AGP Executive Report

Humanitarian Reform & Volunteers: A Burundi UN Volunteer gynecologist in Chad says the “humanitarian reset” must stop planning as if volunteers don’t exist—volunteers are often the first to respond and the last to stay when access collapses. HIV Services at Risk: New research warns community-led HIV programs for key populations are being shut down after major funding losses tied to PEPFAR disruptions, threatening hard-won gains. Sudan Returns Home: At least 150 Sudanese refugees have been voluntarily repatriated from Uganda to Sudan as security improves, with plans targeting over 1,300 returnees. Ebola Alarm (DRC): Africa CDC says the DRC Ebola outbreak has surpassed 2,000 deaths and is spreading faster than conventional response can keep up. Burundi Care for Older People: A Burundian Catholic sister calls for stronger support for abandoned elderly people, stressing dignity, healthcare needs, and community duty. Health Systems & Mobility: A report highlights how migrants across Africa struggle to get continuous care when records don’t follow them and health systems can’t share information. Malaria & Climate: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new East African highland areas, raising transmission risks. Clean Water Through Sport (Burundi): CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon backs access to clean, safe water, linking healthy living with community support.

Ebola Response & Public Health: Africa CDC warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with deaths surpassing 2,000 and spread reaching more health zones than response teams can easily keep up with. Maternal & Child Health: Burundi is highlighted as a global leader in exclusive breastfeeding, with rates above 80%, as WHO and UNICEF push countries to strengthen health systems, maternity services, and workplace protections. Frontline Health Training: A regional Training of Trainers program in Dar es Salaam is equipping health professionals (including Burundi) to spot chronic disease warning signs earlier by integrating non-communicable disease surveillance into frontline field epidemiology. Clean Water Through Sport: CRDB Bank Burundi’s annual marathon in Bujumbura raised support for communities struggling to access clean, safe water, linking healthy living with social responsibility. Youth, Health & Innovation: The EAC and Germany launched an expanded AI4EAC challenge for 20,000 East Africans, adding an Ebola response track to build practical AI tools for outbreak detection and preparedness. Community Care for Older People: A Burundian Catholic sister calls for stronger support for abandoned elderly people, stressing healthcare, food, and dignity as urgent needs.

Ebola Alert (DR Congo): Africa CDC says the DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths and 4,449 confirmed cases, with spread accelerating across more health zones and provinces—warning conventional response may be outpaced. Maternal Health (Burundi): Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates (above 80%) are being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health, with WHO/UNICEF urging countries to back breastfeeding with stronger health systems, maternity services, workplace protections, and funding. NCD Prevention (Eastern & Southern Africa): A World Bank-supported training in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline mentors to integrate non-communicable disease surveillance into field epidemiology, including in Burundi, to catch chronic illness risks earlier. Youth & Public Participation (Burundi): As Burundi hosts youth peace and security dialogue, voices call for turning the African Youth Charter into real influence through laws, budgets, and institutions—not just conferences. Clean Water (Bujumbura): CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon backed “water for all,” with the First Lady praising sport-linked community support for access to clean, safe water. EAC AI for Health: The EAC and Germany launch an AI innovation challenge with an Ebola response track, aiming to train young innovators to build tools for detection, preparedness, and response.

