AGP Executive Report

Glyphosate Policy Shift: Colombia’s government repealed the 2015 ban on aerial glyphosate spraying against coca crops, but says it won’t automatically restart use and would require health and environmental safeguards. Earthquake Health & Access: After the Aug. 10 quake, UN partners say about 1.2 million people need urgent help, with major pressure on food, shelter, healthcare, water, and sanitation, and damage to hospitals and roads slowing care. Education Under Strain: The quake also disrupted schooling across hundreds of facilities, raising fears that children out of school could be more vulnerable to armed-group recruitment. Medical Cannabis Study: A Colombian preprint reports medical cannabis improved pain, insomnia, and mood/behavior symptoms in 91% of older adults studied. Public Health Litigation: A new investigation says major food companies filed 239 lawsuits (including in Colombia) to delay or weaken packaged-food and sugary-drink health labeling rules. Human Rights & Reproductive Health: Expert reports on Greenland’s forced contraception found rights violations occurred, though they didn’t meet the legal definition of genocide. Tech for Disaster Response: SES says it used satellite broadband to support quake-hit Colombians with connectivity when local telecom infrastructure was damaged.

Food & Health Policy: A new Lighthouse Reports investigation says major food companies filed 239 lawsuits (2010–2025) to block or delay packaged-food warning labels, including cases in Colombia—raising fresh questions about how nutrition rules get challenged. Earthquake Response (Colombia): After the Aug. 10 western Colombia quake, the UN says about 1.2 million people need urgent help, with damage to schools, hospitals, and basic services still driving health and protection risks. Public Health & Environment (Glyphosate): Colombia’s government repealed a 2015 ban on glyphosate for illicit-crop spraying, while noting constitutional limits and requirements tied to health and environmental safeguards. Mental Health Care: Optimi Health’s CEO discusses building psychedelic-based mental health services with a focus on safety and regulated manufacturing. Medical Cannabis: A preprint study reports symptom improvements in 91% of older adults using medical cannabis for pain, insomnia, and mood/behavior issues. Water & Sanitation: UNICEF and the Baxter Foundation highlight progress expanding safe water and WASH services in rural Colombia to reduce disease risk for children and families.

Colombia Glyphosate Policy: Colombia’s executive annulled a 2015 rule that banned glyphosate spraying on drug crops, but the move doesn’t automatically restart fumigation and still hinges on prior environmental, community consultation, health sign-off, and monitoring requirements. Earthquake Health & Protection: After the Aug. 10 western Colombia quake, the UN says about 1.2 million people need urgent help, with major gaps in food, shelter, healthcare, water and sanitation; the health system also faces damage to hospitals and critical services. Child Safety After Quake: UN officials warn that disrupted schooling and displacement after the quake could worsen child recruitment by armed groups, especially in conflict-affected areas. Medical Cannabis in Colombia: A new study reports medical cannabis improved pain, insomnia and mood/behavior symptoms in 91% of older adults treated in Colombia, with symptom severity dropping across key domains. Animal Health & Welfare: A case in Antioquia where a dog was allegedly abducted, sexually abused and left to die ended in death after veterinary treatment, sparking local outrage and calls for justice.

Extreme Heat & Schools: A new report warns that hotter school days can harm kids’ focus, behavior, and overall health, pushing districts to plan for heat the way they plan for safety. Rare Disease Research: Chiesi Global Rare Diseases shared new scientific updates at SSIEM 2026 on Fabry disease and alpha-mannosidosis, including patient-reported outcomes and long-term trial data. Earthquake Health & Relief in Colombia: After the 7.4 quake, U.S. humanitarian aid is flowing to support recovery, while UNICEF and the Baxter Foundation highlight how clean water and sanitation (WASH) protect children and families in remote areas. Public Health & Prevention: A global study using deliberative polling found broad public support for stronger action on antimicrobial resistance, suggesting easier paths to policy buy-in. Safety & Medical Risks: A case report alleges a woman died after being injected with an animal anesthetic during a tattoo procedure—raising urgent questions about safe care and regulation. Community Health via Water: UNICEF and partners stress that sustainable WASH systems, not just infrastructure, are key to preventing disease after disasters.

