AGP Executive Report

Ebola Vaccine Push: CEPI is committing about $60 million to speed development of Ebola Bundibugyo vaccines, including work led by Moderna and partners, as the outbreak in eastern DR Congo (282 confirmed cases, 42 deaths) is declared a public health emergency. Local Health Leadership: At Mbera refugee camp in Mauritania, nurse Abidine Ould Sidewa is credited with strengthening triage, malnutrition screening, zero-dose vaccinations, and health education for new arrivals—aimed at cutting preventable deaths. Mauritania–Egypt Health Talks: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding cooperation in medical training, preventive healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, including a planned visit to Egypt’s drug manufacturing and regulatory hub. Clean Cooking for Health: The AfDB launched a clean cooking program backed by Italy’s Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, targeting about one million households and aiming to reduce major health and emissions burdens. Sahel Humanitarian Strain: UN OCHA says around 24 million people across the Sahel need humanitarian help, with violence and climate shocks forcing health centre closures and worsening access to care. Health Risks from Dust: Sahara dust is expected to bring eye, throat, and respiratory irritation, with higher risk for children, the elderly, and asthma patients.

Mauritania-linked medical access crisis abroad: A Mauritanian man living in Detroit, Mohammad Abdessamed, was critically injured after a crash his family says was triggered by an ICE operation; relatives say hospital staff at Corewell Health Dearborn won’t share updates and they don’t even know if he is alive. Humanitarian health at Mbera: At Mbera refugee camp in southeastern Mauritania, nurse Abidine Ould Sidewa leads triage for new arrivals, running malnutrition screening, vaccinations for “zero-dose” children, and health education—work credited with cutting preventable deaths. Regional health cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding healthcare ties, including medical training, preventive health, and pharmaceutical collaboration, with plans for Mauritanian visits to Egypt’s drug manufacturing and regulatory facilities. Ebola vaccine push for Congo: CEPI pledged about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development (including Moderna), as eastern DR Congo faces a growing outbreak with no approved vaccines or treatments. Clean cooking for healthier living: AfDB launched a clean cooking program aimed at reaching about one million households, targeting major health and emissions benefits across Africa.

Mauritania–Egypt Health Ties: Egypt and Mauritania discussed deeper cooperation in healthcare, including medical training, preventive health, and pharmaceutical collaboration, with plans for a Mauritanian visit to Egypt’s drug manufacturing and regulatory hub. Ebola Vaccine Push (DR Congo): CEPI pledged about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development led by Moderna, Oxford and IAVI, aiming for rapid trial readiness as the outbreak in eastern Congo continues amid security challenges. Clean Cooking for Health: The AfDB launched a clean cooking programme under the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, targeting about one million households and aiming to cut major household air-pollution risks linked to cooking without clean fuels. Sahel Humanitarian Strain: UN OCHA warned around 24m people across the Sahel need aid as violence, displacement and climate shocks worsen, with health centres forced to close and funding at a decade low. Local Health Spotlight (Mbera): A nurse at Mauritania’s Mbera refugee camp is credited with triage, malnutrition screening, vaccinations and health education for new arrivals, helping reduce preventable deaths.

Humanitarian Care in Mauritania: At Mbera refugee camp, nurse Abidine Ould Sidewa is credited with strengthening frontline health services—leading triage for new arrivals, running malnutrition screenings, vaccinating zero-dose children, and delivering health education—highlighting how local responders are key to cutting preventable deaths. Mauritania–Egypt Health Links: Egypt and Mauritania discussed deeper cooperation in healthcare and training, plus pharmaceutical collaboration, preventive health, and medical tourism, including a planned visit to Egypt’s drug manufacturing and regulatory hub (ACDIMA). Ebola Vaccine Push: CEPI pledged about $60m to accelerate Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development with Moderna and partners, as the outbreak in eastern DR Congo continues amid security challenges. Sahel Humanitarian Strain: UN OCHA warns about 24m people needing aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement, and climate shocks worsen, while funding remains at its lowest in a decade. Public Health Risks from Dust: Sahara dust is expected to affect parts of the Americas, with guidance to limit outdoor exposure and protect people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Ebola Preparedness: Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance and coordinated preventive measures for reported Ebola virus disease cases across several African countries, aiming to strengthen health security and protect people at all entry points. Ebola Vaccine Funding: CEPI pledged about $60m to Moderna and partners to speed Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development after an outbreak in eastern DR Congo (282 confirmed cases, 42 deaths), with trials potentially starting within months. Mauritania–Egypt Health Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanded healthcare collaboration, including medical training, preventive health, and pharmaceutical partnerships, with plans for a Mauritanian visit to Egypt’s drug manufacturing and regulatory hub. Clean Cooking for Health: The AfDB launched a clean cooking programme backed by Italy, targeting about one million households and linking cleaner energy to better health outcomes and lower emissions. Regional Humanitarian Strain: UN OCHA says around 24m people need humanitarian aid across the Sahel as violence, displacement, and climate shocks worsen conditions, including pressure on schools and health centres. Gaza Health Impact: AP reports Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 10 Palestinians, including women and children, with hospitals describing repeated attacks and mounting civilian harm.

