AGP Executive Report

HIV Treatment Watch: Togo reports strong progress with about 85% viral suppression, but researchers have detected early signs of dolutegravir resistance in children and adolescents—especially among those with virological failure—raising the need for tighter monitoring as funding declines. Universal Health Coverage Push: Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for retired workers and dependents, including people with cross-border pension histories, with full benefits set to start January 1, 2026. Border Health Preparedness: Ghana’s deputy health minister flagged gaps at Ebola-risk border posts, including weak protective gear, staffing shortages, and degraded facilities—an urgent reminder for the region as DRC’s Ebola outbreak continues. Nuclear Safety Upgrade: Togo’s lawmakers approved bills to join key nuclear and radiological safety conventions, aiming to strengthen oversight and risk management for peaceful nuclear use. Cancer Care Training: NMIMR and JICA are training healthcare professionals from six African countries in modern lab skills to improve infectious disease diagnosis. Energy & Forest Health: A new study warns that charcoal and fuelwood—still the main cooking fuel in Togo and elsewhere—are driving forest loss and health harms.

HIV Treatment Watch (Togo): Togo reports strong HIV control with about 85% viral suppression, but new CARESP surveillance among 264 children and adolescents flags early signs of resistance to dolutegravir, the country’s key AIDS drug—especially among those with virological failure—raising urgent calls for tighter monitoring as funding declines and no quick alternative exists. Universal Health Coverage (Togo): CNSS is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for retired workers and dependents, including people with cross-border pension histories, with registration requirements and benefits set to start in January 2026. Nuclear & Radiation Safety (Togo): Lawmakers approved bills on Togo’s accession to major nuclear safety and radiological emergency conventions, aiming to strengthen oversight for peaceful, safer use of nuclear technology. Border Health Readiness (Ghana/Region): Ghana’s deputy health minister inspected Ebola preparedness at Aflao and Elubo, citing gaps in PPE, staffing, and degraded border facilities—while noting no suspected cases. Cancer Capacity (Africa): Merck Foundation and partners are expanding oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness efforts to tackle late diagnosis and specialist shortages across multiple African countries. Cross-Border Trade Safety (Ghana–Togo): A women-led trade group in Aflao is training traders on tax compliance and safe, approved border routes, warning that using unofficial crossings can trigger heavy fines and seizure risks.

HIV Treatment Watch (Togo): Togo reports an 85% viral suppression rate among people living with HIV, but new surveillance flags early signs of resistance to dolutegravir—the key AIDS drug—among children and adolescents, with about 10% of those failing treatment showing resistance signals, raising the need for tighter monitoring as funding declines. Universal Health Coverage (Togo): Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for retired workers and dependents, including cross-border pensioners, with registration requirements and benefits set to start January 1, 2026. Health Systems Training (Africa): NMIMR and JICA are training healthcare professionals from six countries, including Togo, in modern lab skills to strengthen infectious disease diagnosis and lab quality. Border Health Preparedness (Ghana/Region): Ghana’s deputy health minister found gaps in PPE, staffing, and degraded border facilities during Ebola readiness checks at Aflao and Elubo, stressing preparedness even without confirmed cases. Cancer Care Capacity (Africa): Merck Foundation continues expanding oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness efforts to address late diagnosis and specialist shortages. Nuclear Safety (Togo): Togo lawmakers approved bills to join major nuclear and radiological safety conventions, aiming to strengthen oversight and risk management.

Universal Health Coverage in Togo: Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) has launched a nationwide campaign to issue Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for retired workers and their dependents, including people with cross-border work histories. Registration runs until Oct 15, 2025, with a grace period afterward, and full AMU benefits set to start Jan 1, 2026. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation, with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health, is expanding cancer care capacity across Africa through scholarships and training for oncology specialists and care teams, aiming to reduce late diagnosis and the shortage of trained professionals. Health Security at Borders (Ebola readiness): Ghana’s deputy health minister inspected Ebola preparedness at Aflao and Elubo border posts, flagging gaps in protective gear, staffing, and degraded border health facilities—an urgent reminder for regional outbreak readiness. Clean Water Risk: A new global assessment highlights unsafe drinking water as a major public health threat, with many African countries among the worst affected due to weak infrastructure and sanitation. Energy & Health: A study on biomass cooking in several countries including Togo warns that reliance on charcoal and fuelwood is linked to forest loss and health risks from inefficient technologies.

