AGP Executive Report

Veterinary Care Boost: Bahrain’s Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture backed growth in the veterinary sector after a visit to Bari Veterinary Hospital, praising private-public collaboration and international best-practice animal healthcare. Drug Prevention Push: Bahrain’s Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, reiterated that tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking needs a whole-of-society effort spanning security, education, health, media and religious groups, alongside stronger coordination and community partnerships. Diabetes Treatment Deal: Daewoong Pharmaceutical signed a $93.4m Envlo export and supply agreement with Acino Pharma to launch its Type 2 diabetes drug across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq and Egypt starting 2027. Summer Skin Safety: A Bahrain dermatologist warned residents to prevent heat rash, fungal infections and sunburn with loose cotton, keeping skin dry, and using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Digital Parenting Controls: YouTube rolled out supervised kid accounts across MENA including Bahrain, adding parental controls like Shorts feed timers and bedtime reminders. Local Social Support: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution reported 203 new cases enrolled in its ‘Reaya’ social care initiative, with services including physical and mental health support for women and children recovering from trauma. Health Tech Access: Government hospitals approved expanding Tammini’s online services to improve patient experience. Food Security Planning: GCC agriculture and food security ministers met virtually under Bahrain’s chairmanship to discuss strategic Gulf food storage zones and stronger regional readiness for supply disruptions.

Drug Prevention Push: Bahrain’s Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa says tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking needs a whole-of-society effort, with security, education, health, media and religious institutions working together as smuggling methods evolve. Veterinary Sector Growth: The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture backed Bari Veterinary Hospital, praising public-private partnership and international best-practice care that supports animal welfare and wider public health. Patient Support via Social Care: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution enrolled 203 new cases in its ‘Reaya’ initiative in the first half of 2026, providing social, psychological, health, educational, legal and financial support for women and children recovering from trauma. Digital Health Services Expansion: Government hospitals approved expanding Tammini platform services to improve patient experience through more online hospital services. Summer Skin Safety: Dermatology specialist Dr. Ranya Kayed warns Bahrain residents about heat rash, fungal infections and sunburn, urging loose cotton, keeping skin dry, and using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Food Security Coordination: Under Bahrain’s chairmanship, GCC agriculture and food security ministers discussed strategic Gulf food storage zones to boost readiness for supply disruptions and emergencies. Diabetes Drug Deal: Daewoong Pharmaceutical signed a major agreement to launch Envlo (SGLT-2 diabetes treatment) across key MENA markets including Bahrain, with approvals targeted for Saudi Arabia this year and launches from 2027. Public Health Risk Alert: A Hamad Town councillor raised concerns over a stormwater drainage site not cleaned for four years, warning of blocked drains and stagnant water that can breed insects, rodents and snakes.

Digital Safety for Kids: YouTube has rolled out new child safety controls in the UAE, including supervised kid accounts with built-in protections, plus a Shorts feed timer that lets parents set daily limits or switch Shorts off entirely. Diabetes Drug Deal (Bahrain in focus): Daewoong Pharmaceutical signed a W145.2bn ($93.4m) Envlo export and supply agreement covering Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq and Egypt, with approvals planned for Saudi this year and launches from mid-2027. Local Healthcare Tech Rollout: Government Hospitals approved expanding the Tammini (Reassure Me) platform, with the first phase adding services across 16 key departments such as ICUs, maternity, endoscopy, A&E, and wound care, plus patient communication and support. Public Health & Environment: Hamad Town councillor warns a stormwater drainage site has gone uncleaned for four years, creating stagnant water and a breeding ground for insects, rodents and snakes. Community Support (Reaya): Bahrain’s Public Prosecution enrolled 203 new cases in its ‘Reaya’ social care initiative in the first half of 2026, providing social, mental and physical health, education, legal and financial support. Anti-Drug Push: Bahrain’s Interior Minister reiterated that drug abuse and trafficking require whole-of-society action, citing 475 cases registered in Q1 2026.

