AGP Executive Report

Public Health Breakthrough: WHO has validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, praising long-term political commitment and primary care efforts against a leading cause of preventable blindness. Health Infrastructure: Tunisia’s Health Minister says King Salman Hospital in Kairouan will be ready to receive patients by 2029, and a first civilian hyperbaric oxygen therapy centre is planned for Sahloul Hospital in Sousse by end of next July. Workforce Boost: The Regional Health Directorate of Tunis has opened applications for direct recruitment of paramedical staff, with files due by June 26. Healthcare System Snapshot: The National Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries says Tunisia’s healthcare and pharma performance is “acceptable,” noting relatively reasonable access times for treatment while calling for further reforms and investment. Wellness & Nutrition Trend: Olive oil demand is rising globally as health-focused consumers seek heart-health and anti-inflammatory benefits. Policy & Delivery: Tunisia’s PM urged faster rollout of development projects, stressing that funding is less the issue than turning budgets into completed work on schedule.

Health Infrastructure: Tunisia’s Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani says King Salman Hospital in Kairouan will start receiving patients by 2029, and a civilian hyperbaric oxygen therapy centre is planned for Sahloul Hospital in Sousse by end of next July. Emergency Preparedness: The ministry also announced training for 24,000 people in first aid by end-2026, plus the “Monqid” app to teach first aid in public spaces and industrial sites. Workforce Boost: The Regional Health Directorate of Tunis opened applications for direct recruitment of paramedical staff (medical secretarial senior technician track), with files due June 26. Pharma & Care Access: A pharmaceutical chamber representative called Tunisia’s healthcare and medicine supply “acceptable,” citing relatively shorter specialist waiting times, while urging further reforms and investment. Nutrition Trend: A new report links olive oil demand to health-focused eating, highlighting extra virgin olive oil’s antioxidants and heart-health appeal. Public Investment Push: The PM urged ministers to make public projects fully feasible before construction to speed delivery under the 2026–2030 plan. Safety & Injury: In Sidi Bouzid, a woman is reported seriously injured in legs after a landmine explosion on Mount Mghila and is undergoing surgery.

Health Workforce in Tunisia: The Regional Health Directorate of Tunis has opened applications for the direct recruitment of paramedical staff, targeting holders of the national applied bachelor’s degree in senior technician medical secretarial work; files must be submitted at 07 Ibn Al Haytham Street, Tunis-Belvédère, with a deadline of Friday, June 26, 2026. Injury Care Update: In Sidi Bouzid, a woman was seriously injured in her legs after a landmine explosion on Mount Mghila (Jelma delegation); she is undergoing surgery at Sidi Bouzid University Hospital. Public Health & Environment: Divers filmed a rare adult great white shark in the Mediterranean near Tunisia and Sicily while removing abandoned “ghost nets,” renewing attention on marine protection and the risks posed by derelict fishing gear. Sports & Wellness Angle: Tunisia’s World Cup campaign ended after a 4-0 loss to Japan, with coach Hervé Renard shifting to “saving pride” after back-to-back defeats. Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV praised Jérôme Lejeune for defending life and human dignity, highlighting his legacy in modern genetics and care for people with intellectual disabilities. Migration & Safety Concerns: A report criticizes Tunisia’s “voluntary return” rhetoric amid rising hostility toward sub-Saharan migrants, calling for better protection against violence and discrimination.

World Cup & Tunisia: Japan made history in the 1,000th World Cup match, crushing Tunisia 4-0 in Group F with goals from Daichi Kamada, Ayase Ueda (two), and Junya Ito—eliminating Tunisia after a second heavy defeat and leaving them with no points. Group F Shake-up: The Netherlands also surged, beating Sweden 5-1, while Sweden’s coach said the team will learn from the rout as the group race tightens for the knockout spots. Injury & Player Health: Spain’s Lamine Yamal is back from a hamstring injury, with his minutes against Saudi Arabia expected to be managed with player health as the priority. Eye Safety for Summer Swimmers: A health explainer breaks down why opening your eyes underwater can irritate—especially in pools due to chloramines—and when discomfort should settle versus when to be cautious. Local Health & Safety: In Sidi Bouzid, a woman suffered serious leg injuries after a landmine explosion on Mount Mghila and is undergoing surgery at Sidi Bouzid University Hospital. Global Wellness/Science: QS World University Rankings highlight growing strength from Asia and the Middle East beyond US/UK dominance.

