AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The U.S. announced an extra $20 million (about Ksh2.59bn) to strengthen Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting surveillance, lab testing, border screening, infection prevention and control, and supplies. Ebola Situation Watch: Africa CDC is urging stronger exit screenings at borders as the DRC outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) climbs to 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths, with contact tracing still lagging. Local HIV Alarm: Burundi health officials report rising HIV infections among youth, blaming reduced funding, stigma, and weaker awareness campaigns; outreach and testing services in Bujumbura are stepping up. Maternal Health Access: A major midwives conference in Portugal saw at least 20 key speakers from Africa and Asia, including Burundi, denied visas at the last minute—raising fears for progress on reducing pregnancy and childbirth deaths. Health System Risk Beyond Borders: UK support is also being directed to Ebola readiness in Rwanda and Burundi, including surveillance, IPC, WASH and community engagement.

Ebola Preparedness Boost: The U.S. announced an extra $20 million (Ksh2.59bn) for Ebola preparedness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, targeting stronger surveillance, lab testing, border screening, infection prevention and control, and supplies as the DRC outbreak grows. HIV Warning for Burundi Youth: Burundi health officials report rising HIV infections among young people, blaming reduced funding, stigma, and weaker awareness campaigns that are hurting prevention and youth-focused services. Ebola Border Measures in the Region: Africa CDC is urging countries at risk to strengthen exit screenings at borders (not blanket travel bans) to reduce local spread if cases are imported. Midwives Summit Disrupted: Key African and Asian midwifery experts, including from Burundi, were denied visas for a major Portugal conference, threatening progress on reducing deaths in pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal Health Research: Uganda study highlights severe perineal tears following episiotomy, adding to calls for safer childbirth practices. Cancer Training in Burundi: Merck Foundation continues oncology training scholarships across Africa, including Burundi, to expand cancer care capacity and reduce late diagnosis.

HIV Prevention Alarm in Burundi: Burundi health officials report a rise in HIV infections among youth, blaming reduced funding, stigma, and weaker awareness campaigns that are hitting condom supply and youth outreach. Ebola Preparedness Boost for Burundi: The U.S. announced an extra $20 million (about Ksh2.59 billion) for Ebola preparedness in Burundi and neighboring countries, targeting surveillance, lab testing, border screening, infection prevention, and supplies. Ebola Response Escalates Regionally: The DRC outbreak is reported at 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths, with WHO noting contact tracing still lags; Africa CDC is urging stronger exit screenings at borders rather than travel bans. Midwives Summit Disrupted: Key midwifery experts from Africa, including Burundi, were denied EU visas for a major conference in Portugal, threatening progress on reducing maternal and newborn deaths. Cross-Border Health Pressure: Tanzania’s refugee figures show large numbers from DRC and Burundi, raising pressure on host health services and livelihoods planning.

HIV Prevention Under Pressure in Burundi: Health officials report a rise in HIV infections among young people, with reduced funding, stigma, and weaker awareness campaigns hitting prevention—especially for ages 15–24 and vulnerable groups like sex workers. Ebola Preparedness Boost for Burundi: The UK announced £800,000 support for Burundi’s viral haemorrhagic fever preparedness, focusing on surveillance, infection prevention and control, WASH, and community risk communication. Ebola Response Funding Surge: The U.S. added $20 million (about Ksh2.59B) for Ebola preparedness in Burundi and neighboring countries, targeting emergency operations, surveillance/testing, border screening, and supplies. Ebola Situation in DRC: The DRC outbreak has reached 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths as WHO tracks the fast-moving Bundibugyo strain. Border Screening Moves: Health ministries in the region are tightening travel advisories and entry screening for people arriving from Ebola-affected areas.

HIV Prevention Alarm in Burundi: Health officials report a rise in HIV infections among youth, blaming reduced funding, stigma, and weaker awareness campaigns; data show over a third of people living with HIV are aged 15–24, with infections still high among vulnerable groups like sex workers, while Bujumbura centers are stepping up outreach and testing. Ebola Response Boost for Burundi: The UK announced up to £800,000 for Burundi to strengthen its Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers Preparedness and Response Plan, focusing on surveillance, infection prevention and control, WASH, and community engagement. Ebola Funding Surge Across East Africa: The U.S. added $20 million (about Ksh2.59bn) for Ebola preparedness in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan, supporting emergency operations, surveillance and lab testing, border screening, and medical supplies as DRC cases reach 598 confirmed and 115 deaths. Border Precautions Spread Regionally: Multiple countries tightened travel advisories and entry screening for Ebola-affected areas, including enhanced monitoring for arrivals from high-risk African countries. Cancer Care Training in Burundi: Merck Foundation says it continues building oncology capacity in Burundi through scholarships and training programs for cancer care teams.

