AGP Executive Report

Dementia Care Trial (LatAm-FINGERS): A two-year randomized study in 11 Latin American countries found structured, hands-on coaching improved cognition 55% more than general health advice—both groups got lifestyle support, but the more closely supervised program performed better. Aging & Social Support in Bogotá: Colombia’s capital is trying to adapt to rapid population aging as homelessness among older adults rises, with officials pushing tighter links between health and social care. Caribbean Health Summit: A new one-day CariHealth 2026 summit in Miami (Sept. 17) will focus on Caribbean health system delivery, investment, and reform, aiming for more resilient, accessible, climate-ready care. Dengue Watch (Florida, with regional relevance): Florida mosquito-control agencies are ramping up surveillance and spraying as locally acquired dengue cases climb, underscoring ongoing mosquito-borne risk across the region. Public Health & Tobacco Smoke: A Lancet Public Health analysis reports 2.71 billion people worldwide still exposed to second-hand smoke in 2023, with 1.6 million deaths linked to passive smoking. Cuba Health Strain Claim: Cuba’s foreign minister again blamed the U.S. blockade for worsening health outcomes, citing impacts on infant mortality and access to hospital supplies.

Cuba Health Crisis: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called the U.S. blockade a “silent genocide,” citing rising infant mortality (from 4 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025) and reports that thousands of shipping containers with food, medicine, and hospital supplies have been seized. Prison Healthcare Access: In Haiti’s Caribbean region, Jamaica is pushing modernization of justice and corrections, while in Aruba the ABV union says Horacio Oduber Hospital’s dialysis unit is in an emergency due to a growing funding deficit and is urging ministerial intervention. Caribbean Public Health Capacity: CARPHA marked World Field Epidemiology Day, highlighting training and a One Health approach to strengthen outbreak response across member states. Infectious Disease Watch: Dengue risk is rising in Florida, with officials stepping up mosquito surveillance and spraying as locally acquired cases climb. Cancer & Chronic Care: A new global analysis warns cancer cases could surge 67% by 2050, and a study on inflammatory bowel disease finds tropical IBD patterns vary widely beyond geography alone. Food Safety & Environment: Research from Mexico’s Campeche coast reports microplastics in nearly all sampled Maya octopus specimens, raising concerns for seafood and ecosystem health.

Screwworm Response: The U.S. has released its billionth sterile fly to fight the New World screwworm, with operations in Mexico and Panama aimed at stopping the flesh-eating pest that has already spread north and threatens livestock and food supplies. Regional Health Tech: A new report argues BRICS is helping the Global South use AI for real-world services like healthcare access, tailoring tools to local infrastructure rather than one-size-fits-all models. Sickle Cell Care in the Caribbean: The Bahamas Sickle Cell Association is moving from awareness to action with a planned holistic sickle cell center, highlighting the need for better support and blood donation. Food Safety & Packaging: A study finds most food-contact chemicals have too little public safety information, raising concerns about pesticide and PFAS-related risks from packaging. Cancer Outlook: A global analysis projects cancer cases rising sharply by 2050, underscoring prevention, earlier diagnosis, and access to care. Environment Meets Health: Research finds microplastics in nearly all Maya octopus samples off Mexico’s Campeche coast, linking pollution to seafood and ecosystem risk. Kidney Crisis in Central America: Reporting spotlights mesoamerican nephropathy, a growing chronic kidney disease affecting people along Central America’s Pacific coast and also in the U.S., with causes still under study. Brain Health in Latin America: A two-year, culturally adapted lifestyle program across 11 Latin American countries improved cognitive outcomes, especially with more structured coaching. Public Health Data for Rabies: PAHO is rolling out a new tool to estimate dog and cat populations across Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen rabies and zoonotic disease prevention. Sick Leave for Prevention: A Bahamian nursing initiative is equipping future nurses with laptops to strengthen training and patient care. Sickle Cell Blood Demand (UK): The NHS is urging blood donors as demand for sickle cell treatment outpaces supply, with a focus on donors of black heritage. Microplastics & Seafood: The Campeche findings add urgency to marine pollution monitoring tied to human exposure.

Blood & Sickle Cell Care: The UK’s NHS Blood and Transplant says it can meet only about half the blood demand for sickle cell treatment and is urgently calling for more donors, especially people of black heritage, as it marks 20 years of newborn screening. Brain Health in Latin America: A large Alzheimer’s Association-funded study across 11 Latin American countries found culturally adapted lifestyle programs improved memory and thinking over two years, with the biggest gains among participants getting more structured coaching. Dengue Vaccine Update (Brazil): Brazil’s real-world evaluation of TAK-003 (Qdenga) reports protection doesn’t fade after one year, with strong results against symptomatic dengue and hospitalizations in São Paulo adolescents. Water & Health Crisis (Cuba): The U.S. embassy in Havana issued a health alert over a rise in diarrheal illness tied to worsening water and electricity infrastructure, complicating sanitation and food safety. Sexual Violence Burden: A global study estimates 1 in 5 women and about 1 in 6 men experienced sexual violence before age 18, underscoring long-term mental health and wellbeing risks. Central America Kidney Crisis: Reporting highlights mesoamerican nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease affecting workers along the Pacific coast, with suspected links to heat stress, agrochemicals, and dehydration.