Ebola Preparedness (Mauritania): Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance and preventive measures for reported Ebola virus disease cases across several African countries, aiming to strengthen national health security at entry points. Ebola Vaccine Funding (DR Congo): CEPI pledged about $60m to Moderna and partners to speed development of Ebola Bundibugyo vaccines amid an outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where agencies report 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths. Healthcare Cooperation (Egypt–Mauritania): Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding medical training, preventive healthcare, and pharmaceutical collaboration, including a planned Mauritanian visit to Egypt’s drug manufacturing and regulatory hub. Clean Cooking (AfDB): The AfDB launched a clean cooking programme backed by Italy, targeting about one million households and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2 while improving health linked to household air pollution. Trade & Health Risks (US Tariffs): The US proposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from eight African countries, including Mauritania, tied to forced-labour compliance—an added pressure on regional supply chains and health-related access to goods. Public Health Environment (Saharan Dust): Forecasts warn Saharan dust could affect the Caribbean and parts of the US, with expected eye and respiratory irritation risks for children and people with asthma.

Ebola Watch (Mauritania): Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance and preventive measures for reported Ebola virus disease cases in several African countries, aiming to strengthen national health security at entry points. Ebola Vaccine Funding (DR Congo): CEPI pledged about $60m to Moderna and partners to speed development of an Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine amid a growing outbreak in eastern DR Congo, where agencies report 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths. Health Cooperation (Mauritania–Egypt): Egypt and Mauritania discussed expanding healthcare ties, including medical training, preventive healthcare, medical tourism, and pharmaceutical collaboration. Eye Health (Mauritania): Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand quality eye care. Clean Cooking (AfDB): AfDB launched a clean cooking programme to reach about one million households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2, linking energy access to health benefits. Sahel Humanitarian Need: UN OCHA warns about 24m people across the Sahel need humanitarian aid as violence, displacement, and climate shocks keep worsening health conditions.

Ebola Preparedness: CEPI is backing Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine work with about $60m for Moderna, Oxford and IAVI, aiming to speed candidates toward trials as the eastern DR Congo outbreak continues to spread amid security risks. Mauritania Health Security: Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance and preventive measures for reported Ebola virus disease cases across the region, strengthening entry-point health controls. Eye Care Reform: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand quality, equitable eye care nationwide. Healthcare Cooperation: Egypt and Mauritania discussed deeper ties in medical training, preventive healthcare, medical tourism and pharmaceutical collaboration, including a planned visit to Egypt’s drug manufacturing sector. Clean Cooking for Health: The AfDB launched a clean cooking program aimed at reaching about one million households and cutting major CO2 emissions—an indirect win for respiratory health from cleaner household energy. Trade Pressure: The US proposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from Mauritania and seven other African countries over forced-labour compliance gaps, adding new strain to health and supply systems.

Ebola Preparedness: CEPI is set to fund Moderna and two partners with about $60 million to speed up Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development after the outbreak in eastern DR Congo was declared a public health emergency, with 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths reported. Clean Cooking Access: The AfDB, backed by Italy, launched a clean cooking programme (RPFF Clean Cooking Program) with an initial €25 million aimed at reaching about one million households and cutting an estimated five million tonnes of CO2. Mauritania Health Security: Mauritania announced heightened surveillance of reported Ebola cases across several countries and coordinated prevention measures at entry points to strengthen national health security. Eye Care Reform: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable eye care services. Air Quality Warning: Saharan dust is expected to affect the Caribbean and could reach the United States, with health risks including eye, nose and throat irritation and worsening respiratory conditions—especially for children and people with asthma. Ghana Law & Health Context: Ghana’s parliament approved a bill that could send people to prison for up to 10 years for promoting LGBTQ+ activities, a move critics say may affect rights and even health-related support.

Ebola Vaccine Funding: CEPI is set to provide about $60 million to Moderna and two other groups to speed up Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine development, with hopes for trials within months as the outbreak in eastern DR Congo continues amid security challenges. Clean Cooking Push: The African Development Bank launched a new clean cooking programme under its Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility, aiming to reach about one million households and cut millions of tonnes of CO2. Mauritania Health Security: Mauritania activated heightened Ebola surveillance measures across entry points and validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029, joining WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative. Clean Air & Health Risks: Forecasts warn Saharan dust could return across the Atlantic, potentially reaching the Caribbean and the United States, with knock-on effects for respiratory health. Ghana Rights vs Health Access: Ghana’s parliament passed a bill criminalizing “promotion” of LGBTQ activity with prison terms up to 10 years, raising concerns that even health-related contexts could be affected.

Ebola Vaccine Push: CEPI is set to provide about $60 million to Moderna and two other groups to speed up an Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine, with hopes for trials within months; the outbreak in eastern DR Congo has recorded 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths, plus nine confirmed cases in Uganda, as agencies warn the situation is a public health emergency. Mauritania Ebola Readiness: Mauritania has activated heightened surveillance and coordinated preventive measures for reported Ebola virus disease cases across several countries, aiming to strengthen health security at entry points. Eye Care Reform: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable, quality eye care nationwide. Clean Cooking Funding: The AfDB launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville backed by Italy, targeting energy access for about one million households and aiming to cut millions of tonnes of CO2. Ghana Rights vs Health Services: Ghana’s parliament approved a bill criminalizing the “promotion” of LGBTQ+ activity, with penalties up to 10 years and a duty to report—while exemptions include healthcare professionals.

