AGP Executive Report

Hospital Capacity: Venezuela says 1,874 medical devices, including CT scanners and intensive-care equipment, are arriving for public hospitals. Caribbean Care: Trinidad and Tobago’s North Central Regional Health Authority reports 8,400 major surgeries and 15,000 other procedures. Disaster Response: Panama’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake injured 26 people; no deaths or serious injuries were reported as inspections continued. Climate and Children: UNICEF warns the coming El Niño could expose children in nearly 100 countries to disease, malnutrition, water shortages and disrupted services. Food Safety: CARPHA trained more than 200 vendors ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, focusing on hygiene and preventing foodborne illness. Ageing Population: Latin America has 98.1 million people aged 60 and over; that number could reach 182.7 million by 2050, challenging health systems to expand long-term care. Health Funding: Barbados plans a $1.2 billion debt swap to unlock more than $320 million for social programmes, including healthcare and efforts to address childhood obesity.

Panama Earthquake: A 7.7-magnitude quake injured at least two people and damaged roads and buildings; patients and staff evacuated a children’s hospital aftershocks rattled the capital. Aging Care: Latin America has 98.1 million people aged 60 and over, or 14.7% of the population, and that figure could reach 182.7 million by 2050, ECLAC estimates, putting pressure on health systems to expand long-term care. Caribbean Health Funding: Barbados plans a $1.2 billion debt swap to free up more than $320 million for health and social programs, including efforts to address childhood obesity; 42% of children are overweight or obese. Jamaica’s Health Workforce: Jamaica has rehired 157 Cuban health professionals under direct contracts, without Havana’s mediation. Diabetes: The International Diabetes Federation has recognized type 5 diabetes, a form linked to nutrient deficiency that may affect up to 25 million people, especially in lower-income countries. Climate and Child Health: UNICEF warns that a strong El Niño could worsen malnutrition, water shortages and disease outbreaks among children worldwide.

Climate and Child Health: UNICEF warns that the coming El Niño could threaten the health, safety and development of more than 347 million children worldwide, with Latin America among regions facing climate-related risks. Digital Health Privacy: A regional report documents more than 100 digital threats; in Argentina, over 665,000 medical records were put up for sale. Hospital Capacity: The Bahamas says design work is underway for a planned US$260 million, 200-bed hospital focused on women’s and children’s care, though foundation plans still need approval. Health Workforce: Jamaica has recruited 157 Cuban health professionals on individual contracts, bringing the total in its public health service to 200 as the country addresses staffing shortages. Measles Risk: PAHO rates the risk of measles spread in the Americas as very high ahead of large religious gatherings. Mental Health Care: An Antiguan psychiatrist is urging the country to replace long-term institutional care with community services, housing and family support.

Prevention: Guyana marked Caribbean Wellness Day with a walk promoting exercise and healthy eating to help prevent heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other chronic conditions. Health Workforce: Jamaica has brought back 157 Cuban health professionals on individual contracts, bringing the Cuban workforce in its public system to 200 amid chronic staffing shortages. Climate and Health: El Niño warnings put children and communities across the region in focus; UNICEF says more than 347 million children worldwide face threats linked to the climate pattern. Cancer: Early-onset colorectal cancer rates are rising in parts of Latin America, including Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Costa Rica, adding urgency to research into causes and prevention. Childhood Cancer Care: PAHO and St. Jude are expanding cooperation to improve childhood cancer care in the Americas. Dengue: Florida reported 252 locally acquired cases through Sept. 26, a sharp rise from last year that underscores the mosquito-borne virus’s growing reach beyond its traditional hotspots.

Dengue Watch: Florida reported 252 locally acquired dengue cases through Sept. 26, a sharp rise from 62 for all of 2025. Most are in Hillsborough County; 201 travel-linked cases were associated with Cuba. Jamaica’s Health Workforce: The country has rehired 157 Cuban health professionals on direct contracts, bringing the total serving in its public system to 200. Cancer Screening: Jamaica’s Cancer Society needs more than $35 million to replace its only mammography machine, which has been out of service since August. Childhood Cancer Care: PAHO and St. Jude are strengthening regional cooperation, including work to improve access to cancer medicines in Ecuador and El Salvador. Maternal Health and Heat: A survey of health professionals, including in Brazil, found many had seen more heat-related complications for pregnant women and harm to babies in recent years. Early-Onset Cancer: Researchers report rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer in parts of Latin America, including Chile, Argentina and Ecuador.

