AGP Executive Report

Health & Rights in Tunisia: Opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi, 85, remains at the center of urgent health concerns after collapsing in prison during a heatwave; his family and lawyers say they’ve been blocked from visiting or getting verified updates for nearly a week, describing the situation as “enforced disappearance,” while reports also say he was transferred to hospital and later returned to prison after treatment. Heat & Public Health: North Africa is under another severe summer heat pattern, with Tunisia facing compounding risks from extreme temperatures and wildfire threats across the region. Nursing Education: Tunisia’s Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences approved extending the bachelor’s nursing curriculum to four years starting 2026–2027, while keeping the original three-year degree period. Road Safety (MENA): UNITAR and the FIA launched a Safe Mobility for All and for Life programme for MENA, including Tunisia, aiming to train local authorities to cut road deaths using coordinated, evidence-based approaches. Agritech & Food Systems: Sfax-based RoboCare secured a six-figure investment to expand its AI precision agriculture platform across Africa and the Middle East, focused on early crop disease and stress detection for key regional crops.

Extreme Heat & Wildfires: Amnesty International warns that deadly heat is a human rights emergency, worsening health, water access and housing as wildfires and pollution surge across the region. North Africa Heat Crisis: North Africa is under another severe heatwave with fire risk compounding the danger; Tunisia is facing the same hot system as Morocco and Algeria, where temperatures and active blazes are rising. Tunisia’s Political Health Alarm: Rached Ghannouchi’s family and lawyers say they’ve been blocked from visiting and getting updates after his prison collapse and hospital transfers, with claims of enforced isolation during extreme heat; a lawyer also says he has since been returned to prison after treatment. Nursing Education Upgrade: Tunisia’s Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences approved extending the nursing bachelor’s to four years starting 2026–2027, while keeping the original three-year degree structure. Road Safety Training: UNITAR and the FIA launched the MENA Safe Mobility for All & for Life programme, bringing Tunisia and other countries together to improve road safety through training and mentorship. Health & Livestock Caution: A livestock exporter warns North Africa’s weanling market could be harmed by weak weaning practices, urging vaccination and proper health procedures.

Prison Health & Access: Tunisia’s jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi remains at the center of a growing health-and-transparency dispute after his family and lawyers say they’ve been blocked from seeing him for nearly a week, with conflicting reports about where he is being treated following a prison collapse in extreme heat. Medical Education: Tunisia’s Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Tunis has approved extending the national nursing bachelor’s programme to four years starting 2026-2027, while keeping the original three-year degree pathway. Heat & Fire Risk: North Africa is under another severe summer heatwave, with Tunisia facing compounding wildfire risk and ongoing power cuts that can affect health services and medicine storage. Road Safety Training: UNITAR and the FIA launched a MENA “Safe Mobility for All and for Life” programme, including Tunisia, aiming to reduce road deaths through coordinated, evidence-based local action. Livestock Health (Trade Impact): A livestock exporter warns Tunisia’s weanling market could be undermined by poor weaning practices, stressing vaccination and proper health procedures before sales.

Wildfires & Heat Safety: Europe’s wildfire crisis is worsening fast, with flames spreading up to 20 times faster than firefighting teams can respond, as France and Spain report massive evacuations and devastation. Tunisia Prison Health Watch: Tunisia’s jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi was returned to prison after hospital treatment, but his family and lawyers say they’ve been denied contact and information for nearly a week, raising alarms about heat exposure and medical access. Nursing Education Update: Tunisia’s Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Tunis approved extending the nursing bachelor’s programme by one year, making it a four-year curriculum starting 2026–2027. Road Safety in MENA: UNITAR and the FIA launched the Safe Mobility for All and for Life programme for the MENA region, including Tunisia, aiming to cut road deaths through training and coordinated local projects. Animal Health & Vaccination: A livestock exporter warns North Africa’s weanling trade could be undermined by weak weaning practices, stressing vaccination and proper health procedures. Refugee Rights: The UN Refugee Convention turns 75 amid rising political pressures, with UNHCR reiterating that refugee protection remains urgently relevant.

