AGP Executive Report

FabLab Training for Schools: Togo plans to deploy 101 FabLab managers after a one-month training, aiming to turn classroom science into hands-on projects in regional tech centers and science-focused schools. Cross-Border Disease Control: Ghana and Togo flagged that unapproved border crossings weaken surveillance and contact tracing, even as communities rely on informal routes for family links. Tobacco Tax for Health: ECOWAS tax officials met with health partners to discuss how tobacco excise taxes can cut deaths while boosting public revenue. Togo–France Filmmakers Case: Togolese justice and security ministries say they have “serious and consistent evidence” against two French documentary filmmakers and their Togolese fixer, citing drone use and permit irregularities; rights groups and media watchdogs continue to call for release, noting health concerns for one detainee. Health Tech Expo in Ghana: A China–West Africa medical and health expo in Accra highlights health technology transfer and AI in care, with thousands of practitioners expected. Malaria Prevention Kits in Villages: Residents in a Togolese village received malaria prevention kits as part of local public health efforts.

Tobacco Tax Push: ECOWAS officials met in Conakry to review the harmonisation of excise duties on tobacco, aiming to cut deaths from smoking and second-hand smoke while boosting public revenue for health systems. Malaria Prevention in Villages: In Yoto Prefecture, Chechekpo families received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, plus support for people already sick with malaria, as community groups marked World Humanitarian Day. Cross-Border Disease Control: Ghana and Togo flagged that unapproved border routes weaken Ebola-style preparedness, surveillance and contact tracing—even though many routes are vital for families on both sides. Press Freedom & Health Concerns: Togolese justice and security ministries say they have “serious” evidence against two French filmmakers and their fixer detained since late July, while rights groups stress urgent medical needs for one detainee and call for release. Health Tech Expo (Region-wide): Ghana hosted the China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI summit, bringing together thousands of practitioners and exhibitors focused on technology transfer and stronger health security. Livestock Movement Data: Research with IOM tracked 60,000+ transhumant animals and 2,000+ herders entering Ghana from Sahel countries, supporting efforts to reduce farmer-herder conflict and improve planning for health risks linked to movement.

Press Freedom & Health: Togolese ministries of Justice and Security say they have “serious and consistent evidence” against French documentary filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, detained since July 27 for “false declarations” tied to filming permits and use of a drone in northern Togo; rights groups and media watchdogs (including RSF) are calling for their immediate release, noting Pezzani’s serious health problems and need for urgent care. Malaria Prevention: In Yoto Prefecture, about 50 families in Chechekpo received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, plus support for medicines for residents already affected by malaria, as local partners marked World Humanitarian Day. Regional Health Security: Ghana and Togo stakeholders warned that unapproved border routes weaken cross-border disease control and Ebola preparedness, even as they recognize these routes’ role in family and community links. Health Tech Expo: Ghana hosted the China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI summit, drawing thousands of practitioners and focusing on health technology transfer and AI in care delivery.

Press Freedom & Health: Togo’s justice and security ministries say they have “serious and consistent evidence” against detained French documentary filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, arrested July 27; rights groups and RSF insist the case is unjustified and highlight that Pezzani has serious health problems needing urgent care. Malaria Prevention: In Yoto Prefecture, about 50 families received malaria prevention kits—mosquito nets, coils and repellents—plus support for residents already sick with malaria, as part of a World Humanitarian Day initiative. Cross-Border Disease Control: Stakeholders warn that unapproved crossing routes along the Ghana–Togo border are weakening surveillance and contact tracing, even as communities rely on those informal links; the meeting focused on strengthening preparedness lessons from Ebola. Health Tech & Access: Ghana hosted the China–West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI summit, pushing for technology transfer, training and stronger health security across the region. Standards for Safer Food: Lomé workshops are training agri-food stakeholders on national standards and certification to improve compliance with health requirements and market access.

Border Health Security: Stakeholders say unapproved crossing routes along the Ghana–Togo border are weakening disease surveillance, screening and contact tracing, even as many informal paths still connect families and communities. The issue came up during talks on strengthening Ebola preparedness and cross-border public health emergency coordination. Detained Filmmakers’ Health: Togo’s justice and security ministries say they have “serious and consistent evidence” against two French documentary filmmakers and their Togolese fixer detained since July 27 for “false declarations,” while rights groups warn about press freedom and report serious health problems for one detainee needing urgent care. Malaria Prevention Support: In Yoto Prefecture, families in Chechekpo received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, plus funds for medicines for residents already sick with malaria, as part of a community push ahead of peak transmission. Regional Health Tech Push: Ghana hosted the China–West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI summit, bringing together thousands of practitioners and exhibitors to discuss health technology transfer, training and stronger regional health security. Cancer Treatment Access: A partnership extended access to Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries through 2028, targeting about 1,000 patients cumulatively and potentially expanding to Togo depending on readiness.

