AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Environment: A Panama video shows The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 024 capturing a mountain of plastic before it reaches the sea, highlighting how river waste can threaten ecosystems and public health. Plastic Pollution Crisis: A new study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, naming Panama among the countries where imported waste and weak disposal systems are driving leaks into the environment. Food Security & Climate: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could push up to 16 million more people in Latin America and the Caribbean into food insecurity, with drought already damaging crops and water supplies in places like Honduras. Health & Training: Panama held its first cadaveric knee arthroscopy training lab at Pacifica Salud Hospital, using realistic simulations to build surgical skills. Animal Health & Safety: The U.S. released its billionth sterile screwworm fly from facilities in Mexico and Panama to help stop the flesh-eating New World screwworm from spreading. Local Health Workforce: UDELAS graduated 391 professionals from its Colón extension, with about 80% women, and programs tied to health and social development.

Shrimp Hatchery Biosecurity: Experts stress that the biggest make-or-break factor in shrimp hatcheries is strict biosecurity, especially with EMS outbreaks that can wipe out production and delay recovery of SPF status. Banana Supply Risk: Supermarkets may need to switch banana varieties as tropical race 4 (TR4) spreads, with farmers already reporting crop losses and researchers pushing TR4-resistant Cavendish options. River Plastic as a Health Issue: A Panama video shows massive plastic captured by a river interceptor before it reaches the ocean—highlighting how cleaner waterways can reduce hazards and downstream cleanup burdens. Peru Indigenous Health Crisis: Reporting from the Peruvian Amazon describes malaria and hepatitis B epidemics among the Matsés, worsened by climate stress and reduced access to care. El Niño Food Insecurity: The UN World Food Programme warns El Niño could push up to 16 million more people in Latin America and the Caribbean into food insecurity, with drought hitting crops and water supplies. Panama Training in Surgery: Panama held its first cadaveric training lab for knee arthroscopy, using realistic simulations to boost surgical skills. Public Health Workforce in Colón: UDELAS graduated 391 professionals in Colón’s 2025–2026 class, with about 80% women, tying training to health and inclusive care goals. Screwworm Fight: The US released its billionth sterile fly in Texas as part of the New World screwworm eradication effort, with Panama and Mexico operations supporting the push to protect livestock. Local Health Tip for Heat: Health specialists recommend water and fruit during Panama’s heat to help people stay safer in hot conditions. Sports Health Spotlight: Panama mourns boxing legend Ismael “Tiger of Colón” Laguna, whose death at 83 was confirmed after hospitalization.

River Plastic Cleanup: A new Panama video shows The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 024 capturing a huge pile of plastic before it reaches the ocean—an approach that can reduce downstream health and environmental risks. Public Health & Waste: A study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, linking overwhelmed waste systems to leaking plastics and major health concerns. Heat Safety in Panama: Panama’s health specialists urge people to drink more water, eat fruit, avoid hot drinks/foods during extreme heat, and follow official guidance. Screwworm Fight: The U.S. released its billionth sterile screwworm fly, with Panama and Mexico facilities supporting efforts against the flesh-eating pest that threatens livestock and livelihoods. Health Workforce & Training: UDELAS reports 391 graduates (about 80% women) from its Colón extension, while Panama also held its first cadaveric knee arthroscopy training lab. Conservation With Indigenous Data: In Darién, Indigenous Wounaan and Emberá-Wounaan villages use biodiversity monitoring to support conservation financing, including biodiversity credits. El Niño Impacts: The Panama Canal begins reducing daily ship transits as drought lowers water levels, with broader extreme-weather health implications.

Heat & hydration guidance: Panama’s Ministry of Health urged residents to drink more water and eat fruit during intense heat, while avoiding hot drinks and hot foods like soup as heat-index readings rise. Health workforce & training: UDELAS graduated 391 new professionals in Colón, with about 80% women, underscoring training tied to health, education, and care for vulnerable groups. Surgical capacity building: Panama held its first cadaveric training laboratory for knee arthroscopy at Pacifica Salud Hospital, using realistic simulations to boost surgical skills. Early childhood development: Professor Florencia Lopez Boo’s Global TIES research won the Khalifa International Award for Early Education, highlighting home-visiting programs from birth to age three across multiple Latin American countries including Panama. Conservation & biodiversity finance: Indigenous Wounaan and Emberá-Wounaan communities in Darién launched biodiversity monitoring across 18,000 hectares and plan to use the data as a baseline for biodiversity credits. Livestock health response: The New World screwworm fight continues as the U.S. releases sterile flies from facilities in Mexico and Panama, aiming to protect animals and reduce outbreaks.

