AGP Executive Report

Bolivia Health & Safety: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz urged faster UN action against organized crime and drug trafficking, linking narco-terrorism to a 53-day domestic crisis that disrupted access to healthcare and education and left more than 20 people dead. Public Health & Policy: Bolivia also called for more international cooperation to tackle organized crime, as officials warn criminal groups can move faster than governments. Conservation & Health Links: A new wild cat species from Bolivia’s cloud forests—Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo)—was described this month, and experts say it may need stronger protection because naming a new species can shrink known populations and raise urgent conservation needs. Injury Prevention: A 12-year-old girl in Spain is in serious condition after severe electrical burns from climbing a power pylon for social media photos, with firefighters stressing “a photo isn’t worth your life.”

UN Health & Safety Diplomacy: Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz urged the UN to speed up coordinated action against organized crime and drug trafficking, linking illicit finance to domestic unrest that disrupted access to healthcare and education. Chagas Treatment Update: A new TESEO trial reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests a 30-day, once-daily benznidazole regimen may be a safer, more practical option than the standard 60-day, twice-daily approach for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection—an important step for treatment adherence. Public Health Capacity in the Region: PAHO convened a regional webinar on early adolescence (ages 10–14), highlighting how evidence can translate into better policies and programs to prevent later health problems. Animal Health Preparedness: Foot-and-mouth disease experts in Santa Cruz de la Sierra advanced technical plans for a regional antigen bank, aiming to strengthen readiness for outbreaks across the Americas. Health Risks & Prevention: A 12-year-old in Spain suffered life-threatening electrical burns after climbing a pylon for a social media challenge, underscoring the need for stronger safety messaging around dangerous “challenges.” Eye Care Innovation: ZEISS announced upgrades to its ZEISS Retina Workflow, including new retinal imaging and surgical visualization tools for retina specialists.

Chagas Treatment Breakthrough: A TESEO trial co-led by Bolivia’s CEADES Foundation found a 30-day, once-daily benznidazole regimen could be a safer, more practical option than the standard 60-day twice-daily approach for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection, with follow-up planned to track parasites for years. New Species, Public Health Angle: Scientists formally described Bolivia’s Leopardus tilcayo, the first new living wild cat species named in over a century, after DNA work on a cat first found as a “kitten” in the Yungas—highlighting how better species identification can improve conservation and ecosystem monitoring. Local Health & Care Capacity: A U.S. nursing-home capacity ranking listed Glendora Grand, Inc. among top facilities in Los Angeles County for Q1 2026, underscoring ongoing demand for long-term care resources. Caregiving Spotlight: Miss Universe Curaçao 2026 finalist Bianty Rojer-Gomperts is turning her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis into an advocacy mission for caregivers.

Chagas Treatment Breakthrough (Bolivia-linked): A new TESEO trial reports that a 30-day, once-daily benznidazole regimen may be a safer, more practical option for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection than the older 60-day, twice-daily standard—an important step for a disease that affects millions and is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Dementia in Bolivia (new nuance): A longitudinal study on the Tsimané and Mosetén of lowland Bolivia finds dementia incidence isn’t dramatically different from U.S. and Northern Europe rates, challenging earlier ideas that lifestyle alone fully protects against cognitive decline. Emergency Care Exchange: Magen David Adom hosted a knowledge-sharing workshop for senior emergency medical services officials from Latin America and Spain, including Bolivia, aiming to strengthen disaster and emergency response capacity. Wildlife & Health Connection: Researchers formally described Bolivia’s new cloud-forest wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo—highlighting how better species identification can improve conservation, which supports healthier ecosystems. Public Health Watch: Reports also note ongoing mental health strain in Argentina, with suicide deaths rising sharply in 2025, alongside barriers to mental healthcare access.

Chagas treatment breakthrough: A TESEO trial co-led by Bolivia’s CEADES Foundation found a 30-day, once-daily benznidazole regimen may be a safer, more practical option for chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection than the older 60-day, twice-daily standard—reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Dementia research in Bolivia: A new longitudinal study on the Tsimané and Mosetén of lowland Bolivia adds nuance to earlier claims of unusually low dementia rates, finding elders’ dementia incidence is not dramatically different from U.S./Northern Europe. Emergency medicine training: Magen David Adom hosted a knowledge-sharing workshop for Latin American and Spanish emergency medical services leaders, including a delegation from Bolivia, to strengthen disaster and emergency response ties. Wildlife and health link: Scientists identified Bolivia’s tiny cloud-forest wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo), after more than a century—highlighting how better species recognition can support conservation and protect ecosystems that underpin public health.