Ebola Preparedness Funding: The U.S. announced an extra Ksh2.59 billion (US$20m) for Ebola preparedness in Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Sudan, to boost emergency operations, surveillance, testing, border screening, infection prevention and medical supplies. Travel Advisories & Border Screening: Trinidad and Tobago rolled out stricter Ebola travel guidance, urging people to avoid DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, while arrivals from those areas face enhanced screening and monitoring; similar risk-based screening steps are also being strengthened across the Caribbean. Regional Coordination in East Africa: EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders, and set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response. UNICEF Ebola Response: UNICEF scaled up supplies for the DRC and neighbors, dispatching over 100 metric tons of PPE, medicines and WASH materials to support frontline care and safer communities. Health & Safety Systems: Kenya hosted a regional forum on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with officials stressing stronger regulation as new disease threats—including Ebola—push countries to improve readiness. Public Health Disruption Risk: With Ebola fears rising globally, experts warn that weakened public health capacity could increase vulnerability during major travel events like the World Cup. Migration Pressure: In South Africa, thousands of Malawians—including children—fled anti-immigrant attacks in Durban, risking health strain for displaced families. Cancer Care Capacity: Merck Foundation highlighted ongoing oncology training and cancer awareness efforts, including support for first cancer care teams in countries such as Burundi.

Ebola Preparedness: Burundi-linked risk lists keep circulating as countries tighten entry checks. A Trinidad and Tobago health advisory urged people to avoid travel to Ebola-affected DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, with enhanced screening for returnees, while also flagging other high-risk African destinations including Burundi. Regional Ebola Coordination: In East Africa, EAC health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce; mobile labs are being deployed to speed testing and case detection. Aid and Supplies: UNICEF says it has dispatched over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies to the DRC, including PPE, medicines and WASH materials, as the outbreak response scales up. Public Health Capacity: Kenya is set to receive KSh647M from Africa CDC and WHO for a joint Ebola preparedness and response plan, covering surveillance, labs, infection control, clinical care and community engagement. Health Systems Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with Burundi among participating countries.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC is pushing a more coordinated fight against the ongoing Ebola outbreak, with ministers agreeing to harmonise screening and protective measures across airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force to coordinate surveillance, testing, infection control and rapid response. Funding and Supplies: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million for Africa CDC and WHO Ebola preparedness, while UNICEF has dispatched over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies to the DRC, including PPE, medicines and WASH materials. Travel Precautions: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict travel advisory naming high-risk countries including Burundi, and regional efforts are also using risk-based traveller screening systems to catch potential cases early. Regional Health Capacity: Germany’s KfW committed Ksh150 million to support mobile labs, diagnostics and lab training across the region, as health officials stress that faster detection and safer care are key to stopping cross-border spread. Health Workforce Training: Merck Foundation highlighted continued cancer care capacity building in Burundi through scholarships and oncology training linked to World Cancer Day. Labour and Health Access: Kuwait’s new domestic worker recruitment rules ban hiring from 27 countries (including Burundi) and allow recruitment from only 10 approved sources, with some restrictions applying to female workers.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is accelerating, with Uganda reporting 16 confirmed cases and one death, while the DRC has 363 confirmed cases and 63 deaths—figures experts warn may be undercounted. Regional Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force to coordinate response efforts. Funding and Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million from Africa CDC and WHO for a six-month Ebola preparedness and response plan, while the U.S. says its regional Ebola support has topped $162 million, including screening and surveillance support via partners. Burundi in the mix: Burundi is named among countries where enhanced point-of-entry screening and border measures are being considered as the outbreak spreads across the region. Cancer Care Capacity: Merck Foundation highlights ongoing oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness work that includes Burundi, aiming to reduce late diagnosis and specialist shortages.

Ebola Response Boost: UNICEF says it has dispatched over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies—PPE, medicines, and WASH materials—to the DRC this week as the outbreak worsens, with donors urgently needed to keep the response moving. Regional Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force to coordinate outbreak work across partner states. Funding for Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million from Africa CDC and WHO for a joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan, while the EAC also welcomed Germany’s KfW commitment of Ksh150 million to support mobile labs, diagnostics, and lab training. Cross-Border Risk Watch: A U.S.-backed package worth over $162 million is expanding Ebola screening and surveillance support at points of entry, including in Burundi, as officials warn the outbreak may be far worse than official figures suggest due to delayed detection and low contact tracing. Public Health Safety in Focus: A regional forum in Nairobi also discussed strengthening health system safety, including the safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare.