Dengue Watch: Florida reported more than 480 dengue cases by Oct. 7, with three counties declaring emergencies; local transmission has surged, raising concerns for a region closely linked to the Caribbean and Latin America. Jamaica’s Cancer Care: The Jamaica Cancer Society’s only mammogram machine has been out of service since Aug. 29, and the society needs more than $35 million to replace it. Trinidad and Tobago Innovation: PanJam+, a virtual-reality steelpan platform designed with older adults in mind, is exploring how playing music could support brain health and reveal changes over time. Caribbean Health Systems: Saint Lucia’s delegation raised regional priorities at CARICOM and PAHO meetings, including pandemic readiness, climate and health, cancer control, digital health and chronic disease prevention. Mental Health Access: Aruba’s Respaldo says demand is growing amid staff and space shortages; it serves about 2,132 active clients and says aftercare remains a major gap. Maternal Health: A survey including Brazil found that 73% of maternal-care professionals had seen more heat-related complications in recent years, while more than three-quarters reported increased harm to fetuses or newborns.

Maternal Health: A global survey including Brazil found 73% of maternal health professionals had seen more heat-related complications in pregnant women over five years; more than three-quarters reported increased harm to fetuses or newborns. Regional Health Policy: Saint Lucia joined CARICOM and PAHO meetings on pandemic preparedness, climate and health, noncommunicable diseases, cancer care and workforce needs. Mental Health: Aruba’s Respaldo says demand is rising amid staff and space shortages, with gaps in aftercare; it serves about 2,132 active clients. Cancer Care: Barbados’ Bayview Hospital has launched a virtual navigation program pairing patients with an oncology nurse from diagnosis through survivorship. Medical Access: Brazil’s ANVISA authorized three embolization devices for peripheral vascular care, opening a new market for the U.S. manufacturer.

Dengue Watch: Florida reported 252 locally acquired cases by late September, far above the same point in 2024 and 2025. The outbreak highlights a growing regional concern, as dengue is more prevalent in the Caribbean and South America. El Niño Risks: UNICEF says 41 million children in Latin America and the Caribbean face threats including drought, flooding, malnutrition and disease. In Brazil’s Amazon, solar-powered pumps are helping Indigenous communities secure clean water ahead of possible drought. Cancer Care: Barbados’ Bayview Hospital has launched a virtual navigation service pairing cancer patients with an oncology nurse from diagnosis through survivorship; a bank donation will subsidize care for the first 10 patients. Medical Devices: Brazil’s health regulator ANVISA authorized three embolization devices for use in the country, expanding treatment options for peripheral vascular disease.

Workplace Safety Tech: Kwema’s “smart badge reel” won a national award for helping reduce healthcare workplace violence by triggering discreet alerts. Dengue Alert in the Region: Florida counties reported rising dengue cases, with local emergencies declared in multiple areas as Aedes mosquitoes spread the virus. El Niño Health Risks: UNICEF warns 347M children across nearly 100 countries face threats like malnutrition, water shortages, and disease outbreaks, including in Latin America and the Caribbean. Biosimilars Supply Boost: Alvotech and LOTTE Biologics announced a US manufacturing partnership to expand capacity for multiple antibody biosimilars. Hepatitis Testing Push: A Netherlands plan calls for more hepatitis B and C testing and better tracking, targeting higher-risk groups including people from parts of Central and South America. Breast Screening in the Caribbean: AUC and partners delivered free breast and health screenings in Sint Maarten, reaching hundreds of local women. Malaria Vaccine Research: USF researchers are developing a vaccine aimed at preventing relapse of malaria caused by the vivax parasite. Drug Access in Brazil: Knight Therapeutics secured expedited ANVISA approval for NIKTIMVO® in Brazil and launched TAVALISSE® for chronic ITP. Climate + Pregnancy: New data links each degree of warming to higher risks of preterm birth and gestational diabetes, underscoring urgent maternal health needs.

