AGP Executive Report

Dementia Care in Focus: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, with about 1.9 million people living with the condition and costs to families and societies reaching an estimated US$15.6 billion a year, driven by long unpaid caregiving hours; WHO notes dementia remains underdiagnosed and that as of 2024 none of the 47 WHO African Region countries had a national dementia plan, while experts met in Nairobi to push prevention, better diagnosis, and expanded care. Outbreak Readiness: West African laboratory scientists warn health systems are weakening and urge governments to strengthen disease surveillance and diagnostic capacity to avoid another Ebola- or COVID-style crisis, calling for earlier detection and regional cooperation. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO highlights a major research gap in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, noting Cabo Verde and other countries have committed to building national research centres to improve safety and evidence for growing health needs. US Visa Rules Touch Cabo Verde: The US State Department published its Exchange Visitor Skills List, including Cabo Verde, where certain J-1 participants in designated fields may face a two-year home-country physical presence requirement before accessing some US immigration benefits. Tech & Wellness Access: Apple expands iCloud+ in 100+ countries (including Cabo Verde) by bundling Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music Select at no extra charge, potentially improving access to health-friendly entertainment and routines.

Public Health: WHO says dementia is rising fast across Africa, with about 1.9 million people living with the condition and costs to families and society estimated at US$15.6 billion a year; WHO notes most countries still lack national dementia plans and calls for better diagnosis and care. Disease Preparedness: West African laboratory scientists warn health systems are weakening and urge stronger outbreak detection, more diagnostic capacity, and regional cooperation after lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. Health Research Policy: WHO calls for more research into traditional medicine, highlighting commitments by several countries—including Cabo Verde—to set up national research centres to improve safety and evidence for integrative care. Health & Mobility (US policy): The US State Department published its Exchange Visitor Skills List, naming Cabo Verde among 23 African countries where some J-1 participants may face a two-year home-country physical presence requirement before certain US immigration benefits. Digital Wellness & Access: Apple expands iCloud+ in 100+ countries (including Cabo Verde) by bundling Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music Select at no extra charge—potentially easing access to health-adjacent entertainment and support tools.

Public Health & Preparedness: West African laboratory scientists in Lome, Togo, are warning that weakening health systems and limited diagnostic capacity leave the region unready for the next big outbreak, urging stronger disease surveillance and better lab detection after lessons from Ebola and COVID-19. Dementia Care: The WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now, with costs to families and societies estimated at US$15.6 billion a year; it also notes most countries still lack national dementia plans, including Cabo Verde. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO calls for more research into traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, highlighting new commitments by countries including Cabo Verde to build national research centres. Health Tech & Access: Apple is expanding iCloud+ in over 100 countries (including Cabo Verde) by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge, potentially improving access to health-adjacent digital content and services. Health Risks & Drugs: A new report links West Africa to a growing share of cocaine trafficking into Europe and America, raising public health concerns around drug use and related harms.

Disease Preparedness: West African laboratory scientists in Lome urged governments to strengthen disease outbreak detection, warning health systems are weakening and calling for better surveillance and diagnostic capacity after Ebola and COVID-19 lessons. Dementia Care: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now and costing families and societies an estimated US$15.6 billion a year, with most burden falling on unpaid caregivers; WHO notes Cabo Verde and other countries are still building national plans and awareness efforts. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO calls for more research into traditional and complementary medicine, highlighting that Cabo Verde has committed to setting up national traditional medicine research centres to improve safety and evidence for growing health needs. Health System Humanization: Angola’s regional hospital congress (CHRS-2026) concluded with a push for more experience-sharing among health professionals and managers, including participation from Cabo Verde, to improve service quality and patient safety. Tech & Health Access (Local relevance): Apple expands iCloud+ in over 100 countries to include Apple TV and Apple Arcade (and a limited music option), with Cabo Verde listed among the markets—useful for families and caregivers managing digital access.

