AGP Executive Report

PFAS in Pregnancy: A new Suriname study finds “forever chemicals” in pregnant women vary sharply by location, with remote rainforest communities showing higher PFAS levels—raising concerns about water and food pathways during pregnancy. Neurological Disorders Surge: PAHO reports nearly 470 million people across the Americas live with at least one neurological disorder (about two in five), with stroke, migraine, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s driving long-term disability and uneven access to rehab and long-term care; Guyana and Suriname are among the hardest hit. Illegal Mining Health Fallout: France warns illegal gold mining along Suriname’s border with French Guiana is a public health ticking time bomb, citing extreme mercury and arsenic contamination levels and daily exposure risks for Indigenous communities. Chikungunya Travel Alert: CDC flags active chikungunya outbreaks, including Suriname, and urges travelers to use repellent, wear protective clothing, and watch for symptoms like severe joint pain. Renal Transplant Programme Update: Suriname’s Health Minister says no date is set for a second kidney transplant procedure as teams train, equipment is secured, theatres renovated, and anti-rejection medication arranged.

Chikungunya Alert: The CDC has issued a travel advisory for Costa Rica after chikungunya cases rose in Guanacaste (notably Playa Langosta), urging mosquito protection and noting symptoms can take up to a week to appear, with some people facing joint pain lasting months or years. Border Health Fallout from Mining: France is pressing Suriname over illegal gold mining along the Marowijne River, with reported mercury and arsenic levels far above WHO limits—raising concerns about daily exposure through local water and food for Indigenous communities. Neurological Disorders Burden: A PAHO/WHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas estimates nearly 470 million people in the Americas (about two in five) live with neurological disorders; Guyana and Suriname are among the highest-burden countries, and the focus is shifting toward long-term disability needing rehab and care. PFAS in Pregnancy: New research finds PFAS “forever chemicals” in Suriname vary by landscape, with higher serum levels reported in remote rainforest communities—highlighting environmental exposure differences during pregnancy. Rescue After Sea Disaster: After the St Vincent VII sinking, all six crew were found alive, but one captain later died after rescue—an urgent reminder of dehydration, breathing complications, and medical follow-up needs after prolonged time at sea.

Neurological Health Crisis: A PAHO/WHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas estimates nearly 470 million people in the Americas (about two in five) live with at least one neurological disorder, with stroke, migraine, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s among the most common; it also notes declining death rates since 1990 but rising long-term disability, and highlights Suriname and Guyana among the highest-burden countries. Pregnancy PFAS Exposure in Suriname: New research finds PFAS (“forever chemicals”) levels in pregnant women vary sharply by landscape, with higher concentrations in remote rainforest communities—pointing to local water/food pathways that may drive exposure. Chikungunya Travel Alert: The CDC reports active chikungunya outbreaks including Suriname, and warns travellers about elevated exposure risk in several other countries, urging mosquito protection. Renal Transplant Programme Gap: Suriname’s regional transplant efforts are echoed by reporting that a renal transplant programme can face delays while teams train, equipment is secured, and anti-rejection medication is arranged. Public Health & Safety at Sea: After the MV St Vincent VII sinking, survivors’ ordeal ended with rescue—but one captain later died, underscoring the health risks of dehydration and complications after prolonged exposure.

Neurological Health Crisis: A PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas says nearly 470 million people in the Americas (about two in five) live with neurological disorders, with Guyana and Suriname among the hardest hit—while death rates have fallen since 1990, more people are surviving with long-term disability, raising pressure for rehab and long-term care. PFAS in Pregnancy: New research finds PFAS “forever chemicals” in Suriname pregnant women vary sharply by location, with higher blood concentrations in remote rainforest communities—pointing to environmental exposure differences tied to water, food chains, or local reservoirs. Mosquito-Borne Alert: CDC reports active chikungunya outbreaks including Suriname, and warns travellers to use repellent and protective clothing as risk can extend beyond confirmed hotspots. Yellow Fever Vaccination Push: Curaçao’s health ministry urges vaccination for travellers after WHO/PAHO flagged rising yellow fever cases and new spread areas in South America, noting the vaccine should be taken at least 10 days before travel. Kidney Transplant Programme Gap (Region): In Trinidad and Tobago, officials say no date is set for a second renal transplant procedure as local teams are still being trained and equipment and medication arrangements are underway.