NCD Surveillance Boost: A World Bank-backed regional Training of Trainers in Dar es Salaam is equipping frontline health workers across Burundi and nine other countries to spot chronic diseases early by weaving non-communicable disease monitoring into existing field epidemiology training. Ebola Alarm in the Region: Africa CDC is warning that the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is expanding faster than response efforts, with deaths now above 2,000 and cases rising across more health zones and provinces. Breastfeeding Momentum in Burundi: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates (above 80%) are being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems, workplace support, and public investment as key drivers. Elder Care Call: A Burundian Catholic sister is urging wider support for abandoned older people, stressing that helping the elderly is a duty for families and institutions, including for healthcare and food needs. Clean Water Through Sport: CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon in Bujumbura raised support for communities facing challenges accessing clean and safe water, linking healthy living with social responsibility. Food Systems & Women Farmers: A focus on how women farmers can gain more control over land, finance, and decisions to stabilize food systems and improve nutrition. EAC AI for Ebola Response: The EAC and Germany launched an AI innovation challenge to help young innovators build tools for Ebola detection, preparedness, and response. Malaria Risk From Climate Change: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new East African highland areas, raising risks for childhood malaria even where infections may fall elsewhere. Health Access for Migrants: A report highlights how internal migrants across Africa struggle to get continuous care because health records don’t follow them across borders.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC warns the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is accelerating fast, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths reported, as spread expands from a few health zones to dozens across multiple provinces—raising fears the response may not keep up. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates are reported above 80%, with WHO and UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems, workplace protections, and public investment as key to sustaining gains. Nutrition & Food Security: A new focus on women farmers highlights how equal access to land, finance, tools, and decision-making can strengthen African food systems and help families avoid hunger, noting women’s major role in agri-food work and seed biodiversity. Climate & Malaria Risk: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new areas, with Kenya among countries expected to see higher transmission as rainfall and temperatures reshape where mosquitoes thrive. Public Health Systems & Mobility: A report on Africa’s internal migrants shows health records often don’t follow people across borders, leaving families to start care “from scratch” and disrupting treatment plans. Community Water Action: In Bujumbura, the CRDB Bank Burundi Marathon is being used to support access to clean, safe water, linking sport with community health and social responsibility.

Ebola Alert in the Region: Africa CDC says the DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths, with cases and deaths rising faster than conventional response can keep up, warning it could last over a year if transmission isn’t stopped. Burundi Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates (above 80%) are being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems, workplace support, and public investment as what makes breastfeeding work. Clean Water Through Sport: In Bujumbura, the CRDB Bank Burundi Marathon backed “One Step, Water for All,” with the First Lady praising the push for clean and safe water and healthier community living. Digital Health Foundations: A new push for birth registration and vital statistics as digital public infrastructure is gaining momentum, with examples showing how linking birth records to national ID systems can improve access to services. Malaria Risk From Climate Shifts: Scientists warn climate change may “move” malaria into new areas, potentially increasing childhood malaria transmission in parts of East Africa. Youth & Public Health Innovation: The EAC and Germany launched an AI challenge that includes an Ebola Response track, aiming to train young innovators to build tools for detection, preparedness, and response. Elder Care Call: A Burundian Catholic sister urged wider support for abandoned older people, stressing healthcare, food, and dignity as urgent needs.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC warns the DRC Ebola outbreak is accelerating fast, with deaths now above 2,000 and spread widening to dozens of health zones—urging stronger response as the epidemic could last over a year if not stopped. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates (above 80%) are drawing global attention, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems, workplace support, and public investment as what “works.” Public Health & Safety: Rwanda FDA moves to protect consumers by suspending imports of 52 alcohol brands and ordering immediate recalls over serious safety concerns. Cross-Border Care Gap: A report highlights how migrants across Africa struggle to get continuous treatment because health records don’t follow them between countries. Community Water Access: In Bujumbura, CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon raised support for clean and safe water, linking sport with public health and social responsibility. Youth & Health Tech: EAC and Germany launch an AI challenge with an Ebola response track, aiming to train young innovators to strengthen outbreak detection and preparedness. Elder Care Call: A Burundian Catholic sister urges more support for abandoned older people, stressing healthcare and dignity in old age.

Breastfeeding & Maternal Health: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates (above 80%) are drawing global attention as WHO and UNICEF shift toward investing in what works—strong maternity services, workplace protections, and public funding. Ebola Preparedness: The EAC and Germany launched an AI4EAC challenge to train 20,000 young innovators, with a dedicated Ebola Response track to support detection, preparedness, and response as DRC cases and deaths keep rising. Health Systems & Mobility: A new report highlights how internal migrants across Africa struggle to get care when records don’t follow them and health systems can’t share information across borders—forcing patients to start over. Climate & Disease Risk: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new East African highland areas, potentially raising childhood malaria even where today’s hotspots ease. Elder Care: A Burundian Catholic sister calls for stronger support for abandoned older people, stressing healthcare, food, and dignity as society-wide duties. Water Access via Sport: CRDB Bank Burundi’s marathon backed clean, safe water efforts, linking community participation and healthy living to real support for water access. Local Safety Concerns: SOS Médias Burundi reports deaths in Gitega over ten days, with residents urging thorough investigations.

Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rate is topping 80%, with WHO and UNICEF pointing to the country as proof that strong health systems, workplace protections, and public investment can drive real maternal and child health gains during World Breastfeeding Week. Ebola Response via AI: The EAC and Germany launched the AI4EAC challenge, aiming to train 20,000 young innovators and include a dedicated Ebola Response track for AI tools supporting detection, preparedness, and response as DRC’s outbreak accelerates. Ebola Crisis in DRC: Reports say Ebola in the DRC has surpassed 2,000 deaths and 4,000+ confirmed cases, with WHO pushing to expand treatment capacity and scale frontline response. Digital Identity Foundation: Birth registration is being promoted as a key layer of digital public infrastructure, with Rwanda cited for linking civil registration to national ID systems to improve access to services. Climate & Health Risks: East Africa is bracing for a possible super El Niño, while Kenya faces warnings of malaria shifting into new highland areas as climate change reshapes transmission. Youth, Peace & Health Governance: Burundi hosted youth-focused peace and security dialogue tied to the African Youth Charter’s promise of real participation—an issue that also affects how health priorities get funded and implemented.

El Niño Watch: Africa is bracing for a possible “super El Niño” developing through 2026 and into 2027, with experts warning of extreme weather, food insecurity and livelihood shocks across East Africa. Ebola Response: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths and 4,000+ confirmed cases, pushing WHO and partners to expand treatment capacity and scale up frontline response. Climate & Malaria: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new highland areas, with Kenya expected to see higher transmission as rainfall and temperatures change. Burundi Spotlight—Breastfeeding: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rate (above 80%) is being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems and workplace support as key drivers. Clean Water via Sport: In Bujumbura, the CRDB Marathon backed access to clean and safe water, with the First Lady praising sport-linked community action. Public Health Safety—Alcohol Crackdowns (Region): Rwanda’s FDA suspended and recalled unsafe imported alcohol brands, citing serious health risks. Youth & Health Priorities: East African youth initiatives are also pushing for stronger health and wellbeing support, including mental health and sexual and reproductive health in regional youth agendas.

El Niño Watch: Africa is bracing for a possible “super” El Niño developing into 2026–2027, with risks of extreme weather, food insecurity and livelihood shocks across East Africa. Ebola Response: In DR Congo, Ebola has surpassed 2,000 deaths with 4,381 confirmed cases, pushing WHO and partners to expand treatment capacity and scale up frontline response. Regional Health Tech & Youth: East Africa is turning to AI and youth innovators to build ebola detection and preparedness solutions as cases surge. Climate-Malaria Link: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria into new areas, with Kenya expected to see higher transmission as rainfall and temperatures change. Burundi Breastfeeding Milestone: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%) is being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health investment, with WHO/UNICEF pointing to stronger health systems and workplace support. Water & Community Health: CRDB Bank Burundi’s Bujumbura marathon raised support for clean, safe water—framing sport as a direct health and wellbeing boost. Safety & Public Health: Rwanda’s FDA continues a crackdown on unsafe alcohol, suspending imports and ordering recalls over serious health concerns. Local Health Concerns: Burundi reports rising crime and multiple deaths in Gitega, alongside a grenade attack in Karusi that left a family severely affected.

Ebola Emergency: The DRC Ebola outbreak has surged past 2,000 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases across five provinces, with WHO pushing a rapid scale-up including expansion of a treatment centre in Lita to double capacity to 80 beds. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%, including 83.3% in a 2024 survey) is drawing global attention as WHO and UNICEF stress that results depend on stronger health services, maternity support, workplace protections, and public investment. Malaria & Climate Risk: A new study warns climate change is “moving” malaria—raising risk in new areas as temperatures and rainfall shift, even if some current hotspots cool down. Water & Community Health: In Bujumbura, the CRDB Marathon used sport to back clean and safe water access, with the First Lady praising the link between community action and healthier lives. Youth & Health Priorities: At Kampala’s B!LL!Now Now Youth Summit, young leaders flagged insecurity and unemployment as major barriers to wellbeing, calling for mentorship, funding, and real inclusion in decision-making. Burundi Safety & Care: Burundi reported a grenade attack in Karusi that killed two and left three seriously injured, with victims transferred for treatment.