Outbreak Readiness: West African laboratory scientists in Lome warned that weakening health systems and heavy reliance on external vaccines leave the region exposed, urging stronger disease surveillance and expanded diagnostic capacity to avoid repeating Ebola and COVID-19 lessons. Dementia Care Gap: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now and costing families and societies around US$15.6 billion a year, with most care done by unpaid caregivers; WHO also notes that as of 2024 none of the 47 African countries had a national dementia plan. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO calls for more research into traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, highlighting that under 1% of global health research funding targets safety and effectiveness—while several countries, including Cabo Verde, have committed to building national research centres. Digital Health & Tech Policy: TICON Africa (23–25 Sept, Zambia) will focus on AI, cybersecurity, data governance and skills—key themes for health systems as digital tools expand. Local Health System Humanization: A regional hospital congress in Angola’s Cunene province urged more experience-sharing among health professionals and managers to improve service quality and patient-centered care, with participation including Cabo Verde. Cabo Verde in the News: Cabo Verde is listed among countries where iCloud+ will bundle Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge, potentially boosting access to digital entertainment.

Dementia Focus: WHO says dementia is rising fast across Africa, now affecting about 1.9 million people and costing families and societies an estimated US$15.6 billion a year, with unpaid caregivers (often women) spending about 12.9 hours daily; WHO also notes most countries still lack national dementia plans. Outbreak Readiness: West African laboratory scientists warn that weakening health systems and vaccine dependence could leave the region exposed, urging governments to boost disease detection and diagnostics ahead of the next outbreak. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO calls for more research into traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, highlighting major funding gaps and new commitments by several countries—including Cabo Verde—to build research capacity. Health System Skills & Care Quality: A regional hospital congress in southern Africa backed more experience-sharing among health professionals and managers to improve service quality and patient-centered care, with participation including Cabo Verde. Local Health Tech Access: Apple expands iCloud+ in over 100 countries (including Cabo Verde) by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade, potentially easing access to health-adjacent digital content and entertainment for families.

Outbreak Readiness: West African laboratory scientists in Lome warned that weakening health systems and heavy dependence on vaccines from abroad could leave the region exposed, urging governments to boost disease detection and invest in diagnostics—lessons drawn from Ebola and COVID-19. Dementia Pressure: WHO says dementia is rising across Africa, affecting about 1.9 million people now and costing families and societies around US$15.6 billion a year, with most care done by unpaid caregivers (often women) spending long hours each day; WHO also notes many countries still lack national dementia plans. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO calls for more research into traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, highlighting that Cabo Verde is among countries committing to set up national research centres. Care Workforce & Quality: A regional hospital congress in southern Africa, with participation including Cabo Verde, pushed for more experience-sharing among health professionals to humanize services and improve patient safety. Tech & Health Access (Cabo Verde): Apple expands iCloud+ in over 100 countries, including Cabo Verde, bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge—useful for digital access, though not a health policy story.

Dementia Focus: The WHO says dementia is rising fast across Africa, with about 1.9 million people living with the condition now and costs to families and societies estimated at US$15.6 billion a year, largely driven by unpaid caregiving that averages 12.9 hours daily; WHO notes many countries still lack national dementia plans and calls for stronger prevention, diagnosis, and care. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO is urging more research into traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, highlighting a major global funding gap and pointing to new commitments by countries—including Cabo Verde—to set up national research centres. Digital Health & Policy: TICON Africa’s upcoming conference in Zambia will spotlight AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and skills—key themes for turning tech advances into real health and social benefits. Local Health System Humanization: Angola’s regional hospital congress in Ondjiva backed more experience-sharing among health professionals and managers to improve service quality and patient-centered care, with participation including Cabo Verde. Health Access & Travel: A report on US visa processing resuming for some African countries also flags that applicants may need updated medicals, underlining how health checks can affect mobility.

