AGP Executive Report

Public Health: WHO says the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius is over, with 13 cases and three deaths reported, after the last exposed contact completed quarantine and tested negative. Tunisia & Rights: Amnesty International urges Tunisia to reverse racist and xenophobic policies against refugees and asylum seekers, restore access to asylum procedures, stop collective expulsions, and end repression of civil society support. Digital Wellness: YouTube rolls out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Tunisia, with age-appropriate settings, privacy protections, and tools like Shorts feed timers plus bedtime and “take a break” reminders. Heat Safety: A major U.S. heatwave is raising health concerns for vulnerable groups and could affect major events, while France’s heatwave death toll from drownings has climbed to “more than 90” since June 19. Sports & Health Context: Tunisia’s para-athletics scene gets a boost as Indonesia’s success in a Tunisia-hosted World Para Athletics Grand Prix highlights growing regional momentum. Migration Pressure: HRW reports Libya’s rival authorities are fueling xenophobic rhetoric and mass detention and expulsions of migrants and refugees.

YouTube Child Safety: YouTube is rolling out supervised kid accounts across MENA, including Tunisia, with age-appropriate content settings, stronger privacy, and parental controls like a Shorts feed timer (parents can set daily limits or turn Shorts off) plus Take a Break and bedtime reminders; key features like uploading, commenting, and personalized ads are disabled by default. World Cup & Wellbeing: A viral moment followed DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre learning of his father’s passing during a post-match press conference after the team’s Round of 32 exit—highlighting how major sports events can hit families in real time. Health & Access in Tunisia: Tunisia received 48 armored vehicles from the U.S., aimed at border security and rapid response, including medical evacuation use—an indirect but relevant link to public safety readiness. Digital Habits: The same YouTube update emphasizes healthier viewing routines for children, not just content filtering, by nudging breaks and limiting late-night scrolling.

Heat & Safety: The UN climate body warns a U.S. heat wave could push 2026 World Cup conditions into extreme territory, raising the risk of heat-related illness and putting the final at stake. Public Health & Access: Spain says it will receive 100 Palestinians, including 20 minors, to get medical care in Spanish hospitals as Gaza’s crisis continues. Tunisia Health & Care: Kébili Regional Hospital carried out 21 ophthalmic surgeries, highlighting ongoing specialist capacity beyond major cities. Food Safety & Worker Welfare: A report from Washington, D.C. describes “food truck pirates” operating without proper refrigeration or ventilation, with vendors and workers raising serious health and safety concerns. Local Wellness Governance: Tunisia’s municipality continues action against unauthorized street installations, a reminder that safer public spaces support healthier daily life. Sports Nutrition Culture: A Persian-rooted fast-casual in the U.S. leans on yogurt, saffron, sumac, and made-to-order kabobs—an example of how Mediterranean-style eating keeps spreading.

Heat & Safety: Dr. Jalila Ben Khelil (Abderrahmane Mami Hospital ICU) explains why extreme heat can be deadlier in Europe than in Tunisia, pointing to physical adaptation, summer work habits, and building materials that change how bodies handle high temperatures. Public Health Access: Tunisia’s Municipality of Tunis carried out a field campaign to remove unauthorized street kiosks and installations near major health facilities (Salah Azaïz Institute, Hédi Raïs Hospital, La Rabta Hospital) to improve safety and access for patients and visitors. Health Governance & Transparency: BH Assurance announced it has obtained MSI 20000 certification, highlighting stronger financial sustainability and transparent governance for policyholders and partners. Reproductive Health: TIB launched projects focused on strengthening governance and transparency in sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Medical Care Capacity: Kébili Regional Hospital reported 21 ophthalmic surgeries performed, underscoring ongoing specialist care delivery.

