AGP Executive Report

Immunisation Funding Watch: Gavi reports record childhood immunisation gains in 2025—73 million children protected and DTP1 coverage back to 2019 levels at 88%—but warns progress is at risk from funding gaps for its next five-year plan. Rwanda Health Data Leadership: Rwanda opened a two-week South-to-South learning exchange in Kigali, sharing how its National Health Intelligence Centre helps countries own and use health data for policy instead of relying on externally managed systems. Malaria Drug Breakthrough: A new non-artemisinin candidate, MMV367/GSK3772701, showed rapid parasite-killing and good tolerability in early human testing, offering hope as drug resistance threatens current treatments. Ebola Response Under Strain: Reports highlight the DRC outbreak becoming the fastest-growing ever, with rising case numbers and mounting challenges for containment, including attacks on Ebola treatment services and healthcare workers. Eye Care Access in Low-Resource Settings: A Rwanda-linked feature says digital tools and outreach are improving access, but closing the gap between diagnosis and repeat treatment remains a major hurdle. Public Health & Travel Policy: Angola and Spain both published updated visa-free entry lists for select African countries, including Rwanda—relevant for cross-border health travel and medical missions.

Ebola in DRC: A new Ebola case has been reported in an American humanitarian worker in Ituri, with CDC saying there’s no further transmission and care is being coordinated with DRC and U.S. health officials. Ebola containment under pressure: In eastern Congo, the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is becoming harder to contain as responders face infrastructure gaps, misinformation, and even attacks on treatment centers and healthcare workers; Reuters also reports AFC/M23 rebels running a largely separate response in areas they control, which could complicate containment if the outbreak spreads. Rwanda health data leadership: Rwanda opened a two-week South-to-South learning exchange in Kigali on national health intelligence systems, sharing how the country uses its National Health Intelligence Centre to guide policy and reduce dependence on externally managed data. Maternal and child health markets: A market report projects the global pediatric vaccines market rising from $45.75B (2026) to $78.30B by 2035, driven by expanded immunization budgets and wider use of multivalent/combination vaccines. Digital payments in hospitals: A report highlights how repeated small eCitizen convenience fees can hit patients multiple times during public hospital visits, raising concerns about fairness for the poor and chronically ill. Health access tech: Another piece looks at medical drones across Africa for faster delivery of blood, vaccines, antivenom, and medicines to remote clinics.

Ebola Alert (DRC): The U.S. CDC says an American humanitarian worker has tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with officials coordinating care and working to prevent further spread. Regional Health Security: A separate report says the DRC’s fastest-growing Ebola outbreak is becoming harder to contain, with cases rising and responders facing delays and new challenges. Parallel Response (AFC/M23): Reuters reports Congo’s AFC/M23 rebels used a small Ebola outbreak in areas they control to run a largely separate response, raising concerns that fragmented control could complicate containment. Rwanda Health Data Leadership: Rwanda opened a two-week South-to-South learning exchange in Kigali, sharing its National Health Intelligence Centre experience with seven African countries to strengthen local ownership of health data. Healthcare Access Costs: A story on eCitizen “convenience fees” in public hospitals highlights how repeated small charges can hit the poor hardest, adding pressure to already strained care budgets. UK Travel (Health Impact): New UK visa rules affect travelers from 33 African countries, including Rwanda, with knock-on effects for patients seeking medical treatment abroad. Engineering Innovation: The Royal Academy of Engineering launched its 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, with a call-out for Rwanda-based engineers and innovators.

National Health Data: Rwanda opened a two-week South-to-South learning exchange in Kigali on national health intelligence systems, with seven countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Zambia) studying how Rwanda’s NHIC helps leaders use locally owned health data for policy decisions. Ebola Response Pressure: The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo is described as the fastest-growing ever, with nearly 2,000 cases and hundreds of deaths, while unpaid strikes at an Ebola treatment center and suspected spread to new provinces threaten containment. Regional Health Governance in Conflict Zones: Reuters reports DR Congo’s AFC/M23 rebels used a small Ebola outbreak in areas they control to run a largely separate response, raising concerns that fragmented systems could complicate wider containment. Health Tech & Access: A piece highlights how medical drones across Africa are delivering blood, vaccines, antivenom and medicines to remote clinics where roads and terrain slow emergency care. Infrastructure for Health & Water: Rwanda’s Prime Minister inspected the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam, now at 61.5% completion, urging faster work so it can expand clean water supply and irrigation. UK Travel Rules for Patients: UK visa tightening now affects citizens from 33 African countries including Rwanda, potentially impacting students and patients seeking medical treatment abroad.

