AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Policy: Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, held an Asmara workshop to develop a National Food Control Policy—aimed at safer, higher-quality food and stronger systems linking farms, markets, and households. Maternal Health & Fistula Support: In Mendefera/Dekemhare, health professionals urged organized community visits and support for fistula patients, highlighting prevention through antenatal and postnatal care at health facilities. Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: New research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising the risk that first-line malaria treatments may weaken over time. Sudan Health Emergency: WHO warns Sudan’s cholera outbreak could worsen with ongoing fighting and the rainy season, as deaths and cases rise. Border Health Access: UK visa rule changes now require advance visas for transit travelers from 33 African countries, including Eritrea—potentially affecting students and patients seeking medical care abroad.

Food Safety Policy: Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, held an inception workshop in Asmara (10 July) to develop a National Food Control Policy—aimed at guiding a national food law and strengthening safer food systems for healthier families. Maternal Health & Fistula Support: Health professionals at Mendefera’s Fistula Treatment Center urged organized community visits and support for fistula patients; the National Union of Eritrean Women Board in Dekemhare sub-zone delivered sanitary materials and highlighted prevention through antenatal and facility-based delivery. Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: New research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising the risk that first-line malaria treatments could weaken over time. Human Rights Oversight (Eritrea): A UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the Human Rights Council, with supporters citing it as a key way to document alleged systematic abuses. Health-Adjacent Migration Legal Ruling: A UK high court ruled that changes to trafficking protections under the “one in, one out” asylum returns guidance were unlawful, affecting Eritrean and Sudanese small-boat asylum seekers.

Food Safety Policy: Eritrea’s Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, held an Asmara inception workshop to draft a National Food Control Policy—aimed at guiding a national food law and strengthening safer food systems for healthier families. Maternal Health & Fistula Care: In Mendefera, health professionals urged organized community visits and support for fistula patients; experts linked fistula to low awareness and home delivery, and called for pre- and post-natal care at health facilities. Malaria Drug Resistance Watch: New research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising the risk that first-line malaria treatments may lose effectiveness over time. Human Rights Oversight: UN Human Rights Council actions included extending the Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea, with Eritrean diaspora groups and partners citing the role of monitoring in documenting abuses. Health in Extreme Heat (Sports): Tour de France coverage highlights heat risks and the focus on hydration and cooling—while Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay placed second on Stage 8.

Heat & hydration in sport: Tour de France Stage 8 went to Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier, with defending champion Tadej Pogačar keeping the yellow jersey despite sweltering conditions; Pogačar stressed cooling the body and prioritizing nutrition and hydration, while Eritrean rider Biniam Girmay placed second. Malaria drug resistance risk: New research warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, including along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border, raising fears that frontline malaria treatments could lose effectiveness over time. Eritrea human rights monitoring: The UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the Human Rights Council, with Eritrean diaspora groups and partners citing the need for continued documentation of abuses. Maternal health support for fistula: In Mendefera, health professionals and women’s groups called for organized visits and support for fistula patients, urging pregnant women to seek pre- and post-natal care at health facilities. Asylum & trafficking protections (Eritrean cases): A UK high court ruled changes to trafficking protections under the “one in, one out” asylum returns deal were unlawful, affecting small-boat asylum seekers including four from Eritrea.

Malaria Watch: New research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases warns artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, with partial resistance now established across much of Uganda, Rwanda, and along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border—raising the risk that first-line anti-malarials could lose effectiveness over time. Fistula Care in Eritrea: Health professionals in Mendefera urged organized community visits and support for fistula patients, highlighting prevention through antenatal and postnatal care at health facilities and noting Ministry of Health surgery plus training for physical and psychological recovery. Human Rights & Health Access: An EEPA update says the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the UN Human Rights Council, while medical evacuations in South Sudan rose amid renewed fighting that restricts access to healthcare. Refugee Health Risks: A UK high court ruling found changes to trafficking protections under the “one in, one out” asylum returns deal were unlawful for five small-boat asylum seekers, including four from Eritrea—an issue that can affect access to safety and health services. Nutrition & Agriculture: Eritrea’s date palm development project reports about 50,000 seedlings planted along coastal regions, aiming to strengthen nutrition and coastal livelihoods.