Tunisia World Cup Exit: Tunisia’s “Carthage Eagles” are out after conceding nine goals in two matches, with a 4-0 loss to Japan following their 5-1 defeat to Sweden; the new coaching change (Sabri Lamouchi sacked, Hervé Renard appointed) didn’t stop the slide. Japan’s Clinical Statement: Ayase Ueda scored twice as Japan dominated Tunisia in the 1,000th World Cup finals match, with Daichi Kamada and Junya Ito also on target, eliminating Tunisia from Group F contention. Netherlands Push Toward Knockouts: The Netherlands routed Sweden 5-1 in Houston, powered by braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, taking control of Group F ahead of the final group games. Germany Back in the Last 32: Germany secured qualification with a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast, while Curaçao earned a historic first-ever World Cup point by holding Ecuador 0-0, thanks to Eloy Room’s record 15 saves. Digital Health & Cities: A World Bank Group report highlights how digital tools can improve waste management reliability and reduce health risks from uncollected waste—relevant to public wellness planning in Tunisia and beyond.

Medical Innovation & Public Health: Tunisia’s cancer care push gets a boost as Dr Ghazi Jerbi urges stronger support for local pharma manufacturing to cut treatment costs and protect foreign currency reserves, while also stressing prevention and early diagnosis. AI for Safer Cities: At FUTA’s 5th African Symposium, experts highlighted how AI plus satellite and sensor data can improve emergency guidance, traffic and parking, disaster response, and even detect health issues like parasites in samples in real time. Medical Tourism: TTW released its Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations for 2026, spotlighting countries offering healthcare quality, affordability, and patient-focused recovery experiences. Health & Climate Safety: A Guardian analysis flags that some World Cup matches, including Tunisia-related games, were played in heat stress conditions, renewing calls for stronger cooling and scheduling rules. Local Health Services: Kasserine’s Sbeïtla regional hospital adds a scanner via telemedicine, expanding access to care beyond the main facilities.

Cancer Care & Pharma: Dr Ghazi Jerbi says modern cancer medicines exist, but high prices block access; he urges Tunisia to back local drug manufacturing to cut treatment costs and protect foreign currency reserves, while also pushing prevention and early screening. Health Policy & Pensions: The Fidaa Foundation set the supplementary monthly pension amounts and access rules for wounded of the Revolution, based on a specialized medical committee assessing permanent disability and social/professional situations, with continued payments for approved project holders for up to three years. Public Health & Heat Risk: A report flags that some 2026 World Cup matches were played in severe heat conditions, raising concerns about player safety and the need for delays or postponements when heat stress is high. Maternal Health Access: Midwives leaders warn that last-minute visa refusals at an ICM congress in Lisbon barred key researchers from high-burden countries, threatening progress on reducing avoidable mother and baby deaths. Tunisia Weather Alert: Adel Hentati warns Tunisia could see extreme temperatures up to 45°C as Sahara heat and subtropical patterns persist, with possible heavy downpours later.

Heat & Safety: Tunisia is bracing for a dangerous heatwave, with temperatures possibly hitting 45°C as Sahara air and a subtropical high intensify conditions across the country, while forecasts suggest the pattern could last into next week. Maternal Health Access: Midwives from high-burden countries, including Tunisia, were reportedly blocked by last-minute visa refusals from speaking at the International Confederation of Midwives congress in Lisbon, raising alarms about preventable mother-and-baby deaths. Nutrition & Wellness: A Mediterranean wine and olive oil conference in Greece highlighted how key components of the traditional diet may support human health and quality of life, with awards spotlighting healthier olive oils rich in beneficial compounds. Climate & Food Security: Tunisia’s cereal harvest faces quality risks from ongoing rainfall, with farmers warning that lower grain quality could reduce prices and calling for broader disaster coverage in the Calamities Fund. Digital Health & Cooperation: Tunisia and Togo discussed expanding cooperation that includes digital health, higher education, scientific research and training, alongside trade links like dates, olive oil and cocoa.

