AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Safety: A global review found cigarette butts make up about 12% of aquatic litter, with some coastal sites in Peru (and others) seeing over half of litter from cigarette waste—highlighting toxic filter chemicals and microplastic risks. Health Communication: A practical guide urges seniors to simplify medication discussions by bringing an up-to-date medication list to every appointment, since many people see multiple providers and can feel rushed. Peru Health & Environment: Coverage flags Peru’s growing health pressures tied to climate impacts, including how El Niño could raise risks across the Americas. Community Health Tech: The Digital@UNGA Awards recognized a community health toolkit used by 182,000 health workers across 24 countries, delivering 263 million care activities—a model relevant to strengthening primary care access. Local Health Policy: Peru voters will decide in November on a proposed 180-day data center moratorium, aimed at studying effects on water, power, noise, and local resources. Health News in the Region: Emergency medicine leaders from Latin America (including Peru) trained with Israel’s Magen David Adom to strengthen lifesaving response systems.

HIV Prevention Access: PAHO says Peru and 13 other Latin American countries can procure long-acting lenacapavir for HIV prevention via PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, expanding twice-yearly PrEP options. Climate & Health Risk: Coverage highlights how the strongest El Niño on record is already driving health threats across the Americas, with insurers and public health systems feeling the strain. Indigenous Health Emergency in Peru: A report warns drought and state neglect are worsening outbreaks of malaria and hepatitis B among the Matsés in the Peruvian Amazon, as low river levels block access to care. School Nutrition Push (Peru-linked region): While not Peru, major meal-scheme expansion news underscores the health link between food security and attendance, with similar models relevant to Peru’s nutrition agenda. Community-Led Restoration: Delfin’s BioRest program in Peru’s Marañón River reports measurable reforestation results, tying ecosystem recovery to community well-being. Food & Wellness Tip: Bitter melon (goya) is spotlighted for potential blood-sugar support and traditional medicinal uses, including in Peru.

Drug Safety Alert: The FDA says Global Mix Inc. is recalling niwali Tejocote Capsules and Pieces after analysis found they appear to contain yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), a highly toxic plant that can cause severe heart, neurologic, and GI effects. Mental Health & Public Health: Argentina reported a record 5,209 suicides in 2025, up 22.6%, with experts pointing to complex, multi-factor risk and barriers to mental health care. Infectious Disease Watch: PAHO warns measles is surging across the Americas, driven by low vaccination coverage and travel during the World Cup, urging stronger vaccination and outbreak response. Clinical Research/Pharma: Xenon Pharmaceuticals filed an FDA New Drug Application for azetukalner as adjunctive treatment for focal seizures in adults with epilepsy. Peru-Linked Health Policy: Pope Leo’s November trip includes a special address in Lima, with events also featuring a visit to a federal prison complex in Buenos Aires. Health System/Access: Red Sea Hospital was inaugurated in Saudi Arabia to expand advanced care for employees, residents, and communities.

El Niño & Public Health: PAHO warns El Niño is strengthening and could drive health risks across the Americas, including food insecurity and vector- and water-borne disease pressures, with millions already affected and many countries issuing alerts. Peru Health Policy: Peru’s Transport and Communications Minister Rafael Rey resigned for health reasons, a reminder that leadership changes can ripple into public services. Maternal Health Spotlight: Nigeria’s maternal and child health crisis remains severe, with gaps in equipment and functional frontline care contributing to high maternal and under-five deaths. Health & Safety in the News: A flash flood in India’s Malappuram region killed at least five people, highlighting how extreme weather can quickly overwhelm local emergency response. Research & Wellness Interest: A new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, was identified in Bolivia—an example of how biodiversity discoveries keep expanding what we know about ecosystems that support human health. Local Security: Peru mourns journalist Susy Aponte Polo, shot dead during a campaign event after she reported death threats.

Dengue Financing: APEC economies launched a new platform to coordinate funding for dengue prevention and control as cases surge, bringing together donors and multilateral banks to close investment gaps. El Niño & Health Risks: PAHO warns that a strengthening El Niño could worsen health threats across the Americas, including food insecurity and vector- and water-borne disease risks, with millions already affected. Peru Election Violence: Peruvian journalist and regional candidate Susy Aponte Polo was shot dead at a campaign event in Áncash days after warning of death threats, prompting renewed calls for investigation and electoral safety. Rural Access to Care: Villagers in Kallakurichi, India, urged a tar road to reduce dangerous delays reaching healthcare after road detours reportedly hinder emergency transport. Public Health & Environment: A report flags plastic pollution hotspots across Latin America as waste systems buckle, raising concerns about major health impacts. Cardiology Loss: Renowned cardiologist Dr. G. Vijayaraghavan, credited with India’s first 2D echocardiography lab, died at 84.

