AGP Executive Report

Alcohol Safety Crackdown: Rwanda’s Food and Drugs Authority has suspended the importation of 52 alcohol brands and ordered a nationwide recall of products already on shelves, citing serious public health concerns; distributors must pull stock and report recalls within three working days, with brands linked to Kenya (including Gilbeys Gin), Tanzania (including Konyagi), Uganda, India and others affected. Ebola Response Pressure: Africa CDC says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still rapidly expanding and warns of major operational gaps, including limited contact tracing, urging stronger international support as cases and deaths continue to rise. Malaria Risk Shifts: New research shows climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing risk overall but reducing it in today’s hottest hotspots while raising risk in southern and East Africa, including areas projected to include Burundi. Burundi Maternal Care Under Strain: King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura is reportedly overwhelmed in its maternity ward, with obstetric emergencies and delays in emergency surgery raising fears for newborn and mother outcomes. Breastfeeding Spotlight: Burundi is highlighted as a global breastfeeding leader, with UNICEF reporting an 83.3% exclusive breastfeeding rate in the 2024 SMART survey, boosted by stronger health services and public investment. Community Health & Access: Reports from Burundi’s refugee and transit settings describe worsening access to healthcare and basic needs, including food shortages and people forced to seek help outside centers. Security and Injury Care: A grenade attack in Karusi left two dead and three seriously injured, with victims treated at local health facilities, underscoring ongoing risks to community health.

Alcohol Safety Crackdown (Rwanda): Rwanda FDA ordered an immediate nationwide recall and suspended imports of 52 alcohol brands over serious public health concerns, telling distributors and retailers to stop sales and remove stock; the list includes Kenya’s Gilbeys Gin and Tanzania’s Konyagi, among others, with importers given three working days to submit recall reports. Breastfeeding Spotlight (Burundi): Burundi is highlighted as a global leader in exclusive breastfeeding, with UNICEF citing an 83.3% rate in the 2024 SMART survey, as WHO and UNICEF urge stronger breastfeeding counselling, maternity services, and workplace support during World Breastfeeding Week. Ebola Response Pressure (DR Congo): Africa CDC says the DRC Ebola outbreak needs stronger international solidarity as response gaps persist, citing limited contact tracing and rising community cases and deaths; the outbreak has recorded thousands of confirmed cases and deaths. Malaria Risk Shifts (Climate): New studies warn climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing overall risk but shifting it toward southern and East Africa (including projections for Burundi) while reducing transmission in today’s hottest hotspots. Health System Strain (Burundi): Reports from King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura describe maternity and emergency services operating beyond capacity, with delays linked to preventable deaths and urgent referrals. Regional Health Infrastructure (Tanzania): Tanzania signed health-related PPP deals at Africa50, including expanded renal healthcare services, as governments push faster implementation of infrastructure plans.

Ebola Response Watch: Africa CDC says DR Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing ever, urging stronger international solidarity as response gaps persist and more health zones are affected. Disaster Preparedness: East African governments step up planning after El Niño forecasts raise fears of above-normal rains, floods, landslides, and damage to infrastructure. Health System Power: Burundi readers may feel the ripple effects as countries push for reliable electricity for hospitals; one major example is Nigeria’s approved financing framework to electrify health facilities nationwide. Breastfeeding Success: Burundi is highlighted as a global breastfeeding leader, with UNICEF citing an 83.3% exclusive breastfeeding rate in the 2024 SMART survey. Malaria Map Shifts: New research finds climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing risk overall, but raising it in southern and East Africa while easing pressure in today’s hottest hotspots. Regional Emergency Supplies: Kenya and partners including Burundi are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks. Local Care Pressure: Reports from Bujumbura’s King Khaled Hospital warn maternity and emergency services are overwhelmed, with delays linked to serious outcomes. Refugee Health Access: Burundi’s Cishemere transit center faces worsening conditions for Congolese asylum seekers, including limited healthcare and rising hunger.

Malaria & Climate: A new Nature study says climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing risk overall, but shifting it: rising temperatures may reduce transmission in today’s hottest West African hotspots while raising risk in southern and East Africa, including projected increases for Ethiopia’s highlands, Kenya, and Burundi. Mpox Alert: UK health officials warn of a rapidly developing mpox outbreak linked to clade 1b, with at least 100 cases reported this year (mostly in London) and concerns about silent spread, urging eligible people to get vaccinated. Ebola Response Watch: Africa CDC flags operational constraints slowing DRC’s Ebola fight, citing 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths since the May 15 outbreak, while praising Uganda’s containment progress. Maternal Care Pressure: Bujumbura’s King Khaled Hospital is overwhelmed in the maternity ward, with obstetric emergencies and delays in emergency surgery (including cesareans) blamed for deaths. Refugee Health Access: In Burundi’s Cishemere transit center, worsening food shortages and limited healthcare are pushing Congolese asylum seekers to beg, while some families fear exclusion from voluntary repatriation registration. Regional Health Supply Plan: Kenya and 10 other African countries, including Burundi, are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks to cut costs and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.