Screwworm response ramps up: The U.S. released its billionth sterile fly to help stop the New World screwworm, with Texas-bound shipments tied to Panama’s large-scale production—an effort aimed at protecting livestock and public health as cases have returned in the region. Heat and hydration guidance: Panama’s health specialists urged residents to drink more water and eat fruit during intense heat, while avoiding hot drinks and hot foods like soup as heat-index readings rise. Surgical training boost: Panama held its first cadaveric knee arthroscopy training lab at Pacifica Salud Hospital, using realistic simulations to build surgical skills for orthopaedic specialists and residents. El Niño hits Panama’s water supply: The Panama Canal began easing ship limits due to drought linked to El Niño, gradually reducing daily transits as water levels fall. Local safety update: Municipal cameras captured a traffic collision in San Miguelito’s Moya sector, with SUME 911 providing pre-hospital assistance. Leadership in health systems: The Panama Canal Authority appointed Rubén Pérez Pinzón as temporary deputy administrator to keep operations steady during a transition. Early childhood spotlight: A NYU researcher tied to Panama’s early childhood programs received the Khalifa International Award for Early Education, highlighting home-visiting quality improvements across Latin America.

Heat & Hydration Guidance: Panama’s Ministry of Health is urging residents to drink more water and eat fruit as temperatures and heat-index readings rise, advising people to avoid hot drinks and hot foods like soup during intense heat. El Niño Disruptions: The Panama Canal is cutting daily transits from 36 to 32 as drought linked to El Niño lowers water levels, with Panama declaring a nationwide emergency; the wider forecast warns El Niño could be among the strongest on record and persist into early 2027. Surgical Training in Panama: Panama hosted its first cadaveric knee arthroscopy training lab at Pacifica Salud Hospital in Costa del Este, using realistic simulations to build surgical skills for orthopaedic specialists and residents. Maternal Care Spotlight: A 22-year-old woman gave birth unexpectedly at Nicolas A. Solano Hospital after contractions while waiting for a medical appointment, raising questions about maternity care circumstances. Early Childhood Research Recognition: NYU professor Florencia Lopez Bo’s work won the Khalifa International Award for Early Education, highlighting home-visiting quality-improvement tools used across seven Latin American countries including Panama. Animal Health Watch (Screwworm): U.S. and USDA efforts to stop New World screwworm rely on sterile flies shipped from Panama, as cases are reported in the American Southwest and officials urge vigilance.

Heat & hydration guidance: Panama’s Ministry of Health is urging people to drink more water and eat fruit during intense heat and high heat-index readings, while avoiding hot drinks and hot foods like soup and following official updates as conditions shift. El Niño pressure on health and infrastructure: The Panama Canal is already tightening operations as drought linked to El Niño lowers water levels, with daily transits gradually reduced from 36 to 32 by mid-September—another reminder that climate stress can quickly ripple into daily life and services. Care access in the regions: A U.S. Army Global Health Engagement supported endoscopic care at Hospital Regional Rafael Hernández in David, Chiriquí, completing 80 advanced gastrointestinal procedures and helping reduce a backlog while building local clinical capacity. Maternity care spotlight: A 22-year-old woman gave birth unexpectedly at Nicolas A. Solano Hospital while waiting for an appointment, drawing attention to maternity-care circumstances at the facility. Early childhood development: Research tied to the Khalifa International Award for Early Education highlights home-visiting programs for children from birth to age three, including work that directly informed early childhood policy reforms in Panama and other Latin American countries. Education & mental health focus: Panama’s Educamente 2026 congress is set for Sept. 25–26, bringing together 1,000+ public-school teachers and international experts to discuss AI in classrooms, reading development, and mental health.

Heat & Hydration Guidance: Panama’s Ministry of Health is urging residents to drink more water and eat fruit during intense heat, and to avoid hot drinks and hot foods like soup as heat-index readings rise. El Niño Pressure on Health & Infrastructure: Drought tied to El Niño is already forcing the Panama Canal to cut daily ship transits, with limits expected to drop from 36 to 32 vessels per day by mid-September—an early sign of wider disruption as the UN and WMO warn the pattern could intensify into 2027. Maternal Care Spotlight: A 22-year-old woman gave birth unexpectedly at Nicolas A. Solano Hospital after contractions began while she was waiting for an appointment, highlighting how maternity services are functioning under real-world conditions. US–Panama Medical Capacity Building: A U.S. Army Global Health Engagement in David, Chiriquí supported endoscopy backlogs at Hospital Regional Rafael Hernández, completing 80 advanced GI procedures and training local clinicians alongside Panamanian providers. Early Childhood Research Recognition: A NYU professor’s Khalifa International Award for Early Education research cites home-visiting programs from birth to age three across Panama and other Latin American countries, using tools to monitor and improve care quality at scale.

