AGP Executive Report

Mpox Vaccine Shortage in Madagascar: Madagascar is being forced to “fractionally dose” mpox vaccines—splitting doses into fifths—to stretch limited supplies during its largest-ever outbreak, with at least 4,000 cases reported and about one million people considered at risk of clade 1b; high-risk groups include sex workers, young children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and medical workers. SADC Health-Relevant Regional Push: King Mswati III has left for the SADC summit in Durban, where leaders will focus on regional industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals—areas that shape health through jobs, services, and resilience. Madagascar Conservation Spotlight: Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka has been named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, a $200m effort led by Re:wild and Bezos Earth Fund, highlighting local forest protection needs tied to long-term ecosystem health. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) adopted new and revised food hygiene and labelling texts, including guidance for water safety and allergen labelling—important for safer food systems across the region.

Mpox Response Under Strain: Madagascar is forced to “fractionally dose” mpox vaccines—splitting doses into fifths—to stretch limited supplies during its largest-ever outbreak, with at least 4,000 cases reported and about one million people considered at risk from clade 1b; high-risk groups include sex workers, young children, people living with HIV/Aids, and medical workers. Biodiversity Recovery Spotlight: Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka (Loky-Manambato) has been named among 100 critically endangered species selected for recovery under the $200 million Phoenix Species Project led by Re:wild and Bezos Earth Fund, highlighting local conservation work amid threats like deforestation and poaching. Regional Health & Resilience Context: SADC leaders are pushing for stronger regional integration and self-reliance as climate shocks and uneven support strain services, with energy and connectivity progress noted but electricity access still below targets. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) adopted new and revised food hygiene and labeling texts, including guidance for water safety and allergen labeling in emergencies—relevant for protecting public health through safer food systems.

Mpox Response in Madagascar: Madagascar is being forced to “fractionally dose” mpox vaccines—splitting doses into fifths—to stretch limited supplies during its largest-ever outbreak, with at least 4,000 cases reported and around one million people at risk of clade 1b; officials say the approach is authorized for emergencies by WHO but carries added risk. Disease Surveillance in the Region: A Cameroon study looks at how supervision and short message support can improve detection rates for diseases under surveillance, highlighting ongoing gaps in timely reporting and follow-up. Local Conservation with Health Links: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka has been selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato and the dry-forest protection work tied to biodiversity and ecosystem health. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s 49th session adopted new and revised food hygiene and labeling texts, including guidance for water safety and handling allergens—important for safer food systems. Health & Equity via Breastfeeding: Burundi’s high exclusive breastfeeding rates are being used as a model for maternal and child health investment, emphasizing stronger health systems and workplace protections.

Mpox Vaccine Shortage: Madagascar is splitting mpox vaccines into fifths (“fractional dosing”) to reach more people during its largest-ever outbreak, with at least 4,000 cases reported and about one million people at risk of clade 1b; high-risk groups include sex workers, young children, people living with HIV/Aids, and medical workers. Regional Health & Resilience: SADC leaders meeting in Durban stress self-reliance and resilience as global uncertainty and climate shocks strain services, with progress noted in energy and digital connectivity but electricity access still below targets—an issue that can directly affect health facilities. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) adopted new and revised food hygiene and labelling texts, including rules for water safety, chicken meat standards for Campylobacter and Salmonella, and emergency food labelling guidance. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s high exclusive breastfeeding rates are being highlighted by WHO and UNICEF as proof that workplace protections and public investment can drive better maternal and child outcomes. Conservation & Health Link: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka was named for recovery support, spotlighting Loky-Manambato forest protection—important for ecosystem health that underpins long-term community wellbeing.

Mpox Response in Madagascar: Madagascar health authorities are being forced to “fractionally dose” mpox vaccines—splitting doses into fifths—to stretch limited supplies during the country’s largest-ever outbreak, with at least 4,000 cases reported and around one million people considered at risk, including sex workers, young children, people living with HIV/Aids, and medical workers. Wildlife & Community Conservation: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka (Propithecus tattersalli) has been named among 100 species selected for recovery by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato and locally led dry-forest protection efforts. Regional Health-Linked Trade & Industry: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum opened in Antananarivo, bringing together companies across agriculture, agro-industry, energy, mining, logistics, and also healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) adopted new and revised international food hygiene and labeling texts, including updates on water safety, Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, and allergen labeling guidance. SADC Integration Push: SADC leaders stressed stronger regional self-reliance and integration amid global uncertainty, highlighting progress in energy and digital connectivity while noting electricity access still lags targets.

