AGP Executive Report

NCD Survey in Suriname: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor has launched training for field workers to run the WHO STEPS Survey, the first since 2013, with 45 supervisors and interviewers collecting national data on major noncommunicable disease risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health; after pilot exercises, nationwide fieldwork will run for three months with support from PAHO/WHO and the IDB. Clean Water Access Map: A new global data look highlights how safely managed drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with access near-universal in many wealthy regions but far below 20% in several low-income countries. Regional Health & Emergencies: India has sent medical teams and modular field-hospital support to earthquake-hit Venezuela under “Operation Amistad,” aiming to ease pressure on local healthcare systems. Health in Conflict Zones: Coverage from the DRC/Uganda Ebola response notes a serious Bundibugyo outbreak with no vaccine currently available, while conflict and misinformation complicate care and outreach. Health Governance Watch: Reports of a senior minister’s unconfirmed post-surgery absence raise questions about continuity of leadership during ongoing regional engagements.

NCD Prevention in Suriname: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor has launched training for field workers to run the WHO STEPS Survey, aiming to update national data on major noncommunicable disease risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health—Suriname’s first STEPS since 2013—with nationwide data collection planned after pilot exercises. Safe Water Access: A new global mapping analysis highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of the clean-water gap that affects health outcomes. Ebola Watch (Regional): An international briefing reports the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda is among the most serious on record, with rising cases and no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain—while conflict and misinformation complicate response efforts. Health & Justice in the Region: In Guyana, a case involving the death of a Cuban woman continues with a police officer held in preventive detention, while another fatal incident tied to a controversial police pursuit has sparked protests and an investigation—both raising concerns about safety around healthcare workers and community wellbeing. Disaster Medical Support: India’s Operation Amistad is sending army medical teams and field hospital systems to earthquake-hit Venezuela to relieve pressure on local healthcare services.

NCD Prevention in Suriname: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO and the IDB, has launched training for field workers for the WHO STEPS Survey—its first since 2013—aimed at updating national data on major noncommunicable disease risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health, with nationwide fieldwork planned over three months. Safe Water Access: A new global mapping effort highlights how safely managed drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the public health stakes for countries where reliable clean-water infrastructure is still limited. Indigenous Health Focus: At the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Indigenous leaders emphasized health as a rights issue, with the forum theme centered on ensuring Indigenous health, including in conflict settings. Regional Health Emergency Watch: An Ebola briefing warns the 2026 outbreak in the DRC and Uganda could become one of the worst on record, with conflict and misinformation complicating response efforts. Health Systems Under Strain Abroad: India’s relief mission to earthquake-hit Venezuela includes medical teams and deployable field hospital units to support trauma and emergency care as local healthcare systems face heavy pressure.

NCD Surveillance in Suriname: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor has launched training for field workers for the WHO STEPS Survey, aiming to update national data on major noncommunicable disease risk factors—covering tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health—after the last survey in 2013. Water Access Watch: A new data map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing huge gaps between countries and underscoring that millions rely on unsafe or unreliable sources. Ebola Update (DRC/Uganda): A national briefing warns the 2026 Ebola outbreak is becoming one of the most serious on record, with nearly 700 confirmed cases and no vaccine yet for the Bundibugyo strain, while conflict and misinformation complicate response efforts. Regional Health & Emergency Support: India’s “Operation Amistad” is sending Army medical teams and modular field hospital support to earthquake-hit Venezuela to ease pressure on local healthcare systems. Health-Linked Governance Concern: Questions continue to mount over senior minister Dr. Denzil Douglas’ reported surgery and absence from key engagements, with no official medical details released.

NCD Survey Rollout: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor, with PAHO/WHO and the IDB, has launched training for field supervisors and interviewers for the WHO STEPS Survey—its first since 2013—aimed at updating national data on major noncommunicable disease risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health, with nationwide fieldwork planned over three months. Health Leadership in Focus: Questions are growing after reports that senior minister Dr. Denzil Douglas is absent from major engagements amid unconfirmed claims of a 10-day post-surgery recovery period, with no official medical details released. Public Health Risk & Water Access: A data-driven mapping review highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, noting that more than 2 billion people worldwide lack safely managed drinking water services—an issue closely tied to long-term health outcomes. Ebola Watch: A national briefing on the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda flags a rapidly worsening situation, with nearly 700 confirmed cases and no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Health Response: India’s Operation Amistad sends army medical teams and field hospital support to earthquake-hit Venezuela, including medicines and emergency equipment to ease pressure on local healthcare systems. Safety & Care Context: A Guyana case involving a health-center worker’s death is under investigation, underscoring how violence and trauma can quickly overwhelm community wellbeing and services.