Malaria & Climate: A new Nature study says climate change is “moving” malaria across Africa—slightly increasing it overall, but shifting risk toward southern and East Africa (including projected rises for Ethiopia’s highlands, Kenya, and Burundi) while reducing transmission in today’s hottest hotspots. Mpox Alert: UK health officials warn of a rapidly developing mpox outbreak, with at least 100 clade 1b cases detected in the UK this year and concern that spread may be happening undetected, prompting calls for eligible people to get vaccinated. Ebola Response: Africa CDC flags growing operational constraints in DR Congo’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak (3,442 confirmed cases, 1,521 deaths), while praising Uganda’s containment progress. Maternal Care Under Strain: Bujumbura’s King Khaled Hospital reports severe pressure in maternity and emergency services after free care was suspended elsewhere, with delays linked to deaths from missed urgent surgery. Refugee Health Risks: At Burundi’s Cishemere transit center, a severe food crisis and limited healthcare are pushing thousands of Congolese asylum seekers into begging, raising disease risk. Security & Injuries: A grenade attack in Karusi killed a father and son and left three others seriously injured; in Bujumbura, wounded FARDC and Wazalendo fighters are reportedly prioritized at Tanganyika Hospital, delaying other patients.

Malaria Watch: A new Nature study says climate change is “moving” malaria across Africa—cutting transmission in some current West African hotspots as it gets too hot for mosquitoes, but raising risk in southern and East Africa, including projected increases in Ethiopia’s highlands, Kenya, and Burundi. Ebola Response: Africa CDC warns DR Congo’s Ebola fight is being slowed by operational constraints, while Uganda is praised for containing the outbreak; DR Congo has reported thousands of cases and deaths since the May 15 outbreak. Mpox Alert: UK health officials report a sharp rise in mpox clade 1b cases, with many not recently traveling—prompting calls for eligible people to get vaccinated to stop silent spread. Hospital Pressure in Burundi: King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura is overwhelmed in the maternity ward and beyond, with staff reporting delays in emergency care and deaths linked to late treatment. Regional Health Procurement: Kenya and partners including Burundi are developing a framework to jointly buy emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, aiming to speed access and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers. Refugee Health Strain: At Burundi’s Cishemere transit center, a severe food crisis and limited healthcare are pushing asylum seekers to beg for survival, raising disease risks.

Malaria & Climate: A new Nature study says climate change is “moving” malaria across Africa—cutting transmission in some very hot West African hotspots but raising risk in cooler southern and East African highlands, including projections of higher malaria cases in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Burundi. Mpox Alert: UK health officials warn of a rapidly developing mpox outbreak linked to clade 1b, urging eligible people to get vaccinated as cases appear to spread silently. Ebola Response Watch: Africa CDC says DRC’s Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing on record and highlights operational constraints, while noting Uganda’s progress in containing the virus. Hospital Pressure in Burundi: King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura is reportedly overwhelmed in maternity and emergency care, with staff citing delays that have contributed to deaths. Regional Health Procurement: Kenya and 10 other African countries, including Burundi, are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks to speed access and reduce costs. Refugee Health & Water Stress: In Uganda’s Nakivale camp, drinking water shortages are forcing refugees to travel long distances and sometimes drink from unsafe sources, raising disease risks.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing on record, with 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths since May 15, and warns of operational constraints while praising Uganda’s containment; Africa CDC plans a visit to Bunia with WHO to boost early detection and response. Maternal Care (Bujumbura): King Khaled Hospital’s maternity ward is overwhelmed, with operating rooms and neonatal services running beyond capacity after free-care suspensions elsewhere, and patients report deaths linked to delays in emergency surgery, especially cesareans. Refugee Health & Hunger (Cishemere, Burundi): At the Cishemere transit center in Cibitoke, more than 4,000 Congolese asylum seekers face worsening food shortages, limited healthcare, and long case-processing waits, pushing vulnerable families to beg in nearby neighborhoods. Water Crisis (Nakivale, Uganda): In Nakivale refugee camp, drinking water taps and wells have run dry for months, forcing long trips and unsafe drinking, with some refugees selling water at high prices. Regional Health Supply (EAC/IGAD): Kenya and 10 other countries, including Burundi, are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks to cut costs and speed access.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing on record, with 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths, and warns of mounting operational constraints while praising Uganda’s containment; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya plans a visit to Bunia to push faster detection and response. Hospital Pressure (Bujumbura): King Khaled Hospital’s maternity ward is reportedly overwhelmed, with obstetric emergencies and emergency surgeries delayed after free care was suspended elsewhere—staff warn of deaths linked to late treatment. Care Access Concerns (DRC–Burundi border): Tanganyika Hospital in Bujumbura is treating 80–120 wounded FARDC and Wazalendo fighters, and other patients complain of slower care and possible two-tier treatment. Malaria & Climate: A Nature study finds climate change is “moving” childhood malaria—slightly increasing overall risk, with rising risk expected in southern and East Africa while some current hotspots may cool too much for mosquitoes. Regional Health Supply (EAC/IGAD): Kenya and 10 other countries are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, aiming to cut costs and speed access. Water Crisis (Nakivale, Uganda): In Nakivale refugee camp, drinking water taps and wells have run dry for months, forcing long trips and pushing refugees to buy water at high prices. Refugee Health Access (Cishemere, Burundi): At Cishemere transit center, severe food shortages and limited healthcare are driving asylum seekers and refugees to beg in nearby neighborhoods. Burundi Maternal Emergency: King Khaled Hospital reports operating rooms, ICU and neonatal units running beyond capacity, with cesarean delays cited as a key risk.