Neurological Health in Suriname and the Region: A PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas estimates nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with at least one neurological disorder, with Guyana and Suriname among the highest-burden countries—highlighting gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care as more people survive with disability. PFAS Exposure During Pregnancy in Suriname: New research finds pregnant women in Suriname’s remote rainforest communities have higher blood levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” than those in more accessible areas, pointing to location-linked differences in water and food pathways during pregnancy. Mosquito-Borne Disease Alert (Chikungunya): The CDC reports active chikungunya outbreaks including Suriname, and warns travelers to use repellent and protective clothing as risk can extend beyond confirmed hotspots. Maritime Health Concern: After the ST Vincent VII rescue, reports say captain Anthony Murray died hours later, underscoring the need for rapid medical support after prolonged time at sea. Environmental Health Link to Mining: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses forensic science to trace illegal Amazon gold—aimed at reducing deforestation and mercury contamination that can harm communities.

PFAS in Pregnancy: A new Suriname study finds “forever chemicals” in pregnant women vary sharply by location, with higher PFAS levels reported in remote rainforest communities—raising concerns about water, food-chain, and environmental exposure during pregnancy. Neurological Health Burden: PAHO/WHO-backed research estimates nearly 470 million people across the Americas live with at least one neurological disorder (migraine, stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s), with death rates falling but long-term disability and care needs rising; Suriname, Guyana, and Haiti are flagged among the highest-burden countries. Mosquito-Borne Risk (Chikungunya): CDC confirms active chikungunya outbreaks including Suriname, and warns travellers about elevated exposure risk in several other destinations; prevention advice focuses on repellent and covering skin. Yellow Fever Alert: Curaçao’s health ministry urges vaccination for travellers as yellow fever cases rise in parts of South America, including newly reported areas. Renal Transplant Programme (Suriname): Suriname’s health minister says no date is set for a second kidney transplant after the June 2025 first procedure, citing local team training, equipment, theatre renovations, and arranging free anti-rejection medication.

Neurological Health in the Americas: A PAHO/WHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas estimates nearly 470 million people (about two in five) across North and South America live with at least one neurological disorder, including migraine, stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s—death rates have fallen since 1990, but long-term disability and care needs are rising, with Suriname, Guyana and Haiti among the highest-burden countries. Heat & Safety at Carnival: In Rotterdam, nine people were hospitalized and 19 treated on-site after becoming unwell amid heat and crowds at the Antilles-style Rotterdam Summer Carnival; police also arrested four people after finding real and fake firearms during checks. Chikungunya Travel Alert: The CDC reports active chikungunya outbreaks in places including Suriname and warns travelers about elevated exposure risk in several other countries, urging mosquito protection measures. Renal Transplant Programme Update (Suriname-linked): In Trinidad and Tobago, officials say Suriname’s regional transplant collaboration is being built toward local capacity, but timelines for the next procedure remain unclear as teams train and equipment is secured. Forensic Fight Against Illegal Mining: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses chemical signatures to trace seized gold back to protected areas, aiming to curb illegal Amazon mining and reduce mercury contamination. Yellow Fever Vaccination Reminder: Curaçao’s health ministry urges vaccination for travelers to yellow-fever-risk countries as cases rise in parts of South America, including new areas reporting infections.

Neurological Health Burden: A new PAHO/WHO-backed study reports nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with at least one neurological disorder—about two in five—covering migraine, stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. It notes death rates have fallen since 1990, but more people are surviving with long-term disability, widening the need for rehab and long-term care; Suriname in the Spotlight: The study flags Suriname among countries with the highest neurological disorder burden, pointing to gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation; Chikungunya Travel Alert: Health authorities warn of rising chikungunya risk, with active outbreaks confirmed in Suriname and other destinations, urging travelers to use mosquito repellent and protective clothing; Renal Transplant Programme Gap: Suriname’s regional transplant progress is echoed by a Caribbean report: Trinidad and Tobago’s renal transplant programme has faced delays while training and equipment are prepared, highlighting how capacity-building affects patient timelines; Illegal Mining & Mercury Risk: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses forensic chemistry to trace seized gold to protected or Indigenous areas, aiming to curb illegal mining that drives deforestation and mercury contamination.