Health Coverage from Togo: Togo is pushing a people-first security and health-linked resilience plan at the World Bank’s 2026 Fragility Forum, with an “anticipation–protection–community resilience” approach that has already delivered 830+ community infrastructure projects benefiting 545,000 people, including women, in areas like education, healthcare, water and energy. Universal Health Coverage: Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for retired workers and dependents, including cross-border pensioners, with registration requirements and benefits set to start January 1, 2026. Cancer Care Training: Merck Foundation is expanding cancer care capacity across Africa, supporting hundreds of oncology training scholarships and helping build the first cancer care teams and oncologists in multiple countries. Infectious Disease Lab Skills: NMIMR (Ghana) and JICA are training healthcare professionals from six African countries, including Togo, in modern laboratory technology to strengthen infectious disease diagnosis and lab management. Energy & Health Risk: A new study warns that charcoal and fuelwood dependence in countries including Togo is driving forest loss and worsening health and environmental harm.

Universal Health Coverage in Togo: CNSS has started issuing Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide, targeting retired workers and eligible dependents with cross-border pension histories; registration runs until Oct 15, with benefits effective Jan 1, 2026. Infectious Disease Lab Boost: NMIMR and JICA are training biomedical scientists and lab technicians from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia in modern lab technology to strengthen diagnosis and surveillance for emerging outbreaks. Cancer Care Capacity: Merck Foundation, with African First Ladies and health ministries, is expanding oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness efforts to address late diagnosis and specialist shortages. Health Security at Borders (Region): Ghana’s health authorities flagged gaps at border posts during Ebola preparedness checks—especially PPE shortages and staffing—while noting no suspected cases. Regulation & Safety (Region): ECOWAS medicines regulators in Lomé approved a sustainability plan to improve access to quality-assured medical products. Energy & Health Risk (Study): A new report warns that reliance on charcoal and firewood in countries including Togo is driving forest loss and worsening health risks from inefficient household energy use.

Ebola Response Watch: Human Rights Watch urges the DRC and partners to prioritize community engagement and reduce the role of security forces in the eastern Ebola response, warning that conflict-hit health systems and low trust could worsen outcomes. Nuclear & Radiation Safety (Togo): Togo’s lawmakers approved bills to join key international nuclear safety and radiological risk conventions, aiming to strengthen oversight for safer use of nuclear technology. Ebola Preparedness at Borders (Ghana): Ghana’s deputy health minister flagged gaps at Aflao and Elubo—weak PPE, staffing shortages, and degraded border facilities—while noting no suspected Ebola cases. Health Coverage (Togo): CNSS launched nationwide registration for Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for retired workers and dependents, with benefits set to start in January 2026. Infectious Disease Labs (Togo/Region): NMIMR and JICA are training healthcare professionals from six countries in modern lab skills to improve diagnosis and surveillance. Medicines Regulation (ECOWAS): WA-MRH in Lomé approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen regulatory convergence and access to quality-assured medicines. Clean Energy for Health (Ghana): Electric bikes are gaining users in Ghana’s north, reducing exhaust exposure for riders.

Nuclear & Safety Reform: Togo’s lawmakers have unanimously approved four bills on first reading to let the country join key international conventions on nuclear safety and radiological risk management, aiming to strengthen oversight for peaceful nuclear use. Universal Health Coverage Push: Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for retired workers and dependents, with registration requirements and benefits set to start January 1, 2026. Border Health Readiness: Ghana’s deputy health minister flagged gaps at Ebola-risk border posts, including inadequate protective gear, staffing, and degraded facilities—an urgent reminder for the region’s outbreak preparedness. Lab Skills for Infectious Diseases: NMIMR (Ghana) and JICA are training eight healthcare professionals from six African countries, including Togo, in modern lab technology to improve diagnosis and surveillance. Cancer Capacity Building: Merck Foundation is expanding cancer care training across Africa, supporting scholarships and oncology capacity with World Cancer Day 2026 activities. Medicines Regulation in ECOWAS: The WA Medicines Regulatory Harmonisation initiative met in Lomé to approve a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to improve access to quality-assured medicines across ECOWAS. Clean Cooking & Health: A new study warns that Africa’s heavy reliance on charcoal and fuelwood is driving forest loss and health risks, including in Togo. Trade & Compliance at the Border: A women-led workshop in Aflao trained traders on safe practices and tax compliance across the Ghana–Togo frontier, warning that using unapproved routes can lead to heavy fines.