Ebola Response Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the DRC’s Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing on record, with 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths, and warns of operational constraints while praising Uganda’s containment; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya is set to visit Bunia on Aug. 2 to push faster detection and response. Maternal Care Under Strain (Bujumbura): King Khaled Hospital’s maternity ward is reportedly overwhelmed, with operating rooms and neonatal units running beyond capacity after free care was suspended elsewhere—patients and families allege delays have already led to deaths, especially around emergency C-sections. Malaria Risk Shifts (Climate): A Nature study finds climate change is “moving” childhood malaria—slightly increasing it overall, easing risk in today’s hottest hotspots while raising risk in southern and East Africa. Water Crisis in Camps (Nakivale, Uganda): In Nakivale refugee camp, taps and wells have run dry for months, forcing families to walk miles for water and sometimes drink non-potable sources; some refugees now sell water by bicycle. Regional Health Procurement (Burundi included): Kenya and 10 other countries, including Burundi, are developing a framework to jointly buy emergency medical supplies during outbreaks to cut costs and speed access. Humanitarian Hunger (Cishemere, Burundi): Congolese asylum seekers at Cishemere transit center say severe food shortages and limited healthcare are pushing families to beg in nearby neighborhoods.

Ebola Precautions: Saudi Arabia temporarily banned entry for travellers from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, citing Ebola risk, while boosting screening for arrivals from several other African countries including Burundi. Malaria Shift: A new Nature study says climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly increasing childhood malaria overall, with rising risk expected in southern and East Africa as today’s hotspots cool and new areas warm. DRC Ebola Response Strain: Africa CDC warned that operational constraints are hampering the DRC’s Ebola response, even as Uganda shows progress; the DRC has reported thousands of cases and deaths since its May outbreak. Burundi Hospital Pressure: In Bujumbura, King Khaled Hospital’s maternity ward is overwhelmed, with staff reporting delays in obstetric emergencies and deaths linked to late treatment. Cross-Border Care Tensions: Tanganyika Hospital in Bujumbura is treating 80–120 wounded Congolese soldiers and Wazalendo militiamen, and other patients complain of slower care and a two-tier system. Refugee Health Access: At Cishemere transit center in Cibitoke, asylum seekers face worsening conditions including limited healthcare amid severe hunger, pushing vulnerable people to beg for survival. Water Crisis in Camps: In Uganda’s Nakivale camp, drinking water taps and wells have run dry for months, forcing refugees to travel long distances and sometimes drink unsafe well water.