Ebola Vaccine Push: CEPI is funding Moderna and partners with about $60m to accelerate an Ebola Bundibugyo vaccine, as the outbreak in eastern DR Congo has 282 confirmed cases and 42 deaths, with trials complicated by insecurity. Mauritania Ebola Readiness: Mauritania says it has stepped up surveillance and coordinated prevention measures at entry points after regional Ebola concerns. Eye Care Reform: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand quality, equitable eye care nationwide. Clean Cooking for Health: AfDB launched a clean cooking program in Brazzaville backed by Italy, aiming to reach about one million households and cut major carbon emissions—linked to better health outcomes from reduced smoke. Digital Health Access via Connectivity: Orange-led consortium signed an MoU for Via Africa, a 20,000-km subsea cable route that includes Mauritania, supporting faster, more reliable services. Ghana Rights & Health Risks: Ghana’s parliament approved a bill criminalizing “promotion” of LGBTQ+ activity, with prison terms up to 10 years and a duty to report—raising concerns about discrimination and impacts on healthcare access.

Ebola Preparedness in Mauritania: Mauritania announced heightened surveillance and coordinated preventive measures at entry points after regional Ebola concerns, aiming to strengthen national health security. Eye Care Policy Boost: The country validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable, quality eye care nationwide. Clean Cooking for Health: The AfDB and Italy launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville with an initial €25m envelope, targeting about one million households and linking cleaner energy to better health outcomes. Regional Health Pressure from DR Congo: DR Congo is preparing to return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence while battling Ebola in the east, with WHO warning the outbreak may be wider than reported. Health-Linked Environment Alert: Saharan dust is expected to return across the Atlantic, with forecasts pointing toward the Caribbean and possibly the United States—an air-quality concern for vulnerable groups. Health Systems Context: AfDB annual meetings opened amid Ebola fears and broader crisis pressures, highlighting how health emergencies and economic strain can collide.

Clean Cooking Access: The AfDB, backed by Italy, launched a clean cooking programme in Brazzaville aimed at reaching about one million African households, with an initial €25m envelope and expected major health and emissions benefits. Ebola Preparedness in Mauritania: Mauritania announced heightened surveillance and coordinated preventive measures for reported Ebola virus disease cases across several countries, strengthening entry-point health security. Eye Care Policy Update: Mauritania validated its National Eye Health Strategic Plan 2026–2029 and joined WHO’s SPECS 2030 initiative to expand equitable, quality eye care nationwide. Regional Health Context (DR Congo): DR Congo is set to return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence, but the country is still battling an Ebola outbreak and ongoing security crises in the east. Public Health Risks from Environment: Forecasts warn Saharan dust could return across the Atlantic, potentially reaching the Caribbean and the United States, with possible impacts on respiratory health.

Nouakchott Health Access: Qatar Charity (QC) inaugurated a new multi-service center in Toujounine, Nouakchott North, offering an integrated mix of education, health care, Islamic services, and social support, with a clinic at the core of the facility. Ebola & Health Security: DR Congo is set to return to the World Cup after a 52-year absence, but the spotlight remains on the country’s Ebola crisis in the east, where WHO warns the outbreak may be wider than reported, alongside ongoing security risks. Public Health & Environment: Saharan dust is returning, with forecasts warning large dust columns could cross the Caribbean and possibly reach the United States, a reminder of seasonal air-quality risks for respiratory health. Health & Rights Policy: Ghana’s Parliament passed a bill that would impose up to 10 years in prison for promoting or advocating LGBTQ+ acts, while also keeping exemptions for some professionals including healthcare workers—raising concerns about discrimination and access to care. Community Wellness: Giants of Africa opened its 50th community basketball court in Lagos, using sport as a youth development and community engagement tool.

Nouakchott Health Access: Qatar Charity inaugurated a new multi-service center in Toujounine, Nouakchott North, with an integrated clinic plus education, Islamic and economic services—aimed at strengthening basic healthcare and social support for local residents. Regional Health Risk: Meteorologists warn Saharan dust (Saharan Air Layer) is returning, with large columns expected to move from Mauritania and neighboring countries across the Atlantic—potentially affecting air quality and respiratory comfort as the season peaks mid-June to August. Health System Capacity via Education: The Bridge to Africa program opened at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with a Nouakchott-area university delegation, focusing on cooperation on issues including diseases and epidemics, energy use, and sustainable development. Health & Safety Context: The AfDB summit is set amid Ebola fears in eastern DRC and wider energy and food-price pressure across Africa—conditions that can quickly strain health services and public wellbeing. Policy Watch: Ghana’s parliament passed an anti-LGBTQ+ bill with prison terms up to 10 years for promoting/advocating LGBTQ acts, keeping exemptions for some healthcare professionals—raising concerns about discrimination that can affect access to care.