AGP Executive Report

Community Health Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to action on an ECOWAS regional community health policy, with the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) holding high-level talks in Bissau to set up implementation support, including multisector coordination and community health worker roles, with Gabú and Oio named as pilot regions. Mpox Watch: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising alarms as children make up about half of suspected cases, and UNICEF warns fragile surveillance may be letting the virus spread undetected. Polio Update: WHO says Guinea-Bissau (along with Burundi, Ghana, the Republic of Congo and Uganda) has successfully interrupted transmission of polio type 2 after independent assessments, but officials stress vaccination and surveillance must continue. Lab Capacity Boost: WAHO has donated €1.5 million in laboratory equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to strengthen diagnostics, epidemiological monitoring, and emergency response. Health System Support in Practice: A three-day national workshop in Bissau mapped how community health policy will be adapted at grassroots level, bringing together public and private institutions, civil society, and local authorities.

Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau has reported its first mpox outbreak, with authorities saying children make up about half of suspected and confirmed cases; UNICEF warns surveillance is fragile and the virus may be spreading undetected, with most cases in the Bissau autonomous sector and no deaths reported so far. Polio Update: WHO says Guinea-Bissau (along with Burundi, Ghana, Congo and Uganda) has interrupted transmission of polio type 2 after independent assessments, but officials stress vaccination and surveillance must continue. Lab Capacity Boost: WAHO donated €1.5m in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under an ECOWAS project funded by Germany, aiming to strengthen diagnostics and epidemiological monitoring for faster outbreak response. Health Policy Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is piloting the ECOWAS Community Health Policy in Gabú and Oio after a national workshop, with community health workers and local institutions set to take clearer roles. Governance & Health Context: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government is pushing a constitutional referendum that opposition groups urge voters to boycott, amid claims freedoms are suspended.

Constitutional Referendum: Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a referendum on Sunday on a new constitution that would expand presidential powers ahead of planned elections later this year. Opposition leaders and civil society are urging a boycott, saying freedoms are suspended and only the “yes” side is campaigning. Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau is facing its first mpox outbreak, with authorities reporting that children make up about half of suspected and confirmed cases; UNICEF warns surveillance is fragile and the virus may be spreading undetected. Polio Update: WHO says Guinea-Bissau has successfully interrupted transmission of polio type 2, joining other African countries cleared after assessments—though health officials stress vaccination and surveillance must continue. Laboratory Boost: WAHO donated €1.5 million in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to strengthen disease detection, epidemiological monitoring, and emergency response. Health Policy Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is piloting the ECOWAS Community Health Policy in Gabú and Oio, with roles for community health workers, local authorities, and partners being defined to bring essential services closer to underserved areas.

Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau is battling its first-ever mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning that surveillance is fragile and cases may be spreading undetected—especially among children. Child Health Focus: Children make up about half of suspected cases (23 of 46), including 16 under age four, raising concern as schools reopen in September. Public Health Capacity: WAHO donated €1.5 million in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to boost diagnostics and epidemiological monitoring. Health System Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Community Health Policy, piloting it in Gabú and Oio after a national workshop. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: A WHO/UNICEF assessment found only 7% of Guinea-Bissau health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting urgent gaps in toilets and hygiene access.

Mpox Alert in Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau is facing its first mpox outbreak, with 46 suspected cases and 7 confirmed so far; UNICEF says 23 of the suspected cases are children (16 under age 4), and warns fragile surveillance may be missing additional spread—especially as schools reopen in September. Public Health Capacity Boost: The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) handed over €1.51m in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to strengthen diagnostics, epidemiological monitoring, and emergency response under the ECOWAS/PROALAB project. Health System Basics: A WHO/UNICEF assessment finds sanitation gaps in West African health facilities, with Guinea-Bissau at only 7% meeting basic sanitation standards in 2025—highlighting risks to patient safety and dignity. ECOWAS Community Health Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Community Health Policy, piloting in Gabú and Oio with community health workers and local partners taking defined roles. Polio Progress: WHO reports Guinea-Bissau has successfully interrupted polio type 2 transmission, joining other African countries cleared after independent assessments.

Mpox Alert in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with 46 suspected cases and children making up half—23 under age 15, including 16 under age four—while 7 adult cases are confirmed and no deaths reported. UNICEF warns fragile surveillance may be missing infections, and school reopening in September could increase spread. Public Health Capacity Boost: WAHO donated €1.51 million in lab equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under an ECOWAS project to strengthen diagnostics, epidemiological monitoring, and emergency response. Health System Standards: A WHO/UNICEF assessment finds sanitation gaps in West African facilities, with Guinea-Bissau at only 7% of health care sites meeting basic sanitation standards in 2025—highlighting risks to patient safety and dignity. Polio Progress: WHO confirmed closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Guinea-Bissau (and four other African countries) after assessments found transmission interrupted, stressing continued vaccination and surveillance. ECOWAS Health Policy Pilot: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Community Health Policy, piloting in Gabú and Oio with roles for community health workers and local institutions.