Mpox Response: Madagascar is stretching scarce mpox vaccine supplies by using WHO-authorised fractional dosing, splitting doses into fifths to reach more than one million people as the outbreak grows (at least 4,000 cases reported, with clade 1b a fast-spreading concern). Regional Health & Resilience: SADC leaders are meeting in Durban as South Africa takes the chair, with a push for stronger regional integration and resilience amid climate shocks and uncertainty—an agenda that can shape health and social protection priorities across member states including Madagascar. Conservation & Community Health: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka has been selected for recovery funding by the Phoenix Species Project, spotlighting Loky-Manambato forest protection efforts that support local livelihoods and ecosystem stability. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) adopted new and revised food hygiene and labelling texts, including guidance for water reuse and updates on allergen labelling—important for safer food systems in the region. Trade & Access to Services: A Mauritius–Madagascar business forum in Antananarivo brought together companies across sectors including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, pointing to potential partnerships that can improve access to medicines and health services.

Mpox Response: Madagascar is stretching a limited mpox vaccine supply by using WHO-authorised fractional dosing, splitting doses into fifths to protect more than one million people as the outbreak grows (at least 4,000 cases reported; clade 1b risk includes sex workers, young children, people living with HIV/Aids, and health workers). Food Safety & Nutrition Policy: The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s 49th session adopted new and revised international food standards, including hygiene texts and updates on Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, plus guidance on allergen labelling and emergency food labelling. Community Health & Prevention: A study on disease detection in Cameroon highlights how supervision and short message support can improve detection rates for diseases under surveillance in the Littoral Region. Health-Linked Environment: A new Madagascar almond nursery supply chain note (Terminalia mantaly) points to broader greening efforts that can support healthier ecosystems and livelihoods. Wildlife Health Link: Madagascar’s Golden-crowned Sifaka recovery spotlighted Loky-Manambato conservation work, underscoring how habitat protection supports ecosystem health.

Mpox Vaccination in Madagascar: Madagascar is being forced to “fractionally dose” mpox vaccines—splitting doses into fifths—because supply is too low for the fast-growing clade 1b outbreak, with at least 4,000 cases reported and over a million people considered at risk, including sex workers, young children, people living with HIV/Aids, and health workers. Disease Surveillance in Practice: A Cameroon health facility trial highlights how supervision and short message support can affect detection rates for diseases under surveillance, pointing to gaps that still slow outbreak reporting. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s 49th session advanced new and revised hygiene, allergen labelling, and water safety texts, including guidance for emergencies—relevant for safer food systems across the region. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s high exclusive breastfeeding rates are being used as a model for how health systems, workplace protections, and public investment can improve outcomes beyond awareness campaigns. Local Health Context: A report notes Madagascar’s Antananarivo cable car system sits unused after a costly launch—an indirect reminder that public spending and service delivery failures can shape everyday wellbeing.

Mpox Response in Madagascar: Madagascar health authorities are stretching scarce mpox vaccine supplies by using WHO-authorised “fractional dosing,” splitting doses into fifths to protect more people as the outbreak accelerates, with at least 4,000 cases reported and about one million people considered at risk of clade 1b; Public Health Surveillance (Cameroon study): A randomized trial in Cameroon highlights how supervision and short SMS messages can improve disease detection rates under surveillance, pointing to practical ways to strengthen early warning systems; Regional Trade & Health Access Link: SADC is pushing to make border trade easier through a Simplified Trade Regime, aiming to cut costs and barriers for small-scale traders—an indirect but important factor for keeping medicines and health supplies moving; Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s 49th session adopted new and updated food hygiene and labelling texts, including guidance for allergen labelling in emergencies, supporting safer food systems across countries.

Mpox Response: Madagascar is being forced to stretch scarce mpox vaccine supplies using WHO-approved fractional dosing, splitting doses into fifths to reach more than one million people as the outbreak grows (at least 4,000 cases reported, with clade 1b a major concern). Food Safety & Nutrition Policy: The 49th Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted new and updated international food standards, including hygiene guidance, allergen labelling rules, and updates on contaminants and food additives—aimed at safer food across borders. Regional Trade for Healthier Economies: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under a simplified trade regime, targeting lower costs and fewer barriers for small-scale traders—an indirect boost for access to goods and services. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s high exclusive breastfeeding rates are being highlighted as a model for how health systems, workplace protections, and public investment can improve outcomes. Transport & Public Services: Antananarivo’s cable car project has reportedly stalled after only weeks, leaving unused infrastructure and raising questions about spending priorities.