Malaria Watch: New research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases says artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, with resistance now established across much of Uganda and Rwanda and along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border—raising fears that first-line malaria treatments could weaken over time. Maternal Health & Access: Eritrean health professionals at Mendefera’s Fistula Treatment Center urged organized community visits and support for fistula patients, highlighting prevention through antenatal and postnatal care at health facilities. Human Rights & Health Risks for Eritreans: A UK high court ruled that changes to trafficking protections under the “one in, one out” asylum returns deal were unlawful; the case involved five small-boat asylum seekers, four from Eritrea, underscoring how legal barriers can heighten vulnerability. Eritrea Monitoring: EEPA reports the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea was extended by the UN Human Rights Council, with supporters citing the role of documentation in tracking abuses. Health System Strain in the Region: ICRC reports medical evacuations in South Sudan rose 50% in the first half of 2026 as renewed fighting restricted access to care, with surgeries increasing at Juba Military Hospital.

Malaria Watch: New research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases says artemisinin resistance is spreading across East Africa, with resistance markers now established across much of Uganda and Rwanda and along the Ethiopia–Eritrea–Sudan border—raising fears that first-line malaria treatments could lose effectiveness over time. Maternal Health & Community Care: Health professionals at Eritrea’s Fistula Treatment Center in Mendefera urged organized visits and support for fistula patients, linking better morale and recovery to prevention efforts and stronger pre- and post-natal care at health facilities. Human Rights & Protection: A UK high court ruled that changes to trafficking protections under the “one in, one out” asylum returns deal were unlawful; the case involved five small-boat asylum seekers, including four from Eritrea. UN Human Rights Council Update: The 62nd UN Human Rights Council session concluded with 28 resolutions and renewed focus on women’s rights, while also highlighting urgent debates tied to Sudan and the ongoing need for reliable monitoring mechanisms. Health Access Under Conflict: A situation report notes rising medical needs amid fighting in Sudan, including worsening conditions in IDP camps and a cholera outbreak with deaths and hundreds of cases reported.

Human Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council extended the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea after a vote with 23 countries in favour, keeping international scrutiny on alleged systematic abuses. Health Access Under Conflict: The Red Cross reports a 50% rise in medical evacuations of wounded people in South Sudan, with surgeries up nearly 30% at Juba Military Hospital as fighting restricts care. Maternal Health & Fistula Support: In Mendefera, health professionals and the National Union of Eritrean Women urged organized visits and support for fistula patients, stressing prevention through pre- and post-natal care at health facilities and offering sanitary materials. Malaria in Pregnancy: A report highlights how malaria repeatedly affects pregnant women across Africa, noting higher risks of severe illness and death during pregnancy and calling for stronger prevention and treatment. Refugee Health Risks: Human Rights Watch says refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt face arbitrary arrest, detention, and deportation tied to residency delays, leaving people vulnerable to gaps in healthcare and protection. Logistics for Health Supplies: Astral Aviation restarts a Haikou–Johannesburg freighter route via Nairobi, aiming to move time-sensitive cargo including pharmaceuticals and general goods.

UN Human Rights Council Update: The UN Human Rights Council extended the UN Special Rapporteur mandate on Eritrea’s human rights situation, with 23 countries voting in favour, 17 abstaining and 6 against—supporters say it remains one of the few reliable ways to document abuses. Health & Access in Conflict Zones: The ICRC reports a 50% rise in medical evacuations in South Sudan (266 cases in the first six months), with surgeries at Juba Military Hospital up nearly 30% as fighting restricts access to care. Maternal Health & Fistula Support: Health professionals in Mendefera called for organized community visits to fistula patients, linking better morale and recovery to prevention awareness, facility-based childbirth, and Ministry of Health surgery plus training. Eritrea-Linked Logistics for Health Supplies: Astral Aviation restarted its Haikou–Johannesburg freighter route via Nairobi with Fly Noor Aviation, aiming to move time-sensitive goods including pharmaceuticals and perishables. Refugee Health Risks: Human Rights Watch says Egypt is arresting and deporting refugees and asylum seekers—often after residency delays—raising serious concerns for access to healthcare and safety. Malaria Reminder: A report highlights how malaria can recur during pregnancy even with prophylaxis, underscoring the need for strong antenatal care and timely treatment.