Road Safety & Training: UNITAR and the FIA launched the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme for the MENA region in Cairo, aiming to help Tunisia and partners cut road deaths through coordinated, evidence-based road safety projects. Heatwave, Wildfires & Health Risks: North Africa is under extreme heat with compounding wildfire risk; in Tunisia, the same weather system is driving dangerous conditions and worsening public health stress. Power Cuts Hitting Care at Home: Tunisia’s heatwave has triggered rolling blackouts; reports say medical equipment like oxygen devices can fail during outages, and the Young Doctors’ Association links the crisis to heatwave-related deaths. Prison Health Under Heat: Tunisia’s jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi was returned to prison after hospital treatment, while family and lawyers say they’ve been denied contact and warn of serious heat exposure without air conditioning. Nursing Education Upgrade: The Higher Institute of Nursing Sciences of Tunis approved extending the bachelor’s nursing curriculum to four years starting 2026–2027, based on labour-market needs and updated teaching units. UNESCO for Sidi Bou Said: Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting cultural value alongside restoration needs after heavy rainfall damage.

Prison Health & Heatwave Accountability: Tunisia’s jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi remains in a reported critical condition after fainting in extreme heat, with his family and lawyers saying they’ve been blocked from visiting or getting updates for nearly a week; they allege he’s held in a ward without air conditioning despite Parkinson’s and thyroid issues, while Tunisia’s opposition calls for urgent official clarification and access to his medical file. Medicine Safety During Blackouts: The Tunisian Order of Pharmacists warns that power cuts threaten safe medicine storage and cold-chain requirements, urging STEG to coordinate protections for pharmacies, labs, and distributors so patients don’t lose treatment quality. Wildfires & Regional Response: As North Africa battles severe wildfires, Italy is sending a Canadair firefighting aircraft to support Tunisian crews under the EU civil protection mechanism, highlighting cross-border emergency cooperation. Aesthetic Medicine Crackdown: Tunisia’s parliament committee discusses a push to curb illegal aesthetic medicine, citing procedures by unqualified people in unlicensed centers and calls for tighter oversight of media promotions. UNESCO Wellness Travel Boost: Sidi Bou Said has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, though restoration and land-use pressure remain concerns.

Heatwave & Power Crisis in Tunisia: Tunisia marked the 25 July 2021 emergency measures anniversary amid a severe heatwave and rolling blackouts, with the Young Doctors’ Association reporting 150–200 deaths linked to outages; STEG says demand peaks reached record levels and urges limited air-conditioning use, while families report medical equipment failures and even oxygen therapy disruptions. Medication Safety During Outages: The Tunisian Order of Pharmacists says it’s pushing STEG to protect medicines and preserve the cold chain, warning that dispensing must include clear guidance to keep treatments effective. Prison Health Under Extreme Heat: Amnesty International and Ennahda-linked voices warn that elderly and chronically ill prisoners face heightened risks in detention during extreme temperatures, as lawyers and families report refusals of visits and worsening health for opposition figures including Rached Ghannouchi. Aesthetic Medicine Crackdown: Tunisia’s parliamentary health committee discussed combating illegal aesthetic medicine, citing procedures by unlicensed people and calls for tighter oversight of advertising. UNESCO Recognition: Sidi Bou Said was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, though restoration needs remain after last winter’s heavy rains.

Heatwave Health Crisis: Tunisia marked the 5th anniversary of Saied’s emergency rule as a brutal heatwave kept driving power cuts and water shortages, with the Young Doctors’ Association reporting nearly 150 heatwave-related deaths and warnings that medical cold chains and oxygen devices were hit when electricity failed. Medicine Safety Under Strain: Pharmacists’ Order says it is pushing STEG for a joint plan to protect medicines during outages, while the Union of Private Pharmacy Owners demands transparent standards for drug price reviews after being excluded from key committees. Prison Health in Extreme Heat: Amnesty International urged Tunisia to better protect prisoners during the heatwave, highlighting risks for older detainees and those with chronic illnesses, amid reports that Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi fainted in prison. Regulating Aesthetic Medicine: Tunisia’s parliament committee discussed a new push to curb illegal aesthetic medicine practices, warning of procedures done by unqualified people in unlicensed centers. UNESCO & Community Wellbeing: Sidi Bou Said was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, boosting tourism hopes for a town already facing restoration needs after extreme rainfall.