Cardiology Loss: Renowned Padma Shri cardiologist Dr. G Vijayaraghavan (84) has died, credited with helping establish India’s first 2D echocardiography lab and with decades of cardiology research and teaching. Public Health & Climate: A Peruvian researcher highlights how Indigenous knowledge can help communities prepare for extreme El Niño impacts, as Peru faces a state of emergency tied to heavy, unseasonal rains. Health Policy & Access: PAHO and Gilead expand HIV prevention access across Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to speed uptake of twice-yearly lenacapavir. Mental Health Warning: A report describes a family tragedy after a reported suicide attempt, underscoring the need for early support and crisis helplines. Food Safety & Treatment: A guide on minoxidil for male hair loss stresses that results take months and that delaying care can reduce effectiveness. Environment & Health: Research flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America as a growing public health risk tied to overwhelmed waste systems. Peru Security: A journalist and aspiring regional governor, Susy Aponte Polo, was shot dead during a campaign event in Caraz, Peru.

Political violence and health impacts: Journalist and aspiring regional governor Susy Aponte Polo was shot dead during a campaign event in Caraz, with one injured and a Venezuelan suspect arrested; authorities say the motive is still unclear, raising fears of politically motivated attacks. Child sexual violence case in Lima: Peru’s Third Family Court ordered four months of preventive detention for six adolescents investigated for the alleged rape of a 16-year-old student at Almirante Guise Naval High School, sending them to the Maranguita juvenile center in San Miguel. Public health and prevention: A Peru-focused report highlights how COVID-19 exposed unequal access to vaccines and care, stressing cross-border surveillance and a connected human-animal-environment health approach. HIV prevention access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Peru, via a regional procurement pathway. Maternal health support: A Guatemala clinic donation (mammography and equipment) underscores the region’s push for earlier diagnosis and treatment—relevant to Peru’s broader women’s health priorities. Health services expansion: OSF HealthCare announced a new gastroenterologist role, reflecting ongoing digestive health capacity building.

Lima Juvenile Justice: Peru’s Third Family Court ordered four months of preventive detention for six adolescents investigated for the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old student at the Almirante Guise Naval High School, sending them to the Lima Juvenile Diagnosis and Rehabilitation Center. HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO expanded a procurement pathway for twice-yearly lenacapavir, adding 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries including Peru, aiming to widen access to HIV prevention pending local regulatory decisions. Public Health & Climate: Coverage highlights how El Niño is already disrupting food supplies, with knock-on health risks across the Americas and specific impacts on Peruvian fruit growing. Maternal Health Support: A Guatemala donation story underscores the value of early detection tools like digital mammography and strengthened clinic capacity—an approach relevant to regional women’s health priorities. Wellness by Design: A feature on Europe’s wellness tourism trends points to growing demand for nature-linked recovery experiences. Research Watch: A new wild cat species was identified in Bolivia, reminding readers how biodiversity discoveries can reshape conservation and ecosystem health conversations.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Peru, via a regional procurement pathway—an effort backed by civil society groups pushing for wider coverage. Public Health & Climate: PAHO warned that El Niño is raising health risks across the Americas, while reporting notes how Peru’s fruit supply is being disrupted as growers redirect produce to other markets. Nutrition in Schools (Peru-linked region): A Peru public health alliance scheduled a flu clinic, as Peru continues to plan seasonal prevention efforts. Healthcare Investment: Walgreens signed an MoU to set up a Global Capability Centre in Chennai, signaling continued growth in healthcare services and tech support. Wildlife & Conservation: Scientists named Bolivia’s new cloud-forest cat, Leopardus tilcayo, the first living wild feline species described in over a century—highlighting how biodiversity work can inform conservation priorities.

APEC Health Policy: APEC economies endorsed a new roadmap to tackle cardiovascular disease, with Peru listed as a co-sponsor, aiming to strengthen prevention, early detection, treatment, and long-term recovery. Peru Public Health: A public health alliance in Peru is organizing a flu clinic, signaling continued push for seasonal vaccination and community outreach. HIV Prevention Access: PAHO and Gilead announced steps to expand access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, with civil society groups calling it a major win. School Nutrition (Peru-relevant region): While not in Peru, Tamil Nadu’s planned expansion of a school breakfast program highlights how nutrition support is being used to improve attendance and learning—an approach many Peru communities may watch closely. Climate & Health Risk: Coverage warns El Niño could intensify and disrupt marine ecosystems and weather patterns, raising indirect health concerns through heat, food systems, and disaster impacts. Research Spotlight: Scientists formally identified Bolivia’s new wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo, underscoring how genetics can reveal hidden biodiversity in the Andes cloud forests.