Earthquake Response in Colombia: The 7.4 quake aftermath continues to hit health and daily life, with reports of 331 deaths and more than 406,000 affected, while UN and partners push recovery support and humanitarian aid. Clean Water & Disease Prevention: UNICEF and the Baxter Foundation highlight Colombia’s WASH push in remote areas, citing new community water systems and safer sanitation to reduce illness risk. Public Health Policy: A new global study finds broad public support for action on antimicrobial resistance, including in Colombia, pointing to stronger backing for complex health measures. Nutrition & Health Debate: Colombian lawmakers are moving to eliminate the “healthy tax” on sugary drinks and certain ultra-processed foods, arguing it hasn’t changed habits and may pressure small shops. Medical Innovation in Colombia: Researchers are exploring bone implant materials made from tilapia processing waste, aiming to support fracture care and osteoporosis treatment. Digital Health Access: Coverage stresses that during disasters, smartphone access and preparedness matter for warnings, care coordination, and emergency contact. Youth Mental Health & Social Media: Meta faces a major settlement tied to claims about harm to kids’ mental health, with states requiring spending on youth mental health protections.

Earthquake Relief in Colombia: UN reports nearly 50,000 people supported across 25 municipalities after the Aug. 10, 7.4 quake, with health partners keeping trauma care and disease surveillance running, but the $620M response plan is only 47% funded; deaths now stand at 331 with 4,439 injured and 240 missing. Medical Safety Alert: Medtronic/Covidien recalled 135,875 absorbable surgical sutures after sterile packaging could be torn, urging hospitals to monitor patients already stitched. Health Tech & Research: Colombian researchers explored using tilapia waste to help develop human bone implant materials, aiming at fracture repair and osteoporosis needs. Public Health Policy: Colombia lawmakers launched a push to eliminate the “healthy tax” on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, arguing it pressures small shops without delivering the expected health impact. Digital Safety for Youth: Meta agreed to major changes and payments in a US settlement over alleged harm to teens’ mental health; the case includes required safety features for children on Facebook and Instagram. Community Calls for Help: After the quake, Colombian nuns used social media to plead for food and water for elderly residents as access to aid remains difficult.

Earthquake Health Response in Colombia: UN says nearly 50,000 people have received aid across 25 municipalities since the 7.4 quake, including clean water, sanitation and hygiene kits, while health partners keep trauma care and disease surveillance running; Disaster Impact on Care Access: Colombia’s UNGRD reports 331 deaths, 4,439 injured, 240 missing, and major damage to 376 health centers plus thousands of schools and community facilities, with 620M USD in humanitarian needs only 47% funded; Medical Safety Recall: Medtronic/Covidien recalled 135,875 barbed surgical sutures due to possible torn sterile packaging, urging hospitals to monitor patients already stitched for infection or vision issues; Digital Health & Youth: Meta agreed to major US state settlements over alleged harms to kids’ mental health, with Utah and other states requiring child-safety changes; Public Health & Climate: Record ocean heat and El Niño are already raising risks for Colombia, including rainfall and water stress; Tattoo Safety Alert: Bogotá case reports a woman’s death after IV sedation during a home tattoo session, now under investigation; Community Relief: Beyoncé donated $1M for food and housing supplies for quake-hit areas in Chocó, as recovery efforts expand.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll has climbed to 331, with 240 people still missing and 4,449 injured, as UNGRD reports 406,273 affected across 494 municipalities; damage includes thousands of homes and major hits to health, education, roads, bridges, airports, and water systems. Health System Support: PAHO/WHO is coordinating with Colombia’s health authorities to assess damage to hospitals and clinics and protect essential services, while teams deploy to Cali and Chocó and work through the health cluster. Misinformation Check: A viral video circulating as Peru quake footage was actually filmed in Pereira, Colombia, after the earlier quake—another reminder to verify before sharing. HIV Care for Migrants in Colombia: Community-based HIV services are highlighted as crucial: a presentation reports nearly 7% HIV positivity among Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, with many linked to treatment and reaching viral suppression despite legal and administrative barriers. Child Recruitment Online: Human Rights Watch says Facebook and TikTok algorithms helped amplify Colombian armed-group child recruitment, with at least 1,500 children recruited since 2021 recorded by Colombia’s ombudsperson.