Social Care & Trauma Recovery: Bahrain’s Public Prosecution enrolled 203 new cases in its ‘Reaya’ social care initiative in the first half of 2026, delivering tailored social, psychological, health, education, legal and financial support to 73 individuals. Anti-Drug Push: Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said drug abuse and trafficking require whole-of-society action, citing 2,006 drug-related cases recorded in 2025 and 475 in Q1 2026. Government Health Tech: Government Hospitals approved expanding the ‘Tammini’ (Reassure Me) platform, starting with 16 critical departments (including ICU, theatres, maternity, endoscopy and A&E) and adding patient communication and support services. Food Safety in Summer: Municipal inspectors stepped up checks on restaurants, bakeries and cold stores amid heat risks, flagging expired items, hygiene lapses, pests, unsafe storage and unauthorized medicine sales. Public Health & Environment: A Hamad Town councillor warned of health risks from a stormwater drainage site not cleaned for four years, with stagnant water and waste attracting insects, rodents and snakes. Healthcare Market Digitalisation: Mazad and Bahrain’s NHRA discussed digitising transparent exchange of assets, including surplus medical goods, to strengthen trust in regulated markets. Community Wellness Space: Budaiya proposed a 176-metre coastal walkway to encourage safer walking and outdoor activity. Tourism With a Health Angle: Exhibition World Bahrain unveiled a packed summer calendar, including youth programmes and an indoor Sports City to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Scam Tech Exposed: A new investigation describes how scammers use AI-powered software from American tech firms to mass-target tens of thousands of victims in days, with operators running many chats at once. Bahrain Digital Health Rollout: Government Hospitals approved expanding the Tammini (“Reassure Me”) platform, starting with 16 key departments (including ICU, theatres, maternity, A&E and wound care) and adding patient communication and support services. Healthcare Market Transparency: Mazad and Bahrain’s NHRA discussed digitising and improving transparent exchange of assets, including surplus medical goods, to strengthen trust and governance. Food Safety in Summer: Bahrain intensified inspections at restaurants, bakeries, cold stores and cafeterias amid heatwave risks, flagging expired items, hygiene lapses, pest issues and unsafe storage, with repeat offenders facing tougher action. Plastic Bag Ban: Bahrain will ban single-use plastic bags under 57 microns from August 20, with exemptions for certain waste and packaging types and guidance for businesses to clear non-compliant stock. Smart Cities & Public Health: Oman joined the Bahrain Smart Cities Summit, presenting papers linking smart urban planning to public health and sustainability.

Digital Healthcare Upgrade: Bahrain’s Government Hospitals approved expanding the Tammini (“Reassure Me”) platform, with a phased rollout starting in 16 key departments like ICU, operating theatres, maternity, endoscopy, A&E, isolation wards, outpatient call centre and wound care—adding patient communication and support services including private care, sickle cell and MS clinics, pharmacy and social services, plus staff training and a public awareness push. Healthcare Regulation & Market Integrity: Mazad and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) discussed digitising and improving the transparent exchange of assets, including surplus medical goods, aiming to boost governance and efficiency through a secure, regulated marketplace. Public Health Enforcement: With summer heat rising, Bahrain intensified food safety checks across restaurants, bakeries, cold stores and cafeterias, flagging expired items, hygiene lapses, pests, unsafe storage and cold-store mixing; repeat offenders face tougher action. Animal & Bird Complaints: The Ministry of Health clarified that harmful animal and bird keeping in residential areas can be handled under Bahrain’s Public Health Law, with penalties up to BD3,000, imprisonment, or removal of the cause of harm. Community Wellness: Budaiya’s proposed 176-metre seafront walking space would create a safer, wider promenade to encourage outdoor activity. Regional Health-Adjacent Policy: Bahrain’s Cabinet approved the 2026–2030 National Health Strategy and reviewed key national strategies. Food & Environment Safety: Bahrain will ban single-use plastic bags under 57 microns from August 20, with exemptions including hazardous healthcare waste and certain food packaging.

Bahrain Healthcare Digital Upgrade: Government Hospitals approved expanding the “Tammini” (Reassure Me) platform, with a phased rollout starting in 16 critical departments (ICUs, operating theatres, maternity, endoscopy, A&E, specialist/isolation wards, outpatient call centre and wound care), adding patient communication and support services such as private healthcare links, the Sickle Cell Disease Clinic, the National Bank of Bahrain Multiple Sclerosis Centre, pharmacy and social services, plus the Patient Relations Office. Healthcare Regulation & Market Integrity: Mazad and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) discussed collaboration to digitise and improve the transparent exchange of assets, including surplus medical goods, building on NHRA’s revised workflows and international-standard regulation. Local Environment Policy: Bahrain will ban single-use plastic bags thinner than 57 microns from August 20, with exemptions for household waste, hazardous healthcare waste, pre-packaged food packaging and export-made bags. Community Health: Al Hilal Healthcare Group held its Imam Hussain blood donation campaign in Manama, coordinating with the Ministry of Health’s Central Blood Bank and partners, with separate donor days for women and men. Regional Health & Safety Context: Qatar advised maritime operators to suspend sailing after Iranian strikes, while aviation safety guidance urged airlines to avoid certain airspaces and remain cautious around Bahrain and the wider region.

