AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response in the Region: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged continued support to the DRC as Ebola spreads, backing local vaccine development and calling for a ceasefire so humanitarian teams can reach affected communities. Ebola Risk Controls: Saudi Arabia tightened travel rules, temporarily barring travel from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan and suspending visas for arrivals from those countries to reduce cross-border spread. Ebola Outbreak Pressure: Health officials say nearly 300 Ebola-positive patients in the DRC have gone missing from follow-up, with conflict and limited resources making it hard to locate cases and contain transmission. Burundi Rights & Health Context: In Geneva, the UN Special Rapporteur on Burundi denounced a persistent human rights crisis ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with NGOs also accusing authorities of allowing torture to continue with impunity. Prison Health Alarm: Murembwe Central Prison inmates report overcrowding, hunger, disease, lack of drinking water, and limited medical care. Inclusive Education Needs: Gitega’s Santa Lucia Primary School for blind children urgently seeks beds, mattresses, more teachers, and braille supplies. Addiction Treatment in Burundi: A centre is stepping up support for people recovering from drug addiction as use rises among young people.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Region): The UN says it has released $8 million to boost Ebola preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan, citing high cross-border risk as the DRC outbreak grows and humanitarian operations remain underfunded. Ebola Spread (DRC): Health authorities report nearly 300 Ebola-positive patients are unaccounted for amid conflict, displacement, and limited resources, raising fears of further transmission. Ebola Risk (Burundi border concerns): In Kajaga, fishermen near Lake Tanganyika say they fear Ebola could cross undetected, while damaged standpipes make hygiene harder. Prison Health (Murembwe Central Prison): Inmates at Murembwe Central Prison describe overcrowding, hunger, disease, lack of drinking water, and limited medical care. Child Disability Needs (Gitega): A Gitega school for 66 blind children urgently appeals for beds, mattresses, more teachers, braille paper, and a second embossing machine. Addiction Support (Burundi): As International Day Against Drug Abuse passes, Strong Bridge in Bujumbura reports hundreds of youth recovering and highlights health and mental health harms from drug use. Workplace Wellness (CRDB): CRDB Bank backs Wellness Day with screenings, nutrition and mental health talks to fight non-communicable diseases among staff. Health Systems Partnerships (Tanzania/US): A US–Tanzania health memorandum targets stronger hospitals, labs, and workforce capacity to tackle HIV, malaria, polio, and TB.

Ebola Preparedness: The UN released $8 million to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, citing high risk from cross-border movement with the DRC outbreak; funds will boost surveillance, labs, case management, infection control, and protect frontline health workers. Ebola Spillover Fears: Health authorities and partners report nearly 300 Ebola-positive patients in the DRC are untraceable, as conflict, displacement, and limited resources slow containment. Cross-Border Risk at Lake Tanganyika: Burundi fishermen in Kajaga say daily contact with DRC counterparts and poor access to safe drinking water raise fears of an undetected Ebola case crossing the border. Local Health & Care: In Bujumbura, the Strong Bridge rehabilitation centre says drug use among young people is rising, with over 900 youths helped since 2021 and clinicians warning of serious physical and mental health impacts. Disability Support in Gitega: A school for blind children in Mushasha urgently needs 60 beds and mattresses, more teachers, and braille supplies to serve 66 pupils. Prison Health Alarm: Murembwe Central Prison inmates report overcrowding, hunger, disease, lack of drinking water, and limited medical care.

Ebola Preparedness: The UN released $8 million to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, boosting surveillance, labs, case management, infection control, and support for frontline health workers as cross-border movement keeps the risk high. Ebola Spillover Fears: In the DRC, health authorities report nearly 300 Ebola-positive patients lost to follow-up, with conflict, displacement, and limited resources making it hard to find cases and stop transmission. Cross-Border Health Measures: Saudi Arabia tightened travel rules, suspending visas and entry for travelers from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan (and those who transited there in the last 21 days) to reduce the chance of Ebola reaching the Kingdom. Addiction Recovery in Burundi: As drug use rises among young people, Burundi’s Strong Bridge rehabilitation centre in Bujumbura says more than 900 youths have sought recovery since opening in 2021, alongside school awareness campaigns. Inclusive Health & Education Needs: In Gitega, a school for 66 blind children urgently appeals for boarding beds and mattresses, more teachers, and braille supplies to keep learning on track. Prison Health Alarm: In Murembwe Central Prison, inmates report overcrowding, one meal a day, poor medical care, lack of drinking water, and disease spread.