STEPS Survey Launch in Suriname: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO and the IDB, has started training 45 field supervisors and interviewers for the WHO STEPS Survey—its first since 2013—aimed at updating national data on major noncommunicable disease risk factors like tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health, with nationwide fieldwork planned over three months. Safe Water Access Map: A new global look at safely managed drinking water shows huge gaps: more than 2 billion people still lack safe water at home, with access near-universal in many wealthy regions but far below 20% in several low-income countries. WHO Malaria Win Noted: At the World Health Assembly, WHO recognized Suriname for malaria elimination, alongside other global public health achievements. Ebola Briefing: A report warns the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda could become one of the worst on record, with no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and conflict and misinformation complicating response. Local Health Worker Link: A Guyana case highlights a Cuban woman found dead; she worked at a health center, while a police officer remains in preventive detention after a murder charge.

NCD Prevention in Suriname: Suriname’s Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor has launched training for field workers for the WHO STEPS Survey, with PAHO/WHO and the IDB supporting. Public Health Data Drive: The survey will gather national data on major noncommunicable disease risk factors—covering tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health—Suriname’s first STEPS since 2013, with nationwide fieldwork planned over three months. Global Water Access Watch: A new data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, noting that more than 2 billion people worldwide lack safe drinking water at home. WHO Recognition for Malaria Control: At the World Health Assembly, WHO reported certificates of achievement, including Suriname’s malaria elimination recognition. Ebola Alert (DRC/Uganda): A briefing warns the 2026 Ebola outbreak could become one of the worst on record, with no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and conflict and misinformation complicating response. Health Response to Disasters: India is sending medical teams and modular field hospital units to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, aiming to ease pressure on local healthcare systems.

World Health Assembly Recognition: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted major public health wins, including Suriname’s malaria elimination certificate and other global disease-control awards, alongside ongoing talks on the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system. Cardiovascular Care Push: A PAHO/WHO-supported workshop in Guyana focused on scaling the HEARTS initiative to tackle cardiovascular disease, with hypertension singled out as the biggest preventable risk and progress reported from 8 facilities in 2021 to 250+ by May 2026. Safe Water Gap: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring that over 2 billion people lack safe water at home—an issue that directly affects health outcomes across the region. Indigenous Health Focus: At the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, delegates emphasized Indigenous health as a rights-based priority, linking health to culture, education, and human rights. Ebola Alert: Coverage warns the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda could become one of the worst on record, with no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain and conflict and misinformation complicating response. Local Safety Concern: In Guyana, a teen’s death is under investigation after eyewitnesses dispute the police account of a fatal pursuit.

Safe Water Gap: A new global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water at home, with access near universal in many wealthy countries but dropping below 20% in several low-income settings. Indigenous Health Focus: At the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, delegates stressed Indigenous health needs—especially in conflict contexts—framing Indigenous people as rights-holders with participation in decisions affecting their wellbeing. Ebola Alert: A briefing on the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda warns the crisis could be among the worst on record, with hundreds of confirmed cases and no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Suriname Health Recognition: At the World Health Assembly, WHO credited Suriname for malaria elimination, alongside other disease-control milestones across member states. Cardiovascular Care Push: Guyana’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO, reported major HEARTS Initiative scale-up to more than 250 facilities, aiming to improve hypertension detection and blood pressure control. Disaster Medical Aid: India’s relief mission to quake-hit Venezuela includes an army medical team and a modular field hospital system to support overwhelmed local healthcare.

World Health Assembly Recognition: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted major Suriname public health wins, including malaria elimination certificates, alongside other disease-control achievements and tobacco control awards. Cardiovascular Care Boost: Guyana’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO, ran a HEARTS quality improvement workshop to strengthen hypertension detection and blood pressure control across primary care. Indigenous Health Focus at UN: At the 25th UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, delegates stressed Indigenous health as a rights issue, with the theme tied to health in conflict settings. Local Investigation and Safety Concerns: In Guyana, a teen’s death after a police pursuit is under scrutiny, with eyewitnesses disputing the official account and an OPR probe underway. Ebola Alert: A national briefing warned the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda could be among the worst on record, with conflict and misinformation complicating response. Humanitarian Medical Aid: India launched Operation Amistad sending medical teams and field hospital systems to quake-hit Venezuela.

Teen’s Death Under Investigation: A 16-year-old, Aftaz King, died after a controversial police pursuit along the Corentyne corridor in Guyana, with police saying he lost control and eyewitnesses alleging a patrol vehicle struck his motorcycle; an OPR probe is underway. Ebola Alert: A briefing warns the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda could become among the worst on record, with nearly 700 confirmed cases and no vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain. Regional Health Capacity: Guyana’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO, ran a HEARTS cardiovascular quality workshop, expanding evidence-based hypertension care across primary facilities. Suriname Health Milestone: At the World Health Assembly, Suriname received recognition for malaria elimination progress. Disaster Response: India sent medical teams and field hospital support to earthquake-hit Venezuela under Operation Amistad, aiming to ease pressure on local healthcare. Diplomacy & Health Links: Jamaica’s PM visited Guyana, meeting health officials and discussing cooperation across sectors including health-related collaboration.