Mpox Alert (Guinea-Bissau): Guinea-Bissau has reported its first mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning the surveillance system is fragile and cases may be spreading undetected—especially among children. As of Aug 17, there were 7 confirmed cases (all adults) and 46 suspected; about half of suspected patients are under 15, including 16 children aged 0–4, and no deaths have been reported. UNICEF says school reopening in September could raise transmission risk. Public Health Capacity (WAHO/ECOWAS): WAHO donated lab equipment worth €1.51m to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory under the PROALAB project, aiming to strengthen diagnostics and epidemiological monitoring for faster detection of public health threats. Health System Gaps (WASH in facilities): A WHO/UNICEF report highlights poor sanitation in West African health facilities; in Guinea-Bissau, only 7% met basic sanitation standards in 2025, underscoring urgent needs for usable toilets and safe hygiene access for patients and staff. ECOWAS Community Health Policy Pilot: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Community Health Policy, with Gabú and Oio selected as pilot regions after a national workshop in Bissau.

Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau is reporting its first mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning the country’s surveillance is fragile and cases may be spreading undetected—especially among children. As of mid-August, there were 7 confirmed cases (all adults) and 46 suspected cases, with about half involving children under 15 (16 under age 4). UNICEF also flags September school reopenings as a risk for wider transmission. Public Health Capacity: WAHO donated lab equipment worth €1.51 million to Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory to strengthen diagnostics and epidemiological monitoring, funded by Germany via KfW under the PROALAB project. Health System Standards: A WHO/UNICEF assessment found sanitation gaps in West African health facilities, with Guinea-Bissau at only 7% meeting basic sanitation standards in 2025—highlighting risks to patient dignity, infection control, and access for people with limited mobility. ECOWAS Community Health Rollout: Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Community Health Policy, piloting in Gabú and Oio after a national workshop with WAHO and the Ministry of Public Health.

Mpox in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (23 under 15, including 16 under 4). Seven adult cases have been confirmed so far, with no deaths reported, but UNICEF warns fragile surveillance may be letting infections go undetected—especially as schools reopen in September. Polio milestone: WHO reports Guinea-Bissau (along with Burundi, Ghana, Republic of Congo and Uganda) has successfully interrupted poliovirus type 2 transmission after independent assessments, though officials stress vaccination and surveillance must continue. ECOWAS community health push: Guinea-Bissau is piloting the ECOWAS Regional Community Health Policy in Gabú and Oio, with roles for community health workers, local authorities and communities to bring essential services to underserved areas. Health facility sanitation gap: A WHO/UNICEF assessment finds only 7% of Guinea-Bissau health care facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting weaknesses in usable toilets, menstrual hygiene access, and accessibility.

Mpox Alert (Guinea-Bissau): UNICEF says Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (23), including 16 aged 0–4; as of Aug 17, seven adult cases are confirmed and no deaths reported, but fragile surveillance raises fears of undetected spread—especially with schools reopening in September. Polio Update (Region): WHO reports Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries have successfully stopped poliovirus type 2 transmission after independent assessments, though officials stress continued vaccination and surveillance. Health Policy Rollout (ECOWAS): Guinea-Bissau is moving from planning to implementation of the ECOWAS Community Health Policy, selecting Gabú and Oio as pilot regions after a national engagement workshop, with community health workers and local authorities set to take clearer roles. Sanitation Gap (Facilities): A WHO/UNICEF assessment finds only 7% of Guinea-Bissau health care facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting barriers like usable toilets, menstrual hygiene access, and facilities for people with limited mobility. Fitness & Wellbeing (ESSMGB): ECOWAS mission personnel in Bissau held a 5-kilometre route march to promote physical fitness and reduce health risks linked to inactivity, including participation from Guinea-Bissau security forces and a Level II hospital. Governance (Context): Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government will hold a constitutional referendum on Aug 30 that could expand presidential powers—an issue that may affect health system planning and service delivery ahead of December elections.

Mpox Outbreak in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first-ever mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with children making up half of the 46 suspected cases (23 under age 15, including 16 under age 4). As of Aug. 17, seven cases are confirmed in adults only, with no deaths reported yet. UNICEF warns surveillance gaps could mean cases are spreading undetected, and that reopening schools in September could increase transmission among vulnerable children. Polio Milestone (Regional): WHO reports five African countries—including Guinea-Bissau—have interrupted poliovirus type 2 transmission after independent assessments, but urges continued vaccination and surveillance to prevent future outbreaks. Health Facilities Sanitation Gap: A WHO/UNICEF assessment finds basic sanitation remains poor across West Africa; in Guinea-Bissau, only 7% of health care facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, highlighting urgent needs for usable toilets and safer hygiene and waste management. ECOWAS Fitness Push: ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) held a 5-kilometre route march to promote physical fitness and healthier lifestyles among personnel, including staff from a Level II Hospital and Guinea-Bissau security forces.

Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau’s first mpox outbreak is raising alarms for child health. Authorities say more than half of reported cases are among children, with 16 suspected cases in kids under age four. As of mid-August, there are seven confirmed cases (all adults) and 46 suspected, with no deaths reported. UNICEF warns surveillance is fragile, so cases may be spreading undetected—especially as schools reopen in September, potentially increasing transmission. Polio Update: WHO says five African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, have successfully stopped poliovirus type 2 transmission after assessments found no ongoing spread—though officials stress continued vaccination and surveillance. Facility Sanitation Gap: A WHO/UNICEF assessment highlights weak basic sanitation in health facilities, with Guinea-Bissau at just 7% meeting basic sanitation standards in 2025, underscoring risks for patient safety and infection control.

Mpox Response in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first-ever mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with children making up half of 46 suspected cases (23 under 15, including 16 aged 0–4). As of Aug 17, seven cases are confirmed in adults only, with no deaths reported, but UNICEF warns surveillance gaps could mean cases are being missed—especially as schools reopen in September and raise the risk of spread. Polio Update: WHO reports Guinea-Bissau and four other African countries have successfully stopped poliovirus type 2 transmission after independent assessments, but officials stress continued vaccination and surveillance are still essential. Health Facility Sanitation: WHO/UNICEF monitoring finds sanitation remains a weak point in the region; in Guinea-Bissau, only 7% of health care facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, affecting patient privacy, dignity, and safe care. Fitness & Health in Security Operations: ECOWAS mission teams in Bissau held a 5-kilometre route march to promote physical fitness and reduce health risks linked to inactivity, including participation from a Level II Hospital and Guinea-Bissau security forces.

Mpox Alert: Guinea-Bissau is battling its first-ever mpox outbreak, with UNICEF warning the country is ill-prepared and that children are being hit hardest—children under 15 make up 50% of 46 suspected cases, including 16 aged 0–4. School Transmission Risk: Authorities say seven adult cases have been confirmed so far (no deaths reported), but UNICEF fears the reopening of schools in September could accelerate spread. Surveillance Gaps: UNICEF points to “critical gaps” in identifying contacts, testing samples, and tracing how the virus is spreading, raising concern that cases may be going undetected. Public Health Guidance: Mpox spreads through close physical contact and can also pass from animals to people; symptoms include fever and a distinctive rash, and early detection plus prevention and care are key to managing risk. Fitness & Wellness (ECOWAS): Separately, ECOWAS mission personnel in Bissau held a 5-kilometre route march to promote physical fitness, wellbeing, and healthier lifestyles among troops and partner security forces.

Mpox Alert in Guinea-Bissau: UNICEF says the country’s first-ever mpox outbreak is already hitting children hardest, with 23 of 46 suspected cases among under-15s (16 under age 4). As of 17 August, seven cases are confirmed in adults only, with no deaths reported so far. UNICEF warns the reopening of schools in September could boost transmission, and flags “critical gaps” in surveillance—especially contact finding, testing, and tracing. Public Health Infrastructure: A WHO/UNICEF assessment highlights how hard it is to respond when facilities lack basic care conditions: in Guinea-Bissau, only 7% of health facilities met basic sanitation standards in 2025, underlining the need for toilets, handwashing, and accessible, private services. Regional Health Progress: WHO reports polio type 2 transmission has been stopped in five African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, after targeted vaccination and strengthened surveillance. Fitness & Wellness (Security Sector): ECOWAS ESSMGB held a 5km route march in Bissau to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and healthier lifestyles among mission and host security personnel.

Mpox Outbreak Watch (Guinea-Bissau): UNICEF says Guinea-Bissau’s first-ever mpox outbreak is a major public health event, with 46 suspected cases and children under 15 making up half (23), including 16 aged 0–4. School Transmission Risk: UNICEF warns reopening schools in September could increase spread among vulnerable children, especially as surveillance is “fragile” and cases may be going undetected. Confirmed Cases Update: As of Aug 17, seven cases are confirmed (all adults) with no deaths reported so far, and health authorities suspect undetected chains of transmission. Health System Gap: UNICEF highlights critical gaps in identifying contacts, testing samples, and tracing spread—key steps needed to control the outbreak. ECOWAS Fitness Push (Bissau): Separately, ECOWAS mission personnel held a 5-kilometre route march to promote physical fitness and reduce health risks linked to inactivity.