Disability Support: In Gitega, Santa Lucia Primary School in Mushasha is urgently appealing for help for 66 blind pupils, citing a shortage of beds (needs 60), teachers (two retire soon), and learning materials like braille paper and only one embossing machine. Prison Health Crisis: In Murembwe Central Prison (Rumonge), inmates report overcrowding, one meal a day, lack of drinking water, and limited medical care—fueling hunger, disease, and preventable suffering. Torture Accountability: On the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26), Burundian human rights groups and partners accuse authorities of failing to stop torture and of allowing impunity, calling for independent investigations and reparations. Ebola Preparedness for Burundi: With Ebola spreading in eastern DRC and confirmed transmission reported in Uganda, the UN says it has released $8m to strengthen preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan, including surveillance, labs, case management, and protection for frontline health workers. Addiction Recovery: In Bujumbura, a drug rehabilitation centre (Strong Bridge) says drug use among young people is rising and highlights recovery support plus school awareness efforts.

Ebola Watch (DRC–Uganda–South Sudan): Health officials report nearly 300 Ebola patients in eastern DRC are untraceable, as conflict, displacement, and limited resources slow response. New WHO modelling says a Bundibugyo Ebola case is close to a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan within weeks, with Uganda already confirming transmission. Cross-border Risk (Burundi): The UN has released $8 million to boost Ebola preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan, focusing on surveillance, labs, case management, and infection control as risk stays high due to frequent movement from the DRC. Local Concern (Kajaga, Lake Tanganyika): Burundi’s fishermen near the DRC border in Kajaga say daily boat traffic and poor access to clean water make hygiene and Ebola prevention harder, raising fears of undetected spread. Addiction & Recovery (Bujumbura): As International Day Against Drug Abuse passes, a Bujumbura rehabilitation centre says drug use among young people is rising and highlights links to cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental health harms. Workplace NCD Prevention (Dodoma): CRDB Bank backs Wellness Day with screenings, nutrition and mental health talks, and sports activities for staff.

Ebola Watch (DRC–Uganda–South Sudan): A Lancet study says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain is already transmitting in Uganda and has nearly a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan within weeks, with researchers urging border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burials as the outbreak in eastern DRC tops 1,000 cases and hundreds of deaths. Cross-Border Preparedness (UN funding): The UN released $8 million from the CERF to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, focusing on surveillance, labs, case management, infection control, and support for frontline health workers. Burundi Risk at the Border (Lake Tanganyika): In Kajaga, fishermen fear Ebola could cross from the DRC via daily boat traffic and say hygiene is harder due to damaged standpipes after floods. Public Health & Wellness (NCDs): CRDB Bank in Dodoma backed a multi-year “Wellness Day” with fitness, screenings, and talks on nutrition and mental health. Drug Recovery in Burundi: On International Day Against Drug Abuse, Bujumbura’s Strong Bridge centre reports helping hundreds of young people recover and runs school awareness to prevent new users. HIV Policy (UN vote): The UN General Assembly adopted a new HIV/AIDS declaration despite major objections, including support for harm reduction and decriminalization-related measures.

Ebola Watch (DRC→Uganda→South Sudan): WHO modelling says a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain has confirmed transmission in Uganda and carries nearly a 70% chance of reaching South Sudan within weeks, with researchers urging border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burials as the outbreak spreads faster than response capacity. UN Funding for Preparedness (Burundi & South Sudan): The UN released $8 million from the CERF to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan—boosting surveillance, labs, case management, infection control, and support for frontline health workers—despite no confirmed cases yet. Cross-border Risk on Burundi’s Lake Shore: In Kajaga, fishermen fear Ebola could cross from the DRC via frequent boat traffic and say hygiene support is undermined by damaged standpipes after floods. Saudi Travel Curbs (Ebola Prevention): Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visa issuance for citizens and travelers linked to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, while also tightening screening for nearby countries including Burundi. Local Health & Wellness (NCDs): CRDB Bank backed Dodoma’s Wellness Day with sports, screenings, and talks on nutrition and mental health to help curb non-communicable diseases. Drug Recovery in Burundi: As International Day Against Drug Abuse is marked, Strong Bridge in Bujumbura reports helping hundreds of young people recover since 2021, with counselling and school awareness campaigns.

