AGP Executive Report

Food & Climate Policy: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the center of food and climate policy, highlighting their role in building resilient food systems, with delegates from countries including Madagascar. Biodiversity & Conservation: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched Madagascar’s biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for the first official butterfly ID guide and stronger protection for fragile forest species. Rural Livelihoods: Researchers say strengthening biodiversity value chains—such as forest-based enterprises including medicinal plants and raffia—could boost rural jobs and income in places like Madagascar, especially for women and youth. Health & Disaster Response: Russia transferred humanitarian recovery equipment to Madagascar for cyclone aftermath, including mobile power and portable water purification units to support debris clearing, repairs, and access to drinking water. Biosecurity & Public Health Risk: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that the trade can threaten ecosystems and spread risks through prohibited species. Labour & Migration: Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned 27 others, including Madagascar, citing oversight involving health and manpower bodies.

Butterfly Conservation: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners have launched Madagascar’s biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming to build the first official Malagasy butterfly ID guide and strengthen protection for fragile, possibly unique species. Rural Livelihoods & Biodiversity: Researchers say forest-based biodiversity value chains—from honey to raffia and medicinal plants—could boost rural incomes if investments focus on strengthening biodiversity governance and climate-resilient enterprise support. Refugee Health-Linked Economics: New studies on the DREAMS entrepreneurship program report major gains for refugees and host communities in East Africa, including higher consumption, big jumps in savings, and improved resilience—factors that can indirectly support better health outcomes. Cyclone Recovery Support: Russia has transferred humanitarian recovery equipment to Madagascar for areas hit by Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, including mobile power and portable water purification units to help restore services and access to drinking water. Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that unassessed exotic species can spread disease and harm native ecosystems. Gulf Labour Rules (Health & Safety Angle): Kuwait tightened domestic worker recruitment, restricting hiring to 10 approved countries and banning many others, with some rules tied to health and oversight recommendations.

Kuwait Domestic Work Ban: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has barred recruitment of domestic workers from 27 countries, including Madagascar, while allowing hiring from only 10 approved sources (with Senegal limited to male workers). The move cites assessments involving the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Ministry of Health, and the manpower authority, and says recruitment will be processed through governorate-level service centers. Biosecurity & Public Health Link: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, NSW, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that such trade can spread disease and harm native wildlife—an issue that matters for health and environmental safety. Cyclone Recovery Support: Russia transferred humanitarian recovery equipment to Madagascar for areas hit by Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, including power systems and portable water purification units to support debris clearing, repairs, and access to drinking water. Water Safety Alert: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the urgency of sanitation and safe water access for communities.

Cyclone recovery support: Russia has transferred tracked and wheeled engineering vehicles, mobile power stations, and portable water purification units to Madagascar to help clear debris, restore transport links, and rebuild temporary access roads and bridges after Cyclones Fytia and Gezani, with the handover held at Ivato military base in Antananarivo. Biosecurity and public health: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a commercial breeder near Bathurst, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that unassessed exotic species can spread disease and harm native wildlife—an issue that also matters for hygiene and pest control awareness. Health policy and access: The Trump administration says it will not distribute up to $10m in contraceptives bought as aid, raising concerns about reproductive health supply continuity. Community health equipment: Church leaders report physiotherapy equipment and support for maternal care units in Mozambique, including donations linked to care for mothers and children. Water safety: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water risks across many African countries, underscoring ongoing sanitation and infrastructure gaps.

Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia seized over 100,000 live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that illegal breeding and trade can spread disease and harm native wildlife—an issue that matters for Madagascar too as cross-border animal movement and informal markets grow. Water Safety: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—another reminder that clean water and sanitation are core health priorities. Health Systems & Risk: With Ebola concerns affecting sports schedules across Africa, officials are tightening sanitary and public health measures—showing how outbreaks can ripple into everyday life. Community & Wellness: Chester Zoo and Malagasy conservationists launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe forests, supporting biodiversity knowledge that underpins healthier ecosystems. Injury Prevention (Sports Medicine): Spain’s coach said injured players are staying in rehab and won’t be rushed—highlighting how recovery plans and stamina management can reduce recurrence risks.