El Niño & Public Health: Panama has declared a nationwide emergency as El Niño-driven drought lowers water levels, forcing the Panama Canal to cut daily transits from 36 to 32 by mid-September—an economic shock that can ripple into food, health services, and disaster readiness. Maternal Care in Panama: A 22-year-old woman gave birth unexpectedly at Nicolas A. Solano Hospital while waiting for an appointment, spotlighting how maternity care access and on-site readiness affect outcomes. Healthcare Capacity: A U.S. Army Global Health Engagement team supported endoscopic care in David, completing 80 advanced gastrointestinal procedures in 54 hours and treating 69 patients alongside local clinicians. Wellbeing Travel (Panama): Small Luxury Hotels of the World expanded its Wellbeing Collection with Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort in Panama, adding more destination-based wellness stays. Livestock Health Threat: New World screwworm remains a concern in the Americas; U.S. agencies are moving sterile flies from Panama to help stop the parasite’s spread. Early Childhood Development: A NYU researcher’s Khalifa International Award highlights early learning research that has already been applied in Panama.

Panama Canal Leadership: The Panama Canal Board appointed Rubén Pérez Pinzón as temporary deputy administrator, effective Sept. 7, to keep operations steady until the next deputy administrator is selected. Animal Health & Biosecurity: U.S. CBP and USDA are accelerating the fight against New World screwworm, using sterile flies shipped from Panama and urging livestock owners to stay vigilant as cases persist in the Southwest. Hospital Capacity & Cancer Care: Queen Elizabeth Hospital expansion plans highlight new lab capacity, more beds, and a dedicated burn unit—underscoring how facility gaps can force patients to seek care abroad. El Niño Health Risks: UN and WMO warnings say El Niño is “supersized,” with near-100% odds it will persist into early 2027—raising the risk of heat, drought, floods, and knock-on health impacts. Local Care Access: A U.S. Army Global Health Engagement in David, Chiriquí, supported endoscopy backlogs at Hospital Regional Rafael Hernández, treating dozens of patients and building local clinical capacity. Wellbeing Travel (Panama Included): Small Luxury Hotels of the World expanded its Wellbeing Collection with new properties, including Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort in Panama, blending wellness into the full stay.

New World screwworm response: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is teaming with USDA to stop a flesh-boring parasite threatening livestock, pets, and wildlife, with 47 confirmed cases reported in Texas and New Mexico; officials say they’ve fast-tracked 96 shipments of sterile flies from Panama into Texas airports and are training frontline staff and clearing supplies for the Sterile Insect Technique. El Niño health risks: The UN weather community warns El Niño is “supersized” and could be the strongest in decades, with a near-100% chance it persists through February 2027—raising the odds of heat, drought, floods, and extreme weather that can worsen public health. Local care spotlight: A 22-year-old woman reportedly gave birth unexpectedly at Nicolas A. Solano Hospital while waiting for an appointment, highlighting ongoing pressure on maternity services. Capacity-building in Panama: A U.S. Army Global Health Engagement supported endoscopy care in David, Chiriquí, completing 80 advanced gastrointestinal procedures and training Panamanian clinicians. Primary health care governance: PAHO convened health officials from 16 Americas countries, including Panama, to align governance and financing around essential public health functions and integrated primary health care. Wellbeing travel (Panama link): Small Luxury Hotels of the World added Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort in Panama to its Wellbeing Collection, expanding wellness-focused stays.

El Niño Watch: The UN weather agency says El Niño is likely to intensify into 2027 and could be the strongest in decades, with near-100% odds of continuing through February 2027—raising risks of heat, drought, flooding, and major knock-on effects for health and water systems. Primary Care & Health Financing: PAHO convened a regional meeting in Brazil with health officials from 16 Americas countries, including Panama, to align governance, financing, and integrated service delivery around essential public health functions and primary health care. Maternal Care Spotlight (Panama): A 22-year-old woman reportedly gave birth unexpectedly at Nicolas A. Solano Hospital while waiting for an appointment, prompting renewed attention to maternity care access and patient flow. Capacity Building in Chiriquí: A U.S. Army Global Health Engagement in David supported endoscopy services at Hospital Regional Rafael Hernández, completing 80 advanced GI procedures for 69 patients and training local clinicians. Wellbeing Tourism (Panama): Small Luxury Hotels of the World expanded its Wellbeing Collection with Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort in Panama, adding more stays that blend physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

