AGP Executive Report

Rare Disease Treatment Update: Health Canada has accepted Chiesi Global Rare Diseases’ New Drug Submission for FILSUVEZ® (birch triterpenes) topical gel, granting priority review for wounds linked to dystrophic and junctional epidermolysis bullosa in patients 6 months and older. Public Health & Prevention: England’s NHS plans routine blood-pressure checks in five high-need regions (Liverpool, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, London, South Yorkshire), using everyday venues like bus stations and community hubs to catch heart risks earlier. Infectious Disease Alert: San Antonio and South Texas face higher dengue risk this summer as Aedes mosquitoes are active in Bexar County and World Cup travel could bring imported cases that spark local spread. Health Tech in Practice: Iteris’ BlueTOAD Spectra CV roadside unit has achieved OmniAir® certification, aiming to improve interoperability for connected-vehicle safety and mobility data collection.

Humanitarian Aid to Cuba: Mexico and Belize sent 1,700 tons of food and basic necessities to Havana aboard the Asian Katra, as Cuba faces shortages tied to energy and economic strain, with Cuban officials thanking the support. Public Health & Travel Safety: South Florida is bracing for World Cup-related health concerns amid a record dengue spike and broader disease-screening worries, while organizers remind fans to follow strict stadium rules. Cancer Care Access: Guyana’s health minister says Martinique is willing to supply radioactive drugs for certain cancer treatments, aiming to expand options for local patients. Mosquitoes + Water Stress: Texas is dealing with a summer overlap of mosquito surges and drought-driven aquifer limits, raising risks for mosquito-borne illness. Health Policy Research: A PURE study is highlighted in The Lancet’s women’s health coverage, pointing to ongoing work on cardiovascular risk and women’s health timing. Wellness Literature: Colombian embodied-healing guide Luisa Ocampo launched Relatos Físicos in Bogotá and is bringing it to Miami this September.

Forced Labor Tariffs: The U.S. USTR proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to goods made with forced labor, with rates of 10% or 12.5% across 60 economies (comments open until July 6, hearing July 7). Cancer Diagnostics Market: A new report pegs the oncology companion diagnostic market at $5.09B in 2025, projected to reach $14.65B by 2035 as biomarker-guided therapies expand. World Cup Health Watch: LA’s record dengue spike is raising alarms ahead of World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium, with health officials tracking mosquito risk as fans arrive from dengue-affected countries including Colombia. Colombia Politics & Health Policy Context: Colombia’s Petro sparked backlash after posting “Heil Hitler,” reigniting debate over the country’s direction and drug policy reform. Pharmacy Access Abroad: A travel-focused roundup highlights how prescription drug rules vary widely by country, with some places allowing over-the-counter access while others impose strict controls. Healthcare Tech Growth: Multiple market briefs point to rising demand for pharmacy management systems and healthcare staffing as health services scale.

Stroke Prevention: A new hemispheric review says most stroke risk is tied to everyday factors—especially high blood pressure—yet only about one in three adults with hypertension keep it under control, pointing to gaps in reaching people early. Cancer Care & Access: Martinique’s health authorities say an oncology center that makes radiopharmaceuticals is ready to supply radioactive drugs to treat certain cancers in Guyana, highlighting cross-border support for patients. Public Health at Travel Hotspots: With Ebola concerns rising around the World Cup, the CDC is expanding enhanced airport screening (including Atlanta) and also flagging risks from travel-related cosmetic procedures and medical tourism. Health Tech for Colombians Abroad: OnCallColombia says it’s the first provider in Colombia offering direct FBI Channeler electronic submissions, aiming to speed up background checks for visas and health-related licensing deadlines. Local Health Context: Colombia marked the first anniversary of the attack on Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay with masses and tributes, underscoring how security and public life remain intertwined with community wellbeing.

