AGP Executive Report

Ebola Travel Rules: Mauritius has tightened entry in response to Ebola worries, with non-Mauritians who recently visited or transited through the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan facing denial of entry unless they hold specific permits, while Mauritians and qualifying travellers can enter but must complete a mandatory 21-day quarantine plus possible extra health screening. Chikungunya Alert: The CDC added Mauritius to its active travel health notices after a new chikungunya outbreak, making it the fourth country/territory on the current multi-country warning list—an important heads-up for mosquito-borne disease prevention. Paediatric Care Milestone: Doctors in Delhi performed a rare robotic kidney removal on a 19-month-old girl from Mauritius with CAKUT, after her damaged non-functional kidney caused recurrent febrile UTIs—highlighting access to advanced paediatric urology care. HIV Patent Challenge: PATAM and TWN filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead Sciences HIV patent application, arguing earlier disclosures and questioning novelty—relevant to long-term access to treatment across ARIPO states. Wellness & Healthy Ageing: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool joined an International Day of Yoga session themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” reinforcing preventive health and holistic well-being messaging for the public. Regional Health Context: A joint UAE-led statement condemned a drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Plant, warning of potential human health risks—an indirect but serious health security concern for the region.

Ebola Travel Alert: Mauritius has tightened entry rules amid Ebola worries, with non-Mauritian travellers who were in (or transited through) the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in the past 21 days facing denial of entry unless they hold specific permits; Mauritians and eligible foreign nationals can enter but must complete a mandatory 21-day quarantine, with extra health screening possible. Chikungunya Watch: The CDC added Mauritius to its active chikungunya travel notice list after a new outbreak alert, noting Mauritius is now among the four places with simultaneous active warnings—raising the need for mosquito-bite prevention and early care for fever and joint pain. Pediatric Kidney Care: Doctors in Delhi performed a rare robotic kidney removal on a 19-month-old child from Mauritius with CAKUT, after the right kidney was non-functional and causing recurrent febrile UTIs. Wellness Focus: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool joined an International Day of Yoga session at State House, highlighting “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” and preventive well-being. Health Tech & Access: A patent challenge in ARIPO targets a broad Gilead HIV compound application, arguing prior disclosures could affect novelty—an issue that can shape future access to medicines across ARIPO member states.

Chikungunya Alert for Mauritius: The US CDC has added Mauritius to its active travel health notice list after a chikungunya outbreak was flagged, making Mauritius the fourth country/territory on the current multi-country warning roster—an important reminder for mosquito-bite prevention and early care. Rare Paediatric Kidney Surgery (Mauritius patient): Doctors in Delhi performed a successful robotic kidney removal on a 19-month-old girl from Mauritius suffering from CAKUT, where a non-functional, cyst-damaged kidney caused recurrent febrile UTIs—highlighting the need for timely specialist assessment in children. Yoga for Healthy Ageing (Mauritius): Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool joined an International Day of Yoga session at State House, with the theme “Yoga For Healthy Ageing,” stressing preventive healthcare and holistic wellbeing. HIV Patent Challenge (ARIPO, incl. Mauritius): PATAM and Third World Network filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead Sciences HIV patent application, arguing prior disclosure and questioning novelty—potentially relevant to access to HIV medicines across ARIPO contracting states including Mauritius. Trade & Health Link (hazardous chemicals): Seychelles strengthened capacity to manage hazardous chemical trade via UNDP-supported training under a regional project that also covers Mauritius—supporting safer handling that protects public health.

Chikungunya Alert: The CDC added Mauritius to its active travel health notice list after a new chikungunya outbreak, now placing Mauritius among four simultaneous active CDC chikungunya warnings—raising mosquito-borne risk awareness for residents and visitors. HIV Patent Challenge: Pan-African groups PATAM and Third World Network filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a broad Gilead Sciences HIV patent application, arguing novelty and inventive-step concerns across ARIPO contracting states. Cancer Care Link: A 19-month-old child from Mauritius underwent rare robotic kidney removal surgery in Delhi for CAKUT, highlighting access to advanced paediatric care abroad. Yoga for Healthy Ageing: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool joined an International Day of Yoga session at State House, with the theme “Yoga For Healthy Ageing” focused on preventive healthcare and wellbeing. Women’s Health Agenda: A women’s health summit in Abuja is set to spotlight women’s wellbeing as a driver of sustainable development, targeting gaps in access, funding, and stigma in healthcare. Food & Health Policy Watch: Commentary flags how “Food Passport” style digital rationing could tighten access to essentials—an issue with direct public health implications if implemented.

