AGP Executive Report

Health & Safety in the News: Ecuadorian TV reporter Alma de la Rosa Flores and cameraman Cristo Morales were hit by a vehicle while covering a landslide in Monterrey, Mexico; both reportedly suffered minor injuries and the live broadcast was cut. Public Health & Climate: A report warns El Niño could drive thousands of extra heat deaths across Latin America, with survival hinging on housing, work conditions, and whether cooling stays affordable. Ecuador Health Access: Renal patients in Ecuador are staging a sit-in over lack of dialysis and mounting state debt, demanding continuity of treatment. Ecuador Environment & Indigenous Rights: Ecuador announced a new oil auction for remote Amazon blocks by end-2026, but Indigenous nations say the plan overlaps their territories and carries major legal, operational, and environmental risks. Community & Wellness: A cruise operator says traditional Chinese movement arts expert Awai Cheung will lead Tai Chi and Qigong workshops on voyages that include stops along Ecuador’s coast.

Food & Health Policy: California signed a bill creating a voluntary “not ultra-processed” food label, aiming to help parents spot ultra-processed items more easily; rollout is planned for 2029. Climate & Public Health: A new report warns El Niño could add thousands of heat deaths across Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, with risk shaped by housing, work conditions, and whether cooling is affordable. Ecuador Health & Care Access: Ecuador’s kidney patients are demanding continuity of dialysis amid shortages and state debt. Dengue Watch: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue rates in the Americas (8.57 per 100,000), highlighting the role of community prevention to cut mosquito breeding. Health & Safety in the Field: Ecuadorian TV reporter and cameraman were injured in Mexico while covering a landslide, underscoring risks for journalists and the need for rapid emergency response. Ecuador Governance & Justice: Ecuador’s court approved extradition of Daniel Salcedo and Ronald Herrera to the U.S., tied to the Villavicencio assassination investigation.

Ecuador Health & Safety: Ecuadorian TV reporter Alma de la Rosa Flores and cameraman Cristo Morales were hit by a pickup truck while covering a landslide in Monterrey, Mexico; both reported minor injuries and the live broadcast was cut as emergency services were requested. Public Health & Climate Risk: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in areas facing very high El Niño-related rainfall risks, with threats to safe water, health care, education, and child protection. Local Health Access: Ecuador’s kidney patients are staging a sit-in over lack of dialysis and a large state debt, demanding continuity of treatment. Health Policy & Environment: Ecuador’s oil auction plans for remote Amazon blocks face pushback from seven Indigenous nations, who warn extraction would bring major legal, operational, and environmental health risks. Regional Health Snapshot: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue incidence rates in the Americas (8.57 per 100,000), while Ecuador is listed at 184.66 per 100,000.

Gambling & Health: A senior Latter-day Saints leader said gambling is morally wrong, citing that the industry’s model depends on customers losing money—an angle that matters for mental health and addiction risk. Ecuador Health & Safety (Local): Ecuadorian TV reporter Alma de la Rosa Flores and cameraman Cristo Morales were hit by a vehicle while covering a landslide in Monterrey, Mexico; both were taken to hospital with minor injuries, highlighting the real-world safety risks for media workers during disasters. Ecuador Health & Policy (Local): Ecuador’s National Court authorized extradition to the U.S. of Daniel Salcedo and former agent Ronald Herrera tied to the Fernando Villavicencio assassination case—an indirect but important justice-and-public-safety update. Climate & Child Health: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-related risks to safe water, health care, and protection. Dengue Watch (Regional): The Dominican Republic reports low dengue incidence, while Ecuador’s rate is listed at 184.66 per 100,000—useful for regional prevention planning. Oil, Indigenous Rights & Health Risks: Ecuador announced new Amazon oil auction plans for late 2026 despite Indigenous nations rejecting the rounds, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts.