Neurological Health Crisis in the Americas: A new PAHO/WHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas estimates nearly 470 million people (about 2 in 5) across North and South America live with at least one neurological disorder, including migraine, stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s. While death rates have fallen since 1990, more people are surviving with long-term disability—yet access to rehab and long-term care is uneven, with Haiti, Guyana, and Suriname among the highest-burden countries. Mosquito-Borne Disease Alert (Chikungunya): The CDC reports active chikungunya outbreaks in places including Suriname and warns travelers about elevated exposure risk in several other countries; prevention guidance focuses on repellent and protective clothing. Yellow Fever Vaccination Push: Curaçao’s health ministry urges vaccination after WHO/PAHO alerts of rising yellow fever cases and new geographic detections in parts of South America, emphasizing getting the vaccine at least 10 days before travel. Renal Transplant Programme Update (Suriname): Suriname’s renal transplant programme faces a delay in scheduling a second procedure as local teams train, equipment is secured, theatres are renovated, and free anti-rejection medication arrangements continue.

Neurological Health in the Americas: A PAHO/WHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas estimates nearly 470 million people (about two in five) across North and South America live with at least one neurological disorder, including migraine, stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s—while death rates have fallen since 1990, the need for long-term care and rehab is rising, with big gaps between countries (Suriname, Guyana and Haiti among the highest burden). Mosquito-Borne Disease Alert: Health authorities are warning travellers about chikungunya as outbreaks are active in places including Suriname, with extra precautions urged to reduce mosquito bites. Suriname-Linked Transplant Gap: Suriname’s Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville says no date has been set for a second renal transplant after the first living-donor kidney transplant in June 2025, citing local team training, equipment, theatre renovations and arranging free anti-rejection medication. Public Health & Safety at Sea: A rescue operation after the sinking of the MV St Vincent VII highlights medical risks during prolonged exposure at sea, as a rescued captain later died despite initial stability. Environmental Health Angle: Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses forensic science to trace illegal gold mining origins—aimed at curbing deforestation and mercury contamination that can harm communities’ health. Yellow Fever Vaccination Push (Regional): Curaçao’s health ministry urges vaccination for travellers as yellow fever cases rise in parts of South America, including newly affected areas.

Chikungunya Alert for Suriname: The CDC lists active chikungunya outbreaks in French Guiana and Suriname, urging extra mosquito protection for residents and travellers—use DEET or picaridin, wear light loose clothing, and avoid bites especially during daytime. Neurological Disorders Burden: PAHO/WHO reports nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with at least one neurological disorder (about two in five), with stroke, migraine, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s driving long-term disability needs—PAHO flags major gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehab, and notes higher burden in Haiti, Guyana and Suriname. Renal Transplant Programme Gap (Region): Trinidad and Tobago’s health minister says no date is set for a second kidney transplant after the first in June 2025, citing training, equipment and operating theatre readiness plus arranging free anti-rejection medication. Yellow Fever Vaccination Push: Curaçao’s health ministry urges vaccination ahead of travel after WHO/PAHO warned of rising yellow fever cases and new spread areas in South America; vaccination is recommended at least 10 days before departure. Maritime Health Risk (Region): A fisherman captain rescued after the MV St Vincent VII sinking later died aboard the rescue vessel, highlighting the health dangers of prolonged sea exposure and delayed medical deterioration. Illegal Mining & Mercury Health Link (Brazil): Brazil’s “gold fingerprinting” lab uses forensic science to trace seized gold to protected areas, aiming to curb illegal mining that fuels deforestation and mercury contamination.

Organ Transplant Update: Suriname’s Health Minister Dr Michael Darville says the renal transplant programme launched in June 2025 has a “gap” before a second procedure, with no date set while a local team is trained, theatres are prepared, and free anti-rejection medication is arranged. Neurology Burden in the Region: PAHO/WHO-linked research in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas reports nearly 470 million people (about two in five) across North and South America live with neurological disorders; Haiti, Guyana and Suriname are listed among the highest-burden countries, with calls for better prevention, rehabilitation and long-term care. Chikungunya Travel Alert: The CDC flags active chikungunya outbreaks including parts of Suriname and French Guiana, urging mosquito-control measures and traveler precautions. Yellow Fever Vaccination Push: Curaçao’s health ministry urges vaccination for travelers as WHO/PAHO report rising yellow fever cases in South America, noting new areas of detection and recommending shots at least 10 days before travel. Maritime Health Tragedy: A Trinidad and Tobago captain rescued after days adrift later died aboard the rescue vessel, highlighting the health risks survivors can face even after rescue.