Ebola & Travel Health: The 2026 U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Mauritius has been postponed after WHO guidance on the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, with organisers citing public health responsibility as the outbreak is declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Pediatric Care Link to Mauritius: In a major medical milestone, Delhi doctors performed a robotic kidney removal on a 19-month-old girl from Mauritius suffering from CAKUT, after her non-functional, multicystic right kidney caused recurrent febrile UTIs. Healthy Ageing & Wellness: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool joined a special yoga session at State House for International Day of Yoga 2026, themed “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” organised by the Indian High Commission. Local Health Capacity (Regional): Seychelles ran a UNDP-supported training workshop to strengthen how countries identify and manage trade in hazardous chemicals—part of a wider regional health and environment protection push. Health Policy & Tech Governance: A Mauritius-linked discussion highlights the need for stronger AI governance as more African states adopt national AI strategies, with health flagged as a sensitive area.

Yoga & Healthy Ageing: Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool and First Lady Brinda Gokhool joined a special yoga session at State House organised by the Indian High Commission for the 12th International Day of Yoga, highlighting “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” and preventive, holistic wellbeing. Paediatric Kidney Care: Doctors in Delhi performed a rare robotic nephrectomy on a 19-month-old girl from Mauritius with CAKUT, where a badly damaged, non-functional right kidney had caused recurrent febrile UTIs—showing how advanced minimally invasive surgery can be life-changing for very young patients. Ebola Travel Shock: Ebola fears are reshaping travel decisions across the region, with Uganda’s Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens participation disrupted after Mauritius temporarily barred certain travellers linked to recent Ebola-affected areas, despite Uganda reporting no local community spread. Mauritius Drug Policy Focus: Mauritius’s 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan is praised for harm-reduction commitments like naloxone and take-home methadone, but coverage flags strain on clinics, funding gaps, and a legal system that still criminalises people the health services need to reach. Local Health Workforce Mobility: India flagged the departure of 14 skilled workers to Mauritius under a government-to-government labour mobility framework, with more candidates in processing—relevant to staffing and continuity in health and care sectors.

Robotic kidney care for Mauritius child: Doctors in Delhi performed a rare robotic kidney removal on a 19-month-old girl from Mauritius suffering from CAKUT, where her right kidney was non-functional and causing recurrent febrile UTIs—highlighting how minimally invasive surgery can be life-saving even at very young ages. Ebola travel anxiety hits regional plans: With Ebola fears rising in parts of East and Central Africa, Indian travellers are increasingly postponing or rebooking trips; cancellations remain limited, but perception is clearly shaping decisions. Ebola disrupts Mauritius-linked events: Uganda’s Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens participation was blocked after Mauritius temporarily restricted travel for people linked to Uganda, DRC and South Sudan in the last 21 days, despite Uganda reporting no local community spread. Drug policy spotlight in Mauritius: A review of Mauritius’s 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan notes harm reduction is built into the strategy (including naloxone and methadone), but warns the system is under strain from overcrowded clinics, funding gaps, and an under-treated hepatitis C burden. Women farmers and food resilience: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, citing their role in building resilient food systems. Mauritius health diplomacy: The EU and ESA states concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with a focus on services and digitalisation—aimed at creating more predictable rules for health-adjacent sectors and broader development.

Medical Travel & Care Access: A 19-month-old girl from Mauritius underwent a rare robotic kidney removal (robotic nephrectomy) in Delhi for CAKUT, after her right kidney was non-functional and caused recurrent febrile UTIs—highlighting how specialized paediatric urology care can be life-changing even when local options are limited. Oncology & Outcomes: A teen from Mauritius reportedly achieved remission after aggressive blood cancer complicated by sepsis and heart infection, underscoring the role of intensive, coordinated treatment when disease spreads early. Ebola & Travel Risk Perception: With Ebola concerns rising across East and Central Africa, travellers are delaying or rebooking trips; in parallel, Mauritius-linked event planning is affected as health authorities urge caution. Local Health System Pressure: Mauritius’s 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan is praised for harm-reduction commitments (including naloxone and take-home methadone) but flagged as under strain from overcrowded clinics and funding gaps. Women’s Health Focus: A women’s health summit in Abuja is set to spotlight maternal/reproductive care, mental wellbeing, preventive health and stigma reduction, aiming to improve access and dignity in healthcare.