Public Health & Food: A Mediterranean wine and olive oil conference in Ancient Olympia put the spotlight on the traditional diet’s health links, with scientists and producers focusing on olive oil’s naturally occurring phenolic compounds and how wine and olive oil may support human health and quality of life. Health & Climate Risk for Farmers: Tunisia’s cereal harvest is under pressure from ongoing rainfall, with the Tunisian Farmers’ Union warning that weather disruptions could lower grain quality and hit farmers’ income; the group also calls for expanding disaster coverage in the Calamities Fund to include risks like hail and fires. Local Health Tech: Kasserine’s Sbeïtla regional hospital has added a scanner via telemedicine, boosting diagnostic access for the region. Health Policy & Care: Tunisia is preparing a national protocol for the care of sexual violence victims, as officials move to strengthen support pathways. Wellness Tech & Ethics: Tunisia’s AI use is still in an “integration phase,” with experts stressing that the biggest risks are ethical—especially in medical settings—while arguing AI should support, not replace, professionals. Workforce & Safety: The North-West Development Office in Siliana opened recruitment for six roles (engineering, IT, accounting, cleaning, security), with interviews and a set schedule starting in early August.

National Health Policy: Tunisia is set to host an international conference in Tunis (June 18–19) to build the country’s first national medico-legal and psychological care protocol for victims of sexual violence, aiming to harmonize health, judicial, psychological and social practices with international standards. Sports Health & Safety: With Tunisia’s World Cup campaign in focus, Japan’s Takefusa Kubo’s status is uncertain after a left knee injury diagnosis, while Tunisia’s new coach Hervé Renard begins preparations for the next match. Public Health & Events: Rugby Africa’s Men’s Sevens Championship in Mauritius has been postponed as a precaution linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, with no reported cases among participants. Workplace Wellness & Injury Risk: A Kansas City emergency heat illness warning highlights the health risks facing World Cup attendees, especially in hot conditions. Local Care Access: In Kasserine, a scanner has entered service at the Sbeïtla regional hospital via telemedicine, expanding diagnostic access for patients. Mental Health Awareness: Renewed attention follows celebrity deaths, with calls for stronger emotional support systems and mental health awareness.

World Cup Health & Safety: FIFA’s hydration breaks are under fresh scrutiny after fans booed the pauses in multiple matches, with critics arguing they disrupt football’s flow even as FIFA says the breaks protect player health. Tunisia Sports Medicine: Japan’s Takefusa Kubo is a doubt for the next match vs Tunisia after a left knee injury found on an MRI; the Japan squad says healing timelines weren’t disclosed. Golden Boot Buzz: England’s Harry Kane fired a double against Croatia, while Lionel Messi hit a hat-trick for Argentina and Mbappé scored twice for France—fueling an early, crowded Golden Boot race. Tunisia Care for Survivors: Tunisia is hosting a June 18–19 international conference in Tunis to build a national medico-legal and psychological care protocol for victims of sexual violence, aiming to harmonize health, judicial, and social services. Public Health & Sports: Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Championship in Mauritius was postponed due to public health concerns tied to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, with no cases linked to participants reported. Tunisia Health Infrastructure: Kasserine’s Sbeïtla regional hospital has brought a scanner into service via telemedicine.

Telemedicine Upgrade in Kasserine: Sbeïtla regional hospital has started using a telemedicine-linked medical scanner, letting radiology images be read remotely by specialists to speed diagnoses and reduce patient transfers. Tunisia Health Policy: The Council of Ministers reviewed the draft law approving Tunisia’s 2026–2030 Development Plan, aiming for reforms and investment with a stronger focus on social and regional justice. Mental Health & Support: A renewed wave of attention follows reports on celebrity suicides, with calls for better emotional support and awareness around mental health pressures. Local Care Access: The new scanner is also framed as extra support for medical and paramedical teams, improving coordination with remote experts. Sports & Wellness Context: Tunisia’s World Cup coaching shake-up after a heavy defeat to Sweden is making headlines, but the bigger wellness angle for fans is the spotlight on hydration breaks and player health measures at the tournament.