Clean Water Through Sport: CRDB Bank Burundi’s third CRDB Marathon in Bujumbura drew hundreds of runners and supporters under “Un pas, de l’eau pour tous,” with the First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye praising the link between sport and social responsibility to improve access to clean, safe water. Malaria Watch: A new international study warns climate change will shift malaria across Africa—slightly increasing overall risk but moving it into new areas; projections include higher risk in parts of the East African highlands, including Kenya and Burundi. Breastfeeding Momentum: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%, including 83.3% in a 2024 survey) is being highlighted as WHO and UNICEF push a stronger investment case focused on health systems, maternity services, workplace support, and public funding. Health Access for Mobile People: A report on internal migrants across Africa shows how missing or non-transferable medical records can leave patients starting from scratch, disrupting care plans for conditions like asthma. Safety and Public Health: Rwanda’s FDA suspended imports of 52 alcoholic brands and ordered recalls over serious public health concerns, underscoring the need for safer products and stronger regulation.

Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rate is above 80%, and WHO/UNICEF say the country is becoming a real-world test case for what works when health services, workplace support, and public investment back mothers—not just awareness campaigns. Malaria & Climate Risk: New research warns climate change is “moving” malaria—overall risk may rise slightly, but transmission could shift into new areas, with projected increases for places including Kenya and Burundi. Cross-Border Care Gaps: Migrants moving within and across Africa often can’t access continuity of treatment because records don’t follow them and health systems don’t share data, leaving patients restarting care from scratch. El Niño Preparedness: East African governments are flagging flood and disease risks ahead of El Niño rains, with Nairobi and parts of the Lake Basin listed as high-risk for outbreaks and waterborne illness. Youth Health & Policy Push: A Kampala youth summit backed by Reach A Hand Africa and partners called for measurable change tied to Agenda 2063, including priorities that touch health and wellbeing. Burundi Safety & Health Access: Reports from Rumonge and Gitega describe serious violence cases where victims were taken to health centers/hospitals, underscoring the need for timely care and thorough investigations.

Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding success (over 80%) is being highlighted as WHO and UNICEF push a new push for stronger health systems, better maternity services, and workplace support during World Breastfeeding Week. Maternal Health Funding: The global message is clear: counselling alone isn’t enough—public investment and protections for mothers are key to lasting gains. El Niño Health Risks: Burundi’s region is bracing for El Niño rains, with warnings of floods, waterborne illness, and disease outbreaks—reminding countries to prepare clinics and clean-water systems early. Youth Health & Rights: East African youth leaders meeting in Kampala are calling for real decision-making power on issues including sexual and reproductive health and mental health, linking youth inclusion to measurable policy change. Public Health Regulation: Rwanda’s crackdown on unsafe alcohol—recalls and import suspensions—signals how regulators are tightening controls to prevent poisoning and related health complications across the region. Malaria Outlook: New research warns climate change may shift malaria risk—rising in places like Burundi while easing in today’s hottest hotspots—so prevention plans need to be location-specific.

Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi is being highlighted as a global breastfeeding leader, with UNICEF citing an exclusive breastfeeding rate of 83.3% in the 2024 SMART survey—showing what stronger health systems and public investment can achieve. Malaria & Climate: A new study says climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing it overall, but shifting risk toward southern and East Africa (including projected rises in places like Burundi) while reducing it in today’s hottest hotspots. Mpox Alert: UK health officials warn of a rapidly developing mpox outbreak linked to clade 1b, urging eligible people to get vaccinated as cases may be spreading silently. Alcohol Safety Crackdown (Rwanda): Rwanda FDA suspended imports of 52 alcohol brands and ordered a nationwide recall, citing serious public health concerns; the list includes products from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and others. Local Health & Justice (Burundi): In Rumonge, a retired soldier is detained and hospitalized under police guard after an alleged assault case, while his family disputes the account. Community Safety (Burundi): In Karusi, a grenade attack killed a father and his son and left his wife and two daughters seriously injured; residents are calling for thorough investigations.