Ebola & Travel Readiness: The CDC is expanding enhanced Ebola airport screening in the U.S., adding Atlanta alongside Dulles for travelers linked to the DRC outbreak, as World Cup travel ramps up and health officials warn of knock-on risks. Measles Alert for Colombians: Colombia’s Ministry of Health urges World Cup travelers to review and complete measles vaccination at least 15 days before departure, citing rising cases across the Americas and imported infections. Ebola Disrupts World Cup Warm-ups: DR Congo’s pre-tournament friendly plans in Spain have been thrown into uncertainty as Ebola concerns lead to cancellations and calls for behind-closed-doors alternatives. Public Health Prevention: Lightning safety experts say many deaths come from people being outdoors during storms, stressing sheltering indoors and better prevention education. Stroke Prevention Focus: A new hemispheric review highlights that high blood pressure control is still failing to reach enough people, leaving stroke risk high despite proven treatments. Environment + Health Link: Colombian researchers found mercury-resistant Amazon bacteria that could help decontaminate rivers and wetlands affected by artisanal mining. Local Health Access: OnCallColombia launched direct electronic FBI background-check submissions for Americans in Colombia, aiming to speed up urgent visa and employment-related processes.

Measles Alert for World Cup Travelers: Colombia’s Ministry of Health urges fans to review and complete measles vaccination at least 15 days before departure, citing rising cases across the Americas and imported infections linked to travel. Stroke Prevention Focus: A new hemispheric review highlights that high blood pressure is the biggest stroke risk factor, but control is still poor—suggesting the gap is more about reaching people than the medicine itself. Urban Health Watch: Research flags that chemical mixtures from car tires may harm human health, with airborne tire particles linked to rapid cell death in immune cells. Healthcare Access & Caregiving Strain: An Easton woman with breast cancer says immigration procedure changes left her husband stranded in Bogotá, forcing her to face surgery and daily needs without her main caregiver. Armed Conflict & Displacement: Clashes between illegal armed groups in Guaviare left at least 48 dead and worsened conditions for hundreds of residents caught in the fighting. World Cup Health Logistics: With the tournament approaching, Colombia’s travel guidance and broader public health concerns are front and center as mobility increases outbreak risk. FBI Background Checks, Faster for Americans in Colombia: OnCallColombia launched Colombia’s first direct electronic FBI submission channel, aiming to cut turnaround time versus mailing ink fingerprint cards.

Stroke Prevention: A new Americas-wide review says the biggest stroke risk factor is still high blood pressure, but control gaps mean many people aren’t reached early enough. Travel Health: Colombia’s Ministry of Health urges World Cup travelers to complete measles vaccination at least 15 days before departure as cases rise across the Americas. Cancer Care Access: An Easton woman says her breast cancer surgery is delayed and her daily care is disrupted because her husband is stuck in Bogotá after a sudden immigration visa pause. Environmental Health: Research flags tire chemicals and airborne tire particles as potentially harmful to human immune cells. Public Health & Safety: South Texas confirmed New World screwworm in a calf, triggering quarantine and heightened checks—while Canada temporarily limits livestock imports from Texas to protect animal health. Health & Equity in Displacement: Colombia’s Ombudsman reports over 25,000 people displaced by environmental factors in early 2026, underscoring health and rights impacts of climate stress. Sports & Wellness: A 12-year-old amputee footballer is celebrated after a cancer diagnosis, highlighting resilience and inclusion in sport.

World Cup Health & Safety: South Florida counties are ramping up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with free watch parties and heightened security, including a Colombia vs. Portugal match screening in Broward—aimed at handling big crowds and related public health risks. Climate Displacement in Colombia: Colombia’s Ombudsman reports over 25,000 people displaced by environmental factors in 2026 (Jan–Apr), with impacts hitting departments like Córdoba, Nariño, Cauca, and Norte de Santander—raising urgent needs for housing, water access, and health support. Healthy Food Policy Push (Caribbean): Caribbean leaders and public health experts call for faster, evidence-based healthy food policies to curb the region’s noncommunicable disease crisis driven by ultra-processed foods. Healthcare Access Cooperation (Curaçao–Colombia): Colombia’s Health Minister Tyron Boekhoudt met Curaçao partners and Clínica Colsanitas to explore ways to reduce Curaçao’s specialist waiting lists via knowledge exchange and medical support. Animal Health Alert (Screwworm): A flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas has triggered livestock import limits from Texas to Canada—an example of how fast-moving outbreaks can threaten regional food and animal health systems.