Dementia Focus: The WHO says dementia is rising fast across Africa, with about 1.9 million people living with the condition and costs to families and society reaching an estimated US$15.6 billion a year, driven largely by unpaid caregiving (often women) and limited national planning—WHO notes that as of 2024 none of the 47 African countries had a national dementia plan, while only a handful ran public awareness efforts. Local Capacity Building: In Nairobi, health leaders from 10 African countries—including Cabo Verde—met at a WHO workshop (Sept 14–16) to push better prevention, diagnosis, and access to dementia care and support. Health Policy Research: WHO also calls for more research into traditional medicine, arguing that growing use of complementary approaches needs stronger safety and effectiveness data to meet rising health needs. Tech & Wellness Access: Apple expanded iCloud+ in 100+ countries (including Cabo Verde) by bundling Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Apple Music Select at no extra charge—useful for families managing digital entertainment alongside health routines.

Money & Health Governance: Venezuelan ally Alex Saab pleaded guilty in a US court to money laundering tied to a massive bribery and fraud scheme linked to food and medicine contracts under the CLAP welfare programme; he agreed to forfeit $195 million and cooperate, with sentencing set for January 20 and a maximum penalty of 20 years. Gender & Health Equity: The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2026 shows full parity is still 120 years away, while India ranks 131st of 145—highlighting gaps across health and survival, education, politics, and economic opportunity. Health System Capacity: A regional hospital congress in southern Africa called for more experience-sharing to humanize care and improve patient safety, with participation including health professionals from Cabo Verde. Immunization Watch: South Africa reports a sharp drop in childhood vaccine coverage alongside measles and diphtheria outbreaks, pointing to both low demand and missed opportunities in health facilities. Air Medical Access: A medical expert argues Nigeria needs dedicated ambulance helicopters, noting that critical evacuations can take hours and sometimes require aircraft from places like Cape Verde. Digital Wellness Access: Apple expands iCloud+ in over 100 countries (including Cabo Verde) by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade at no extra charge, potentially boosting access to health-adjacent entertainment and family sharing.

Money Laundering Case: Alex Saab, a close ally of Nicolás Maduro, pleaded guilty in a US federal court in Miami to conspiring to launder proceeds from a massive bribery and fraud scheme tied to Venezuela’s food-and-medicine welfare programme (CLAP), agreeing to forfeit $195 million and cooperate with investigators; he faces up to 20 years. Health & Care Capacity: A regional hospital congress in Angola’s Cunene province called for more experience-sharing among health professionals and managers to improve care quality and patient safety, with participation including Cabo Verde. Vaccines & Public Health: South Africa reports a sharp drop in childhood immunisation, linked to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria, with experts pointing to both low vaccine demand and missed opportunities in health services. Emergency Response: A medical expert in Nigeria argues the country needs dedicated ambulance helicopters to cut dangerous delays in air medical evacuations, noting that critical transfers can take hours to days and sometimes require aircraft from abroad, including Cape Verde. Travel Health Concerns: A UK traveler’s long protest over a Cape Verde resort complaint includes claims of widespread illness among guests, raising questions about resort hygiene and guest health.

Community Grief & Safety: Cabo Verde’s diaspora is mourning after a deadly bus crash on Fogo island killed 25 people, while a 22-year-old from Brockton, Zirovick De Pina, was killed in a Taunton shooting that also left seven others injured—an especially painful double blow for families with ties to Fogo. Health System Focus: A regional hospital congress in Ondjiva (CHRS-2026) backed more experience-sharing among health professionals and managers, aiming to humanize care, improve patient safety, and strengthen service quality. Public Health Concern: South Africa’s childhood vaccination drop is linked to both low parent demand and missed opportunities in health facilities, with outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria following the decline. Health & Wellness Abroad: Cabo Verde is mentioned among countries where Apple is expanding iCloud+ into a broader entertainment bundle—useful for residents and visitors, though not a health story.