Mpox Response Under Strain: Madagascar health authorities are being forced to “fractionally dose” mpox vaccines—splitting doses into fifths—to stretch limited supplies as the outbreak accelerates, with at least 4,000 cases reported and about one million people at risk from clade 1b; high-risk groups include sex workers, young children, people living with HIV/AIDS, and medical workers. Regional Health & Preparedness: The wider mpox conversation also includes calls for stronger long-term preparedness and next-generation vaccine options as clades evolve. Food Safety Standards: The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s 49th session advanced new and revised food hygiene and labelling texts, including guidance for allergen labelling in emergencies and updates on contaminants and additives. Health-Adjacent Community Care: A local “Self Care Fest” promoted affordable services like haircuts, eye care, nails, yoga, and health-related offerings—more wellness access than clinical care.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): WHO says the current DR Congo Ebola outbreak began in February—months before it was declared—after genetic sequencing; confirmed cases have reached about 4,200 with over 1,900 deaths, and some early cases were reportedly misread as malaria or typhoid. Mpox Vaccination (Kenya): Machakos launched a targeted mpox vaccination drive for about 1,200 high-risk people along the Malaba–Mombasa corridor, including sex workers, truck drivers, men who have sex with men, and frontline health workers; officials say active cases are being managed. Maternal Health (Burundi): Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates (above 80%) are being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health, with WHO/UNICEF stressing workplace protections, stronger maternity services, and public investment. Regional Trade & Health Access (SADC): SADC is pushing a simplified trade regime to cut border costs for small-scale traders, with Madagascar included—an indirect win for health supply chains and access. Local Health Infrastructure (Madagascar): Antananarivo’s cable car project is reported to have run only briefly and now sits unused, raising questions about public spending priorities that affect everyday services. Wildlife Health (Madagascar-linked): A Madagascar-native ring-tailed lemur case in Taiwan is under investigation, with veterinary checks for parasites and infectious diseases after seizure.

Mpox Vaccination Push: Kenya’s Machakos county launched a targeted Mpox vaccination drive for about 1,200 people in high-risk groups along the Malaba–Mombasa transport corridor, including sex workers, truck drivers, men who have sex with men, frontline health workers and hotel staff, after confirmed local cases. Maternal Health Spotlight: Burundi’s exclusive breastfeeding rates (above 80%) are being highlighted as a model for maternal and child health investment, with WHO/UNICEF stressing that workplace protections and stronger maternity services matter as much as awareness. Regional Trade & Health Access: SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs and barriers for small-scale traders, with implementation challenges at border posts and capacity gaps flagged by participants. Antananarivo Transport Lesson: Madagascar’s cable car system in Antananarivo has reportedly sat unused after only weeks of operation, raising public questions about spending priorities in a country facing major basic-service gaps. Wildlife Health Watch: New Taipei authorities seized five ring-tailed lemurs (native to Madagascar) and plan further checks for infectious diseases and parasites, including tuberculosis, before transfer.

Mpox Vaccination Push: Kenya’s Machakos launched a targeted Mpox vaccination drive for about 1,200 high-risk people along the Malaba–Mombasa transport corridor, including sex workers, truck drivers, men who have sex with men, and frontline health workers, with reports of active cases at Kangundo Level 4 Hospital. Regional Health & Policy Watch: South Africa is set to assume the SADC chairpersonship at the 46th Ordinary Summit in Durban (Aug 17), with health among the areas officials will finalize—alongside trade, infrastructure, food security, peace and security. Madagascar Transport & Access: Antananarivo’s cable car system is reported to have run only briefly and now hangs unused, raising questions about a costly $170 million project and whether it should have been paired with basic services like running water. Biodiversity for Health Links: A new Phoenix Species Project backed by the Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild pledges $200m to recover 100 threatened species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka lemur—highlighting how ecosystem protection can support long-term disease and food resilience. Nutrition Policy Update: WIC food options in the U.S. are expanding (including added yogurt and other items), a reminder that nutrition access policies can shift quickly and affect community health.

Transport & Accountability: Antananarivo’s cable car project—promoted by former President Andry Rajoelina—has reportedly sat unused after running only briefly, leaving car-less cables hanging above the capital and raising fresh questions about public spending and service priorities. Infectious Disease Preparedness: Mpox vaccination efforts are continuing in the region, with a targeted campaign in Kenya focused on high-risk groups along major transport corridors, including sex workers, truck drivers, men who have sex with men, and frontline health workers. Biodiversity & Health Links: A new $200M Phoenix Species Project backed by the Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild aims to recover 100 critically endangered species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka lemur, with long-term funding for breeding, habitat restoration, and disease management. Health & Environment Research: A study on free-roaming cats in New York highlights zoonotic parasite risks and calls for disease management in trap-neuter-return programs—an angle that resonates for public health planning in urban settings. Science & Medicines Potential: Brazilian scientists counting Amazon insect species report tens of thousands of insect types in a small area, with the promise that undiscovered insects could eventually support new medicines.

Urban Transport & Public Spending: Antananarivo’s cable car project—promoted as a fix for hours of traffic—ran only briefly and now sits unused, raising questions about a roughly US$170 million investment and whether basic needs like running water were overlooked. Infectious Disease Preparedness: Mpox vaccination efforts are being targeted in high-risk groups in Kenya’s Machakos corridor, including sex workers and long-distance truck drivers, with officials noting active cases and pushing mobile, high-contact outreach. Conservation & Health of Ecosystems: A new Bezos Earth Fund and Re:wild-backed Phoenix Species Project pledges US$200 million to recover 100 critically endangered species, including Madagascar’s golden-crowned sifaka lemur, linking biodiversity protection with long-term disease and ecosystem resilience. Logistics for Development: AGL Madagascar reports completing the installation of 51 oversized prefabricated modules, moving them from Toamasina to Antananarivo with port handling, customs clearance, and heavy-haul planning—an indirect boost to infrastructure capacity.