AGP Executive Report

Climate & Food Security: Zimbabwe is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 summer as El Niño is forecast to intensify, with rainfall deficits likely during key planting months—raising risks for crops, water and livestock, and potentially worsening health impacts like cholera after past droughts. Global Health Funding: A new wave of U.S. bilateral agreements is reshaping global health support after major freezes and cuts, but critics say details are being kept from the public, with potential knock-on effects for HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health programs. Madagascar Environment & Health Links: Reporting on how locals keep Madagascar’s forests alive highlights traditional land-use practices—rotational grazing, seasonal harvesting, and controlled burning—supporting dry-forest resilience and the availability of medicinal plants. Nutrition & Wellness Markets: Health-focused flavor trends are pushing growth in natural flavor systems, while vanilla bean demand is rising on “clean-label” and traceability themes—signals for food and pharmaceutical ingredient supply chains. Public Health Watch: Uganda has been cleared of recent polio transmission after assessments found no ongoing spread, but WHO stresses continued vaccination and surveillance.

Climate & Water Security: Zimbabwe is bracing for a hotter, drier 2026/27 summer as regional climate experts warn of below-normal rainfall across key cropping months, raising risks for crops, water supply, and livestock—pushing calls for early preparedness, climate-smart farming, and water conservation. Public Health (Polio): Uganda and four other African countries have been cleared of ongoing polio type 2 transmission after WHO-led assessments found no evidence of continued spread, but officials stress vaccination and surveillance must continue to prevent future outbreaks. Traditional Medicine & Safety: A review of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response highlights how ethnopharmacology was widely used, yet notes limited safety and effectiveness data—calling for stronger trials, better research investment, and clearer communication. Health & Wellbeing (Community Inclusion): An international photography competition for people with Down’s syndrome has announced finalists, including entries from Madagascar, spotlighting lived perspectives and visibility. Health Systems & Access (Wildlife Care): A report on advanced veterinary diagnostics at a major zoo underscores how animal health services rely on strong clinical capacity—an angle that can resonate with broader health-care training and prevention thinking.

AI and workers: A new report highlights how AI depends on large numbers of data workers, many in the Global South, arguing they’re “hidden” while companies benefit—raising calls for worker reparation and fairer power. Conservation finance: On Zanzibar’s Pemba Island, a sea cucumber ranching venture is testing whether conservation can pay for itself, while still facing tough questions on output, community profit-sharing, and real environmental gains. Madagascar-linked debt pressure: UNCTAD urges more African countries—including Madagascar—to endorse the “Borrowers’ Club” to strengthen collective bargaining on sovereign debt and reduce the burden on health and education. Health policy context: A review of Nigeria’s COVID-19 ethnopharmacology use notes widespread herbal reliance but stresses limited safety/efficacy data and the need for stronger trials and transparent communication. Wildlife health angle: Zoo veterinary care is spotlighted through CT-scan style diagnostics for animals, underscoring growing demand for better clinical capacity and training.

Conservation & Livelihoods: On Tanzania’s Pemba Island, a sea cucumber ranching venture is trying to turn marine protection into a real business—raising big questions about whether production can scale, profits can be shared fairly with local communities, and whether conservation-and-commerce can truly deliver. Madagascar Culture & Global Reach: Hasnaine Yavarhoussen explains how his support helped make Madagascar’s debut at the Venice Biennale possible, and how his foundation and art initiatives aim to build long-term pathways for Malagasy artists worldwide. Traditional Stewardship: A look at how southwestern Madagascar communities keep dry forests alive through rotational grazing, seasonal harvesting, and land-use practices shaped by local rules and taboos. Public Health Watch: Uganda has been cleared of recent polio transmission after assessments found no ongoing spread—though officials stress vaccination and surveillance must continue. Health & Society: A review on Nigeria’s COVID-19 ethnopharmacology highlights widespread herbal use, but also points to limited safety and effectiveness data and the need for stronger research.

Ebola Border Controls: Madagascar tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring a health declaration and full screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review; foreign nationals with recent travel to outbreak countries face a temporary entry ban, while exceptions (including Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders) must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Update: WHO says five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—have stopped polio type 2 transmission after independent assessments, but officials stress continued vaccination and surveillance. Local Health & Wellness Angle: A new report on Nigeria’s COVID-19 response highlights heavy reliance on ethnopharmacology, while warning that safety and effectiveness still need stronger trials and better data. Community & Environment for Health: Coverage from southwestern Madagascar underscores how traditional land-use practices help maintain dry-forest resilience, supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods. Culture & Wellbeing: A spotlight on Malagasy art patronage and international support for the Venice Biennale adds a wellness-adjacent reminder that culture also sustains communities.