Health Tech & Lifestyle: Apple is expanding iCloud+ into a bigger services bundle in 100+ countries, adding Apple TV, Apple Arcade and Apple Music Select at no extra charge for paid iCloud+ plans (including Cape Verde), with family sharing for up to six people—while the US and several major regions are excluded. Public Health & Access: A US cable says visa processing pauses affecting immigrant and Diversity Visa applicants from dozens of countries have been lifted after federal courts vacated the restrictions; consular posts are told to restart standard adjudication and request updated medicals. Care & Humanization in Health Systems: Angola’s Ondjiva hosted the 3rd Regional Hospital Congress, calling for more experience-sharing among health professionals and managers to improve service quality, patient safety and more human care. Vaccines & Childhood Immunization: South Africa reports a sharp drop in routine childhood immunisation, with rising missed vaccinations linked to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria. Emergency Response (Regional): A medical expert argues Nigeria needs purpose-built domestic ambulance helicopters to cut dangerous delays in air medical evacuations, sometimes requiring aircraft from abroad.

Air Quality & Public Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief 2026 warns that more than 20 African countries missed even the WHO’s loosest air pollution limits, with Senegal and Cape Verde among those breathing unsafe air for over 120 days in 2025—highlighting PM2.5 exposure risks and the need for better monitoring and action. Health System Humanization: Angola’s 3rd Regional Hospital Congress (CHRS-2026) in Ondjiva backed more exchange of experience among health professionals and managers to improve care quality, patient safety, and efficiency. Childhood Vaccines: South Africa’s childhood immunisation decline is linked to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria, with parents citing low awareness and health systems missing opportunities. Emergency Care & Transport: A medical expert argues Nigeria needs purpose-built domestic ambulance helicopters, saying long evacuation delays can erase the “golden hour” for survival. Health & Travel Access: The US has resumed visa processing for nationals of 25 African countries after federal courts vacated late-2025 pauses, with consulates told to restart review of previously refused cases. Cape Verde Health Link (Sports Spotlight): Cape Verde’s World Cup debut drew global attention, with goalkeeper Josimar “Vozinha” Jose Evora Dias praised for standout saves—an indirect boost to national visibility.

Road Safety & Emergency Response: Authorities in South Africa report at least 21 deaths after a head-on crash involving two minibus taxis and a third vehicle on a major highway in the Western Cape, with the toll expected to rise as assessments continue. Hospital Care & Humanization: Angola’s 3rd Regional South Hospital Congress (CHRS-2026) in Ondjiva backed more exchange of experience among health professionals and managers, linking it to better quality care, safer processes, and more humanized services. Vaccines & Public Health: South Africa faces a sharp drop in childhood immunisation, with routine coverage falling across districts and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and diphtheria; experts point to both low vaccine demand and missed opportunities inside the health system. Air Quality & Health Risks: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says more than 20 African countries missed even the WHO’s loosest air pollution guideline, and West Africa saw many days in 2025 with PM2.5 levels above safety limits—highlighting risks to public health, including in Senegal and Cape Verde. Health Travel & Care Access: A medical expert in Nigeria argues the country needs dedicated, purpose-built ambulance helicopters, saying relying only on road response and hospital beds leaves remote areas facing dangerously long delays. Community Health & Safety: Cape Verde’s São Filipe municipality marked the burial of 25 victims, including children and teenagers, after a school bus crash in Fogo that plunged about 100 feet into a ravine.

National Mourning in Cabo Verde: Cabo Verde has declared two days of mourning after a school bus crash on Fogo Island killed 25 people, mostly children and teenagers, with 14 injured; President José Maria Neves and Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho visited the island, ordered an inquiry, and deployed a crisis response and a 16-member medical team, while families held funerals across São Filipe and surrounding communities. Air Quality & Public Health: A new Africa Air Quality Brief warns that more than 20 African countries, including Senegal and Cape Verde, exceeded WHO daily PM2.5 limits for long stretches in 2025, with Saharan dust and everyday pollution sources driving health risks. Vaccines Under Pressure: South Africa’s childhood immunisation is falling, with rising numbers of infants missing vaccinations and outbreaks of measles and diphtheria; experts point to low demand and missed opportunities in health services. Health System Exchange: Angola’s 3rd Regional Hospital Congress in Ondjiva backed more experience-sharing among health professionals to humanize care, improve safety, and strengthen service quality. Emergency Response Debate: A medical director in Nigeria argues the country needs dedicated purpose-built ambulance helicopters to cut delays in air medical evacuations, especially for remote areas and offshore emergencies.