Global Health Capacity in Panama: A U.S. Army Global Health Engagement team supported endoscopy backlogs at Hospital Regional Rafael Hernández in David, completing 80 advanced GI procedures in 54 hours and treating 69 patients alongside Panamanian clinicians. Extreme Weather Risk: The UN and WMO warn El Niño is “supersized,” potentially the strongest in 70+ years, with impacts expected to last into early 2027—raising risks for heat, drought, flooding, and storms. Animal Health & Public Safety: U.S. CBP is coordinating with USDA to eradicate New World screwworm, citing 47 cases in the U.S. Southwest and using sterile insect releases plus logistics and frontline training. Panama Wellness Tourism: Small Luxury Hotels of the World expanded its Wellbeing Collection to 21 properties, including Sansara Surf & Yoga Resort in Panama, blending physical, mental, and emotional wellness into stays. Marine Health: Panamanian researchers say vessel noise can cut the chance of detecting whale songs by 40–45%, potentially disrupting communication and migration. Local Cardiac Care: An echocardiography day in David served about 60 patients waiting for heart studies.

Animal Health & Border Response: U.S. CBP is coordinating with USDA to stop the New World screwworm, including moving sterile flies, training frontline staff, and clearing response supplies as cases remain concentrated in Texas and a new New Mexico case is reported. Public Health & Climate Risk: A very strong El Niño is expected to raise volatility across Pacific freight routes, with knock-on risks for food and medical supply chains. Indigenous Health Under Drought: In Peru, drought is deepening a health crisis among the recently contacted Matsés, where malaria and hepatitis B outbreaks are worsening and access to care is disrupted. Panama Environment & Marine Life: Panamanian researchers report that boat noise can cut the chance of recording humpback whale songs by about 40–45%, potentially masking communication and shifting whale movement. Cardiology Access in Chiriquí: A special echocardiography session in David served around 60 patients who had been waiting for cardiac testing. Food Security in Panama: FAO highlights World Food Day progress in Panama, noting hunger has fallen to 4.7% while warning that malnutrition and obesity still need attention.

Health Access in Panama: CSS echocardiography day in David served about 60 patients still waiting for cardiac screening, helping clinicians assess heart function and plan next steps. Food Security & Nutrition: A FAO exhibition at Tocumen International Airport marked World Food Day and highlighted Panama’s progress in cutting hunger to 4.7%, while stressing the ongoing need for steady access to nutritious, affordable food and tackling malnutrition beyond undernourishment. Marine Health & Noise Pollution: Panamanian researchers report that vessel noise along the Pacific reduces the chance of detecting humpback whale songs by about 40–45%, potentially masking communication and shifting whale movements. Public Health Policy Debate: Panama’s Chamber of Commerce urged President Mulino to veto a bill expanding “discount on discount” benefits for retirees and seniors, arguing the added health and service discounts could strain financing for micro, small and medium businesses. Local Health Systems & Animal Health: Panama-linked coverage also points to stronger regional disease surveillance efforts (including agricultural threats) and ongoing work to manage emerging health risks across borders.

Food Security & Nutrition: A FAO exhibition at Tocumen International Airport marks World Food Day and highlights Panama’s progress in cutting hunger to 4.7% (2023–2025), while stressing the next challenge: steady access to nutritious, affordable food and tackling malnutrition beyond hunger. Health Access: CSS held an echocardiography day in David for about 60 patients waiting for cardiac testing, helping clinicians assess heart function and plan follow-up care. Public Health Policy: Panama’s Chamber of Commerce (CCIAP) asked President Mulino to veto Bill 226, arguing expanded retiree and senior discounts—including health and medical services—could strain how benefits are financed for micro, small, and medium businesses. Marine Health & Environment: Panama researchers report that vessel noise along the Pacific reduces the chance of recording humpback whale songs by about 40–45%, potentially disrupting communication and movement. Local Health & Wellness Culture: A Panamanian organic store (Organica Store) became the first in the country certified organic by the national plant-health authority, supporting clearer labels for consumers. Regional Health Storytelling: A global SBCC summit follow-up (linked to Panama) spotlights how health storytelling can shift behavior, with lessons drawn from MTV Staying Alive Foundation programs.