Colombia–Caribbean Healthcare Cooperation: Colombia’s Health Minister Tyron Boekhoudt met Curaçao’s delegation and Clínica Colsanitas (Grupo Keralty) to tackle long specialist waiting lists, focusing on knowledge exchange, specialist support, and better access through an integrated care model. Cancer & Public Health Awareness: Colombian former footballer Ivan Rene Valenciano says health problems—including dangerously low hemoglobin after hospitalization in Florida—will force him to step back from public life while he undergoes extensive medical evaluation. Healthy Food Policy in the Caribbean: PAHO and partners highlighted slow progress on noncommunicable diseases, stressing that diet-related policies need faster action and stronger public leadership to curb the region’s NCD burden. Dementia & Diet: A US study links higher ultraprocessed food intake with a 58% higher dementia risk, while minimally processed foods show protective associations. Rare Disease Treatment Update: The European Commission approved lomitapide capsules for children 5+ with HoFH, expanding options for early cardiovascular risk reduction. Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm was detected in a Texas calf, raising concerns for cattle health and potential economic damage.

Rare disease treatment: The European Commission approved Chiesi’s lomitapide capsules for children (5+) with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, adding a key option for early cardiovascular risk reduction. Infectious disease travel warning: PAHO says the World Cup could spread measles as cases rise across the Americas, urging travelers who can’t prove vaccination to get a measles-rubella shot before travel. Animal health alert: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering quarantine and movement controls to protect the cattle economy. Colombia health diplomacy: Curaçao’s health minister met Colombia’s public health leadership and visited Santa Fe and CTIC oncology care centers, exploring faster access and preventive-care models via cross-border referrals. Rheumatology care: A Colombia-led review presented at EULAR links systemic autoimmune diseases with higher arrhythmia risk, supporting routine heart monitoring like ECG/Holter in care plans. Wellness & tech debate: Google’s “Debug” plan to release millions of Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes in parts of the U.S. faces public backlash over potential health and environmental concerns.

Healthcare Cooperation: Curaçao’s Health Minister Tyron Boekhoudt met Colombia’s public health leadership and visited Fundación Santa Fe and CTIC oncology center, focusing on faster access to specialized care, preventive strategies, and possible patient referrals via Curaçao’s Social Insurance Bank. Cancer Care Spotlight: The CTIC visit highlighted multidisciplinary cancer pathways from prevention and diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, with attention to radiotherapy and oncologic surgery. Ebola & Public Health: DR Congo’s pre-World Cup friendly vs Chile was canceled after a Spanish mayor blocked the match over Ebola concerns, while the team still sought alternatives, including behind-closed-doors options. Travel Restrictions: The US and Canada tightened entry rules for visitors linked to DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan ahead of the 2026 World Cup due to Ebola risk. Everyday Health: A study discussed persistent fatigue as a possible sign of B12 and folate deficiencies, especially as vegan diets and other factors can raise deficiency risk. Health Policy Context: Colombia’s presidential politics also intersected with health system debate as Petro’s bid for a constituent assembly was halted, with health reforms cited as a key motivation.

Flesh-Eating Threat: A New World screwworm case was confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, Texas, prompting quarantines, movement controls, and sterile-fly releases to stop spread. Hospital Safety: The CDC highlights that central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain a preventable, system-level problem for patients and hospitals. Ebola & Travel Risk: DR Congo’s pre-World Cup friendly vs Chile in Spain was canceled after local authorities cited Ebola-related health concerns, with the team exploring options like playing behind closed doors. Cuban Medical Missions: Honduras and other countries have been cutting ties with Cuba’s doctors, as contracts are canceled amid compliance disputes. Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special temporary migration category allowing Cuban migrants (and some from Colombia, Venezuela, and Nicaragua) to live and work legally while cases are pending. Colombia Health Policy Context: Fitch notes Colombia’s upcoming presidential runoff could shape economic policy amid a large fiscal imbalance, affecting the broader health system outlook.