Press Freedom & Health: Togo’s justice and security ministries say they have “serious” grounds for detaining two French filmmakers (Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani) and their Togolese fixer (Fred Vedomey), charged with “false declarations” after a July 27 documentary shoot in northern Togo; rights groups and the families say the case is unjust and RSF reports Pezzani has serious health problems needing urgent care. Malaria Prevention: In Yoto Prefecture, about 50 families in Chechekpo received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, plus support for residents already sick with malaria, as local partners marked World Humanitarian Day. Regional Health Cooperation: Ghana hosted the China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI summit, pushing for stronger health partnerships focused on technology transfer, training and local capacity. Quality & Food Safety: Lomé workshops brought together stakeholders to strengthen understanding of national standards and certification in agri-food value chains, aiming to improve compliance with health and market requirements. Cancer Treatment Access: BeOne Medicines and partners extended access to Brukinsa for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries through 2028, targeting about 1,000 patients.

Press Freedom & Health: CPJ and RSF renew calls for Togolese authorities to drop charges and release French documentary filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, detained since July 27; one filmmaker is reported to need urgent medical attention, while an investigative judge provisionally released Perez Pezzani for medical reasons but confiscated his passport. Community Malaria Prevention: In Yoto Prefecture, about 50 families in Chechekpo received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, plus support for residents already sick with malaria, as ART marked World Humanitarian Day. Health Tech & Regional Cooperation: Ghana’s China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo opened in Accra, bringing together health professionals and firms to push technology transfer and AI in care delivery across West Africa. Cancer Treatment Access: BeOne Medicines and partners extended the Brukinsa access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) through 2028, aiming to reach around 1,000 patients cumulatively and potentially expand to Togo. Quality & Standards: Lomé hosted an awareness session on national agri-food standards and certification, with HAUQE and agencies training producers and operators to improve compliance and market access.

Press Freedom & Health: CPJ and RSF renew calls for Togo to drop charges and release French documentary filmmakers Sebastian Perez Pezzani and Gaël Mocaër, plus their Togolese fixer Komi Mawufemo Vedomey, after 26 days in detention; Pezzani was provisionally released for medical reasons but with passport confiscation, while Mocaër and Vedomey remain held in Lomé. Malaria Prevention: In Yoto Prefecture, residents of Chechekpo village received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, with support also provided for people already sick with malaria. Marine Conservation Policy: Lomé workshops (Aug 20–27) bring together agencies and civil society to shape Togo’s position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement COP in Jan 2027, covering marine genetic resources, impact assessments and capacity-building. Health Systems & Standards: In Lomé, stakeholders discuss national agri-food quality standards and certification to help producers meet health and market requirements. Regional Health Cooperation: Ghana proposes deeper China-West Africa health partnerships focused on local manufacturing, technology transfer and training.

Press Freedom & Health: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is urging Togo to release two French journalists, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, detained in Lomé after arrests in Kara on July 27; RSF says one filmmaker is suffering serious health problems needing urgent medical attention, while the trio face charges of “false declarations” in immigration procedures. Community Malaria Prevention: In Yoto Prefecture, Chechekpo village families received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, plus support to buy medicines for residents already sick with malaria—an extra push alongside periodic national campaigns. Health System Capacity (Regional): Ghana is calling for deeper China-West Africa health cooperation beyond importing products, focusing on local manufacturing, training, research and technology transfer to strengthen health security across the region. Quality & Standards: Lomé hosted an awareness session on national standards in agri-food, aiming to help producers and processors meet health and market requirements through certification and clearer standards. Cancer Treatment Access: A Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has been extended to 2028, targeting about 1,000 patients across low- and middle-income countries, with possible expansion including Togo depending on readiness.

Press Freedom in Focus: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling for the release of two French documentary filmmakers, Gaël Mocaër and Sébastien Perez Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, detained in Togo since July 27 and placed in pre-trial detention on “false declarations” charges; RSF says one filmmaker has serious health problems needing urgent care, while families say they fear for his condition. Community Health: In Yoto Prefecture, about 50 families in Chechekpo village received malaria prevention supplies—mosquito nets, coils and repellents—plus support for medicines for people already sick with malaria, as part of a World Humanitarian Day initiative by the ART association. Cancer Treatment Access: BeOne Medicines and partners extended the Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in low- and middle-income countries through 2028, aiming to reach around 1,000 patients cumulatively. Health Finance & Systems: ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) received a Moody’s credit rating upgrade, a move expected to strengthen its ability to mobilize resources for development across West Africa.

Press Freedom & Health: RSF says two French journalists, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus their Togolese fixer Fred Venum, are in pre-trial detention in Togo after being charged with “false statements”; RSF adds that Sebastian has serious health problems needing urgent medical attention, while France says consular visits have been made. Malaria Prevention in Communities: In Yoto Prefecture, about 50 families in Chechekpo received mosquito nets, coils and repellents, and the ART association also supported the village chief to buy medicines for residents already affected. Cancer Treatment Access: BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation extended the Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries through 2028, targeting around 1,000 patients cumulatively. Food Safety: Ho Municipal Assembly destroyed hundreds of cartons and bottles of expired or unwholesome drinks and food seized from retail outlets after court prosecution, with environmental health officers supervising the disposal. Quality & Standards: HAUQE and partners held an awareness session in Lomé on national standards and certification for agri-food value chains, aiming to help producers meet health and market requirements.