Humanitarian Medical Aid: India has launched Operation Amistad to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, sending an Indian Army medical team, 35 tonnes of medicines and supplies, and modular field-hospital units (BHISHM Cubes) to help ease pressure on local care systems after twin quakes killed at least 180 people. Infectious Disease Alert: A new briefing warns the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda could become one of the worst on record, with the Bundibugyo strain spreading across provinces and borders; WHO reports nearly 700 cases and over 130 deaths, and there is no vaccine for this strain. Global Health Recognition (Suriname): At the World Health Assembly, WHO highlighted Suriname for malaria elimination, alongside other country achievements, as member states continue talks on pandemic pathogen access and benefit sharing. Cardiovascular Care in the Region: Guyana’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO, ran a HEARTS quality improvement workshop to strengthen hypertension detection and blood-pressure control, expanding HEARTS to more than 250 facilities by May 2026. Health Policy & Funding: UNHCR is inviting organisations to apply for grants supporting protection, legal assistance, humanitarian aid, livelihoods, and durable solutions for refugees and displaced people across the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Ebola Alert: The WHO says the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda is among the most serious on record, with nearly 700 confirmed cases and 130+ deaths reported by mid-June; the Bundibugyo strain is spreading across provinces and borders, and there is currently no vaccine. Public Health Milestones (Suriname): At the World Health Assembly, WHO recognized Suriname for malaria elimination, alongside other country achievements like trachoma and leprosy elimination and mother-to-child HIV/HBV/syphilis elimination. Cardiovascular Care (Regional): Guyana’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO, ran a HEARTS quality improvement workshop to strengthen hypertension detection and blood pressure control, expanding HEARTS to 250+ facilities by May 2026. Health & Climate Link: A new Amazon study maps “upslope corridors” that could help species move to cooler areas as warming accelerates, supporting land protection planning for biodiversity resilience. Health Policy (Global): The World Health Assembly continued talks on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system under the WHO Pandemic Agreement.

Global Health Alert: WHO reports the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and neighboring Uganda is worsening, with nearly 700 confirmed cases and over 130 deaths; the Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine, and conflict plus mistrust and misinformation are slowing aid. Regional Health Systems: Suriname’s public health wins were highlighted at the World Health Assembly, including a certificate for malaria elimination, alongside other countries’ progress on trachoma, leprosy, HIV and tobacco control. Cardiovascular Care in the Region: Guyana’s Ministry of Health, with PAHO/WHO, ran a HEARTS quality improvement workshop, expanding hypertension-focused care across more than 250 facilities and pushing for better blood pressure control. Health & Safety Justice: In Guyana, a court sentenced “Iswe” Alleyne to 25 years for the murder of his girlfriend, with the ruling stressing failures to provide medical help and the need to deter intimate partner violence. Wildlife & Public Health Link: Reports of golden lion tamarin trafficking point to organized smuggling routes involving Suriname and the region—an issue that can raise broader concerns about disease risk and enforcement.

World Health Assembly Recognition: WHO’s World Health Assembly highlighted major public health wins, including Suriname’s malaria elimination certificate and other global disease-control awards, while Member States continued talks on the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex. Cardiovascular Care Training (Regional): Guyana, with PAHO/WHO, ran a HEARTS quality improvement workshop to strengthen hypertension detection and control, noting HEARTS expansion to 250+ facilities and the push for better blood pressure management tools. Domestic Violence Sentencing (Regional, Health Impact): In Guyana, Shaquawn “Iswe” Alleyne was sentenced to 25 years for the murder of his girlfriend, with the court stressing the broader public health harm of intimate partner violence and failures to seek emergency medical help. Wildlife Trafficking (Public Health & Safety): Reports describe sophisticated networks trafficking endangered golden lion tamarins, with seizures including in Suriname, raising concerns about illegal wildlife trade routes and associated risks. Food Security Warning (Commentary): A Suriname-focused commentary cautions against relying on foreign agribusiness promises, arguing for stronger food security, local producer support, and better protection of rivers and forests. Governance Update (Indirect): Dynacor’s board elected Réjean Gourde as chair as the company accelerates processing plant launches in 2026, a reminder of how corporate decisions can affect regional health and environment planning.

UNHCR Funding Call: UNHCR is inviting organisations to apply for grants to support refugees, asylum seekers, stateless people and other forcibly displaced people across the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, with work focused on protection systems, legal help, documentation, humanitarian support, livelihoods, education, inclusion and durable solutions (deadline 24-Jul-2026). Global Health Recognition: At the World Health Assembly, WHO highlighted Suriname’s malaria elimination achievement and other public health wins, while Member States continued talks on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system under the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Cardiovascular Care Training: Guyana, with PAHO/WHO, ran a HEARTS quality improvement workshop to strengthen cardiovascular disease prevention and control, building on expansion to more than 250 facilities by May 2026. Violence & Health Safety: In Guyana, “Iswe” Shaquawn Alleyne was sentenced to 25 years for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, with the court stressing failures to seek medical help and the broader impact of intimate partner violence. Road Safety & Emergency Response: A 61-year-old electric cycle rider died after a crash on Craig Public Road; EMTs transported him to Diamond Regional Hospital where he later succumbed. Wildlife Trafficking: Reports link sophisticated trafficking networks to golden lion tamarin seizures, including cases involving Suriname, raising concerns about animal health and illegal trade routes.