Kuwait Domestic Work Ban: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has restricted domestic worker recruitment to just 10 approved source countries and banned hiring from 27 others, including Kenya and Togo, with some limits applying specifically to women—an update tied to reviews by the Foreign Affairs, Health and manpower authorities. Border Health Readiness: Ghana’s deputy health minister flagged gaps at border posts during an Ebola preparedness push—calling out weak PPE, staffing shortages, and degraded facilities—while noting no suspected Ebola cases have been detected. Togo Universal Health Coverage: Togo’s National Social Security Fund (CNSS) is rolling out Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards nationwide for retired workers and dependents, including people with cross-border pension histories, with benefits set to start January 1, 2026. Infectious Disease Lab Training: NMIMR and JICA are training biomedical scientists and lab technicians from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia in modern lab skills to strengthen diagnosis and surveillance for emerging infections. Medicines Regulation in ECOWAS: The WA-MRH initiative in Lomé approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to improve regulatory convergence and access to quality-assured medicines across ECOWAS. Safe Cross-Border Trade: In Aflao, a women-led trade network trained 300+ traders on tax compliance and safe practices, warning that using unapproved border routes can lead to heavy fines and seizure of goods.

Cross-Border Health & Safety: Ghana’s deputy health minister inspected Ebola preparedness at Aflao and Elubo border posts, flagging gaps in PPE, staffing, and degraded facilities—while confirming screening and surveillance are in place. Universal Health Coverage in Togo: CNSS launched a nationwide drive to issue Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for retired workers and dependents, including people with cross-border work histories, with benefits set to start Jan 1, 2026. Infectious-Disease Lab Capacity: NMIMR and JICA are training biomedical scientists and lab technicians from six African countries (including Togo) in modern lab skills to strengthen diagnosis and surveillance. Medicines Regulation: ECOWAS’ WA-MRH initiative met in Lomé to approve a 2026–2030 sustainability plan aimed at stronger regulatory convergence and better access to quality-assured medicines. Togo’s Health Systems & People: A UN-backed regional platform for Gulf of Guinea conflict prevention was launched in Lomé, focusing on governance, civilian protection, and local economic development. Trade Compliance for Healthier Borders: A women traders’ workshop in Aflao focused on safe trade practices and tax compliance across the Ghana–Togo frontier, warning that unapproved routes can lead to heavy fines and loss of goods.

Universal Health Coverage in Togo: CNSS has launched a nationwide drive to issue Universal Health Insurance (AMU) cards for retired workers and eligible dependents, with registration running until Oct 15 and full benefits starting Jan 1, 2026. Ebola Readiness at Borders (Ghana): Ghana’s deputy health minister inspected Aflao and Elubo crossings, flagging gaps in PPE, staffing, and degraded border facilities as the country prepares for potential Ebola threats. Stronger Lab Capacity (Africa): NMIMR and JICA are training biomedical scientists from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Zambia in virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and lab quality and biosafety. Medicines Regulation (ECOWAS): WA-MRH steering committee in Lomé approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to improve regulatory convergence and access to quality-assured medicines across ECOWAS. Health & Safety Tech (Regional): Ministers and regulators met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, including preparedness for emerging outbreaks. Cross-Border Compliance (Ghana–Togo): A women-led workshop in Aflao trained 300+ traders on tax compliance and safe, approved border procedures to reduce seizures and penalties.

Ebola Preparedness at Borders (Ghana): Ghana’s deputy health minister found gaps at Aflao and Elubo, including weak PPE, staffing shortages, and degraded facilities, as the DRC/ Uganda Ebola outbreak grows and WHO warns of cross-border spread. Regional Lab Capacity (Africa): NMIMR and JICA are training eight biomedical lab professionals from six countries, including Togo, in virology, bacteriology, parasitology, and biosafety to strengthen infectious-disease diagnosis and surveillance. Universal Health Coverage in Togo: CNSS launched a nationwide campaign to issue AMU universal health insurance cards for retired workers and eligible dependents, with registration running until Oct 15 and benefits starting Jan 1, 2026. Medicines Regulation (ECOWAS): In Lomé, WA-MRH steering committee members approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to improve regulatory convergence and access to quality-assured medicines across member states. Public Health & Safety Tech (Nuclear/Radiation): Health officials from multiple African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety systems for healthcare, with Ebola preparedness highlighted. Clean Cooking & Forest Health (Togo included): A study warns that charcoal and fuelwood dependence is driving forest loss and health risks, with pressure rising in urban areas and severe depletion reported in some Togo protected areas. Gulf of Guinea Conflict Prevention (UN): UN partners launched a regional prevention facility (2026–2029) in Lomé to coordinate action on violent extremism, trafficking, displacement, and community tensions across five countries including Togo. Safe Water Risk (Global): A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health threat, with many African countries among the highest-risk performers. Togo Health Systems Link: AMU cards and lab training are the week’s strongest Togo-focused health updates.