Earthquake Recovery in Colombia: Colombia’s Aug. 10, 7.4 quake response is moving into reconstruction as the death toll rises to 331, with 4,439 injured and 240 missing; 361,353 people are affected across 494 municipalities in 16 departments, and damage includes 378 health centers plus thousands of homes and schools. Health System Continuity: PAHO/WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health with emergency coordination, health needs assessments, and restoring essential services where hospitals and clinics were structurally and non-structurally hit, including water-supply impacts. Rebuilding Plan: President Abelardo de la Espriella launched the reconstruction phase from Quibdó (Chocó), announcing early delivery of 4,480 tons of materials and a major fund for safer rebuilding. HIV Care for Venezuelan Migrants: A community-based model in Colombia reported nearly 7% HIV positivity among Venezuelan migrants, with many reaching viral suppression despite visa and access barriers. Child Safety & Health Risks: Florida’s Operation Statewide Shield recovered 163 missing children and made arrests tied to abuse and trafficking—highlighting ongoing public health and protection needs around vulnerable youth. Armed-Group Recruitment Online: HRW says Facebook and TikTok algorithms helped amplify Colombian armed groups’ child recruitment, with removals happening only after reports.

Colombia Earthquake Recovery: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll rose to 331, with 4,439 injured and 240 missing, as UNGRD updates show damage across 494 municipalities and major hits to health centers and schools. Reconstruction & Mental Health: President Abelardo de la Espriella formally launched the reconstruction phase from Quibdó, starting deliveries of construction materials and a long-term rebuilding push, while Caritas Colombia and the Church’s health ministry keep psychological support lines running for affected communities. Quake Aid Plan: A “Miracle Fund” subsidy will begin Aug. 26, paying 875,452 pesos per month for three months to families who lost homes. Public Health Alert (Dengue): In the U.S., Florida reported its first locally acquired dengue case in Citrus County, a reminder that mosquito-borne risks can re-emerge. Health System Impact: Reports note earthquake damage to hospitals and other facilities, including health infrastructure in Cali, complicating care during recovery. Local Wellness Tech: Medellín is preparing AI Week in the Americas (INMERXIA), spotlighting how new tools could shape education and health-related innovation.

Earthquake Health Impact: Colombia’s Aug. 10 quake response keeps focusing on damaged care sites: reports cite 314 dead, 4,437 injured, and hundreds of thousands affected, with more than 350 health facilities damaged and unsafe buildings marked “No Habitar” in Cali and Pereira. Medical Safety & Recovery Tech: Israel’s IDF says it helped thousands return to hospitals and schools by using engineering checks and AI tools, handing over systems to map which structures are safe, which must be demolished, and how long rebuilding may take. Local Health System Pressure: A Curaçao health-policy dispute highlights waiting lists, staff shortages, and waste issues—an indirect reminder of how fragile healthcare capacity can be during crises. Wellness & Food Systems: Nestlé and the ILO are launching a two-year push to strengthen fair recruitment and labor rights in Latin America’s coffee supply chains, including Colombia. Biodiversity & Water Health: Researchers in Guainía report nearly 120 dragonfly and damselfly species, linking freshwater protection with ecosystem health and community-led monitoring. Community Safety: A violent Bogotá stadium brawl led to match suspension and medical claims of head injury, underscoring the need for stronger on-site safety and care.

