AGP Executive Report

Plastic Pollution Costs: A new Greenpeace MENA report says plastic pollution is draining Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia between $1.7bn and $5.5bn a year, with a projected $30bn–$98bn cumulative hit by 2040 if trends continue. Family Health Update: CAPMAS released preliminary results from the Egyptian Family Health Survey 2025 showing fertility fell to 2.33 children per woman (from 2.85), alongside tracking women’s and children’s health, nutrition, and family-planning use. Weight-loss Treatment Adherence: Ulster University research highlights why many people stop injectable GLP-1 weight-loss medicines within a year—cost/insurance barriers and gastrointestinal side effects are key drivers—raising the stakes for patient support. Health & Trade Link: Egypt’s exports to Iraq rose to about $122m in Q2 2026, including pharmaceuticals (about $5.7m) and hygiene products, underscoring health-related supply flows. Gaza Care Constraints: Reuters reports Israeli strikes killed at least four Palestinians in Gaza, while medical evacuations and treatment access remain disrupted, adding pressure to already strained care systems.

Gaza Health Crisis: Israeli airstrikes killed at least four Palestinians in Gaza, with Israel saying one attack targeted a Hamas finance chief, as local medics reported deaths and injuries amid ongoing strikes and a stalled ceasefire. US Visa Disruption: The U.S. Diversity Immigrant Visa lottery winners face a legal fight after the State Department paused processing, with courts ordering action and lawyers accusing the administration of slow-walking cases before the Sept. 30 deadline. Egypt-Africa Trade Push: Egypt’s investment and trade ministry says it wants more Egyptian company investment across Africa, not just exports, with a forum bringing together officials and financiers from multiple countries. Industrial Land for Investors: Egypt’s Industrial Development Authority allocated over 300,000 sqm of serviced industrial land under a rent-to-own scheme across eight zones, aiming to cut upfront costs and speed project starts. Medical AI Access: Anthropic and OpenEvidence plan to offer free clinical AI search tools to doctors in about 100 low- and middle-income countries to help with access to medical research and guidelines. Healthcare Tech Supply Chain: GlobalData reports European CDMOs are boosting active pharmaceutical ingredient capacity to meet demand for advanced therapies and reduce supply-chain risk. Tourism With a Health Angle: Saint Catherine in Egypt welcomed 350 tourists from seven countries, including visitors exploring religious sites and Mount Moses, with local tours also highlighting traditional herbal medicine.

Humanitarian Aid in Focus: Egypt’s Red Crescent sent its 281st “Zad Al-Ezza… From Egypt to Gaza” convoy, delivering 131,000 food baskets plus flour, relief supplies, medical items and fuel for hospitals—part of a drive that has now topped one million tons of aid with 75,000+ volunteers. Gaza Health Under Pressure: Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis killed at least two Palestinians and wounded two others, as Gaza’s health system continues to face deadly disruption amid ongoing attacks. AI for Care Access: Anthropic and OpenEvidence launched an AI-powered clinical decision support version for clinicians in about 100 low- and middle-income countries, aiming to reduce gaps in medical knowledge access. Egypt Water Security: Egypt prepares for Cairo Water Week (Oct 25–29) to tackle rising demand versus limited supply, with plans spanning water governance, food production, climate resilience and financing. Local Health Charity: Sharjah Charity International reported 34 child heart procedures in Egypt under its “Little Hearts” campaign, alongside food and school support for thousands. Tech & Health Ecosystem: NVIDIA held an AI ecosystem reception in Cairo with RiseUp, highlighting Egypt’s startup momentum and partnerships to support local AI applications.

AI for clinicians: Anthropic and OpenEvidence are partnering to roll out AI-powered clinical decision support to doctors in about 100 countries, including low- and middle-income regions, aiming to improve access to medical research and guidelines. Egypt’s AI push: NVIDIA held an AI ecosystem reception in Cairo with RiseUp, highlighting Egypt’s startup momentum and a planned partnership with ITIDA to support local AI applications. Child obesity focus: Novo Nordisk and UNICEF expanded a program to prevent childhood overweight and obesity, adding funding that includes Egypt, with nutrition/physical activity counselling and basic mental health screening. Local health & wellness: A Cairo-linked recipe trend spotlights honey-glazed sweet potatoes and squash with chili and halloumi, tying everyday cooking to healthier meal choices. Humanitarian health: In Yemen’s Mokha, fighting has shut many healthcare facilities, leaving Mokha General Hospital to run essential services like NICU care and urgent maternal treatment. Public health education: Abu Dhabi students created tobacco and nicotine awareness content through a youth-led initiative reaching thousands of learners. Heat safety: A Hurghada tennis event saw a line judge collapse from extreme heat and humidity, underscoring rising heat risks for medical staff and officials.