Ebola Border Alert in Madagascar: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to reduce Ebola importation risk, requiring all arrivals to fill a health declaration and undergo screening at Ivato Airport (temperature checks plus symptom checks like fever, fatigue, and vomiting). A temporary entry ban applies to foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the prior 21 days; exceptions include Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders, but they must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress Across Africa: WHO says five countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—have stopped polio transmission (polio type 2), following technical assessments of surveillance, lab results, and epidemiological data; WHO stresses vaccination and monitoring must continue to prevent new outbreaks. Health & Care in the Spotlight: A report on Uganda’s polio response highlights why sustained immunization and disease surveillance remain essential even after outbreaks are declared over. Wellness-Adjacent Food Trends: Market coverage points to growing demand for natural flavors and vanilla/vanilla bean ingredients, reflecting “clean label” preferences that can influence nutrition-focused product choices.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to reduce Ebola importation risk, requiring all arrivals to fill a health declaration and undergo screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review; foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days face a temporary entry ban, while exceptions (including Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders) must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress: WHO reports that poliovirus type 2 transmission has been stopped in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda after independent assessments, marking outbreak closures but stressing continued vaccination and surveillance. Health & Wellness Context: A review on Nigeria’s COVID-19 ethnopharmacology highlights widespread herbal use but notes limited safety and effectiveness data, calling for stronger research and transparent guidance. Food & Nutrition Industry Watch: New market coverage points to rising demand for natural flavors and vanilla, with traceability and “clean label” trends that can shape local food and beverage choices.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar has tightened entry controls to reduce the risk of Ebola importation, requiring all arrivals to complete a health declaration and undergo full screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review (fever, fatigue, vomiting). A temporary entry ban applies to foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the prior 21 days, while Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders may enter only under strict 21-day quarantine with medical supervision. Polio Update: WHO confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after independent assessments found transmission had stopped, while urging continued vaccination and surveillance. Health & Community Context: A review of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response highlights heavy reliance on ethnopharmacology, but stresses that safety and effectiveness still need stronger trials and better data. Local Health Leadership Note: Catholic Relief Services’ chair shared reflections after a first visit to Madagascar, focusing on hope and on-the-ground work.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring all arrivals to fill health forms and undergo screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review; foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days face a temporary entry ban, while exceptions (including Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders) must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress: WHO confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda after assessments found transmission had stopped, but urged continued vaccination and surveillance. Health Workforce Gap: A new global study highlights severe shortages of nurses, doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, with nurse density as low as 3.3 per 10,000 in Madagascar, warning countries to plan investments to reach universal health coverage. Wildlife Vet Care: A zoo veterinary team described advanced diagnostic imaging for animals, including CT scans for tigers, underscoring growing veterinary capacity for wildlife health. Poverty Snapshot: Nigeria’s slide in a global GDP-PPP ranking is a reminder of how economic strain can worsen health access, with the report noting most Nigerians still live below the poverty line.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to reduce Ebola importation risk, requiring all arrivals to fill health forms and undergo full screening at Ivato Airport (including temperature checks and symptom review). A temporary entry ban applies to foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days; exceptions include Malagasy citizens, residents, visa holders, diplomats and international staff, but they must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress in Africa: WHO confirmed outbreak closures for poliovirus type 2 in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo and Uganda after independent assessments found transmission interrupted, while urging continued vaccination and surveillance. Health Workforce Crunch: A Lancet study highlights severe shortages across the continent, with nurse density as low as 3.3 per 10,000 in Madagascar, and calls for minimum staffing benchmarks to support universal health coverage. Animal Health Tech: Denver Zoo’s veterinary team uses advanced diagnostics like CT scans for animals (including tigers), underscoring how modern clinical care is spreading beyond human hospitals. Humanitarian Nursing: ICN marked World Humanitarian Day by launching a #NursesforPeace bulletin and renewing calls to stop attacks on health workers and facilities.