Earthquake Health Response (Colombia): After the Aug. 10 quake, doctors in Cali performed an emergency amputation under rubble to save a trapped woman, highlighting how trauma care is being delivered in the field while rescue teams keep searching. Disaster Relief & Access: Colombia’s UNGRD reports 329 deaths and hundreds of thousands affected, while a court order is now limiting demolitions of damaged buildings when people could still be trapped—balancing safety with rescue. International Medical Aid: India delivered the first tranche of earthquake relief to Bogota, including medicines, medical equipment, shelter and hygiene supplies. Child Protection (Armed Groups): Human Rights Watch warns child recruitment by armed groups is rising in Colombia, driven by poverty, exclusion, weak education access, and increasingly social media recruitment. Public Health & Risk: A new study links drought conditions to higher yellow fever risk in Brazil by pushing infected monkeys and forest mosquitoes closer to cities. Policy & Health Access (US-immigration impact): A US judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, restoring case-by-case processing that affects families’ ability to reunite and access healthcare abroad.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s disaster agency (UNGRD) reports the Aug. 10, magnitude-7.4 quake has risen to 329 deaths, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, with 314,751 people affected across 481 municipalities; damage includes 171,273 homes damaged and 31,183 destroyed, plus harm to 367 health centers and 3,710 schools. Emergency Care Under Pressure: In Cali, doctors performed an emergency amputation under rubble to free a trapped woman after her leg was pinned for more than 10 hours, highlighting how critical trauma care is during rescue operations. Private Sector Mobilizes: President Abelardo de la Espriella says Colombian businesses have already contributed over 2 trillion pesos (about $651M) toward recovery, including commitments aimed at rebuilding and easing mortgage burdens for victims. International Health Support: India’s first tranche of earthquake aid has arrived in Bogota, including medicines and medical equipment plus shelter and hygiene supplies. Community Fundraising: Colombian entertainment figures are coordinating major fundraising events, including a headline concert in Bogota, to support affected families.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s Aug. 10 quake death toll climbed to 329, with 4,600 injured and 247 missing, while 314,751 people were affected across 481 municipalities; the UNGRD also reported major damage to 367 health centers and thousands of homes and public buildings. Emergency Care Under Pressure: In Cali, doctors performed an emergency amputation under rubble to save a trapped woman after her leg was pinned for more than 10 hours—highlighting how critical trauma care becomes when hospitals and access routes are disrupted. Aid and Funding: The UN launched a $148M appeal to support about 671,000 vulnerable people, adding to an already large humanitarian plan as partners report aid reaching tens of thousands so far. Health Supply Support: India’s first tranche of earthquake relief to Colombia included medicines and medical equipment, plus shelter and hygiene supplies, arriving in Bogota to back recovery efforts. Regional Health Impact: Peru’s recent quake (7.2) affected people and damaged health facilities, with officials citing a high number of seismic events this year—reminding the region how quickly health systems can be strained.

Earthquake Health Response: Colombia’s UNGRD reports the Aug. 10 quake death toll has climbed to 329, with 4,600 injured and 247 missing, and damage reaching 367 health centers plus thousands of homes and public facilities across 16 departments. Emergency Funding: The UN launched a $148M appeal to reach about 671,000 vulnerable people, adding to an existing $472M plan and pushing total needs for the year to nearly $620M, with aid spanning health, shelter, food, nutrition, protection, and WASH. Medical Care on the Ground: In Cali, doctors performed an emergency amputation under rubble to save a woman whose leg was pinned after the quake—highlighting how urgent trauma care is still needed. International Aid: India says its first tranche of earthquake relief has arrived in Bogota with medicines, medical equipment, shelter and hygiene supplies, while Colombia also thanked Türkiye for food, blankets, and medical shipments. Legal/Policy (US): A US judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension as “contrary to law,” affecting applicants from countries including Colombia.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) says the Aug. 10 quake has left 329 dead, 4,600 injured, and 247 missing, with 314,751 people affected across 481 municipalities; damage includes 171,273 homes damaged, 31,183 destroyed, 553 buildings collapsed, and 367 health centers hit, mainly in Cali and Pereira. Humanitarian Funding Push: The UN launched a $148M appeal to reach about 671,000 vulnerable people, adding to an existing $472M plan and warning overall funding is still under half, with aid so far delivered to 34,000 people in 18 municipalities. Health & WASH Needs: The UN plan prioritizes health, shelter, nutrition, education, protection, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as services struggle amid armed conflict. International Aid Arrives: Colombia publicly thanked Türkiye for sending food, blankets, and medicine to support affected communities. Local Health System Strain: The quake’s toll on facilities raises concerns about continuity of care while rescue and recovery continue.