Public Health & Safety: A new study warns that Africa’s heavy reliance on charcoal and firewood is accelerating forest loss and worsening health risks, with findings covering Madagascar, Rwanda, Zambia, Nigeria and Togo. Infectious Disease Preparedness: Biomedical lab scientists and technicians from six African countries, including Togo, are training in modern diagnostics and surveillance to better respond to emerging outbreaks. Medicines Regulation: ECOWAS regulators meeting in Lomé approved a sustainability plan to strengthen medicines harmonisation and improve access to quality-assured medical products across the region. Water & Health: A global drinking-water assessment highlights unsafe water risks, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa. Regional Security & Health: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea conflict-prevention platform in Lomé, aiming to reduce violent extremism, trafficking and displacement that can undermine health and community wellbeing. Togo Health-Adjacent Policy: Togo’s ADTPME opened applications to support 50 agro-industrial SMEs, including medicinal plants, which can boost livelihoods and nutrition-linked value chains.

Biomass & Forest Health: A new study warns that charcoal and firewood still power cooking across Africa—including Togo—while unsustainable harvesting and weak regulation are accelerating forest loss and health risks. Safe Water Watch: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health threat, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked for water safety. Infectious Disease Lab Capacity: Biomedical scientists and lab technicians from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia are training in modern diagnostics and surveillance to better respond to emerging outbreaks. Medicines Regulation in ECOWAS: The WA-MRH initiative in Lomé approved a 2026–2030 sustainability plan to strengthen regulatory convergence and improve access to quality-assured medicines across West Africa. Togo Business Support: ADTPME launched a call for applications to back 50 agro-industrial SMEs with technical and financial support for jobs across agricultural value chains. Regional Health Security: Health officials from several African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, including preparedness for threats like Ebola. Lomé UN Conflict Prevention: The UN launched a Gulf of Guinea prevention platform (2026–2029) to coordinate action on governance, civilian protection and local economic development. Aviation & Access: Lomé is set to host the African Air Transport Convention & Expo 2026, aiming to boost connectivity and sustainable aviation across Africa. World Cup & Health Angle: FIFA is collecting items from the 2026 World Cup to document the tournament—an unusual reminder of how major events can shape public attention and travel patterns.

Safe Water Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries concentrated in Africa—linked to weak water infrastructure, poor sanitation, and reliance on unprotected wells and rivers. Infectious Disease Skills: In Accra, biomedical scientists and lab technicians from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia are training for modern diagnostics and surveillance for emerging outbreaks, including lessons drawn from the Ebola experience. Regional Health Safety (Nuclear/Radiation): Health and regulatory officials from multiple African countries, including Togo, meet in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, aiming for shared standards and an action plan. Lomé UN Prevention Platform: The UN launches a Gulf of Guinea Prevention Facility (2026–2029) in Lomé to coordinate action on violent extremism, trafficking, forced displacement and communal tensions—issues that also affect health and access to care. Togo Mobility & Air Quality: Electric bikes are gaining traction in parts of West Africa, with riders reporting less coughing and irritation from exhaust fumes. Togo Health-Adjacent Funding: The World Bank expands West Africa’s power programme, improving electricity access for millions—supporting conditions for clinics and cold-chain services. Togo Call for Agro-SMEs: ADTPME opens applications to support 50 agro-industrial SMEs, including medicinal plants—potentially strengthening local supply chains for health-related products.

Clean Mobility Investment: Spiro has announced a major $215M investment round to expand electric mobility and battery-swapping infrastructure across Africa, including operations in Togo, with plans to grow its network and industrial footprint—good news for cleaner air and safer, quieter urban transport. Regional Health Security: The UN brought together partners in Lomé to launch a Gulf of Guinea conflict-prevention platform (2026–2029), targeting violent extremism, trafficking, displacement and local tensions—issues that directly affect health and access to care. Nuclear & Radiation Safety in Healthcare: Health regulators from multiple African countries, including Togo, met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in medicine, with Ebola preparedness and border surveillance highlighted. Local Health-Linked Development: ADTPME in Togo opened a call for applications to support 50 agro-industrial SMEs, including food and medicinal plant value chains—support that can improve nutrition and local livelihoods. Finance & Stability: Ecobank shareholders in Lomé approved a $40M dividend payout, signaling stronger performance and stability for health-related spending and services.