Heatwave & Power Crisis: Tunisia marks the fifth anniversary of Saied’s emergency rule as thousands protest in Tunis, amid a worsening electricity and water breakdown blamed on record demand and ongoing load shedding; the Young Doctors’ Association links heatwave conditions to nearly 150 deaths, while hospitals and residents report disruptions to oxygen and other critical care. Medicine Safety: The Tunisian Order of Pharmacists urges STEG to set up a joint unit to protect medicines and preserve the cold chain during outages, warning that safe storage and proper guidance are essential. Prison Health: Amnesty International calls for stronger protections for prisoners during the heatwave, especially older detainees and those with chronic illnesses, as lawyers and Ennahda warn of deteriorating health inside Mornaguia Prison. Aesthetic Medicine Crackdown: Tunisia’s parliament committee reviews a push to curb illegal aesthetic medicine practices by unqualified operators, citing cases of permanent disfigurement. UNESCO & Culture: Sidi Bou Said is newly inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, though restoration needs remain after extreme rainfall damage. Global Health/Wellness Watch: Germany’s pharmacists and Tunisia’s cold-chain concerns echo a wider theme: keeping healthcare functioning during extreme heat.

Heatwave & Power Crisis: Tunisia is in the grip of extreme heat near 50°C, with STEG issuing daily alerts and rotating electricity cuts that residents say can last hours, disrupting lifts, food storage, and daily life; the Young Doctors’ Association links the heatwave to nearly 150 deaths. Water Disruptions: A SONEDE incident is affecting multiple areas including Farhat Hached University Hospital, with gradual restoration expected from early Friday morning. Medicine Safety: The Tunisian Order of Pharmacists warns that power cuts threaten proper medicine storage and the cold chain, urging STEG to set up a joint unit to protect patients. Prison Health Under Heat: Amnesty International and lawyers say vulnerable detainees, including Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi, face serious risks in overcrowded prisons during the heatwave, with reports of fainting and deteriorating health. Aesthetic Medicine Crackdown: Tunisia’s parliamentary committee discussed a push to curb illegal aesthetic procedures by unqualified people and tighten oversight of media promotions. Wildfire Solidarity: Italy is sending a Canadair firefighting aircraft to support Tunisian crews battling wildfires.

Heatwave & Care in Prisons: Amnesty International urged Tunisia to protect prisoners during the ongoing 50C heatwave, highlighting risks for older detainees and those with chronic illness or disabilities, and calling for ventilation, safe water, medical care and access to air-conditioned spaces. Opposition Health Alarm: Lawyers and Ennahda say jailed leader Rached Ghannouchi is in “critical condition” after fainting and severe exhaustion, while authorities reportedly blocked visits by lawyers and family. Water Disruptions for Health: SONEDE reported a main pipeline failure cutting drinking water to areas including Farhat Hached University Hospital and several neighborhoods, with gradual restoration expected from early Friday. Electricity Strain & Public Anger: Tunisia saw protests linked to continuing blackouts during the heatwave, with hospitals reporting increased cases tied to respiratory stress. Aesthetic Medicine Crackdown: Tunisia’s parliamentary committee discussed a push to curb illegal aesthetic medicine practices, warning of procedures by unqualified people in unlicensed centers and urging stronger oversight of media promotions. Animal Health Pilot: Tunisia plans a pilot BCG vaccination programme against bovine tuberculosis to test effectiveness and risks before any wider rollout.

Aesthetic Medicine Crackdown: Tunisia’s parliament committee met to tackle illegal aesthetic medicine, warning that unqualified people are carrying out procedures in unlicensed centers with products of unknown origin—reportedly leaving patients permanently disfigured—while lawmakers also flagged weak oversight of media and advertising. Heatwave Prison Health: Amnesty International urged Tunisia to protect prisoners during the current heatwave, especially older detainees and those with chronic illnesses, calling for ventilation, safe water, medical care, and access to cool spaces; the same crisis is fueling claims that jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi has suffered fainting and severe exhaustion, with lawyers saying visits are being blocked. Power-and-Water Strain Hits Care: As temperatures near 50°C, Tunisia faces protests over electricity and water cuts; SONEDE reported a pipeline failure affecting Farhat Hached University Hospital and multiple neighborhoods, with gradual restoration expected early Friday. BCG for Bovine TB Pilot: Tunisia plans a pilot vaccination program against bovine tuberculosis using BCG, to test effectiveness and risks before any wider rollout, alongside existing surveillance and biosecurity measures. Health Access Tech Push: Tunisia is also preparing a national citizen health portal, “Sahetna.tn,” as part of broader moves to modernize healthcare access.