Ebola Response in Rebel-Held DR Congo: Reuters reports Congo’s AFC/M23 rebels used a small Ebola outbreak in areas they control to run a largely separate response, raising concerns that fragmented efforts could slow containment if cases spread further. Rwanda-China Youth Cooperation: Rwanda and China held a youth dialogue in Kigali, stressing that the next phase of bilateral cooperation will depend on young people driving innovation, governance and economic transformation. Rwanda Water Infrastructure Push: Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva inspected the Muvumba Multipurpose Dam in Nyagatare, urging faster completion (now 61.5% with delays blamed on heavy rains) and stronger local skills transfer. Engineering Innovation for Rwanda: The Royal Academy of Engineering launched the 2027 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, with a special call for Rwanda’s engineers and innovators, offering £85,000 total prize support plus mentoring. Public Health Angle on Sanitation: Commentary from Ghana argues sanitation can’t rely on monthly clean-ups alone, linking poor waste handling to outbreaks like cholera and typhoid and calling for consistent daily action.

Ebola Alert (DRC-Uganda): The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is now the “fastest-growing ever,” with DR Congo reporting 1,759 confirmed cases and 600 deaths, and Uganda reporting 20 cases and two deaths—while officials warn delayed containment could drive major health and economic fallout across the Great Lakes. Rwanda Preparedness: Rwanda and Burundi report no confirmed cases, but both have heightened surveillance and readiness given links to eastern DRC, especially via the Goma–Rubavu border. Local Health & Safety (Rwanda): In Bugesera, a quarry collapse killed 10 workers; bodies were retrieved and transferred to Kacyiru Hospital, and authorities banned work at the site pending investigations. Health Costs & Inflation (Rwanda): Rwanda’s inflation hit 13.6% in June, driven by steep health price increases (71.2%) alongside transport and housing costs—raising pressure on household healthcare spending. Maternal Care & Access (Africa): A focus on medical drones highlights faster delivery of blood, vaccines, antivenom and lab samples to remote facilities, aiming to cut delays that worsen outcomes like postpartum hemorrhage. Community Wellness (Africa): Youth mental health is flagged as a development priority, linking stress and depression to weaker education and productivity.

Ebola Surge in DRC: WHO and Africa CDC warn the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is the fastest-growing ever, with 1,759 confirmed cases and 600 deaths since mid-May, and estimates that infections are doubling every 28 days—prompting calls for urgent surge funding and faster containment. Rwanda Malaria Warning: New research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases flags rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, saying partial resistance is now established across most of Uganda and Rwanda, raising the risk that current first-line treatments could weaken over time. Rwanda Health Costs Fuel Inflation: Rwanda’s inflation hit 13.6% in June, driven largely by steep health price increases (71.2%) alongside transport and housing costs, adding pressure to household healthcare spending. Maternal Care & Drones: A feature highlights how medical drones across Africa can speed delivery of blood, vaccines, antivenom, medicines, and lab samples—especially for rural facilities where road delays can cost lives. Local Health Safety: Rwanda’s Bugesera quarry collapse killed 10 workers; bodies were retrieved and transferred to Kacyiru Hospital, with authorities banning work at the site as investigations continue.

Ebola Alert (DRC): The DR Congo Ebola outbreak is being called the “fastest-growing ever,” with WHO reporting 600 deaths and 1,759 confirmed cases since mid-May, while Africa CDC warns the virus is moving faster than response and estimates infections doubling every 28 days. Regional Health Preparedness (Rwanda): Africa CDC and partners say Rwanda and Burundi have not reported cases but are boosting surveillance and readiness due to links with eastern DRC, including the Goma–Rubavu border crossing. Diagnostics Focus: A bioMérieux discussion highlights why rapid, strain-aware Ebola diagnostics matter—early symptoms can look like malaria or dengue, and treatments/diagnostics may not work equally across Ebola species. Health System Costs (Rwanda): Rwanda’s inflation hit 13.6% in June, with health costs rising sharply (71.2% year-on-year), adding pressure to household spending on care. Maternal & Supply Delivery (Africa): Medical drones are being positioned as a way to speed delivery of blood, vaccines, antivenom, medicines and lab samples to remote facilities. Non-communicable Risk (Regional): Coverage on hypertension and diabetes notes the shift toward younger patients and the need for stronger prevention and treatment access. Workplace Safety (Rwanda): Ten workers died after a quarry collapse in Bugesera; authorities banned work at the site as investigations continue.