Ebola & Travel Rules: Mauritius has temporarily restricted entry linked to the Ebola situation, with the latest move affecting foreign nationals connected to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan—prompting wider public-health caution across the region. Regional Health Funding: The EU pledged €11.5m to Africa CDC for Ebola response in eastern DRC, including support for pathogen genomics, training and rapid diagnostic supplies. Local Health System Pressure: Mauritius’s 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan highlights harm-reduction progress, but also flags strain on dispensing clinics, funding gaps and an under-treated hepatitis C burden. Women’s Health Leadership: A women’s health summit in Abuja (ahead of Africa’s International Year of Women Farmers) is set to push for better access to quality care, maternal and reproductive services, and mental wellbeing. Health & Mobility: India’s G2G labour mobility programme continues with a new batch of skilled workers flagged for Mauritius—raising the need for strong health screening and safe workplace protections. Wellness & Care Capacity: Merck Foundation and African First Ladies continue oncology training scholarships to expand cancer care teams across multiple African countries. Health-Adjacent Policy Debate: A Mauritius-focused discussion on AI governance argues for risk-based regulation rather than copying Europe—relevant as health services increasingly adopt digital tools.

Ebola & Public Health: The WHO praised Uganda’s steady Ebola response, noting 19 cases with most imported and strong vigilance at borders, while the EU pledged €11.5m to Africa CDC to boost Ebola diagnostics and pathogen genomics in eastern DRC. Travel & Access Measures: Mauritius-linked health guidance is also affecting movement: the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Mauritius was postponed over Ebola concerns, and Mauritius temporarily barred certain foreign nationals linked to Ebola-affected countries—raising knock-on impacts for regional events. Local Health Policy (Mauritius): A new Mauritius National Drug Control Master Plan (2026–2030) highlights harm reduction goals like naloxone and take-home methadone, but warns the system is under strain with overcrowded clinics and an under-treated hepatitis C burden. Women’s Health & Food Security: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, linking resilient food systems to better health and support. Health Workforce & Cancer Care: Merck Foundation and African First Ladies continue expanding cancer training scholarships across multiple countries to address late diagnosis and specialist shortages.

Food Security & Control: A “Food Passport” concept is being built as rationing shifts from empty shelves to digital permission—merging identity, payment, eligibility, subsidies, quotas and access into one system that could make emergency limits permanent. Ebola Response & Travel Rules: Mauritius is linked to wider regional public-health moves as the WHO warns about Ebola; Uganda’s Ebola handling is praised, while the DRC outbreak is reported at 550 cases and 101 deaths, with EU support of €11.5m to Africa CDC for diagnostics and genomics. Local Harm Reduction Under Pressure: Mauritius’s 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan highlights harm reduction (naloxone, take-home methadone, rehab pathways) but notes clinics are overcrowded, hepatitis C remains under-treated, funding is collapsing, and the law still criminalises people the system needs to reach. Public Health Meets Business: The U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Mauritius is postponed due to Ebola concerns, showing how health emergencies can directly disrupt major investment events. Women Farmers & Hunger: Southern Africa’s rural women smallholders are calling for governments to put women farmers at the centre of food and climate policy to tackle hunger and rising food prices. AI Governance: Mauritius’s early national AI strategy is cited alongside calls for stronger African AI regulation that protects rights and social cohesion.

Ebola & Border Health: Mauritius is in the spotlight as Ebola-related measures ripple across the region, with the U.S.-Africa Business Summit postponed in Mauritius over WHO guidance and Ebola concerns, while Uganda’s Ebola response drew praise from WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus for keeping case fatality under 1% and strengthening cross-border collaboration. Ebola Aid for DRC: The EU pledged €11.5 million to Africa CDC for Ebola response in eastern DRC, including support for pathogen genomics, training, and rapid diagnostic devices. Local Drug Policy (Harm Reduction): Mauritius’ 2026–2030 National Drug Control Master Plan highlights harm reduction tools like naloxone and take-home methadone, but coverage notes the system is under strain from overcrowded clinics, funding gaps, and an under-treated hepatitis C burden. Women, Food & Climate: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, citing their role in building resilient food systems. AI Governance: A Mauritius-linked policy discussion says Africa is moving from AI enthusiasm to risk governance, warning against copying the EU model without local fit. Health & Travel Costs: Trip cancellation insurance is being promoted as a financial safety net for prepaid, non-refundable travel if illness or emergencies force changes.