Pre-trial Detention & Health: RSF says French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, have been remanded in custody near Lomé after charges of “false declarations,” with Sebastian reported to need urgent medical care. Cancer Drug Access: BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation extended the Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) until 2028, targeting about 1,000 patients cumulatively; the partners say it has already reached 300+ patients in Armenia, Ethiopia and Nepal and may expand to countries including Togo depending on readiness. Food & Product Safety: Ho Municipal Assembly destroyed hundreds of cartons and bottles of expired, unwholesome drinks and food seized from retail outlets after court action, supervised by environmental health officers. Quality Standards for Agri-Food: In Lomé, HAUQE and partners held an awareness session on national quality standards and certification, covering 46 standards and 31 certification programmes since 2024 for sectors like soybeans, maize, sorghum, meat and poultry. Regional Health Capacity (Ghana): Mercy Ships returned to Ghana with its largest hospital ship to provide free surgical care, citing ongoing barriers to timely, safe and affordable surgery across West Africa.

Cancer Access in West Africa: BeOne Medicines, BeOne Care Foundation and The Max Foundation have extended their Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) until 2028, aiming to reach about 1,000 patients cumulatively; the partnership has already supported 300+ patients in Armenia, Ethiopia and Nepal, with donated medicine and a $1m grant to cover patient care and programme operations. Health Services at Sea: Mercy Ships has returned to Ghana with its largest purpose-built hospital ship, offering free surgical care as part of a 10-month field service, highlighting how safe, timely surgery still remains out of reach for many people despite Ghana’s NSOAP push. Food Safety & Standards in Togo: In Lomé, about 30 stakeholders met to boost understanding of national quality standards and certification in agri-food, covering 46 national standards and 31 certification programmes since 2024, with the goal of improving compliance and market access. Mental Health Access: A UNK initiative in Nebraska is expanding free, confidential counselling through graduate practicum placements, including support for people who struggle to find affordable providers. Public Health Enforcement (Ho): Ho Municipal Assembly destroyed hundreds of cartons and bottles of expired, unwholesome beverages and food seized from retail outlets after court action, under environmental health supervision.

Cancer Access in West Africa: A global program extending access to Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been renewed through 2028, aiming to reach about 1,000 patients; it already helped 300+ patients in Armenia, Ethiopia and Nepal and may expand to Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Mongolia, Mozambique, Togo, Zambia and others depending on readiness. Food Safety & Standards: In Lomé, about 30 stakeholders joined an awareness session led by HAUQE to strengthen understanding of national agri-food standards and certification; since 2024, 46 standards and 31 certification programs have been developed for products including soybeans, maize, sorghum, meat and poultry. Local Public Health Enforcement: Ho Municipal Assembly destroyed hundreds of cartons and bottles of expired or unwholesome beverages and food seized from retail outlets and a warehouse, after court action, with environmental health officers supervising the disposal. Mental Health Access: A Togo-born graduate student at the University of Nebraska at Kearney provides free, confidential counseling through a practicum program, helping fill gaps where services and affordability are major barriers. Health in Emergencies: Russian strikes in Ukraine’s Odesa region damaged a civilian vessel flying the flag of Togo and injured four people; three were hospitalized and all received medical care.

Mental Health Access: A University of Nebraska at Kearney program is offering free, confidential counseling through a clinical practicum—helping people who struggle to find providers or afford sessions (over $100/hour in some cases). Regional Travel & Health Equity: New visa rules across West Africa are making it easier to move between countries for work and tourism, which can also support access to care and family support across borders. Food Safety in Togo: Ho Municipal Assembly destroyed hundreds of cartons and bottles of expired, unwholesome drinks and food seized from retail outlets and a warehouse, following court action—an important public health push against unsafe consumption. Climate & Health Risk: Coverage highlights how extreme heat and climate pressures are becoming compounding health threats, affecting older people and straining health systems. Community Wellness Events: Asogli Teza (yam festival) in Ho includes a health walk and screening, alongside youth and entrepreneurship activities—blending culture with preventive health.

Mental Health Access: A University of Nebraska at Kearney program is offering free, confidential counseling through a clinical practicum, helping close gaps where many counties lack providers and where sessions can cost over $100/hour. Food Safety in Togo: Ho Municipal Assembly destroyed hundreds of cartons and bottles of expired, unwholesome drinks and food after court action, with environmental health officers supervising the disposal. Health & Community Events: Asogli’s 2026 Teza (yam festival) in Ho includes a Health Walk and Screening, alongside youth, entrepreneurship, anti-corruption, and cultural activities. Regional Mobility & Health Services: New visa rules across West Africa are making travel easier for African visitors, which can affect how people reach care, family support, and medical conferences. Climate & Health Risk: Coverage highlights how extreme heat and climate pressures are increasingly seen as compounding health risks, especially for older people and stressed health systems. Health Sector Industry: Do Pharma in Togo is expanding local production of intravenous solutions to strengthen health sovereignty and reduce reliance on imports.