Dengue Vaccine Update (Brazil): A large São Paulo study finds the TAK-003 (Qdenga) dengue vaccine’s protection holds after one year, with strong prevention of symptomatic cases and even better protection against hospitalizations—an important signal as dengue spreads. Water & Health Crisis (Cuba): The U.S. embassy warns of a rise in diarrheal illness tied to Cuba’s worsening water and electricity problems, with refrigeration and food safety hit by the ongoing fuel squeeze. Kidney Disease (Central America): Reporting highlights mesoamerican nephropathy, a growing chronic kidney disease affecting people along the Pacific coast, with suspected links to heat stress, agrochemicals, and dehydration. Foodborne Outbreak (Mexico): Mexico’s health authorities report salmonella gastroenteritis sickened 135 doctors at a major hospital, prompting a shutdown of a contracted cafeteria service. Rabies Prevention Tool (PAHO/LAC): PAHO rolls out a new method to estimate dog and cat populations across Latin America and the Caribbean to better target rabies and other zoonotic disease prevention. Nursing Workforce (Caribbean): AdventHealth and Andrews Memorial Hospital expand support for Northern Caribbean University nursing students with laptop handovers aimed at improving future patient care. Animal Health (U.S.-Mexico border): A Reuters report flags gaps in U.S. screening as illegal livestock smuggling continues, raising concerns about New World screwworm spread. Clinical Safety (Caribbean): A new FDA authorization clears certain treatments for screwworm prevention in pets, addressing a previously unmet need.

Dengue Vaccine Update (Brazil): A large São Paulo study of the TAK-003 Qdenga vaccine reports protection doesn’t fade after one year—about three-quarters of symptomatic cases avoided after a single dose, and nearly nine in ten hospitalizations prevented after the two-dose schedule. Public Health & Water Safety (Cuba): A U.S. embassy health alert warns of a rise in diarrheal illness tied to worsening water and electricity infrastructure, with sanctions limiting fuel needed for power and refrigeration. Zoonotic Risk Planning (Latin America/Caribbean): PAHO’s new tool will help countries estimate dog and cat populations to better target rabies and other zoonotic disease prevention. Primary Care Inequality Research: Researchers use machine learning to map what’s known—and not known—about reducing health gaps in primary care. Foodborne Illness (Mexico): Mexico’s health ministry confirms a salmonella outbreak at a major hospital cafeteria that sickened 135 resident doctors, with an investigation into contamination sources underway. Regional Health Security (OECS): St. Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s regional early warning surveillance system to speed detection and response. Local Care Access (Barbados): Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital expansion plans highlight lab, bed, and burn-unit needs to reduce overseas referrals. Health & Justice (El Salvador): Reporting on El Salvador’s Bukele prison model links mass detention under the Exception Regime to extreme incarceration and broader social fallout.

Dengue Vaccine Update (Brazil): A large São Paulo study of the TAK-003/Qdenga dengue vaccine reports protection doesn’t fade after one year—about three-quarters of symptomatic cases were prevented after a single dose, and the two-dose schedule blocked nearly nine in ten hospitalizations. Public Health & Water/Energy (Cuba): The U.S. embassy issued a health alert for Cuba, citing a rise in diarrheal illness tied to worsening water and electricity infrastructure, complicating sanitation and food storage. Foodborne Illness (Mexico): Mexico’s health authorities confirmed a salmonella outbreak at a Mexico City hospital cafeteria that sickened 135 resident doctors; most cases were stable, but some required intensive care. Animal Health & Biosecurity (U.S.-Mexico border): Reuters reports illegal horse smuggling bypassed U.S. veterinary checks, raising concerns about New World screwworm spread. Health Security (Caribbean): St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member state to adopt CARPHA’s regional early warning surveillance system, aiming to speed detection and response using human, animal, and lab data. Local Care Access (Latin America): PAHO launched a tool to estimate dog and cat populations across Latin America and the Caribbean to better target rabies and other zoonotic disease prevention.