Ebola Watch (DRC–Uganda–South Sudan): WHO modelling warns the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain already confirmed in Uganda could reach South Sudan within weeks, with a near 70% risk, as the outbreak in eastern DRC tops 1,000 cases and hundreds of deaths. Cross-border Preparedness (Burundi): The UN released $8m from CERF to boost Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, focusing on surveillance, labs, case management, infection prevention and control, and support for frontline health workers. Travel Measures (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visas for citizens and arrivals linked to the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, including transit rules for the past 21 days, while keeping enhanced screening for nearby countries including Burundi. Local Health Concern (Lake Tanganyika): Burundi fishermen in Kajaga fear Ebola could spread across the lake amid frequent cross-border boat traffic and weak access to safe water and hygiene supplies. Drug Recovery in Burundi: On International Day Against Drug Abuse, Bujumbura’s Strong Bridge centre reports helping over 900 young people recover since 2021, alongside school awareness campaigns.

Ebola Regional Alarm: A WHO modelling study says the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain spreading in eastern DRC has a near 70% chance of reaching South Sudan within weeks, with experts urging immediate border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burial—especially as the outbreak began spreading undetected about six weeks before official confirmation. Cross-Border Preparedness for Burundi: The UN has released $8 million from CERF to strengthen Ebola preparedness in Burundi and South Sudan, boosting surveillance, labs, case management, and infection prevention, even though no cases have been confirmed locally. Travel Curbs Linked to Ebola: Saudi Arabia has suspended travel and visa issuance for citizens and arrivals from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, including via third countries if travelers were in those countries in the past 21 days. Local Health Pressure Points: In Kajaga (near Lake Tanganyika), fishermen fear Ebola could cross the border from the DRC amid frequent boat traffic and worsening access to safe drinking water after damaged standpipes. Addiction Recovery in Burundi: As drug use rises, Bujumbura’s Strong Bridge centre reports helping hundreds of young people recover and runs school awareness to prevent new users.

Ebola Cross-Border Alert: WHO modelling warns the rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain spreading in DRC could reach South Sudan within weeks, with a near 70% chance, after confirmed transmission in Uganda; researchers urge border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burials as cases in DRC top 1,000. UN Funding for Preparedness: The UN released $8m from CERF to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan—boosting surveillance, labs, case management, infection control, and support for frontline health workers. Regional Risk Signals for Burundi: Local reporting from Kajaga (Lake Tanganyika) shows fishermen fear Ebola could be introduced from the DRC amid frequent cross-border boat traffic and limited access to clean water for hygiene. Drug Recovery in Burundi: As International Day Against Drug Abuse is marked, Bujumbura’s Strong Bridge centre says over 900 young people have sought recovery since 2021, with staff linking drug use to serious physical and mental health harms. HIV Policy Debate: The UN adopted a new HIV/AIDS declaration without consensus for the first time in over two decades, reflecting growing political divisions as some countries oppose parts of harm-reduction and decriminalization approaches.

Ebola Regional Risk: WHO modelling warns a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain spreading in eastern DRC has a near 70% chance of reaching South Sudan soon, after confirmed transmission was reported in Uganda; researchers urge border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burial, especially where health systems are weak. Cross-Border Preparedness: The UN has released $8 million from CERF to boost Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, focusing on surveillance, labs, case management, infection control, and protecting frontline health workers. Travel Controls: Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan and halted visas for arrivals from those countries, with extra screening also tightened for travellers from nearby states including Burundi. Local Concern at Lake Tanganyika: In Kajaga, fishermen fear Ebola could be introduced from the DRC due to frequent boat traffic and limited access to clean water for hygiene. Health & Community: Burundi’s Strong Bridge addiction recovery centre reports rising drug use, with hundreds of young people supported since 2021. HIV Policy: The UN General Assembly adopted a new HIV/AIDS declaration, but not by consensus, reflecting growing political divisions over prevention and harm-reduction approaches.