Ebola Surge in the Great Lakes: DR Congo’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is now the “fastest growing” on record, with WHO reporting 600 deaths and 1,759 confirmed cases since mid-May; Africa CDC says the virus is moving faster than response capacity and calls for urgent funding, safe burial capacity, and protection for healthcare workers. Rwanda Health Cost Pressure: Rwanda’s inflation hit 13.6% in June, driven by steep health price increases (71.2%) alongside transport and housing costs—raising the risk of households delaying care. Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: New research flags expanding artemisinin resistance across East Africa, with markers “firmly established” in parts of Rwanda and Uganda—warning that current first-line treatments may weaken if spread continues. Road Safety for Riders: Ghana will host the Safe African Helmet Initiative summit in August as motorcycle riders account for about a third of road deaths; the push centers on stronger helmet use and enforcement. Maternal Care via Drones: Across Africa, medical drones are increasingly used to move blood, vaccines, antivenom, and lab samples to remote facilities faster—aiming to cut fatal delays. Quarry Accident in Bugesera: Ten people died after a quarry collapse in eastern Rwanda; bodies were recovered and transferred to Kacyiru Hospital as investigations continue.

Ebola Surge in DRC: Africa CDC and WHO report the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is the “fastest growing” ever, with deaths now topping 600 and confirmed cases rising to 1,759; officials warn the virus is moving faster than response capacity and call for urgent funding, safe burials, and protection for healthcare workers. Rwanda Health Watch: Rwanda is not reporting Ebola cases, but regional links and the Goma–Rubavu border have pushed authorities to heighten surveillance and preparedness. Diagnostics Focus: A bioMérieux discussion highlights why rapid Ebola testing matters—different Ebola strains can affect how well vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics perform, especially when early symptoms look like malaria or dengue. Health Costs Fuel Inflation: Rwanda’s inflation hit 13.6% in June, driven by steep health, transport, and housing price increases—an affordability pressure that can affect access to care. Malaria Resistance Warning: New research flags rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, with markers now firmly established in parts of Uganda and Rwanda, raising concerns about future effectiveness of first-line anti-malarials. Community Safety: Police say 10 people died after a quarry collapse in Bugesera, with work banned at the site as investigations continue.

Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: New Lancet Infectious Diseases research maps rising artemisinin resistance across East Africa, warning that Rwanda and Uganda are among areas where partial resistance is now firmly established—raising fears that first-line ACT treatments could lose effectiveness over time. Ebola Emergency Escalates in DRC: Africa CDC and WHO report the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the “fastest growing ever,” with deaths surpassing 600 and confirmed cases reaching about 1,759; officials say the virus is moving faster than response capacity and call for urgent funding and safer burial capacity. Community Resistance and Attacks: As the outbreak spreads, reports describe protesters burning treatment centers and attacking healthcare workers to retrieve bodies—fuelled by misinformation and fear around quarantine and burial practices. Health System Pressure Points: Africa CDC highlights gaps including healthcare worker infections and deaths, alongside financing shortfalls, as response teams struggle to surge control efforts. Rwanda-Linked Health Tech Move: Noteya and Sakamoja announce AI-enabled digital transformation projects in healthcare across East Africa, with early focus on Tanzania and Zanzibar and plans to expand into Rwanda.

Ebola Response in Focus: Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda is the fastest growing ever, with deaths now surpassing 600 and 1,779 confirmed cases; experts warn financing gaps, unsafe burial capacity, and healthcare worker infections (112 infected, 35 dead in DR Congo) are still undermining control. Community Resistance and Safety: Reports describe treatment centers being burned and clashes erupting as misinformation spreads and families try to retrieve quarantined bodies, highlighting the need for safer, trusted burial and protection for health workers. Clinical Trial Momentum: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya welcomed the start of clinical trials for Bundibugyo therapeutics, stressing the urgency of finding treatments that can improve survival where no licensed vaccine or targeted care exists. Rwanda Policy Lens: In Parliament, Rwanda’s health leadership reiterated resilience planning amid internal and external shocks, as the region grapples with outbreaks and fragile health systems.