Dengue Vaccine Update (Brazil): A large real-world study in São Paulo finds the TAK-003 (Qdenga) dengue vaccine keeps protecting adolescents after one year, with strong prevention of symptomatic disease and even better protection against hospitalizations. Public Health Surveillance (PAHO): PAHO/PANAFTOSA rolled out a new regional tool to estimate dog and cat populations across Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to improve planning for rabies and other zoonotic disease prevention. Regional Health Security (OECS): St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member state to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System, linking human, animal, lab, and environmental data for faster outbreak detection. Hospital Outbreak (Mexico): Mexico’s Health Ministry confirmed a salmonella outbreak at a major Mexico City hospital that sickened 135 resident doctors and specialists, with investigations focused on hospital cafeteria food. Care Capacity (Barbados): Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital expansion plans highlight urgent needs like more beds, lab capacity, cancer resources, and a dedicated burn unit. Health Tech & Equity: Research using machine learning “living evidence maps” spotlights gaps in primary care inequality research and how to keep evidence usable as it grows.

Regional Health Security: St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), linking human, animal, environmental and lab data to spot outbreaks faster—timed ahead of major 2026 events. Mosquito-Borne Alerts: Spain’s Malaga province reported its first 2026 West Nile virus case, with a 69-year-old in ICU after encephalopathy; meanwhile Hawaiʻi’s DOH detected dengue virus in Hilo wastewater but says there are no active local cases and all prior 2026 infections were travel-related. Health in the Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew updated citizens after a medical scare in South Florida, saying doctors are still investigating but “nothing concerning” has been found so far. Health Tourism Policy: The Dominican Republic advanced landmark legislation to make health tourism a national priority, aiming to boost quality, accreditation and patient safety. Youth Mental Health & Nutrition: CARICOM named Janet Simon as Dean of the Youth Ambassador Corps, prioritizing mental health, nutrition, NCD prevention and jobs. Care Access & Equity: Rotary District 5810 and Nassau clubs donated specialized equipment to Nassau’s public hospitals, strengthening capacity for newborn, wound care and surgical needs.

Dengue Watch (Hawaiʻi): Hawaiʻi County wastewater tested positive for dengue virus after an Aug. 24 sample; officials say there are no active local cases and all reported infections in 2026 so far are travel-related. COVID-19 Update (Trinidad & Tobago): The health ministry reports COVID-19 remains at low levels, with only four positives found in 731 samples, while influenza is driving seasonal respiratory symptoms. Health Tourism Policy (Dominican Republic): Senate-approved legislation aims to make health tourism a national priority, tightening quality, accreditation, patient safety, and public-private coordination. Public Hospital Support (Nassau): Rotary District 5810 and clubs in Nassau donated incubators, wound-care supplies, surgical items, and airway equipment to the Public Hospitals Authority. Youth Mental Health & Jobs (CARICOM): Janet Simon named Dean of the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Corps, prioritizing youth mental health, nutrition, NCD prevention, and employment pathways. Climate & Food Security: A new photosynthesis-monitoring satellite launch is set to improve early detection of plant stress, while “super El Niño” conditions are intensifying risks across the Americas. Digital Health for Cancer Prevention: A commentary argues digital tools should be matched to the right prevention tasks, with some interventions better suited to hybrid or online delivery.

Connected Health Tech Watch: New market reports point to fast growth in wearable monitoring and home-care tools, from weight and body-temperature devices (projected 7.3% CAGR) to wearable temperature patches (18.9% CAGR) and medication adherence trackers (13.5% CAGR), alongside broader expansion in wearable medical devices overall. Digital Hospital Push: A separate outlook says “smart hospital” systems are set to surge, driven by AI, connected devices, and interoperability rules, with the market forecast to reach $404.35B by 2035. Dengue Early Warning in the Pacific: Hawaiʻi health officials reported dengue virus detected in wastewater from Hilo; there are no active local cases tracked, but the finding is being treated as an early alert while a follow-up sample is pending. Pediatric Cardiac Care Funding: In Jamaica, Supreme Ventures Foundation donated $2.1M to Chain of Hope Jamaica to help cover costs for children needing heart surgery. Women’s and Aging Health Markets: Reports also highlight rising demand for women’s health devices and AgeTech “silver economy” solutions, reflecting growing focus on preventive care and older adults.

Child Health Double Burden: A new global analysis warns childhood obesity is rising fast in low- and middle-income countries, even as undernutrition remains high—fueling a “double burden” that’s worsening health risks for kids. Measles Alarm: WHO estimates nearly 11 million measles cases in 2026, with outbreaks spreading in the Americas and Europe as vaccination rates fall; experts stress prevention through safe, effective vaccines. Haiti Violence: The UN reports a deadly Aug. 24 massacre in Kenscoff, Port-au-Prince, with 47 killed (including 22 executed in a church), as gang conflict escalates and humanitarian needs surge. Latin America Pharma Manufacturing: Caplin Point’s Colombia unit (INVIMA) confirmed GMP compliance for an oncology manufacturing plant, strengthening oncology drug export pathways across South America. Cancer Trial Update: Akeso’s ivonescimab showed a statistically significant overall survival benefit versus pembrolizumab in a Phase III HARMONi-2 analysis for PD-L1-positive advanced NSCLC. Public Health & Food Safety: Kenya’s pesticide use hit a record high in 2024, with many products classified as highly hazardous—raising health and environmental concerns for farmers and communities. Aging Care in the Caribbean: Guyana received 32 bids for a $1.5B elderly assisted living facility in Enmore, aiming to expand care and access to health services.