Hospital Overload: King Khaled Hospital in Bujumbura is struggling with a surge of obstetric cases after free care was suspended elsewhere, with operating rooms, ICU and neonatal units reportedly running beyond capacity and some mothers/newborns dying from treatment delays. Cross-Border Care Concerns: Tanganyika Hospital in Bujumbura is treating 80–120 wounded FARDC soldiers and Wazalendo militiamen from eastern DRC, raising complaints from other patients about slower care and a “two-tier” system. Ebola Watch (Regional): Africa CDC says DRC’s Ebola response is facing mounting operational constraints, even as Uganda is praised for containing the outbreak; Africa CDC plans a visit to Bunia on Aug. 2. Water Crisis in Camps: In Uganda’s Nakivale refugee camp, drinking water taps and wells have run dry for months, forcing people to travel long distances and sometimes drink unsafe well water. Food Insecurity at Cishemere: Congolese asylum seekers at Burundi’s Cishemere transit center say hunger is pushing families—especially women, children and people with disabilities—into begging around nearby neighborhoods. Justice Demands (Health & Rights): Bugendana survivors mark 30 years since the massacre of 648 Tutsis, renewing calls for truth and justice and highlighting ongoing hardship including limited healthcare access. Local Violence (Community Health Impact): In Bubanza, a dispute over oil palm trees ended in a machete killing and reprisal attacks, with arrests made.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the fastest-growing on record, with 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths since May 15, and warns that operational constraints are hampering response while Uganda is praised for containing the outbreak; Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says teams must strengthen early detection and stop spread to new zones, with a planned visit to Bunia on Aug. 2. Regional Health Supply (Burundi included): Kenya and 10 other countries are developing a framework to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks, aiming to cut costs and speed access to medicines and lab equipment; Burundi is among the participating countries. Malaria & Climate Risk: A new study finds climate change is shifting malaria risk across sub-Saharan Africa—slightly reducing spread in today’s hottest hotspots while raising risk in parts of southern and East Africa. Water & Sanitation (AU focus): Burundi’s foreign minister joins the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, where leaders will discuss sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems—key public health priorities as water scarcity grows. Health Workforce (Fertility care): Merck Foundation marks World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day, highlighting scholarships that have trained fertility and embryology specialists, including alumni in Burundi.

Ebola Update (DRC): Africa CDC says the DRC outbreak is the fastest-growing on record, with 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths, while response teams struggle with early detection and contact tracing as WHO reports lab testing kits running out. Regional Health Security (Burundi in the mix): Kenya and 10 other countries, including Burundi, are finalising a MoU to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks to cut costs and speed access. Water & Sanitation (AU focus): Burundi’s foreign minister joins the AU Executive Council session on safe sanitation and water availability, highlighting how water scarcity and sanitation gaps drive public health risks. Climate & Health Risk (Super El Niño): AfDB warns a “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, worsen food and water insecurity, and push governments to divert funds away from health. Reproductive Health (Fertility care): Merck Foundation marks World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day, noting scholarships that have trained fertility and embryology specialists, including in Burundi. Public Health & Safety (Burundi hospital incident): A report alleges a man damaged property at Machinga District Hospital after staff informed him his wife died following emergency treatment, with investigations ongoing.

Ebola Watch (DRC): Africa CDC says the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is the fastest-growing ever recorded, with 3,442 confirmed cases and 1,521 deaths, as health teams struggle with early detection, contact tracing and lab supplies. Regional Health Supply: Kenya and 10 other countries, including Burundi, are finalising a MoU to jointly procure emergency medical supplies during outbreaks to cut costs and speed access. Malaria & Climate: A new Nature study reports climate change is shifting malaria risk across sub-Saharan Africa—slightly reducing spread in today’s hottest hotspots while raising risk in parts of East and southern Africa. Water & Sanitation (AU): Burundi’s foreign minister attended an AU Executive Council session focused on ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems, linking water access to public health and stability. Burundi Health Incident: A Burundian man in Malawi’s Machinga District allegedly damaged hospital property after staff told him his wife had died; authorities say investigations are ongoing. Livestock Health (Burunga): Burundi launched a cattle vaccination campaign against foot-and-mouth disease after months of losses, targeting about 100,000 cows in high-risk areas. Pharma Supply Chain (Kenya): A Kenyan firm says it aims to become the first in Africa to manufacture pharmaceutical glass bottles locally, reducing reliance on imports. Refugee Health Access (Uganda): In Nakivale camp, drinking water shortages have forced refugees to travel long distances and sometimes drink from wells meant for cooking.

Ebola Alert in the Region: DRC’s Ebola outbreak is worsening amid conflict, with health teams struggling to track new cases and labs running out of testing kits, while contact tracing coverage has fallen to 56.5%—a risk for cross-border spread into Uganda. Malaria Risk Shifts: A new study says climate change is slightly increasing malaria overall, but could reduce risk in today’s hottest hotspots while raising it in southern and East Africa as temperatures climb. Burundi Health & Safety: Burundi’s Foreign Minister Édouard Bizimana attended an AU Executive Council session focused on water availability and safe sanitation—key public health priorities as water scarcity grows. Livestock Health in Burundi: A foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign in Burunga targeted nearly 166,000 at-risk cattle, aiming to vaccinate about 100,000 after lab confirmation of the outbreak. Water Crisis in Refugee Camp: In Uganda’s Nakivale camp, drinking water taps and wells have run dry for months, forcing refugees to travel long distances and sometimes drink unsafe water. Food Security Pressure from Climate: The AfDB warns a possible “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, threaten food and water, and push governments to divert funds away from health.