Rare-disease drug access in Brazil: Knight Therapeutics says ANVISA expedited approval brings NIKTIMVO® (axatilimab) to patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease after failure of at least two therapies, and it has also launched TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib) for chronic immune thrombocytopenia—both moves aimed at expanding treatment options in Latin America. Climate + health resilience in the Amazon: In Brazil’s Pará, an Indigenous riverine community installed solar-powered water pumps to prepare for El Niño-linked drought, improving access to clean water for 36 families. Regional health diplomacy: Cayman’s health minister attended PAHO-linked CARICOM health meetings focused on health security, noncommunicable diseases, HIV, cancer care, digital health, and Universal Health Coverage. Public health watch: Reports of a suspected pneumonic plague death in Russia triggered global monitoring and quarantines, with officials urging calm while details remain disputed. Care access + policy pressure: A study on immigration enforcement in the U.S. found foreign-born patients cut ER visits during raids, raising concerns about delayed care and worse outcomes.

Breast Cancer Awareness in the Caribbean: Pink campaigns across the region are spotlighting early detection. In Jamaica, breast cancer remains the leading cancer killer among women, with PAHO noting better survival for early-stage cases. Cancer care basics: A separate health piece argues nutrition should be discussed from diagnosis, since treatment side effects can drive weight loss and weaken recovery. Drug supply pressure: An IPPF assessment warns HIV prevention and testing are being hit by shortages, including rapid tests and PrEP, as funding uncertainty strains stock levels. Public health and data gaps in Curaçao: Suicide statistics exist but are fragmented across institutions, leaving gaps in a complete island-wide picture. Plague alert in Russia: Reports of a lab worker’s suspected pneumonic plague death in Siberia have triggered quarantines and international monitoring, though key details remain unconfirmed. Climate and health risk: Coverage on intensifying El Niño points to heat and weather chaos that can worsen health and food systems. Tech and health access: Miami’s growing startup scene is framed as a potential bridge for innovation tied to Latin America.

Plague Alert in Siberia: A suspected pneumonic plague case in Irkutsk has triggered hospital quarantines and monitoring of nearly 200 contacts after a lab worker died, while a WHO map tracks human plague reports from 2019–2025. HIV Care Under Strain: Experts warn that funding cuts are already causing shortages of HIV medicines and tests, with many providers reporting low or zero stock of key products like rapid diagnostics and PrEP. Heat Death Risk in LATAM: A new El Niño-linked outlook projects thousands of additional heat deaths, with Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela highlighted—showing that housing and cooling access will shape who is most at risk. Breast Cancer Survival Gap in Guyana: Guyana’s oil boom is being challenged by concerns over lower breast cancer five-year survival rates, with calls for stronger systems from early detection to treatment and follow-up. Mental Health for Kids: A children’s show in the region is using slow, emotion-focused storytelling to help young children talk about feelings and learn simple regulation skills. Biohacking Trend in Mexico: Reports say Americans are traveling to Mexico for ibogaine retreats despite safety warnings, raising questions about access and oversight.

Aviation Tragedy: The U.S. Coast Guard has ended the search for a missing air ambulance off Nantucket, with four Canadian crew and two Bermudian passengers presumed lost, shifting efforts to recovery and investigation. Climate & Public Health: A new El Niño outlook warns of thousands of extra heat deaths, with modeled increases for Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela tied to housing, work conditions, and whether cooling is affordable. Infectious Disease Watch: WHO mapping highlights plague risk after a Russian anti-plague lab worker reportedly died following a test-tube incident, raising concerns about pneumonic spread. Breast Cancer Care in the Region: Guyana’s breast cancer survival gap is under scrutiny as officials cite lower five-year survival rates and call for stronger detection, treatment access, and follow-up. Health System Updates: Georgetown’s GPHC reports 107 new breast cancer cases so far this year, alongside broader oncology activity and free cancer care. Community & Prevention: St. Lucia marks World No Alcohol Day with guidance on recognizing harmful drinking patterns, while Caribbean youth are urged to build healthier habits early to reduce future non-communicable disease risk. Reproductive Health & Policy: Panama pitches major infrastructure and investment plans to attract investors, including health-related social infrastructure priorities. Wellness Industry: A Mexico-based ibogaine retreat market is drawing U.S. travelers despite safety warnings, spotlighting the risks of unregulated psychedelic “treatments.”