Heat & Health Watch: Tunisia’s ICU chief Dr. Jalila Ben Khelil says Africans may cope better with heatwaves thanks to physical adaptation, summer work habits, and building materials—while Europe’s recent deaths show the risk when exposure spikes. Food Safety: Tunisia’s consumer watchdog urges regulators to verify tomato paste quality, warning that mismatched Brix levels could mislead households. Reproductive Health Transparency: TIB launches a project to strengthen governance and transparency in sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Addiction Rehab Skills: Manouba’s Tanit Women’s Rehabilitation Center (El Razi Hospital) expands vocational training for women recovering from substance addiction, including a pilot methadone treatment designation. Local Health Access: Kébili Regional Hospital reports 21 ophthalmic surgeries performed. Innovation for Wellness: Open Startup marks its 10th anniversary in Tunisia with “The Science Road,” backing research-led ventures in health, climate, and AI via a new early-stage fund, Openers First. Security & Borders: Tunisia receives 48 U.S.-made armored Humvees to boost border protection, anti-smuggling, and rapid response. Urban Safety: Tunis municipality removes unauthorized street installations near major hospitals to keep access safe.

Heat Health: Dr. Jalila Ben Khelil (Abderrahmane Mami Hospital) explains why extreme heat can hit Europe harder than Tunisia, citing body adaptation, summer work habits, and building materials. Addiction & Reintegration: Tunisia’s Tanit Women’s Rehabilitation Center (El Razi State Hospital) expands vocational workshops—training kitchens plus hairdressing/beauty—to help women recovering from substance addiction re-enter work and society. Reproductive Health Governance: TIB launches a transparency-focused project to strengthen sexual and reproductive health services, with Tunisia included among partner countries. Nutrition Safety: Tunisia’s consumer watchdog calls for urgent checks on tomato paste quality, urging public access to inspection results and highlighting the Brix index as a key standard. Local Health Access: Parliament committees review the 2026–2030 development plan, including health and social affairs. Innovation for Wellness: Open Startup marks its 10th anniversary in Tunisia with “The Science Road,” backing research-led ventures in health, climate, and AI via early-stage funding. Urban Safety Near Hospitals: Tunis municipality removes unauthorized street installations near major health facilities to protect traffic flow and visitor safety.

Heat & Health: Dr. Jalila Ben Khelil explains why Europe’s recent heatwaves have been deadlier than in Tunisia, pointing to differences in body adaptation, summer work habits, and building materials. Care Access in Tunisia: Kébili Regional Hospital completed 21 ophthalmic surgeries over three days, as Tunisia’s Ministry of Health pushes specialized care closer to low-income communities. Rehab & Reintegration: Tunisia’s Tanit Women’s Rehabilitation Center (El Razi State Hospital) is expanding vocational training for women recovering from addiction, including a pilot role for Methadone treatment for heroin addiction. SRHR Transparency Project: A multi-country initiative led by Transparency International Global Health is set to improve sexual and reproductive health services with stronger integrity and accountability, including Tunisia. Consumer Safety: Tunisia’s consumer guidance group calls for urgent checks on tomato paste quality, urging transparent publication of inspection results. Policy Oversight: Tunisia’s Parliament committees begin reviewing the 2026–2030 development plan, with sessions covering health and migration. Health System Reform (Africa): Nigeria reports health insurance enrolment reaching 22 million, ranking 4th in Africa, as reforms expand primary care and emergency services. Innovation for Health: Open Startup launches “The Science Road” in Tunis, targeting research-led ventures in health, climate, and AI, and introducing early-stage funding via “Openers First.” Urban Health & Safety: The Municipality of Tunis removes unauthorized street installations near major health facilities to protect traffic flow and visitors’ safety.

Tunisia Health Policy: Tunisia’s Parliament committees are set to review the 2026–2030 Development Plan, with the Health, Women’s Affairs, Family, Social Affairs and Persons with Disabilities committee meeting Monday to focus on health and social priorities, while the Foreign Relations and Migration committee prepares to discuss cooperation, migration and Tunisians abroad. Regional Care Access: Kébili Regional Hospital completed 21 ophthalmic surgeries over June 25–27, as part of Ministry of Health “regional health days” aimed at bringing specialized treatment closer to low-income communities. Workforce & Safety: Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs opens an external application-based competition to recruit six medical labour inspectors in 2026, to strengthen monitoring of working conditions, occupational health and safety, and prevention of professional risks. Medical Research Update: AB Science says it has completed Step 3 of Phase 1 for AB8939 plus venetoclax in refractory/relapsed AML, reporting a 67% overall response rate and no dose-limiting toxicities in a small early cohort. SRHR Governance (Tunisia-linked): Transparency International Global Health-backed work in Tunisia is part of a multi-country push to improve transparency and accountability in sexual and reproductive health services.