Health & Safety in the News: Ecuadorian TV reporter Alma de la Rosa Flores and cameraman Cristo Morales were hit by a pickup truck while covering a landslide in Monterrey, Mexico; the live broadcast was cut and both were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Ecuador Health Context: Ecuador’s extradition case continues to move—Ecuador’s National Court authorized the handover of Daniel Salcedo and Ronald Herrera to the U.S., tied to the Villavicencio assassination investigation, a reminder of how legal turmoil can disrupt public services and community health. Public Health Watch: The Dominican Republic reports one of the lowest dengue rates in the Americas (8.57 per 100,000), while Ecuador’s rate is listed at 184.66—highlighting uneven mosquito-borne risk across the region. Climate & Child Health: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children in Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-related risks to safe water, health care, and education. Ecuador Environment & Health Risks: Ecuador’s government is pushing new Amazon oil auction plans despite Indigenous nations rejecting the blocks, raising concerns about long-term environmental impacts that can affect local health.

Ecuador Health & Justice: Ecuador’s National Court of Justice approved the extradition of Daniel Salcedo and former police officer Ronald Herrera to the U.S., tied to the Fernando Villavicencio assassination probe and facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Public Health & Climate: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in areas at very high risk from El Niño-related rainfall extremes, threatening safe water, health care, and child protection. Ecuador Health & Safety: Ecuador-linked dengue data show the Dominican Republic at low incidence (8.57 per 100,000) while Ecuador sits higher (184.66), underscoring the need for community mosquito-control. Health Tech in Ecuador: Nexalin Technology signed a definitive distribution and local manufacturing deal covering Ecuador and other South American markets for its ANVISA-approved non-invasive neurostimulation device. Health System Strain (Ecuador): Renal patients in Ecuador report a dialysis sit-in over lack of dialysis access and state debt.

Ecuador Health & Safety: Ecuador’s National Court of Justice approved the extradition of Daniel Salcedo and former police officer Ronald Herrera to the U.S., tied to the Fernando Villavicencio assassination probe and facing drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Public Health & Climate Risk: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in areas with very high El Niño-related rainfall risks, threatening safe water, health care, and education. Ecuador Health & Environment: Indigenous nations warn they’ll keep opposing Ecuador’s planned 2026 Amazon oil auctions, citing overlap with their territories and legal, environmental, and operational risks as the auctions remain delayed. Health & Disease Monitoring: Ecuador is listed among higher dengue incidence countries in regional comparisons, underscoring ongoing mosquito-control needs. Health Tech & Access: A new distribution deal could expand a non-invasive neurostimulation device across Ecuador and other South American markets, with an initial commercialization push. Community Health: Ecuador-linked kidney patients are demanding continuity of dialysis amid shortages and state debt.

Kidney Care Crisis in Ecuador: Renal patients and families staged sit-ins in Quito and Guayaquil demanding the government guarantee dialysis continuity after 26 months of unpaid bills, warning that treatment interruptions threaten lives. Andean Climate-Health Plan: PAHO, ORAS-CONHU and Andean health authorities unveiled a 2026–2031 plan to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient health services for more than 173 million people. Amazon Oil Standoff: Ecuador’s oil summit comes as Indigenous nations reject planned 2026 Amazon auctions, citing legal, environmental, and operational risks and warning against extraction in overlapping territories. US Tariff Relief for Specialty Drugs (Ecuador included): The US exempted certain specialty medicines and ingredients from a 100% tariff under Section 232, listing Ecuador among eligible jurisdictions—potentially easing access for specific therapies. Global Assisted-Dying Debate: A Dutch review board cleared a doctor who euthanized a 1-year-old with severe disabilities, reigniting international debate over end-of-life decisions for children. Public Health Research: A randomized sham-controlled trial reported electroacupuncture may help chronic pelvic pain, adding to the evidence base for non-drug pain management.