Children’s Mental Health: A Utah-made kids’ show, “Lulubug’s Garden,” uses slow, calming storytelling to help ages 3–5 talk about emotions and practice simple regulation skills like balloon breathing. Public Health & Safety: A lab technician at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died after a suspected plague test-tube incident, triggering hospital quarantines and renewed scrutiny of biosafety. Family & School Stress: Psychologist Wil Campbell warns that exam pressure, weaker family connection, and heavy device use are harming children’s mental wellness, and flags vaping risks for youth. Reproductive Health Access: In Guyana, researchers and women’s rights groups are bringing reproductive health knowledge back to communities through an art-based exhibition and public panels. Cancer Care Gaps: Guyana’s breast cancer survival rate lags, with officials citing system-wide needs from early detection to treatment and follow-up. Breast Cancer Monitoring: Guyana’s GPHC reports 107 new breast cancer cases so far this year and highlights earlier diagnosis efforts. Aging & Longevity: Saint Lucia marks International Day of Older Persons with expanded home care, health packages, dementia training, and pension support. Substance Use Prevention: Saint Lucia also observes World No Alcohol Day, urging people to assess alcohol’s impact and recognize warning signs. Regional Health Governance: Trinidad and Tobago is elected to PAHO’s Executive Committee for 2026–2029, aiming to boost Caribbean priorities in regional policy. Health & Environment: Scientists brief Pope Leo XIV on Amazon mercury pollution linked to gold mining, warning it reaches vulnerable Indigenous communities.

Cuba Solidarity Boost: Stichting Cuba Adelante delivered 11 containers of school supplies and medical equipment to Holguín, Banes, and Moa, supporting students, teachers, and healthcare staff amid Cuba’s ongoing economic strain and U.S. blockade. Cancer Care Watch: In Guyana, APNU says breast cancer survival lags despite oil wealth, citing WHO estimates that women diagnosed in 2017–2021 had a 60–69% five-year survival rate versus higher global and Americas medians. Local Health Systems: Guyana’s Georgetown Public Hospital recorded 107 new breast cancer cases so far this year and reported more outreach and free oncology care, with leaders urging earlier detection. Prevention for Youth: Caribbean Wellness Day youth programming in Jamaica pushed early habits to cut non-communicable disease risk, stressing physical activity and daily “youth power moves.” Public Health Governance: Trinidad and Tobago was elected to PAHO’s Executive Committee for 2026–2029, aiming to strengthen regional health priorities and Caribbean representation. Aging & Alcohol Focus: Saint Lucia marked World No Alcohol Day and International Day of Older Persons, highlighting alcohol risk warnings and system support for longer, healthier lives.

Breast Cancer Care in Guyana: Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) recorded 107 new breast cancer cases this year and says late-stage diagnoses are declining, urging women to look beyond “pink ribbon” awareness and push for early detection, timely treatment, and follow-up. Health System Pressure in Cuba: Cuba’s aging population faces mounting strain as the country reports shortages, high prices, and medicine access problems amid its worst economic crisis in decades. Regional Health Governance: Trinidad and Tobago was elected to PAHO’s Executive Committee for 2026–2029, aiming to bring Caribbean priorities into regional health policy. Heart Health Data in the Caribbean: A local report highlights that many heart attack patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2022 were not first-time cases and that survival rates remain a major concern. Public Health Research on Aging: A study using a “speech clock” analyzed nearly 3,000 Spanish-speaking adults across Latin America, linking speech patterns to biological ageing and dementia risk signals. Environmental Health in the Amazon: Researchers presented evidence on mercury pollution from gold mining to Pope Leo XIV, warning contamination spreads through ecosystems and reaches vulnerable Indigenous communities.