Fistula Care Mobilization: Health professionals at Eritrea’s Fistula Treatment Center in Mendefera urged that community visits and support for fistula patients be organized, linking morale and recovery to prevention efforts; a Dekemhare sub-zone program run by the National Union of Eritrean Women Board included education on causes and treatment, calls for pre- and post-natal care at health facilities, and delivery of sanitary materials worth 100,000 Nakfa. Malaria in Pregnancy (Africa-wide): A report highlights how malaria remains a major threat for pregnant women across Africa, with one case describing repeated malaria diagnoses despite prophylaxis, alongside broader figures on rising cases and deaths. Health-Linked Humanitarian Pressure: Coverage on refugee and asylum conditions across the region underscores ongoing barriers to access to healthcare and safety, including detention and deportation risks. Food & Water Safety (Restaurant Inspections): A separate health inspection story found serious sanitation problems at a restaurant, including rat feces and grease buildup—an example of why routine monitoring matters for community health. Logistics & Health Supply Chains: A new Haikou–Johannesburg freighter route restarting via Nairobi is expected to support trade in goods including pharmaceuticals, potentially strengthening regional supply reliability.

Malaria in pregnancy: A new report highlights how malaria remains a deadly, repeat threat for pregnant women in Africa, with one case describing four malaria diagnoses during a single pregnancy despite prophylaxis—underscoring why World Malaria Day messaging still matters. Heat and health risks: Coverage of the Tour de France stage notes emergency measures during extreme 40°C-plus heat, a reminder of dehydration and heat stress dangers for athletes and the wider public. Refugee health under pressure: Human Rights Watch reports Egypt’s crackdown on Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers—arbitrary arrests, detention, and deportations tied to expired paperwork and administrative delays—raising serious concerns for access to care. Eritrea rights and protection: A UN Human Rights Council statement calls for continued international protection for Eritrean refugees, citing ongoing barriers to healthcare and education, plus risks of trafficking and violence. Food safety: A restaurant inspection report flags rat feces and other violations, including grease buildup, prompting another inspection—an immediate public health concern for diners. Logistics and medicines: Astral Aviation and Fly Noor Aviation restart a Haikou–Johannesburg freighter route via Nairobi, explicitly linking cargo capacity to pharmaceuticals and other health-related goods moving into Africa.

Human Rights & Health Access: A UN Human Rights Council side statement by Eritrean human rights journalist Hussen Hubadin Zamzame highlights ongoing gaps for Eritrean refugees, including limited access to healthcare, education, and employment, plus risks of detention and trafficking. Refugee Protection Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch reports Egypt’s crackdown on Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers, with people jailed and deported after residency delays leave them without valid documents. Humanitarian Health Risks: Situation reporting notes a cholera outbreak in Sudan’s North Kordofan (14 deaths, 418 cases) and worsening camp conditions tied to conflict, malnutrition, and gender-based violence. MSF Spotlight: MSF’s “Forced Hope” virtual reality exhibit in Madrid uses immersive storytelling to draw attention to displacement and medical suffering affecting millions in Sudan. Eritrea–EU Diplomacy: Eritrea’s UNHRC statement argues against continuing a Special Rapporteur mechanism, framing it as an obstacle to improved relations with the EU and international community.