Kidney Care Push: Egypt’s Health Ministry plans to expand the living kidney donor pool by up to 50%, including paired kidney exchanges and updated protocols for incompatible donor-recipient matches, aiming to cut transplant waiting times. Antibiotic Alarm: A new report warns the ICU is running out of antibiotic options as antimicrobial resistance spreads, especially in critical care settings. Gaza Treatment Blocked: Israel again halted patient evacuations from Gaza for treatment abroad, cutting access to care in Egypt and raising urgent health risks for hundreds of patients. Ebola Vaccine Race (DRC): With Congo facing an unprecedented Ebola outbreak and no approved vaccine for the virus species, developers are moving toward a candidate for human trials. Nutrition Talk: Dietitians compare honey vs agave, warning that some sweeteners can be a trap and urging smarter choices. Public Health in Conflict: The UN says over 5 million displaced Sudanese have returned home, but damaged clinics and schools mean health needs remain critical. Food Trade Shift: Russia’s food and fisheries events highlight a growing trade network linking Russia with China, India, Africa and the Gulf.

Health System Upgrade: Egypt’s Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar met the World Bank to align on new health-sector partnerships, including support for the Universal Health Insurance System, hospital and health-unit infrastructure, and integrating university hospitals, with a focus on local manufacturing of medicines and medical supplies. Diplomacy for Care: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met UNOPS chief Jorge Moreira da Silva, highlighting cooperation in priority sectors led by health, plus transport, infrastructure, and digital transformation. Medical Tourism Push: Luxor is positioned as a key hub in Egypt’s drive to expand healthcare tourism, with new online services aimed at making it easier for international patients to access care. Gaza Eye Care Story: Egyptian ophthalmologist Dr. Mohammad Tawfiq returned to Gaza for a second time to help restore sight amid severe shortages and damaged facilities. Universal Coverage Lessons: India and Egypt discussed deeper cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, alongside traditional medicine, hospital management, and capacity building. Children Online Safety: Egypt announced a new approach to social media for children—no independent accounts under 13, and Safe Mode for ages 13 to under 15—while requiring age checks and limiting data collected.

Cancer Care Expansion: Egypt’s Health Ministry says it’s preparing three new bone marrow transplant units under its 2026/27 plan, alongside 35 healthcare projects across 13 governorates, aiming to cut waiting lists and expand specialized treatment capacity. Surgeon Death: A senior Egyptian general surgeon, Dr Adel Abdelaziz Shaheen of Al Obour Hospital, died after a sudden cardiac arrest during surgery; his assistant completed the operation and he later spent 15 days in intensive care. Medical Innovation: AIIMS researchers highlight “Ray’s triangle” as a high-risk area during complex abdominal cancer surgery, stressing full liver mobilization to find hidden deposits and improve outcomes. Maternal & Neonatal Support Appeal: A family in Ras Al Khaimah is seeking help after premature twin boys required intensive care and urgent surgery, with bills reported at about Dhs478,571. Wellness Trend Check: Apple cider vinegar continues to be promoted for health benefits, but coverage notes the debate around natural remedies and the lack of strong clinical studies for many uses. Climate & Health Risk: El Niño is expected to strengthen through early 2027, raising concerns for Egypt over heat, electricity demand, water stress, and impacts on agriculture.

Gaza Health Crisis: Israeli strikes killed at least three Palestinians in Gaza, including Basir al-Bursh, son of the Gaza Health Ministry director-general, as medics and civil defence reported more deaths and injuries across multiple areas. Medical Access Under Fire: Reports say Israel reduced the number of Gaza patients allowed to leave for treatment in Egypt, tightening medical evacuation routes. Public Health & Wellness: A new wellness spotlight highlights nutmeg’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, while another diet brief points to antioxidant-rich spices like cloves, ginger, oregano and turmeric as supportive additions to everyday meals. Egypt–Community Support: Egypt’s ambassador to Tunisia met Egyptian citizens to review welfare and follow up on residency, visas, trade and flight connectivity. Sports & Youth Health: University of Ghana returned from Cairo’s FASU Games with 23 medals, with officials urging more investment in university sports infrastructure and athlete development. Regional Health Security: Saudi confirmed a Houthi ballistic missile attempt on Riyadh and attacks on Red Sea infrastructure, raising concerns for regional stability that can spill into healthcare planning.

