2,600 applications closing today. Road safety tragedy: A Malawian national died in a hit-and-run on the Chipata–Mfuwe Road in Kasenengwa; police are investigating the vehicle and driver. Ebola response (DRC): Africa CDC warns the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is expanding fast, citing limited contact tracing as a key constraint and calling for stronger international support.

HIV/Aids Funding Shift: China is expanding HIV/Aids support in Africa through new projects and backing local medicine manufacturing under its “Health Silk Road,” as the US scales back parts of its health aid and reshapes agreements. Neonatal Care in Focus: Embrace Global’s infant warmers are being adopted into national newborn care training in Sudan and into Zambia’s neonatal transport standards, showing how practical tools can become policy. Food Security Risk: Fertiliser disruptions linked to global shipping bottlenecks could hit Zambia and other import-dependent countries, raising prices and threatening crop yields. Ebola Response Pressure: Africa CDC warns the DRC’s Ebola outbreak needs stronger international solidarity as contact tracing and response capacity remain constrained. Zambia Health Workforce: The Civil Service Commission has started validating applications for volunteer health workers, with special consideration for those tied to presidential directives—sparking debate on recruitment procedures. Cross-Border Health Worker Detention: In the US, a Zambian nurse detained by ICE is reported released after protests, highlighting ongoing asylum and work-authorisation tensions. Local Health System Updates: Zambia partially lifts South Africa livestock import suspension case-by-case as foot-and-mouth risk improves, with strict veterinary conditions.

Livestock Trade Update: Zambia has partially lifted its suspension on imports of selected livestock and livestock products from South Africa as the foot-and-mouth disease situation improves, with imports now handled case-by-case under strict veterinary risk checks. Health Workforce Recruitment: The Civil Service Commission has started validating applications for volunteer health workers in three provinces, with more provinces expected to follow, aiming to move eligible volunteers into the recruitment pipeline. Malaria Prevention Push: End Malaria Fund says increased movement of people between provinces is contributing to malaria spread, and plans to distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets to over 6,500 households before the rainy season. Cybersecurity and Health Systems Risk: Interpol reports AI is powering more than half of reported cybercrimes in Africa, raising concerns for digital services that support healthcare and public systems. Public Health and Care Access: A Zambian nurse, Debora Kapisha, is in ICE custody in the US, prompting protests from colleagues and calls for her release while her asylum case is processed. Regional Health Diplomacy: SADC leaders meet in Durban to tackle security and economic challenges—an agenda that can shape regional health and migration pressures.

Medical Outreach in Zambia: A Korean emergency medicine team from Medifield Hangang Hospital provided volunteer care and health consultations to residents in Zambia’s Kasaria EcoCity, focusing on basic treatment and advice for underserved communities. Education for Health Workforce: The ED-UNZA Scholarship Trust says it is expanding access for talented rural students, with a new cohort set to include future doctors and scientists studying across Zambia and Zimbabwe. Malaria Prevention Focus: End Malaria Fund chair Peter Cottan warns that increased movement of people between provinces is helping malaria re-emerge in places like Lusaka, and says insecticide-treated nets will soon be distributed to thousands of households ahead of the rainy season. Cancer Care Upgrade in Zambia: President Hichilema reopened the Cancer Diseases Hospital radiotherapy unit after a major US$31 million upgrade and ordered health workers to stop using personal mobile phones on duty. Health Under Pressure: Zambia’s election campaign violence has left musician General Kanene admitted at UTH after a machete attack, with police dismissing rumours of his death. Tobacco Risk Awareness: A global survey review finds adults who smoke still lack strong knowledge of tobacco’s cardiovascular harms and secondhand smoke risks, calling for sustained public health messaging.

Malaria & Climate: A new study says climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing it overall, but shifting risk from today’s hotspots to southern and East Africa, including projected rises in places like Angola, Zambia and parts of South Africa. Malaria Prevention in Zambia: End Malaria Fund says increased people movement is driving malaria spread, with plans to distribute insecticide-treated nets to over 6,500 households before the rainy season. Cancer Care Upgrade: President Hichilema says Zambia has reopened and upgraded the Cancer Diseases Hospital radiotherapy unit after a US$31m improvement, alongside renewed rules for health workers’ phone use on duty. Health Worker Detention Abroad: Zambian nurse Debora Kapisha is detained by U.S. ICE while her asylum case is pending, prompting protests by Maine nurses. Wildlife & Public Health Link: Lusaka courts handed five-year sentences for illegal possession of pangolins and leopard skin, highlighting ecosystem protection as part of broader health security. Food & Nutrition Affordability: FAO warns healthy diets are becoming unaffordable, citing Malawi’s sharp rise in diet costs—an issue that also pressures Zambia’s nutrition outcomes. Cybercrime Threat: Interpol reports AI is accelerating cybercrime across Africa, with ransomware increasingly targeting healthcare and public services, including in Zambia.