Dementia Research in Bolivia: A new longitudinal study on Indigenous Tsimané and Mosetén communities in lowland Bolivia finds dementia incidence may be closer to U.S. and Northern Europe rates than earlier “low-dementia” assumptions suggested, adding nuance to links between diet, activity, and brain aging. Cancer Care Innovation: Researchers using organoids report unexpected behaviors in tumor margins of multicentric breast cancer, suggesting that “tumor-free” surgical margins on histopathology may not fully capture what cells can do. Emergency Medicine Exchange: Magen David Adom hosted a knowledge-sharing workshop for Latin American and Spanish emergency medical services leaders, including Bolivia, to strengthen disaster and emergency response know-how. Wildlife & Health Link: Scientists identified Leopardus tilcayo, a new small wild cat species in Bolivia’s cloud forests, highlighting how much biodiversity remains unknown—relevant for conservation and ecosystem health. Regional Context: Bolivia’s Congress approved an IMF-backed $1.9B deal that ends diesel subsidies, a policy shift that could affect public health budgets and access.

Wildlife & Health: A Brazilian-led research team has identified a new Bolivian wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, from the Nor Yungas cloud forests, using genomic analysis of a specimen nicknamed “Tigrino” that had been living at the Senda Verde sanctuary; scientists say it’s the first newly named living cat species in over a century and highlight habitat threats as conservation priorities. Public Health & Safety: Argentina reported a record 22.6% rise in suicides in 2025, reaching 5,209 deaths, with experts pointing to the complex mix of social stressors and barriers to mental health care. Healthcare Policy (Bolivia): Bolivia’s Congress approved a $1.9 billion IMF deal that ends diesel subsidies, with officials saying funds will shift toward social aid to soften impacts amid economic pressure. Community Health (Regional): A Costa Rica documentary team became the first to film the tilcayo’s hunting behavior in Bolivia, offering new insight into the species’ diet and ecosystem role.

IMF & Fuel Policy: Bolivia’s Congress approved a $1.9 billion IMF loan, clearing the way for major economic reforms and the immediate end of diesel subsidies—diesel will be priced at international market levels, with gasoline subsidies kept for now and targeted cash/credit support promised for vulnerable groups and producers. Public Health Angle: The diesel price shift is expected to affect transport and costs, raising concerns for household hardship—an issue unions are already warning could spark renewed protests. Wildlife & Conservation: In a surprising health-adjacent science win, researchers formally named a new Bolivian wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”), using genomic studies; the tiny feline was found in the Yungas and is now drawing attention to habitat threats and conservation needs.

IMF & Fuel Policy: Bolivia’s Congress approved a $1.9B IMF loan, clearing the way for President Rodrigo Paz to end diesel subsidies immediately; diesel will move to international pricing (reported at 17.95 bolivianos per liter), with gasoline subsidies kept for now, while the government says savings will fund social aid plus projects like schools, hospitals, and roads. Public Health Impact: Unions warn the subsidy cuts could raise living costs and deepen hardship, as the deal also includes broader reforms tied to inflation and fuel shortages. Wildlife & Conservation: In La Paz’s Yungas, scientists formally named a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, using genomic studies; researchers say it’s smaller than a house cat and highlight threats to its habitat. Air Quality Alert: In the La Paz area, PM2.5 readings reached an AQI of 115 (“unhealthy for sensitive groups”), prompting advice for children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with respiratory or heart conditions to limit outdoor exposure.

IMF & Fuel Reform: Bolivia’s Congress approved a $1.9B IMF loan, clearing the way for President Rodrigo Paz to end diesel subsidies immediately; diesel now tracks international prices (from about 9.80 to 17.95 bolivianos per liter), with gasoline subsidies kept for now and funds redirected toward schools, hospitals, roads, and targeted cash/credit support for about 2.9 million people. Public Health Angle: The government frames the move as a way to protect supply and curb smuggling, but unions warn higher costs could worsen hardship—an issue that can quickly spill into nutrition, access to care, and household health. Wildlife & Ecosystem Health: In a major science win, researchers formally named a new Bolivian wild cat, Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”), from the Yungas cloud forests—first new living wild cat species described in over a century—highlighting how biodiversity research can support conservation planning that protects habitats linked to human well-being. Local Disruption: La Paz announced downtown street closures Sunday for President Claudia Sheinbaum’s visit, starting 6:00 a.m., with drivers urged to use alternate routes.