Heat & endurance in sport: Tour de France organisers rolled out emergency measures as riders tackled stage four in extreme 40°C-plus heat over 181 km, with Mads Pedersen winning the sprint into Foix and Torstein Træen (a testicular cancer survivor) taking the yellow jersey. Human rights & health access for refugees: Human Rights Watch reports Egypt is arresting and deporting refugees and asylum seekers—often after residency permit delays—leaving people in legal limbo and at risk of abuse. Eritrea-focused protection concerns: A statement at the UN Human Rights Council highlighted ongoing needs for international protection for Eritrean refugees, citing barriers to healthcare and other basic services. Sudan health strain: A situation report notes a cholera outbreak in North Kordofan (14 deaths, 418 cases) alongside worsening malnutrition and trauma as conflict disrupts health infrastructure. Funding pressure on care: Uganda’s refugee response is under strain as funding cuts (over 50%) threaten food security, education, healthcare, and livelihoods for more than two million refugees.

Refugee Rights in Egypt: Human Rights Watch reports months of arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention, and deportation of refugees and asylum seekers in Egypt—often because residency permits expired during government backlogs, leaving people in legal limbo even when they hold UNHCR cards. Humanitarian Health Pressure (Sudan): EEPA situation updates flag worsening conditions in Sudan, including collapsing services in IDP camps, rising malnutrition and gender-based violence, and a cholera outbreak in North Kordofan with deaths and hundreds of cases. Refugee Funding Strain (Uganda): Uganda’s refugee response is under major pressure as funding cuts of over 50% threaten food security, education, healthcare, and livelihoods for more than two million refugees. Migration Detention Abuses (Libya): HRW says Libya’s authorities have fueled xenophobic protests and carried out mass detention and collective expulsions of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees in inhumane conditions. Eritrea & UN Human Rights Council: A statement at the UN Human Rights Council argues Eritrean refugees still need international protection and highlights ongoing barriers to healthcare and education; separately, Eritrea’s foreign ministry criticized the continued mandate of a special rapporteur as an obstacle to cooperation. MSF Awareness for Sudan Crisis: MSF used a free virtual reality exhibition in Madrid to spotlight the suffering of people displaced by Sudan’s war, aiming to drive attention to humanitarian needs.

Sudan Health & Hunger: EEPA reports RSF attacks on North Darfur villages, killing civilians and destroying infrastructure, driving mass displacement into Chad with food and water shortages; it also flags worsening IDP camp conditions, rising malnutrition and gender-based violence, plus a cholera outbreak in North Kordofan that has killed 14 and recorded 418 cases. Refugee Pressure on Care: Coverage notes Uganda’s refugee system is under strain as funding drops by over 50%, threatening food security, education, healthcare and livelihoods for 2.02 million people. Migration Rights & Health Risks: Human Rights Watch warns Libya’s anti-migrant crackdown is tied to mass detention in inhumane conditions and collective expulsions, raising serious health dangers for migrants and refugees. Eritrea–EU Human Rights Politics: A diplomatic briefing in Asmara reiterates Eritrea’s stance against maintaining a UN Special Rapporteur mechanism, framing it as an obstacle to cooperation—relevant for health partners working across borders. Local Safety: In Glasgow, two teenagers were found not guilty in the sword attack death of 15-year-old Amen Teklay, who was originally from Eritrea.

Refugee Health Funding Pressure: Uganda’s refugee system is under strain as funding cuts of over 50% threaten food, education, healthcare, and livelihoods for more than 2 million people. Humanitarian Access & Safety: MSF is using a free virtual reality exhibit, “Forced Hope,” to spotlight the suffering of 14 million displaced by Sudan’s war, including the lived experience of an MSF anesthesia technician now working in a camp in Chad. Eritrea Health & Capacity Spotlight: A profile highlights pharmacist Nuru Abdu Ahmed’s push to make Eritrea Africa’s pharmaceutical hub, linking youth skills and professional work to national health goals. Migration Rights Concerns: Reports describe intensified crackdowns on Sudanese refugees in Egypt and abuses against migrants in Libya, raising urgent health and protection risks for displaced people. Local Food Safety: A San Antonio restaurant inspection found rat feces and other violations, underscoring how sanitation failures can quickly become public health problems.