APEC Cardiovascular Push: APEC economies endorsed a new roadmap to tackle the rising cardiovascular disease burden, with Peru listed as a co-sponsor, aiming to strengthen prevention, early detection, treatment, and long-term recovery. Peru Flu Access: A public health alliance is set to run a flu clinic in Peru, with vaccination details shared for the community. HIV Prevention Deal (Latin America): PAHO and Gilead announced a milestone agreement to expand access to lenacapavir for HIV prevention across 14 countries, with civil society groups calling it a major step forward. El Niño Health & Food Risks: Latin America is preparing for El Niño’s uneven impacts, including threats to health systems and food supply as weather patterns shift across countries. Peru Health Incident: Police assisted a Canadian tourist after health problems in Huayhuash, highlighting ongoing need for medical support in remote areas. Specialty Care Expansion (Peru): OSF HealthCare added a pulmonary and critical care specialist to its Peru services, expanding respiratory and intensive care access. Wildlife & Environment Watch: Scientists warn El Niño could bring unusual marine species to Southern California waters, underscoring broader ecosystem stress that can affect public health and fisheries.

APEC Health Roadmap: APEC member economies endorsed a new, evidence-based roadmap to tackle the rising cardiovascular disease burden, covering prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term rehabilitation—led by Thailand with Peru and the Philippines as co-sponsors. CRSwNP Treatment Update: A real-world multicenter study in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine reports that mepolizumab improved nasal polyp scores, SNOT-22 outcomes, and key symptoms over 12 months for patients with severe, uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Emergency Care Exchange: Senior emergency medicine and civil-defense officials from Latin America and Spain—including Peru—visited Israel for training on emergency response and mass-casualty incident management, including dispatch systems and simulation-based practice. Public Health Policy Watch: Global attention continues on measles resurgence, while health systems face added pressure from chronic disease trends and healthcare access gaps.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to speed access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention (PrEP) across Latin America and the Caribbean, using PAHO’s regional procurement pathway to expand options for 14 countries including Peru. Public Health Tech: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 aren’t available in 33 regions due to pending regulatory clearances—important for Peru-bound buyers watching feature rollout. Health & Wellness (Global): A new synthetic yellow fever vaccine licensing deal (VaxThera–Codagenix) targets modern manufacturing and could shape future vaccine supply. Travel Safety: Americans traveling to Peru were warned about crime and security risks, including robberies and drugged drinks, highlighting ongoing traveler-health concerns. Local Health Context: Peru’s historic Chan Chan heritage faces El Niño-driven weather threats, raising indirect health risks via disruption and environmental stress.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO signed an agreement to speed access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention (PrEP) across Latin America and the Caribbean, using PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds to expand country-led rollout and close prevention gaps. Lithium in Peru: American Lithium says its Falchani pilot plant in Peru is fully installed and operating, with lab tests showing lithium extraction averaging 88.7%—a step toward validating the project at scale. Measles Watch: WHO estimates measles cases are up 8% globally versus 2019 pre-pandemic levels, with nearly 11 million expected infections in 2026 and outbreaks reported across the Americas and Europe. School Menstrual Health: India’s Supreme Court criticized how states report compliance on menstrual hygiene facilities in schools, saying some answers look like formalities rather than real on-the-ground progress. Nutrition & Snacks: Nine dietitians share quick between-meal snack ideas, including dried edamame and peanut-butter banana toast, highlighting protein and fiber for steadier energy.

HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO agreed to widen access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) via PAHO’s regional purchasing system, creating a new pathway for 14 Latin America and Caribbean countries including Peru. Cardiovascular Health: A new American Heart Association report flags that only 1 in 5 Hispanic adults in the U.S. has “ideal” heart health, with high rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension driving earlier heart failure. Public Health Alert: The WHO estimates measles cases rose 8% globally versus pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with nearly 11 million expected infections in 2026 and outbreaks reported across the Americas and Europe. Healthcare Innovation: Sidra Medicine will host the PMFG Summit 2026 (Dec 7–9) focused on genomics, AI, and equitable precision medicine. Global Health & Environment: A new analysis links Amazon malaria resurgence to deforestation and land-use governance failures, arguing biomedical tools alone won’t reverse trends.

Nursing Care Wages: Minnesota nursing home workers’ new minimum wage standards kick in Sept. 10, with general staff starting at $19/hour and licensed practical nurses at $27/hour, aiming to ease staffing shortages and improve retention. Press Freedom Under Fire (Peru): Peru’s local outlet La Noticia Clave says it was attacked by gunmen in Lambayeque after reporting alleged hospital medical malpractice; the Committee to Protect Journalists calls for a thorough, transparent investigation. Preventive Health in Peru: Axo Longevity, a preventive health membership using lab blood panels and personalized health plans, says it has expanded to its first Latin American market, Peru, alongside growth across Europe. Climate & Food Security: Peru’s anchovy fishery closed early after El Niño-linked warm waters cut catches to under a quarter of quota, with knock-on risks for fishmeal, fish oil, and marine food webs. Mosquito Alerts: Dengue and West Nile risks are highlighted as mosquito-borne illness spreads in pockets, reinforcing the need for bite prevention and removing standing water. El Niño Warning: A “very strong” El Niño is forecast for this winter, with extreme weather impacts expected to last into next year. Global Health Tech: A robotic café brand, COFE+, showcased its AI-powered beverage automation in Peru’s pavilion, underscoring how tech is reshaping service health and consumer routines.