Dialysis Crisis in Ecuador: Renal patients and families staged sit-ins in Quito and Guayaquil, warning dialysis services could collapse as the state reportedly owes more than 26 months of payments to dialysis centers and specialized private clinics—protesters say treatment interruption violates the right to life and public health. Regional Health & Climate Planning: PAHO, ORAS-CONHU and Andean health authorities launched the Andean Health and Climate Change Plan 2026–2031, aiming to strengthen early warning systems and climate-resilient health services across Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela for 173+ million people. US Tariff Relief Touches Ecuador: The U.S. exempted select specialty medicines and key ingredients from 100% ad valorem tariffs, with Ecuador listed among eligible jurisdictions—covering categories like orphan drugs, fertility treatments, cell/gene therapies and antibody-drug conjugates. Amazon Oil Tensions: Ecuador’s oil summit comes as Indigenous nations reject planned 2026 Amazon oil auctions, citing legal, environmental and financial risks and warning extraction in overlapping territories isn’t viable.

Renal Care Crisis in Ecuador: Kidney patients and families staged sit-ins in Quito and Guayaquil demanding the government clear 26 months of unpaid dialysis bills after private clinics said they’ll suspend services from Oct. 1; protesters say dialysis is life and warn the disruption violates the right to health, with about 10,800 people relying on dialysis daily and thousands reportedly dying amid cuts. US Pharma Tariff Relief (Ecuador included): The US exempted select specialty medicines and key ingredients from a planned 100% tariff, with Ecuador named among 20 eligible jurisdictions; the zero-tariff categories include orphan drugs, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates—potentially easing costs for qualifying treatments. Immigration Enforcement Shift (health angle): Reporting says ICE has moved from highly visible raids to quieter arrests in everyday places, including cases involving an Ecuadorian father and a shooting of a delivery worker—raising concerns about due process and medical care during detention. Climate Watch: Scientists warn this year’s “super” El Niño could bring major weather impacts worldwide, with knock-on effects for health and food systems.

Renal Care Crisis in Ecuador: Chronic kidney patients and families staged sit-ins in Quito and Guayaquil, saying dialysis services are collapsing nationwide and that the state has racked up over 26 months of unpaid obligations to dialysis centers and specialized clinics. They warn treatment interruptions violate the right to life and public health. US Pharma Tariff Relief (Ecuador Included): The US Commerce Department says select specialty medicines and ingredients from Ecuador and 19 other jurisdictions will face a 0% ad valorem tariff, even as a 100% tariff expands on certain patented pharmaceuticals from Sept. 29. The zero-tariff categories include orphan drugs, infertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates, plus covered components. Yellow Fever Travel Rule (Regional Impact): Costa Rica will require a digital yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight higher-risk destinations starting Oct. 1, including Ecuador, with exemptions for age, pregnancy/breastfeeding, severe allergies, and immunosuppression.

US Pharma Tariff Relief: The US Commerce Department published a Federal Register list exempting select speciality drugs and related ingredients from a planned 100% tariff starting Sept. 29, covering rare-disease medicines, fertility treatments, cell and gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and some veterinary products—plus manufacturing components; beneficiaries include Ecuador alongside India, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, the EU, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, South Korea, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, and Vietnam. Public Health Travel Rule (Costa Rica): Costa Rica will require a digital yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers to eight higher-risk destinations from Oct. 1, including Ecuador, with exemptions for age, pregnancy/breastfeeding, severe allergies, and immunosuppression. Food Safety Alert (Ecuador-linked): FDA warns black clams from Ecuador may be tied to a hepatitis A outbreak, with reported hospitalizations. Local Care Access (Ecuador diaspora): A new doula directory and training initiative aims to expand maternity support for families in Delaware County, reflecting growing demand for postpartum care.