SRHR & transparency: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) launched a multi-country project to strengthen integrity and accountability in sexual and reproductive health services for women and adolescent girls, with work in Tunisia alongside Bangladesh, Zambia and Ecuador. Public health workforce: Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs opened an external, application-based competition to recruit 6 medical labour inspectors to reinforce occupational health and safety monitoring and prevention of professional risks. Ebola watch: The U.S. raised its Ebola response to Level 1 as DR Congo reported rising confirmed cases (1,203) and deaths (304), with experimental treatments sent to DR Congo and Uganda and funding needs now estimated at $1.4 billion. Health access data: A new global map highlights that over 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, pointing to major gaps even where other regions have near-universal access. Health system reform (regional): Nigeria reported health insurance enrolment rising from 16 million to 22 million and said the health system now ranks 4th in Africa, citing expanded primary care and emergency services.

Public Health & Work Safety: Tunisia’s Ministry of Social Affairs is launching an external application-based competition to recruit 6 medical labour inspectors in 2026, aimed at strengthening workplace condition monitoring, occupational health and safety, and prevention of professional risks; applications open Aug. 31 and candidate lists close July 30. Ebola Watch: U.S. health authorities raised their Ebola response to Level 1 as DRC reports 1,203 confirmed cases and 304 deaths, with experimental treatments sent to DRC and Uganda and Africa CDC estimating response funding needs at $1.4B. Everyday Health: A Tunisian dermatology specialist explains jellyfish stings (“Horrika”) on local beaches have no fixed schedule, most cases are mild (about 99%), and beachgoers should still take precautions and know what to do after a sting. Sports & Wellness Angle: Tunisia’s World Cup run ends as Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1; meanwhile, Round of 32 matchups set up Brazil vs Japan in Houston and Netherlands vs Morocco in Monterrey.

Ebola Watch: U.S. health authorities raised the Ebola response to Level 1 as DRC reports 1,203 confirmed cases and 304 deaths; experimental treatments were sent to DRC and Uganda, while Africa CDC says response funding needs have tripled to $1.4B. Summer Safety (Tunisia): Dr. Moez Ben Salem explains jellyfish stings on Tunisian beaches are unpredictable, usually harmless in 99% of cases, and beachgoers should still take precautions and know what to do after a sting. Heat-Proof Homes: With Tunisia near 37°C, a guide urges people to keep shutters and curtains closed during the day, avoid airing out when it’s hotter outside, and block sun rays early to cool homes without overloading electricity. Local Health & Care: Tunisia’s private medical laboratories call on CNAM to settle outstanding payments, while WHO validated Tunisia’s trachoma elimination as a public health problem. Health Tech/Pharma: Appili Therapeutics reported fiscal 2026 results and said LIKMEZ is gaining traction in the U.S., alongside new awards supporting its infectious-disease pipeline.

Ebola Watch: U.S. health authorities raised Ebola response to Level 1 as Congo reports 1,203 confirmed cases and 304 deaths, while experimental treatments are being sent and Africa CDC says funding needs have tripled to $1.4B. Beach Safety: Tunisian dermatologist Dr. Moez Ben Salem says jellyfish stings are usually harmless (about 99%), but there’s no fixed season—so swimmers should stay cautious and know how to react. Heat & Home Cooling: With Tunisia near 37°C, guidance urges keeping windows and shutters closed during the day, blocking sun rays early, and using simple measures to cool without overloading bills. Food & Wellness: A Tunisian summer classic, chakchouka, gets a practical twist with SICAM ZRP peeled diced tomatoes for a quick, balanced family meal. Tunisia Sports Health Angle: Tunisia’s World Cup exit was brutal—zero points and a record 12 goals conceded—after a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands, with a match even paused over a player shortage. Local Economy: PM Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri highlights growing Tunisia-Italy ties, including trade around TND 20.5B in 2025 and rising Italian investment.