Gaza Health Crisis: Israeli strikes killed at least three Palestinians, including Basir Al-Bursh near Jabalia, as medics reported more deaths across Gaza City and Shejaia—another grim reminder of the pressure on hospitals and emergency services. Gaza Collapse Aftermath: Reports also highlight ongoing rescue efforts after war-damaged buildings collapsed, with children among the dead and missing, raising urgent concerns about shelter safety and medical access. Egypt Health Policy: Egypt’s government is moving to finalize its National Economic Transformation Programme, with Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar among officials reviewing targets—an indirect but important signal for future health funding and services. Clinical Research Capacity: A new study focuses on clinical trials training and pharmacist roles in places like Sudan, pointing to gaps in trial readiness that can affect future treatment availability. Wellness Spotlight: Dietitians highlight antioxidant-rich spices—cloves, ginger, oregano and turmeric—encouraging culinary use over high-dose supplements. Sports & Health Link: Saudi and Egyptian rowing federations signed a cooperation deal to boost youth athlete development, supporting long-term wellness through structured training.

Health Policy & Care Access: Egypt’s PM Mostafa Madbouly said the government is finalizing the National Economic Transformation Programme with Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar among key ministers reviewing targets and data ahead of a draft submission. Medical Research (Clinical): A multicenter study reports on Ultrasound-Guided Low-Level He-Ne Laser Therapy after acupotomy for carpal tunnel syndrome, while a real-world exploratory study evaluates omalizumab for patients with concomitant asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Public Health (Child Health): Coverage highlights a sharp drop in childhood anemia in Egypt since 2019, alongside broader global reporting on climate-related disruptions to children’s education. Pharma Update: Novartis received Egyptian Drug Authority approval for Kisqali to treat early breast cancer. Food & Wellness: Orange Egypt partnered with Care Point to drive digital transformation in pharmacies. Emergency Health Context: Gaza’s Al-Saada building collapse continues to drive urgent rescue needs, with reports of dozens evacuated and multiple deaths among children.

Medical Innovation in Egypt: Egyptian neurosurgeon Dr Ali Salah reportedly stopped a Saudi Parkinson’s tremor during awake brain surgery under local anaesthesia, with the patient remaining conscious and interacting with the team as tremors eased during the procedure. Regulation & Patient Safety: UK medical regulator imposed interim practice restrictions on Dr Ann Coxon (and Dr William Robarts) over allegations of invasive STD testing tied to Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged assaults. Public Health & Travel Safety: Russia’s consumer watchdog asked Egypt’s health ministry for official updates on investigations into poisoning of Russian tourists at Sharm El Sheikh hotels, urging basic hygiene and safe water practices. Health Systems & Access: Egypt’s child anaemia and stunting rates reportedly declined sharply since 2019, while separate coverage highlights rising cancer diagnoses linked to expanded screening and outreach in Kilifi, Kenya. Wellness Trends: New wellness write-ups spotlight cedarwood essential oil and nutmeg’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory reputation, with cautions on safe dosing and avoiding internal use for essential oils.

Cancer Care in Egypt: Egypt’s childhood anaemia rate has dropped sharply, falling from 42.3% in 2019 to 8% in 2026, alongside stunting improving from 6.9% to 4%, as the Health Ministry links progress to a national child nutrition push and urges stronger maternal nutrition and wider access to essential supplements. Women’s Health & Oncology: Novartis says it has received Egypt’s Drug Authority approval for Kisqali (ribociclib) to treat early breast cancer, signaling continued expansion of targeted cancer options. Pharmacy Digitisation: Orange Egypt partnered with Care Point to digitize pharmacy operations, combining Care Point’s pharmacy management software with Orange’s connectivity and digital tools to streamline sales, inventory, and customer management. Regional Health Pressure: In Gaza, Kuwait Specialty Hospital plans to suspend most services from Sunday after a fuel cutoff, limiting care to critical emergency and obstetric cases—another reminder of how quickly health systems can collapse when power and supplies run out. Access to Care: Israel has reduced the number of Gaza patients approved for medical evacuation to Egypt, tightening treatment pathways for people needing urgent care. Community Screening Gains: In Kilifi, expanded cancer screening is driving more diagnoses, with officials pointing to improved awareness and mobile outreach as more residents come forward for testing.