Volunteer Jobs in Mufulira: President Hakainde Hichilema ordered that all volunteer nurses and teachers in Mufulira District be employed, citing past hiring of thousands of teachers and health workers and urging residents to vote for UPND to finish key projects including the district hospital. Cancer Care Upgrade at Lusaka’s Cancer Diseases Hospital: Hichilema commissioned a refurbished radiotherapy unit after a US$31 million upgrade and told health workers to stop using personal mobile phones on duty as the facility reopens. Malaria Risk Shifts: A Nature study says climate change will redraw malaria maps—malaria may rise in parts of southern and eastern Africa including Angola and Zambia, while falling in hotter West African regions. Cybercrime Threat to Health Services: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in cybercrime across Africa, with ransomware increasingly targeting healthcare institutions and public services, including detections reported in Zambia. Zambia’s Health Workforce and Access: The UN in Zambia released its 2025 Annual Results Report, highlighting progress in health and other sectors through partnerships, with a focus on vulnerable communities. Diabetes and Kidney Disease Focus: A global health piece highlights rising diabetes-related kidney disease risks for women, underscoring the need for prevention and care. Wildlife Health Link: Lusaka courts sentenced five people to five years for illegal possession of a live ground pangolin, with authorities linking wildlife protection to healthier ecosystems. Regional Migration Pressure: Commentary around SADC’s upcoming summit urges leaders to tackle xenophobia directly, warning that migration tensions can spill into health and social stability.

TB vaccine progress: South Africa’s Department of Health says the M72/AS01E TB vaccine is moving through Phase 3 trials in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia, with plans for global dose supply if approved—potentially a major shift since only BCG is widely used today. Malaria risk shift: A Nature study warns climate change will redraw Africa’s malaria map—rising risk in cooler southern and eastern areas, including Zambia, while transmission may fall in already-hot West African regions. HIV funding pressure: Global health experts warn that cuts to HIV funding could unravel decades of progress, threatening prevention and treatment gains. Cancer care upgrade in Zambia: President Hichilema commissioned a refurbished radiotherapy unit at the Cancer Diseases Hospital after a US$31 million upgrade, and urged health workers to stop using personal phones on duty. Cybercrime and healthcare hit: Interpol reports AI is driving a surge in African cybercrime, with ransomware increasingly targeting healthcare institutions and public services, including Zambia. UN results in Zambia: The UN in Zambia launched its 2025 Annual Results Report, highlighting partnership-led progress in health, education, women’s and youth empowerment, climate resilience and food security. Women’s health support: A women’s health consultancy in the UK plans to expand to Zambia, aiming to grow education and movement-based support for women’s health issues.

TB vaccine hope: South Africa’s Department of Health says the M72/AS01E TB vaccine is in Phase 3 trials in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi and Indonesia, with plans to fast-track registration and access if successful—potentially a major shift since today’s main TB protection (BCG) is limited for older people. HIV funding pressure: Global health experts warn that cuts to HIV prevention, testing and community services could unravel decades of progress, with UNAIDS noting a sharp fall in external financing and fears of people losing access to care. Sickle cell care push: African countries, including Zambia, are working to integrate sickle cell disease services into Universal Health Coverage, focusing on early diagnosis, newborn screening, treatment and referral systems. Nutrition focus in Zambia: Kaoma District officials stress nutrition as a cornerstone to cut stunting, calling for stronger coordination among stakeholders implementing food and nutrition programmes. Health workforce and politics: In Zambia’s election run-up, President Hichilema continues rally-based hiring pledges; ZUNMO says nurses attending rallies seeking work are not breaking the law. Local health infrastructure: Hichilema has reopened and upgraded radiotherapy services at Cancer Diseases Hospital, including a ban on personal mobile phone use by health workers on duty. Community health and welfare: UNZA students thank the President for campus sanitation improvements and reinstated meal allowances, while also appealing for higher accommodation support.