Pharma Tariff Relief: The US Commerce Department says it won’t charge ad valorem tariffs on certain speciality drugs and ingredients imported from India and 19 other jurisdictions—including Ecuador—while a 100% tariff on some patented pharma is set to start Sept. 29, with exemptions covering orphan drugs, infertility treatments, cell/gene therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and related components. Public Health Alert: The CDC and FDA are investigating a hepatitis A outbreak linked to imported frozen black clams (La Serranita) from Ecuador, with 37 cases reported and most hospitalized; officials warn not to eat or serve the product. Local Health Governance: Ecuador’s suspended Cuenca mayor Cristian Zamora faces prosecutors moving toward formal corruption charges over alleged illicit enrichment, with a judge asked to schedule a hearing and prosecutors seeking short detention. Travel & Disease Prevention: Costa Rica requires a digital yellow fever vaccination certificate for travel starting Oct. 1 to eight higher-risk destinations, including Ecuador, with vaccine timing rules and exemptions. Wellness & Care Access: A new doula directory in Delaware County aims to expand postpartum and pregnancy support, including Medicaid/insurance-covered services. Beauty & Wellness Business: RIMAN expands to Ecuador as part of its push into more international markets, adding Ecuador to its Latin America footprint.

ICE crackdown and deportation reach: A new report describes this summer’s immigration enforcement as a “siege,” with arrests happening in everyday places—from airports and gas stations to schools—highlighting how Ecuadorian families are caught up in the surge. Hepatitis A food safety alert (Ecuador-linked): The CDC and FDA are investigating a hepatitis A outbreak tied to frozen black clams (La Serranita concha negra) imported from Ecuador; 37 people are sick in four states and most hospitalized, with officials urging consumers not to eat or serve the product. Ecuador health research on pregnancy nutrition: A Washington University trial in Quito found that pregnant people who ate more healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and less processed food saw significant fetal brain development—findings now informing similar work in St. Louis. Specialty drug tariffs clarification: The U.S. Commerce Department clarified how “specialty pharmaceutical” exemptions from Section 232 tariffs work, including eligibility tied to trade/security frameworks and urgent health needs. Cocoa and nature-for-yields: Research suggests protecting pollinators and biodiversity-friendly farming can raise cocoa yields, offering a hopeful angle as climate and disease strain supply. Ecuador in global wellness markets: RIMAN expands to Ecuador as part of a broader push to 22 markets across Europe and Latin America.

Food Safety: The CDC and FDA are warning against La Serranita-brand frozen black clams (concha negra) imported from Ecuador after a hepatitis A outbreak reached 37 illnesses across four U.S. states, with 30 hospitalizations; investigators say many patients reported eating ceviche and raw/undercooked shellfish. Maternal Health: A new doula directory and training initiative in Delaware County aims to expand support before, during, and after pregnancy, including postpartum help, as prenatal options shrink. Nutrition Research: Washington University’s Ecuador trial (Mikhuna) found that pregnant women who ate more healthy proteins, fruits/vegetables, and less processed food saw significant fetal brain development—findings now informing similar work in St. Louis. Healthcare Access & Workforce: A Quito-based volunteer medical team story highlights long-running efforts to deliver surgeries and rehab care in Ecuador through international partnerships. Public Health Policy: A U.S. Commerce update clarifies specialty pharmaceutical exemptions tied to Section 232 tariffs, with a narrower “urgent U.S. health need” pathway that companies must apply for before Sept. 29.

Food Safety: The FDA and CDC issued a warning after an imported Ecuadorian frozen black clam product (La Serranita, concha negra) was tied to a hepatitis A outbreak now reaching 37 illnesses and 30 hospitalizations across four U.S. states. Public Health: Investigators say many patients reported eating ceviche and raw or undercooked shellfish, with the suspected product potentially distributed to multiple states. Nutrition Research (Ecuador): A Washington University trial in Quito found that pregnant women who ate more healthy proteins, fruits/vegetables, and less processed food saw significant fetal brain development benefits—findings that may inform similar nutrition work in St. Louis. Health & Pharma (Ecuador link): A diabetes drug expansion report notes Envlo (SGLT-2 inhibitor) has marketing approval in several Latin American countries, including Ecuador. Environment/Health Risk (Ecuador): Ecuador’s electricity crisis is worsening as the Mazar hydro reservoir drops, with plans to disconnect major industrial users weekly to avoid mid-October residential blackouts. Agriculture & Wellness (Ecuador): Banana supply chain pressure is rising as growers cite weather volatility and disease risks that can affect fruit availability and costs.