Regional Health Security: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member state to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System (RIEWSS), a World Bank–financed digital platform that links human, animal, environmental and lab data to speed outbreak detection—timed ahead of Carnival and major events. Mental Health Genetics: A Rutgers-led study identified 36 risk genes tied to obsessive-compulsive disorder and chronic tic disorders, expanding targets for future treatments. Cancer Imaging Access: Telix says it has completed enrollment in its Phase 3 BiPASS study for prostate cancer imaging before biopsy and aligned with the FDA on an NDA pathway that could broaden access to 68Ga-PSMA PET. ITP Treatment in Colombia: Knight Therapeutics received INVIMA approval for TAVALISSE (fostamatinib) for adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia after inadequate response to prior therapies. Local Care Updates: Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew is stable after hospitalization and is preparing for overseas specialized observation. Health & Wellness Community: Antigua and Barbuda opened registration for the free Wadadli Healing Symposium focused on trauma healing and youth/family wellbeing.

Regulatory Update (Colombia): Knight Therapeutics won INVIMA approval for TAVALISSE (fostamatinib) to treat adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia patients who didn’t respond to, lost response to, or couldn’t tolerate prior steroids or IV immunoglobulin. Cancer Diagnostics (U.S.-aligned): Telix says it completed enrollment in its Phase 3 BiPASS study for prostate cancer imaging before biopsy, and aligned with the FDA on an NDA pathway that could expand reimbursement and access to 68Ga-PSMA PET. Mental Health & Genetics: A Rutgers-led international study identified 36 risk genes linked to OCD and chronic tic disorders, pointing to new shared biological pathways. Public Health Security (Caribbean): St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member state to adopt CARPHA’s Regional Integrated Early Warning Surveillance and Response System under a World Bank-backed project. Local Health Leadership (St. Kitts & Nevis): Prime Minister Terrance Drew was hospitalized, then cleared as stable and set for overseas specialized observation; Geoffrey Hanley will act as PM. Health & Culture: A feature explores hair loss in Black and Caribbean women, stressing scalp health and timely care.

Global Health Policy: WHO is rolling out expanded, child-focused sickle cell guidance and pushing access to quality-assured treatments for children and adolescents, aiming to cut preventable deaths and complications. Clinical Innovation: Ocugen dosed the first patient in its global Phase 3 gene therapy trial for geographic atrophy from dry age-related macular degeneration, with FDA RMAT support and a planned BLA filing in 2028. Regional Health Systems: St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew is stable after hospitalization and is being flown abroad for specialized observation, while government operations continue. Public Health Security: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member to adopt CARPHA’s regional early warning surveillance and response system, strengthening detection and reporting ahead of major regional events. Women’s Health in Disasters: In Venezuela’s earthquake-affected La Guaira, a mobile women’s health project is targeting maternal mortality prevention, contraception access, STI care, menstrual health, and gender-based violence support. Health Research & Risk: A Rutgers-led study links 36 genes to OCD and chronic tic disorders, offering new leads for future treatments. Health Equity & Justice: A UN committee calls for comprehensive reparatory justice for people of African descent, citing the lasting harms of slavery and colonialism. Health Tech & Access: Costa Rica’s medtech boom is increasingly driven by medical device manufacturing, with the sector now a top export.

Hospital Update in the Caribbean: St. Kitts and Nevis Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley says Prime Minister Terrance Drew is awake, alert, and stable after hospitalization, with plans to fly him abroad for specialized observation. Regional Digital Health Security: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines becomes the first OECS member state to adopt CARPHA’s regional integrated early warning system (RIEWSS), aiming to speed detection and response to public health threats. Medtech & AI in Latin America: Costa Rica’s medtech boom gets a boost as Lantern Med Digital highlights medical devices as the country’s top export, while Argentina’s Certuma launches in-region after a US$10M seed round to bring clinical AI support to doctors. Access to Regenerative Care: PlacidWay partners with Stem Cells Kyron Colombia to route international patients toward regenerative medicine in Cali. Healthcare Workforce Safety: A Boston EMS union reports 1,000 assaults on EMTs in the past year, calling for stronger prosecution. Public Health Tech for the Region: OECS and CARPHA also expand surveillance capacity with vessel monitoring pilots and entomological data collection. Digital Messaging & Health Promotion: NYC Mayor Mamdani’s office uses influencer networks to push public messaging that includes healthcare and voting.