IMF & Fuel Reform: Bolivia’s Congress approved a $1.9B IMF loan as unions warn of renewed protests, and President Rodrigo Paz immediately ended diesel subsidies—raising diesel from 9.80 to 17.95 bolivianos per liter and tying prices to international costs—while redirecting funds toward schools, hospitals, roads, and cash/credit support for vulnerable groups and producers. Public Health Angle: The diesel shift could affect transport and food costs, making the government’s promised health and social spending especially relevant for households already under economic strain. Biodiversity & Conservation: Scientists named Bolivia’s first new living wild cat species in over 100 years, Leopardus tilcayo (“tilcayo”), from the Yungas cloud forests; researchers say genetic work shows tiger cats are actually five distinct species, underscoring the need to assess conservation threats for newly recognized wildlife.

Fuel Subsidy Overhaul: Bolivia ended its diesel subsidy after Congress approved a $1.9B IMF loan, with President Rodrigo Paz saying diesel will now track the international market to curb smuggling and protect scarce foreign reserves; the government says about $2.6B a year will be redirected to bonds for vulnerable groups, credit for productive sectors, and investments including roads, hospitals, and education. Public Health Angle: The policy shift is framed as a way to stabilize the economy and keep essential services supplied, with gasoline subsidies still under review. Wildlife & Health Link: In the Yungas cloud forests, scientists formally named a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo), the first living feline described in over a century, using genetic analysis of 38 specimens; researchers say the discovery could reshape conservation priorities for a little-studied ecosystem where human health risks and zoonotic spillovers can be harder to monitor.

Wildlife & Health Link: Bolivia’s cloud-forest “tilcayo” cat is now officially named Leopardus tilcayo, the first new living wild cat species described in over a century, after genomic work published in Current Biology confirmed it as a distinct tiger-cat lineage; researchers traced the discovery to a kitten-like cat taken to the Senda Verde sanctuary in the Yungas, where locals had cared for it before realizing it was wild. What’s known (and what isn’t): The tiny spotted feline weighs about 1.4 kg and is smaller than a house cat, but scientists still lack clear data on population size, diet, and breeding—though scat and camera-trap clues suggest small rodents and possible nocturnal activity. Conservation pressure: The study notes that recognizing separate species may require reassessing conservation status for each tiger-cat lineage, raising stakes for habitat protection in the Yungas.

New Species, Public Health Angle: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests have yielded a major scientific win: researchers formally named a new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo (the “tilcayo”), the first living feline described in over a century. The tiny spotted “tiger cat” weighs about 1.4 kg and was initially mistaken for a kitten after a family kept it at home before surrendering it to the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary near La Paz; genetic analysis confirmed it as distinct, though much about its diet, breeding, and population still remains unknown. Emergency Powers: Bolivia’s Legislative Assembly approved extending the state of emergency for 90 more days, warning of possible renewed protests and road blockades that could disrupt fuel, food, medicine, oxygen, and critical infrastructure. Brain Health Research: A new study on two remote Indigenous Amazon communities reports strikingly low dementia rates, with researchers exploring how lifestyle may protect against cognitive decline and vascular problems.

Wildlife & Conservation: Scientists have formally identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests—Leopardus tilcayo (“Tilcayo”)—the first newly named living cat species in more than a century, confirmed through genetic analysis and described in Current Biology. Public Health & Community: A new longitudinal study on Indigenous communities in the Bolivian Amazon finds dementia is unusually uncommon, with incidence not dramatically lower but prevalence staying low—linked to survival patterns after dementia develops. Health Systems & Workforce: Bolivia’s Assembly extended a 90-day state of emergency, citing risks of renewed road blockades that could disrupt supplies including food and medicine. Health & Wellness Access: A separate report highlights how “hyperconnectivity” can worsen loneliness, framing loneliness as a growing public health concern even as internet access rises across Latin America. Local Health Education: (Bolivia-related) The week also included health-care career training initiatives abroad, underscoring ongoing demand for clinical support roles and hands-on learning pathways.

Dementia in Bolivia’s Amazon: A new longitudinal study of Indigenous Tsimané and Mosetén communities finds dementia is still rare, with similar new-case rates to the U.S. and northern Europe but unusually low overall prevalence—linked to shorter survival after dementia develops. Dengue prevention in Bolivia: Baja California Sur reports fumigating 23,000+ hectares to curb dengue, focusing on La Paz and Los Cabos, alongside larvicide brigades and a Wolbachia mosquito program. Mining law overhaul: Bolivia has begun overhauling its mining code, aiming for clearer rules and stronger environmental management, while civil society and Indigenous groups raise concerns about the process. Health system under climate pressure (regionally): Brazil plans a major health overhaul to prepare primary care for more frequent climate extremes, including dengue spread into new areas. Caregiver mental health: A study highlights that older adults caring for dependent relatives report more depressive symptoms, with women at higher risk—supporting the need for stronger informal-care policies. Global measles warning: WHO estimates measles cases are rising again, with nearly 11 million infections expected in 2026 and no treatment beyond vaccination and supportive care.