Medical Access & Costs: A Canadian healthcare marketplace says Canadians are increasingly looking abroad for dental, fertility, bariatric, regenerative medicine, and wellness care as wait times and private costs strain local options. Public Health & Travel Risk: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has already disrupted World Cup preparations, with Spain’s La Línea de la Concepción canceling a Congo–Chile warm-up over health concerns; the coach says the team is exploring options like playing behind closed doors. Health & Sports Safety: The same Ebola-linked concerns are driving new restrictions and isolation rules around the team’s travel plans, adding uncertainty to match schedules. Wellness & Exercise: A report highlights that people may need more strength training than they think—suggesting at least 90 minutes per week for better health. Mental Health & Food: A wellness piece revisits “comfort food” cravings under stress, warning that today’s highly processed versions can be more calorie-dense and less healthy than traditional comfort meals.

Ebola Precautions: A pre-World Cup friendly in Spain between DR Congo and Chile was canceled after local health authorities flagged Ebola-related risks, with the host mayor citing guidance from Andalusia’s health service. Heat Safety for Fans: South Florida’s unseasonable May heat is a warning for World Cup crowds in Miami, where June highs are expected to stay in the 80s and low 90s—fans are urged to plan for hydration and heat exposure. Colombia Health System Politics: Colombia’s election debate keeps circling back to healthcare, with coverage highlighting concerns about a growing kidney and cancer crisis and pressure on the healthcare overhaul. Workplace Health & Safety: Colombia’s Ecopetrol union launched a 24-hour strike over labor negotiations, raising questions about how essential services and worker conditions are protected during disruptions. Food & Plant Health: Colombia’s banana sector announced a public-private alliance to fight TR4 using prevention, diagnostics, and applied research—aimed at protecting jobs and export stability. Research Access: A new study spotlights low-cost portable biotech tools to expand lab diagnostics in resource-limited settings, including work with partners in Bogotá.

Heat & Safety for Fans: South Florida is seeing unseasonable heat, with Miami World Cup highs often in the 80s to near 90s—fans are urged to plan for hot-weather conditions. Colombia Football Watch: Colombia’s first World Cup opponent, Uzbekistan, lost 2-0 to Canada in a key friendly, while Colombia also fine-tuned its lineup in a match vs Costa Rica. Health Tech Access: A new partnership aims to expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology across Latin America, including Colombia, to support earlier detection and care decisions. Public Health Innovation: Google is seeking federal approval to release millions of mosquitoes in parts of the U.S. using a disease-control approach linked to Wolbachia. Banana Biosecurity: Colombia’s banana sector launched a public-private alliance to fight TR4, focusing on prevention, diagnostics, and applied research to protect jobs and exports. Election Health Context: Colombia’s presidential race heads to a runoff after a tight first round, with health-care reform still a major concern in the campaign.

Alzheimer’s Diagnostics Expansion: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics will roll out C2N’s Precivity® blood tests for amyloid pathology in multiple Latin American countries, including Colombia, aiming to improve access where dementia specialists and advanced imaging are limited. Kidney & Cancer Pressure: A health minister warns Antigua and Barbuda faces rising kidney disease, cancer, and overcrowded emergency rooms, highlighting how strained systems can push patients to seek care abroad—an issue Colombia readers will recognize amid broader healthcare overhaul debates. Mosquito Control Push: Google is seeking U.S. federal approval for “Debug,” a plan to release up to 32 million sterile mosquitoes in California and Florida to reduce disease-carrying Aedes aegypti—relevant for regional vector-borne disease prevention conversations. Colombia Election Runoff: Colombia’s presidential vote heads to a June 21 runoff between far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella and leftist senator Iván Cepeda, with security and the economy driving the race and both sides raising concerns about the first-round count. Wellness & Culture in Retail: Café Bustelo launches “Game Face,” pairing limited-edition coffee cans with temporary face-tattoo kits tied to Latin culture ahead of the World Cup.