Ebola Response Boost: UNICEF says it has dispatched over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies—PPE, medicines, and WASH materials—from its Copenhagen hub to the Ebola epicenter in DR Congo, warning it’s “a race against time” as the outbreak evolves. Regional Coordination: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force to coordinate response, testing, and community engagement. Funding & Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million for a joint Africa CDC–WHO Ebola preparedness plan, while the U.S. announced more than $162 million in support, including border screening and surveillance help via IOM in countries including Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda. Public Health Pressure: Aid groups warn the outbreak may be “far worse” than official figures, citing delayed detection and low contact tracing, with fears of spread to neighboring countries. Healthcare Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi is also pushing stronger nuclear and radiation safety rules for healthcare as countries face multiple health threats.

Ebola Response in East Africa: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda. Cross-Border Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million from Africa CDC and WHO to fund a six-month “One Response” plan focused on surveillance, labs, infection prevention and control, clinical care and community engagement. Regional Safety for Healthcare: A forum in Nairobi brought together regulators from countries including Burundi and Kenya to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with officials linking better safety systems to faster outbreak readiness. Public Health Risk Messaging: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict travel advisory naming Burundi among high-risk Ebola transmission countries, while urging enhanced screening and quarantine for arrivals. Drug Prevention Push: Tanzania’s drug control authority urged youth across East and Central Africa to lead community education and prevention efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking. Water Safety Warning: A new global assessment highlights unsafe drinking water risks, with many African nations among the lowest-ranked for water quality.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC is pushing to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda. Regional Funding & Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million from Africa CDC and WHO for a six-month “One Response” plan, while the U.S. announced over $162 million in support, including IOM health screening and surveillance at points of entry in Burundi and other neighboring countries. Public Health Warnings: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict travel advisory naming Burundi among high-risk Ebola transmission countries, with enhanced screening and possible quarantine for arrivals. Health Systems & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi brought together health and regulatory leaders from multiple countries, including Burundi, to strengthen safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare. Water & Wellness: A new global assessment highlights unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked.

Ebola Response in East Africa: The EAC has agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate the response as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda. Funding and Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million from Africa CDC and WHO for a six-month “One Response” plan, while the U.S. says its Ebola support has topped $162 million, including screening and surveillance support via IOM at points of entry in Burundi and other countries. Regional Risk and Gaps: Aid groups warn the outbreak may be “far worse” than official figures, citing delayed detection and low contact tracing (about 20%). Public Health Beyond Ebola: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with many African nations among the lowest-ranked for water safety. Health Systems Safety: Kenya hosted a regional forum on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, bringing together regulators from multiple countries including Burundi.

Ebola Regional Response: East African Community (EAC) health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports and land borders, and to set up a regional technical taskforce to coordinate response across partner states as cases rise in the DRC and Uganda. Funding & Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647 million from Africa CDC and WHO for a joint continental Ebola preparedness and response plan (June–November 2026), while Germany’s KfW pledged Ksh150 million to support mobile labs, diagnostics and lab training. Cross-Border Screening in Burundi’s Neighbourhood: The U.S. says its Ebola support now exceeds $162 million, including screening and surveillance operations at points of entry in Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda. Public Health Warnings: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict travel advisory listing Burundi among high-risk countries, urging enhanced screening and possible quarantine for arrivals. Health System Pressure: Aid groups warn the DRC outbreak may be “far worse” than official figures, citing delayed detection and low contact tracing.

Ebola Border Alert: St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued a strict travel advisory and says it is boosting border surveillance, screening, and quarantine/isolation for arrivals from high-risk countries including Burundi as Ebola concerns expand across the region. EAC Regional Response: East African Community health ministers agreed to harmonise Ebola surveillance and protective measures at airports, ports, and land borders, and to set up a regional technical task force to coordinate response, with mobile labs and faster testing planned across partner states including Burundi. Funding & Preparedness: Kenya is set to receive KSh647M from Africa CDC and WHO for a six-month “One Response” Ebola preparedness and response plan, while Germany’s KfW committed Ksh150M to support mobile laboratories, diagnostics, and lab training across East Africa. US Support at Points of Entry: The US-backed effort is expanding health screening and surveillance at key entry points, including in Burundi, alongside humanitarian support for vulnerable communities. Public Health Warning: Aid groups warn the outbreak may be “far worse” than official figures, citing delayed detection and low contact tracing, raising the stakes for rapid action.