Ebola Preparedness: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring all arrivals to fill a health declaration and undergo full screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review; foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days face a temporary entry ban, while exceptions (including Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders) must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Update: WHO says five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—have successfully stopped polio type 2 transmission after independent assessments, but stresses continued vaccination and surveillance. Health Workforce Pressure: A Lancet Public Health study estimates a global shortage of 34.4 million health workers needed to reach moderate universal health coverage, with nurse density in Madagascar reported as among the lowest worldwide. Health Safety Advocacy: The International Council of Nurses marks World Humanitarian Day by launching a #NursesforPeace bulletin and renewing calls for an end to attacks on health workers and facilities. Local Health Context: Madagascar’s Ebola controls come as DRC reports thousands of confirmed cases, keeping border vigilance a top priority for public health.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to reduce the risk of Ebola importation, requiring all arrivals to fill in a health declaration and undergo full screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review (fever, fatigue, vomiting). A temporary entry ban applies to foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days, while exceptions for Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders come with a mandatory 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress in Africa: WHO says five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—have had poliovirus type 2 outbreaks officially closed after assessments found transmission stopped, but continued vaccination and surveillance are still urged. Health Workforce Shortage: A Lancet Public Health study estimates the world needs an extra 34.4 million doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, and pharmacists to reach moderate universal health coverage, with shortages especially severe in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. SADC Health & Integration Push: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders renewed commitments on regional integration and development, including health financing alongside industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals.

Ebola Border Alert (Madagascar): Madagascar has tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring health declarations and full screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review; foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days face a temporary entry suspension, while exceptions (including Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders) must undergo a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Update (Africa): WHO confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda after independent assessments found transmission had stopped, but urged continued vaccination and surveillance to protect children. Health Workforce Gap (Global, with local relevance): A Lancet Public Health study estimates the world needs an extra 34.4 million doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, and pharmacists to reach moderate universal health coverage; it highlights very low nurse density in countries including Madagascar. Humanitarian Nursing Safety: The International Council of Nurses launched a #NursesforPeace bulletin for World Humanitarian Day, renewing calls for an urgent end to attacks on health professionals and facilities. Down’s Syndrome Inclusion: The Down’s Syndrome Association named international photography competition finalists, including entries from Madagascar, spotlighting how people with Down’s syndrome see and want the world to see them.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring all arrivals to complete a health declaration and undergo screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review; foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days face a temporary entry ban, while exceptions (Malagasy citizens, residents, visa holders, diplomats) must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress: WHO confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after assessments found transmission interrupted, with continued calls for strong surveillance and high immunization coverage. Health Workforce Gap: A Lancet Public Health study estimates the world needs an additional 34.4 million doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, and pharmacists to reach moderate universal health coverage, noting women drive much of the workforce growth but shortages remain severe in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar. SADC Health & Regional Policy: SADC leaders meeting in Durban backed regional integration and industrialisation, with health and security among the agenda items, including renewed attention to Ebola-related support and dialogue across the region.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring health declarations and full screening at Ivato Airport, including temperature checks and symptom review; foreign nationals who were in or transited through Ebola-affected countries in the past 21 days face a temporary entry ban, while exceptions (including Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders) must undergo a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress: WHO confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo, and Uganda after assessments found transmission interrupted, stressing continued surveillance and high immunization coverage. Health Workforce Crunch: A Lancet Public Health study estimates the world still needs 34.4 million more health workers to reach moderate universal health coverage, with Madagascar among countries showing very low nurse density. SADC Health & Regional Focus: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders backed regional integration and priorities that include health financing alongside industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals—while also noting regional health concerns such as Ebola response and dialogue involving Madagascar. Nurses Under Attack: On World Humanitarian Day, the International Council of Nurses launched a #NursesforPeace bulletin and renewed calls for an end to attacks on health professionals.

Ebola Border Measures: Madagascar has tightened entry rules to prevent Ebola importation, requiring all arrivals to fill health declaration forms, undergo full screening at Ivato Airport (including temperature checks and symptom checks like fever, fatigue, vomiting), and face a temporary entry ban if they were in or transited through affected countries in the past 21 days; exceptions include Malagasy citizens and certain visa holders, who must complete a strict 21-day quarantine under medical supervision. Polio Progress: WHO confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in five African countries—Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda—after assessments found transmission interrupted, stressing continued surveillance and high immunization coverage. Health Workforce Gap: A Lancet Public Health study estimates the world still needs an extra 34.4 million doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, and pharmacists to reach moderate universal health coverage, with Madagascar’s nurse density cited as among the lowest. SADC Health & Integration: At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, leaders backed regional integration and industrialisation, while also reiterating solidarity on health issues including Ebola response and dialogue involving Madagascar.