Tunisia Health & Care: Kasserine’s Sbeïtla regional hospital has started using a telemedicine-linked radiology scanner, letting specialists read medical images remotely to speed diagnoses and reduce patient transfers. Tunisia Policy & Development: The Council of Ministers reviewed the draft law approving Tunisia’s 2026–2030 Development Plan, built around reforms and investment aimed at balancing growth with social and regional justice. Medical Education: USMF “Nicolae Testemițanu” held an oath-taking ceremony for new doctors and pharmacists, underscoring their duty to serve health and wellbeing. Sports & Wellness (Hydration): FIFA’s new hydration breaks at the World Cup are drawing boos from fans and criticism from players, even as FIFA says they’re meant to protect player health. Tunisia Football (Stress on athletes): Tunisia sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 loss to Sweden and appointed Hervé Renard, a reminder of how pressure can ripple through performance and recovery.

World Cup & Hydration Debate: FIFA’s scheduled drinks breaks are drawing boos at the 2026 World Cup, with critics saying they disrupt the flow even as FIFA says they’re meant to protect player health. Tunisia Football Shake-up: Tunisia sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 Group F opener loss to Sweden and appointed Hervé Renard to lead the team through the rest of the tournament. Tunisia–Togo Health & Digital Cooperation: Tunisia and Togo signed a memorandum to deepen ties, with a joint 2026–2027 work program highlighting digital health, plus research and higher education. Tunisia Development Planning: The Council of Ministers reviewed a draft law approving the 2026–2030 Development Plan, built around reforms and investment aimed at balancing growth with social and regional justice. Medical Workforce Milestone: USMF “Nicolae Testemițanu” held an oath-taking ceremony for new doctors and pharmacists, underscoring the start of their public-health mission. Health Systems Snapshot: A new cross-country look at African healthcare performance links outcomes to access, affordability, workforce capacity, and governance.

Tunisia Football & Wellness: Tunisia’s World Cup opener turned into a stress test. After a brutal 5-1 loss to Sweden, the Tunisian Football Federation sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi and named Hervé Renard as head coach through the end of the 2026 tournament, with fans still defiant despite the heavy defeat. Sports Health & Recovery: The match also reignited debate around player welfare at the World Cup, including FIFA’s hydration breaks meant to protect health—even in controlled venues—after boos from fans. Cancer Awareness (Men’s Health): A separate report highlights prostate cancer as a major cause of male cancer deaths in South Africa, stressing that waiting for symptoms can be too late and that family history should prompt earlier screening conversations. Mental Health (Community Impact): Coverage of multiple celebrity suicides in entertainment is again fueling calls for better mental health support and earlier help-seeking. Medical Leadership: Tunisia is also noted for a doctor elected vice-president of a prestigious Francophone medical society, pointing to growing regional health leadership.

World Cup Health & Safety Debate: FIFA’s new hydration breaks are drawing boos and criticism, even in air-conditioned venues, with players like Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk questioning whether the pauses disrupt the viewing experience while FIFA says they protect player health. Tunisia Football & Wellbeing: Tunisia’s World Cup opener ended in a heavy 5-1 loss to Sweden in Monterrey, with Yasin Ayari scoring twice and Tunisia’s errors helping Sweden pull away; Tunisian fans stayed defiant despite the setback as the team faces Japan next. Sports Tech & Recovery: A Sweden goal was overturned using “Snicko” audio-based offside review, showing how new tech is shaping match flow and decisions at the tournament. Public Health Progress: A WHO-linked report highlights major gains in African life expectancy and healthy years since 2000, driven by better child survival and stronger control of TB, malaria, and HIV. Mental Health Watch: Reports of multiple TV actor deaths are again fueling conversations about depression, stress, and support systems in entertainment.