Tunisia Heat & Health: A brutal 50°C heatwave is driving rolling electricity cuts and sparking protests, with hospitals and vulnerable patients among the most at risk as air conditioning and medical equipment fail. Water Disruption: SONEDE reported a major pipeline failure cutting drinking water to multiple neighborhoods and even Farhat Hached University Hospital, with gradual restoration expected from 5:00 a.m. Friday. Prison Health Under Strain: Families say elderly political prisoners are suffering in extreme conditions; reports claim Rached Ghannouchi fainted in Mornaguia prison after a visit during peak heat. National Health Access Push: Tunisia is preparing a new national vaccination strategy for 2027–2030 and launching “Sahetna.tn,” a citizen health portal aimed at improving access. Global Wellness Watch: China unveiled a 2026–2030 plan to expand high-quality, standardized traditional Chinese medicine services worldwide.

Heat & Health in Tunisia: An intense heatwave is pushing Tunisia’s electricity demand to new highs, driving rolling power cuts that are disrupting daily life and raising safety worries for the elderly, the sick, and people needing medical equipment. Prison Health Under Extreme Heat: Fresh concerns surround jailed opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi after an eyewitness said he fainted in Mornaguia prison amid temperatures reported at 52°C. National Vaccines & Digital Care: Tunisia is preparing a 2027–2030 national vaccination strategy and is also moving toward a citizen health portal, “Sahetna.tn,” to unify appointments and medical records. Food Safety During Outages: A practical guide explains how long refrigerated and frozen food stays safe during power cuts, and when to discard. Public Health Risks From Industry: Residents in Gabès report respiratory problems linked to phosphate plant emissions, with children among those most affected. Health Security in Africa: A new Africa Health Security index finds progress but warns no country is fully prepared for outbreaks. Workforce & Care Pressure: Algeria’s hospital doctors’ deaths highlight chronic overwork and understaffing.

Digital Health & Equity: Tunisia is moving toward a more connected care system, with preparations for the national citizen health portal “Sahetna.tn” and a push to launch a “National Health Card” model aimed at reducing healthcare inequality and improving access to records. Heat & Power Safety: With Tunisia in extreme heat and facing rolling electricity cuts, guidance is circulating on how long food stays safe during outages, how air conditioners can lose cooling performance, and what to do for people who rely on home oxygen during power disruptions. Public Health Planning: The Ministry of Health is drafting Tunisia’s new vaccination strategy for 2027–2030, focusing on prevention, better coverage, and stronger digital monitoring of immunization campaigns. Health Risks from Environment: A new investigation links toxic phosphate emissions in Gabès to respiratory illness, especially among children, raising fresh alarms about air and water pollution. Press Freedom & Health Care: Separate reports highlight Tunisia’s jailed journalists and a case tied to alleged conditions at a university hospital morgue, underscoring ongoing tensions between health institutions and accountability.

Press Freedom in Tunisia: Tunisia’s courts keep tightening the screws on journalists, with Haythem El Mekki sentenced to one year in prison and other cases (including Zied El Heni and Khaoula Boukrim) highlighting a broader crackdown using repressive laws. Heat & Power Safety: With extreme heat still driving widespread alerts, Tunisia’s meteorology institute warns 20 governorates are on high alert and urges strict heatstroke prevention—especially for children, elderly people, and those with chronic illness. Home Oxygen Continuity: Siliana’s health directorate is urging patients on home oxygen therapy to contact local hospitals immediately if power cuts disrupt treatment. Digital Health Upgrade: Tunisia is preparing to launch “Sahetna.tn,” a national citizen health portal for appointments and health records, built around a National Health Identifier to streamline care. Vaccination Planning: The health ministry has started work on Tunisia’s 2027–2030 national vaccination strategy, with a strong push for better coverage and a digital vaccination system. Environmental Health Alarm: A report links Gabès phosphate processing emissions to serious respiratory harm, especially for children, with pollutant levels reported far above WHO limits. Electricity Cuts Explained: A new explainer details how STEG selects areas for load shedding based on network feeders and system balance—helpful for residents trying to understand why some neighborhoods stay on. Health Security Context (Africa): An Africa Health Security Index says preparedness has improved, but average readiness remains low enough that outbreaks can still escalate fast.