Ebola & Border Health: The WHO chief praised Uganda’s Ebola response, saying case fatality is under 1% and highlighting vigilance and cross-border collaboration—while noting that restrictions can hurt economies. DRC Ebola Update: The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 101 Ebola deaths and 550 confirmed cases, with armed groups limiting access in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Mauritius Travel Rules: Mauritius is linked to regional Ebola containment efforts, including temporary entry bans and related travel restrictions aimed at reducing imported risk. Local Drug Policy: A new Mauritius National Drug Control Master Plan (2026–2030) backs harm reduction (naloxone, take-home methadone, rehab pathways) but warns clinics are overcrowded, funding is strained, and hepatitis C care remains inadequate. EU–ESA Trade (Health-adjacent): The EU and ESA states including Mauritius concluded an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming for more predictable rules and support for services and digitalisation. AI Governance: A Mauritius-led AI strategy is discussed alongside calls for stronger, risk-focused AI regulation across Africa.

Ebola Response & Travel Rules: Uganda’s Ebola containment drew praise from WHO chief Tedros, but Mauritius-linked restrictions still ripple outward—Uganda’s Rugby Sevens team was pulled from the Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens after Mauritius barred certain travellers from Uganda/DRC/South Sudan, underscoring how public health measures can disrupt normal life. Ebola Funding: The EU pledged €11.5m to Africa CDC for Ebola work in eastern DR Congo, including €6.5m for pathogen genomics and €5m for rapid diagnostics. Local Health Policy (Mauritius): A new Mauritius National Drug Control Master Plan (2026–2030) highlights harm reduction goals—naloxone distribution, take-home methadone, and pathways to rehab—while warning that clinics are overcrowded, funding is strained, and hepatitis C remains under-treated. Public Health & Mobility: Mauritius is also in the spotlight for labour and mobility governance debates, including a question of whether modern work-permit systems can unintentionally resemble indenture. Wellness & Prevention (Travel): Travellers are being urged to consider trip cancellation insurance as health emergencies can force last-minute changes.

Ebola Response Funding: The EU pledged €11.5 million to Africa CDC to fight the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo, including €6.5 million for pathogen genomics and €5 million in rapid diagnostic support as deaths rise. Ebola Cross-Border Measures: WHO chief Tedros praised Uganda’s Ebola containment, citing low case fatality and border lab support, while Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at Busia to tighten screening and procedures. Mauritius Travel Rules: Mauritius temporarily restricted entry for people who recently visited DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan, with enhanced health screening and mandatory 21-day quarantine for arrivals. Local Health Capacity: Merck Foundation highlighted ongoing cancer training scholarships across Africa to expand oncology and pain management specialists, alongside new cancer awareness materials. Mauritius Labour & Health Link: A Mauritius debate on modern foreign labour “indenture” continues, raising concerns about worker vulnerability and protections tied to single sponsors. Wellness & Care Culture: Mauritius also hosted a refereeing clinic, while regional health security efforts underline how training and preparedness remain central to public health.

Ebola Response & Border Health: Mauritius has temporarily restricted entry for foreign nationals who have recently traveled to, transited through, or stayed in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan, as the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo remains a public health emergency; returning Mauritian citizens and legally resident foreigners can enter but must complete a mandatory 21-day quarantine, with enhanced screening, risk assessments, isolation for symptomatic travellers, and stronger surveillance and contact-tracing at entry points. Regional Health Security: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Uganda’s Ebola containment efforts, citing 19 cases and a case fatality rate under 1%, and highlighted vigilance measures including cancelling large crowds to reduce spread. DR Congo Outbreak Update: DR Congo reported Ebola deaths rising to 101 and confirmed cases reaching 550, with armed groups in affected provinces limiting humanitarian access. Local Health Capacity: Mauritius Basketball Federation ran its first FIBA Level 1 referee course (4–7 June) to build officiating capacity for the upcoming national season. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation announced ongoing scholarship-backed oncology training across multiple African countries, aiming to expand specialist cancer care teams and improve early diagnosis.