Ebola Update (DRC): The latest Ebola tally in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is nearing 600 deaths and 1,750+ confirmed infections, with 51 new cases and 20 new deaths reported in the last day; health authorities also flagged two infections detected in Kisangani (Tshopo), while contact tracing sits at about 80% and around 750 patients have recovered. Clinical Trial Push (Ebola): Africa CDC says a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain has officially started, aiming to test antiviral therapies where no licensed vaccine or targeted treatment exists yet. Health System Strain (Ebola Response): WHO warns treatment centres are at saturation point and highlights gaps like insufficient ambulances as the outbreak unfolds amid conflict and displacement. Rwanda Health Link (Regional Care): Rwanda’s Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme recently concluded a nationwide free medical outreach campaign, with over 30,000 people treated across the country. Malaria in Pregnancy (Africa): A report highlights how malaria remains deadly for pregnant women, with one case describing repeated malaria diagnoses despite prophylaxis—underscoring ongoing prevention and care needs.

Ebola Response in Focus: WHO and Africa CDC are racing to contain a fast-moving Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda, with the Bundibugyo strain driving cases and deaths; WHO warns treatment centres are at saturation point and a $518m response plan is underway while a clinical trial begins to test antiviral options. Clinical Trial Update: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says the Bundibugyo therapeutics trial is a key step because there are no licensed vaccines or targeted countermeasures for this strain yet. Rwanda-India Health Link via Defence Medical Cooperation: India and Rwanda’s 2nd Joint Defence Cooperation Committee in New Delhi agreed to expand military training, joint exercises, medical cooperation, and defence industry collaboration, with an implementation plan and timelines set. Liberation Day Medical Outreach: Rwanda’s Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme wrapped up on July 4 at Munini Hospital in Nyaruguru, delivering free treatment to 30,000+ people nationwide. Governance & Health Systems Pressure: Zimbabwe’s Medical Services Amendment Act, 2026 aims to strengthen patient rights and clarify provider obligations, but coverage highlights the risk of “rights on paper” without financing and hospital capacity.

Ebola Response in Focus: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says the start of a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain is a “step” toward better treatments, as DRC and Uganda grapple with a fast-moving outbreak and no licensed vaccine for this strain. Outbreak Pressure: WHO reports the DRC outbreak has reached 1,561 confirmed cases with 506 deaths and treatment centres “at saturation point,” while contacts are being monitored amid conflict and overstretched services. Malaria in Pregnancy: A new report highlights how malaria remains deadly for pregnant women, with evidence that prophylaxis doesn’t always prevent repeated infections—raising the stakes for maternal care and prevention. Travel Health Basics: A practical guide breaks down what travel vaccinations cover (and what they don’t), urging people to plan visits 4–6 weeks before departure. Rwanda Health Service Delivery: Rwanda’s Defence and Security Citizen Outreach Programme ended July 4 with free treatment for 30,000+ people, including 8,000+ at Munini Hospital in Nyaruguru.

Ebola Response in Focus: Africa CDC chief Jean Kaseya says the official start of a clinical trial for the Bundibugyo Ebola strain is a key step, as there are still no licensed vaccines or targeted countermeasures for this variant; the trial will test two antiviral therapies and combinations to improve survival, with close follow-up for enrolled patients. Outbreak Pressure in DRC: WHO and partners warn the Ebola situation in the DRC and Uganda is moving fast, with treatment centres stretched and the response relying on coordinated plans, sustained financing, and community engagement. Travel Health Reminder: A practical guide breaks down what travel vaccinations cover—and what they don’t—urging travelers to plan 4–6 weeks ahead since some shots need multiple doses and time to work. Rwanda-India Health Link (via Defence): India and Rwanda agreed to expand cooperation that includes medical collaboration alongside military training and exercises, with an implementation plan set out after the July 6–7 Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting. Health System Progress in Rwanda: A look at what Rwanda’s health system has become after three decades highlights the country’s long-term rebuilding and service delivery evolution.