Neurology & Long-Term Care: A PAHO/WHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas reports nearly 470 million people in the Americas (about two in five) live with a neurological disorder, including migraine, stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s—while deaths have fallen since 1990, more people are surviving with long-term disability, and access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehab and support remains uneven; the study flags Haiti, Guyana and Suriname as having the highest burden. Travel Health Alert (Chikungunya): The CDC issued a travel notice tied to active chikungunya outbreaks, citing mosquito-control actions in affected areas and urging travelers to watch for symptoms and protect themselves from bites, with Suriname listed among destinations. Yellow Fever Vaccination Push: Curaçao’s health ministry urged travelers to get vaccinated as yellow fever cases rise in South America, noting new spread into previously unreported areas and recommending vaccination at least 10 days before departure. Sea Safety & Medical Impact: A fisherman rescued after an eight-day sea ordeal later died, highlighting the health risks survivors face after prolonged exposure at sea. Disaster Response (Regional Aid): CARICOM countries, including Suriname, sent medical specialists and supplies to support Venezuela after the June 24 double earthquake.

Chikungunya Travel Alert: The CDC says active chikungunya outbreaks are underway in several destinations, including parts of Costa Rica, Bolivia, French Guiana, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles—and Suriname—prompting mosquito-control actions like fumigation, removal of breeding sites, and lab testing to confirm local transmission. Public Health Burden Watch: A new PAHO-backed study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas reports nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with a neurological disorder, with the burden shifting from early death toward long-term disability—raising the need for prevention, rehab, and long-term care. Disaster Response & Care: After Guyana’s MV Barima ferry capsized, search and recovery continues with confirmed deaths rising to 27 and dozens still missing; Suddie Hospital is involved in identification, and a French Armed Forces team has arrived with divers and medics. Regional Health Support: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez publicly thanked CARICOM countries—including Suriname—for earthquake relief that included medical specialists, supplies, and equipment shipped via Guyana.

Yellow Fever Alert: Curaçao’s Health Ministry is urging travelers to get vaccinated after WHO/PAHO flagged rising yellow fever cases in South America, including new detections in Brazil’s São Paulo and Colombia’s Tolima; the vaccine is advised at least 10 days before departure. Amazon Health & Environment: Inditex and Conservation International announced a €6.5 million (2026–2028) push to protect over two million hectares of the Amazon, including initiatives in Suriname, supporting new protected areas and stronger management. Regional Earthquake Relief: Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked CARICOM countries for 88 containers of humanitarian aid after the June 24 double earthquake, including medical specialists and supplies; Suriname is listed among key contributors. Public Health Workforce Access: WHO opened its Global Internship Programme to citizens of all 194 member states, including dozens of African countries, offering placements across WHO offices in Switzerland and worldwide. Travel Policy Watch: Spain granted visa-free short stays (up to 90 days/180) to citizens of several CARICOM nations, but Suriname is not included—meaning Surinamese travelers still need a Schengen visa.

Yellow Fever Alert: Curaçao’s Ministry of Health is urging travelers to get vaccinated after WHO/PAHO reported rising yellow fever cases and new spread into places like Brazil’s São Paulo and Colombia’s Tolima; the ministry says there’s no specific treatment, but vaccination works and should be done at least 10 days before departure via Curaçao Public Health (appointments required). Regional Earthquake Relief (Health Support): Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked CARICOM countries for 88 containers of humanitarian aid after the June 24 double earthquake, including medical specialists, drug tablets, doctors/surgeons, and supplies such as rice, water, diapers, and mattresses—aid coordinated through Guyana and including Suriname. Amazon Health & Environment Link: Inditex and Conservation International announced a €6.5 million (2026–2028) partnership to protect and manage Amazon areas across six countries, with initiatives also noted in Suriname—supporting conservation that helps safeguard ecosystems tied to long-term public health.