Health System Capacity: Merck Foundation CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej says sustainable cancer care in Africa depends on building specialized healthcare professionals—not just hospitals, equipment, or medicines. Digital Health Infrastructure: Egypt is planning a unified digital platform to link patient records across health facilities, aiming to improve continuity of care. Cancer Treatment Access: Novartis received Egyptian Drug Authority approval for Kisqali to treat early breast cancer, a boost for oncology options. Public Health Trends: Egypt reports child anemia rates falling to 8% and stunting improving, signaling progress in child health. Food & Health: A “Food Is Medicine” approach is gaining traction by pairing fresh food access with nutrition support and healthcare guidance. Wellness Content: Popular wellness pieces highlight essential oils and spices (like cedarwood oil and nutmeg) for stress, digestion, and general wellbeing.

National Digital Health: Egypt is planning an “Egypt Smart Healthcare Platform” to connect hospitals and unify patient records, with AI, telemedicine, and a central command-and-control centre, starting with a pilot. Cancer Screening Push: Kilifi County (Kenya) reports rising cancers, urging earlier screening—especially prostate for men and cervical/breast for women—after launching a cancer center. Drug Approval for Breast Cancer: Novartis says it has received Egypt’s Drug Authority approval for Kisqali to treat early breast cancer. Doctor Brain Drain Watch: Egypt’s Medical Syndicate says about 10,000 doctors requested good conduct certificates over three years as they explored overseas work, driven by low pay and limited training. Ebola Vaccine Update (DRC): DRC’s Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is the largest on record; WHO and partners are racing vaccine candidates and scaling licensed doses. Gaza Health Crisis: Gaza building collapses linked to earlier strikes killed at least 21 (including many children), with UN and Egypt-backed rescue efforts hampered by lack of heavy equipment and restricted imports. Food & Wellness Trade: WorldFood Moscow marks its 35th anniversary with 873 exhibitors from 30 countries, including Egypt, highlighting regional food supply and nutrition industry links.

Cancer Care in Egypt: Novartis says Egypt’s Drug Authority approved Kisqali (ribociclib) for early HR+/HER2− stage II–III breast cancer as an adjuvant with an aromatase inhibitor, aiming to bring innovation earlier in treatment. Gaza Health Crisis: UN agencies warn Gaza building-collapse response is slowed by funding gaps and import restrictions; civil defense teams report 21 deaths (including 12 children) after a damaged apartment block collapsed in Gaza City, with dozens injured and many still missing. Egypt’s Humanitarian Role: Egypt and UN partners supported rescue efforts, while the UAE’s floating hospital in Al Arish received 11 new Gaza patients for specialist care after Rafah reopened. Local Health & Wellness Spotlight: A profile highlights May El Nahrawy’s shift from pharma sales to healthcare events and nation branding, reflecting how marketing is being used to shape Egypt’s health ecosystem. State Health Sector Moves: Prime Minister Madbouly reviewed restructuring targets for state-owned holding companies, including the pharmaceuticals and medical supplies sector.

Gaza Health Crisis: A bombed apartment building in Gaza City collapsed overnight, killing at least 12 Palestinians (including five children) with dozens feared trapped, as families remain packed into damaged housing while aid and rescue capacity struggle. Red Sea Health Risk: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince met Egypt’s President el-Sisi in Cairo to seek support as Houthi attacks threaten Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil routes, raising concerns for regional stability that can ripple into health supply chains. Gaza Medical Access: Students and researchers in Gaza with scholarships to Belgium say they’re devastated after Belgium’s government deadlocked on evacuation plans; they also face visa barriers that require in-person processing in Cairo or Jerusalem. Egypt Emergency Response: An ambulance driver in Qalyubiya rushed to a crash site and found his son among the victims, highlighting the human toll of road accidents. Wellness & Safety: New wellness content spotlights essential oils like cedarwood and nutmeg’s antioxidant claims, but reminds readers to avoid internal use of essential oils unless advised and to follow safe dosing.