Bishop Killing Probe: Africa’s bishops, through SECAM, are demanding an immediate, independent investigation after Mozambique bishop Osório Citoro Afonso was shot dead in his residence, urging stronger protection for religious and humanitarian workers. Biosecurity & Health: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal live exotic cockroaches from a breeder in New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning that unassessed exotics can spread disease and harm native ecosystems. Water Safety: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked for water quality. Madagascar Conservation: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, aiming to produce the island’s first official butterfly ID guide. Public Health & Sports: Uganda’s friendly matches in Morocco were cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, showing how outbreaks can disrupt training and travel. Energy & Forest Health: A study warns that charcoal and fuelwood still dominate cooking across several African countries, but unsustainable harvesting is driving forest loss and health harms.

Human Trafficking Crackdown Fallout: Amnesty says Cambodia’s scamming-compound crackdown is largely bypassing victims, with survivors reporting rape and torture and many not being screened or protected. Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia seized 100,000+ live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the illegal trade could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture. Water Safety: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst affected. Ebola-Linked Sports Disruptions: Uganda’s friendlies in Morocco were cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, showing how outbreaks can quickly disrupt travel and events. Madagascar Conservation Science: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming for an official ID guide and better forest biodiversity data. Health & Wellness Travel Context: A cruise itinerary highlights Madagascar port calls (including Antsiranana and Nosy Be), reminding travelers to plan for hygiene and safe water while exploring.

Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia seized more than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales—mostly Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches—valued at about $140,000 (USD), in what officials call the country’s largest-ever illegal invertebrate bust. Authorities say the species can’t be legally imported, kept, bred, or sold, and warn they could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture. Water Safety: A new global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked for water quality and sanitation access. Ebola & Sports Health: Uganda’s national team friendlies in Morocco were canceled due to sanitary and public health concerns tied to Ebola-related restrictions, disrupting player testing and team preparation. Madagascar Conservation & Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected area, aiming to produce the island’s first official butterfly ID guide and better map forest biodiversity.

Safe Water Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index review flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa still struggling with weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps, and climate pressure. Biosecurity & Health: Australia seized 100,000+ live exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning the illegal trade could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture. Public Health at Mass Gatherings: World Cup travel in the U.S. is raising concern among health officials about infectious disease risk, especially as public health capacity faces cuts and leadership gaps. Ebola-Linked Sports Disruptions: Uganda’s planned friendlies in Morocco were cancelled over sanitary and public health concerns, echoing wider Ebola-related restrictions affecting schedules across the region. Conservation in Madagascar: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe forests, aiming to produce an official ID guide and better protect forest health.

Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal live cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing and dubia species, warning they can spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture; officials say the insects were not risk-assessed and will be euthanised. Regional Health Safety: Health regulators from across East and Southern Africa met in Nairobi to strengthen public health systems and the safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Madagascar among participating countries amid ongoing Ebola-related concerns. Sports & Sanitary Concerns: Uganda’s Cranes friendlies in Morocco were cancelled due to sanitary and public health considerations, disrupting player testing and team cohesion ahead of AFCON qualifying. Madagascar Conservation & Research: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in the Mangabe protected area, aiming to produce Madagascar’s first official butterfly ID guide and better map forest biodiversity.

Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches, warning pet owners and businesses that keeping, breeding or trading them is illegal and could spread disease to wildlife and agriculture. Regional Health Safety: Health regulators and officials from multiple African countries, including Madagascar, met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Ebola preparedness and border surveillance highlighted. Conservation & Environment: Chester Zoo and Malagasy partners launched the biggest-ever butterfly survey in Madagascar’s Mangabe protected forests, aiming for the first official butterfly ID guide and better baseline data for local species. Sports & Health Measures: Uganda’s Cranes had two friendlies in Morocco cancelled due to sanitary and public health concerns, showing how disease alerts can disrupt team preparation. Community & Wellness: Madagascar-linked youth theatre programming is underway, with summer performances designed to build confidence and skills through acting and music.

Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia seized over 100,000 illegal exotic cockroaches from a Bathurst breeder, including Madagascar hissing and dubia species, warning they can spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture; officials say the insects were illegal to import, keep, breed, or sell, and the NSW team is managing euthanasia and disposal. Regional Health Governance: Health regulators and ministers from multiple African countries, including Madagascar, met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Ebola preparedness and border surveillance highlighted. Ebola-Linked Disruptions: Tanzania’s league schedule is under review after Morocco cancelled Uganda’s and other friendlies due to Ebola-related sanitary and public health restrictions, raising concerns for match calendars. Travel Health: A travel checklist urges people to check destination health risks and vaccine needs before trips, including staying current on measles protection. Health & Wellness Nutrition: A UK supermarket ice-cream nutrition roundup flags which vanilla tubs are healthier and which to avoid based on added ingredients and nutrition.

Biosecurity & Public Health: Australia’s wildlife officers seized 100,000+ illegal exotic cockroaches from a breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, warning that these species are illegal to import, keep, breed, or sell and could spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture. Regional Health Safety: Health officials from multiple African countries, including Madagascar, met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with a focus on building regulatory capacity and preparedness amid emerging disease threats. Care Access in Madagascar: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy began a new field service in Madagascar, with 69-year-old Delphine the first patient to board the hospital ship for cataract surgery, aiming to restore vision and independence for hundreds awaiting care. Travel Health Reminder: A travel health checklist highlights practical steps like checking destination vaccine guidance and staying prepared for common outbreaks—especially relevant for anyone traveling to or from Madagascar.

Nuclear & Radiation Safety: Senior health officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safety for nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with Kenya’s regulator and the IAEA pushing for shared regulatory capacity and an action plan across priority areas. Healthcare Access via Equipment: Madagascar’s transitional prime minister met Sberbank leadership in Moscow, agreeing on 230 containers of medical equipment for rural areas, plus training and support for faster first aid and rapid health checks. Public Health & Sports Disruption: Uganda’s national team friendlies in Morocco were cancelled due to sanitary and public health concerns—showing how health advisories can quickly disrupt regional events. Madagascar Wildlife Conservation Link: A rare red-ruffed lemur quadruplet birth was reported from Shaldon Wildlife Trust; the species is found only in northeast Madagascar, making each successful breeding milestone important for long-term survival. Surgery for Cleft Patients: Volunteers with Operation Smile supported cleft corrective surgery for children in South Africa, including a Madagascar-linked volunteer history across regional missions. Mercy Ships in Madagascar: The Africa Mercy began a new field service in Madagascar, with cataract surgery starting for a first patient, aiming to restore vision and independence for hundreds waiting.

Surgery Access in Madagascar: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy began a third field service in Madagascar, with 69-year-old Delphine the first patient to board for cataract surgery—highlighting renewed access to care for hundreds of people waiting for sight-restoring treatment. Healthcare Partnerships: Madagascar’s transitional prime minister met Sberbank leadership in Moscow, agreeing on support including 230 containers of medical equipment for rural areas, plus training and plans that could strengthen healthcare delivery. Cancer-Detection Capacity: Celltrion’s “CELL-LOVE MARKET” raised about $41,300 for Madagascar, funding cytopathology training to help doctors diagnose cancer earlier and supplying essential medical equipment. Maternal & Newborn Care: A new review on kangaroo mother care argues for starting skin-to-skin immediately after birth for premature or low-birth-weight babies, aiming to improve outcomes and guide safer routine adoption. Imported Mosquito-Borne Risks: French health authorities reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases (dengue, chikungunya, Zika) linked to travel—an alert for vigilance as Aedes mosquitoes remain active. Climate & Health Duties: A landmark case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on governments’ responsibilities to protect people from climate harms tied to health and rights.

Surgery Access in Madagascar: Mercy Ships’ Africa Mercy has begun its third Madagascar field service, with 69-year-old Delphine the first patient to board for cataract surgery—restoring sight and independence for hundreds waiting for care. Maternal & Newborn Care: A new review highlights that kangaroo mother care works best when started immediately after birth for premature or low-birth-weight babies, though real-world hospital adoption varies. Health Tech & Training Support: Sberbank and Madagascar’s transitional prime minister’s office say 230 containers of medical equipment will be delivered to rural areas, alongside training and support for faster first aid and health checks. Conservation With a Health Angle: A European breeding program celebrated rare red-ruffed lemur quadruplets tied to Madagascar’s northeast habitat, with field partners supporting protection in the wild. Climate & Health Rights: A landmark African Court climate case argues governments must protect the climate system because it underpins health, food and water security, and human rights.