Ebola Regional Risk: WHO modelling warns a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain in eastern DRC has a ~70% chance of reaching South Sudan within weeks, after transmission was confirmed in Uganda; researchers urge border surveillance, contact tracing and safe burials as the outbreak tops 1,000 cases and nearly 300 deaths. UN Support for Preparedness: The UN released $8m from CERF to strengthen Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, boosting surveillance, labs, case management, infection control and protection for frontline health workers. Cross-Border Anxiety in Burundi: In Kajaga, fishermen fear Ebola could enter via daily Lake Tanganyika contact with the DRC, with hygiene access also a concern. Travel Curbs: Saudi Arabia suspended visas and entry for travellers from DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and tightened screening for nearby countries including Burundi. Drug Use Recovery in Bujumbura: As drug use rises, Strong Bridge centre reports helping hundreds of young people recover, combining treatment with school awareness. Public Health & Environment: Burundi’s Lake Tanganyika faces mounting pollution risks from untreated wastewater and weak protections, threatening water quality and health. Health Policy & Funding: IMF flags Burundi’s low foreign currency reserves, which can disrupt fuel imports and daily life.

Ebola Regional Alert: The DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has reached 1,094 confirmed cases and 277 deaths, with WHO saying it’s the largest first-month caseload in Africa; new modelling warns South Sudan faces a high risk of spillover (about 70% within weeks), while Rwanda and Burundi are lower risk—yet the message for Burundi is clear: strengthen border surveillance, contact tracing, and safe burial now. UN Funding for Preparedness: The UN released $8 million from CERF to boost Ebola readiness in Burundi and South Sudan, including surveillance, labs, case management, infection prevention, and support for frontline health workers. Travel Curbs Over Ebola: Saudi Arabia suspended travel and visas for citizens from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan and tightened entry rules for travelers from nearby countries including Burundi. HIV Policy Shift: The UN General Assembly adopted a new HIV/AIDS declaration without consensus for the first time in over two decades, as the US and others voted against it amid concerns over funding and stigma-related reforms. Drug Recovery in Burundi: As drug use rises, Bujumbura’s Strong Bridge centre reports helping over 900 young people recover since 2021, combining treatment with school awareness campaigns. Health & Economy Pressure: Burundi’s foreign-currency reserves are critically low (about $214m), threatening fuel imports and daily health access through shortages.

Ebola Regional Alert: The DRC’s fast-growing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has reached 1,094 confirmed cases and 277 deaths, with WHO calling it the highest first-month caseload in Africa; new modelling in The Lancet Infectious Diseases estimates a nearly 70% chance of spread to South Sudan within weeks, while spillover to Rwanda (8.6%) and Burundi (2%) is lower—yet WHO warns response is still lagging. Cross-Border Preparedness: The UN says new CERF funding will help strengthen surveillance, labs, case management and infection control in Burundi and South Sudan, both considered at risk. Travel Restrictions: Saudi Arabia has suspended travel and visas for citizens and arrivals from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, and tightened screening for travellers coming via third countries; India also activated an online Air Suvidha self-declaration for passengers from Ebola-affected countries. Local Health & Safety: Uganda’s cholera study reports endogenous cholera has been eliminated, but cross-border outbreaks remain a threat—relevant for regional prevention planning. Health Policy & Care: WHO validated Tunisia’s trachoma elimination, highlighting the impact of long-term primary health care.

Ebola Cross-Border Alert: Saudi Arabia suspended travel by its citizens to Ebola-hit DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and halted visas for travellers from those countries, while also tightening health screening for arrivals from nearby states including Burundi. Ebola Numbers in Focus: WHO reports 1,094 confirmed Ebola cases and 277 deaths in DR Congo, with treatment capacity rising to over 500 beds across 19 health zones. Burundi in the Risk List: Africa CDC warns the outbreak could become among the worst ever, listing Burundi among countries at high risk due to regional spread pressures. Public Health Measures at Borders: India activated its Air Suvidha portal for passengers arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries, requiring an online Self-Declaration Form before deboarding. Health & Nutrition Supply: Russia’s Rosselkhoznadzor monitored a UN-backed shipment of 820 tons of fortified wheat flour to Burundi, testing for food safety and contaminants. Environment Linked to Health: Burundi’s shores face mounting risks as Lake Tanganyika pollution from untreated wastewater and weak protections threatens water quality and public health. Child Health Concern: Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered investigations into rising childhood cancers and heart diseases after launching a new radiotherapy centre.