World Cup Health & Safety: Tunisia’s World Cup run ended in heartbreak as the Netherlands beat them 3-1, sending the Carthage Eagles home winless after a tournament marked by defensive collapse and a record 12 goals conceded. Public Health & Prevention: Dr. Moez Ben Salem explains how to react to jellyfish stings in Tunisia (“Horrika”), stressing there’s no fixed season, most stings are mild, and beachgoers should take precautions even without warnings. Infectious Disease Insight: An OpEd highlights how fast African lab science helped identify a rare Ebola strain in the DRC, underscoring why local research capacity matters during outbreaks. Local Wellness & Climate: A practical guide shares how to keep homes cool during Tunisia’s heatwave without relying on air conditioning—starting with blocking sun and avoiding opening windows during the hottest hours. Tunisia–Italy Business (Health-linked): Tunisian officials say trade with Italy hit about TND 20.5bn in 2025, with growing investment and pharma-linked cooperation—plus a major Tunisia Investment Forum opened in Tunis.

World Cup fallout (Tunisia): Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles crashed out after a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands, finishing winless with zero points and a record 12 goals conceded in the group stage. The match was also briefly halted when Tunisia had only 10 players on the pitch, delaying the restart before Ellyes Skhiri arrived. Group F picture: The Netherlands topped Group F and will face Morocco in the Round of 32, while Japan booked a last-32 clash with Brazil after drawing 1-1 with Sweden. Heat & home cooling: With temperatures soaring across the Mediterranean, a practical guide urges Tunisians to keep windows and shutters closed during the day, block sun rays early, and cool smartly without relying on air conditioning nonstop. Tunisia–Italy business: Prime Minister Sarra Zaafrani Zenzri says trade momentum is rising, with Tunisia–Italy trade around TND 20.5bn in 2025 and Italian investment involving 1,072+ companies. Policy & rights watch: A call to the EU asks for a reset of the EU-Tunisia approach after years of reported human-rights and press-freedom declines. Tunisia Investment Forum: The 22nd Tunisia Investment Forum opened in Tunis, highlighting growth, rising foreign investment, and focus on sectors like pharma, electronics, and renewable energy.

Private Pharmacy Payments: Tunisia’s private pharmacies will suspend the third-party payment system from July 1, citing unpaid “old debts” from CNAM and a broken repayment schedule since April, raising pressure on access to care. Public Health & Travel Risk: A French Ebola case has prompted questions about Tunisia’s risk; Dr. Riadh Daghfous says Ebola is dangerous but not fast-spreading, with early medical care key to reducing deaths. Health Infrastructure: Tunisia’s WHO trachoma elimination milestone continues to signal progress in public health screening and control. Wellness & Food: A Tunisian women-led date-based snack and bakery project in Kebili is positioning traditional ingredients as healthier options for everyday energy. Health System Capacity: Tunisia is also moving to recruit paramedical staff, aiming to strengthen frontline services.

Rare Cancer Case in Tunisia: A new case report from Hospital Mongi Slim La Marsa in Tunis highlights the diagnostic and treatment hurdles of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA), a rare, aggressive liver cancer, in a patient with chronic hepatitis B and metabolic conditions. Public Health & Care Access: Tunisia’s textile industry strategy for 2036 also points to a shift toward technical and medical textiles, aiming to support higher-value health-related production. SRHR for People on the Move: A summit in Abuja called for stronger, rights-based sexual and reproductive health and rights services for migrants and displaced people, naming Tunisia among participating countries. World Cup Health Angle (Local): Tunisia’s World Cup run ended after a 4-0 loss to Japan, while Tunisia vs Netherlands is set for Kansas City—an opportunity to keep attention on athlete health, hydration, and safe event medical access. Regional Wellness Policy: The League of Arab States and UNODC met in Cairo to coordinate responses to drugs and transnational crime, a reminder that public safety and health are tightly linked.