Plastic Policy: Bahrain will ban the manufacture, import and sale of single-use plastic bags thinner than 57 microns from August 20, with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce urging businesses to clear non-compliant stock and switch to approved alternatives ahead of the deadline. Humanitarian & Health: The Royal Humanitarian Foundation’s acting secretary general joined UNIDO talks in Vienna on private-sector-led industrial recovery for Syria, Palestine and Sudan, highlighting RHF’s long-running work supporting orphans and widows through education, healthcare and psychosocial care. Blood Donation: Al Hilal Healthcare Group hosted the 28th Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign in Manama with the Ministry of Health’s Central Blood Bank, running female and male donor days under the “Al Hussain Malath” theme. Women’s Health: Bahrain doctors say renaming PCOS to PMOS can support earlier, broader diagnosis by shifting focus from ovarian cysts to hormonal and metabolic impacts linked to insulin resistance and fertility challenges. Marine Safety: A new Bahrain study reports microplastics are widespread in oyster bed ecosystems, calling for standardised long-term monitoring and stronger national management to protect seafood safety. Regional Health Risk: With renewed US-Iran tensions and shipping disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, Bahrain and the wider Gulf face heightened instability that can affect food, fuel and healthcare supply chains.

Regional Security & Health Risk: Iran launched new drone and missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after fresh US strikes, with Tehran warning of a “complete halt” to negotiations and tensions focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz—an escalation that can quickly disrupt regional logistics, emergency response planning, and access to essential supplies. Women’s Health Update: Bahrain doctors say renaming PCOS to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) may support earlier, more accurate diagnosis by shifting attention from ovarian cysts to the broader hormonal and metabolic impacts. Environmental Health: A Bahrain study reports microplastics are widespread in marine ecosystems, especially around oyster beds, urging standardised long-term monitoring to protect seafood safety. Cancer Research (Global, Bahrain-relevant): AB Science completed a key step in a Phase 1 study combining AB8939 with venetoclax for refractory/relapsed AML, reporting strong response rates and no dose-limiting toxicities. Public Health & Safety: Rescue teams in Venezuela continued searching for survivors four days after major earthquakes, with the death toll reported at 1,450—highlighting the ongoing health toll of disasters and the need for sustained emergency care.

Gulf Health & Safety: Iran’s renewed drone and missile attacks hit Bahrain and Kuwait after US strikes, with Bahrain condemning the “flagrant threat” and reporting damage to a residential apartment in Muharraq; officials said no injuries were recorded, but the escalation threatens regional stability around the Strait of Hormuz. Public Health in Bahrain: Bahrain’s Imam Hussain (AS) Blood Donation Campaign collected 741 units for the Central Blood Bank, partnering with Al Hilal Healthcare Group in Manama to support life-saving reserves. Child Wellness Policy: Five MPs propose a national after-school scheme to reduce children’s heavy smartphone use, linking long device hours after school to early digital addiction, weaker social skills, poor sleep, and eye/neck strain. Healthcare Access & Infrastructure: A global data roundup highlights where safe drinking water remains out of reach, noting that more than 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water services. Legal/Identity Health Link: A Bahraini man won a court order to correct his passport/ID age after a birth certificate proved state records were off by one year.

Bahrain Health System Link: A first-of-its-kind study in Muharraq is calling for clearer plastic surgery referral pathways from primary care, after surveying 74 primary care physicians and finding gaps that can delay specialist treatment; it also recommends adding plastic surgery education into PCP training and ongoing medical education. Regional Health & Safety: Bahrain condemned an alleged Iranian drone attack on its territory, saying it threatened citizens’ safety and sovereignty, as the wider Iran–US standoff around the Strait of Hormuz continues to raise risks for the region. Disaster Response (Global): India’s IAF C-17s carried relief supplies, including an Indian Army Field Hospital contingent and BHISHM cubes, to earthquake-hit Venezuela via Abidjan, as the death toll and missing figures keep climbing and rescue operations intensify. Public Health (Food Safety): Mumbai police arrested a man accused of trying to distribute zinc phosphide capsules disguised as Ayurvedic supplements during Muharram, seizing nearly 14,900 toxic capsules after one participant reportedly fell ill. Animal Welfare: Local rescuers say the emotional and financial burden of caring for abandoned animals is heavy, with some spending over BD10,000 from their own pockets over two years.

Regional Security & Health Access: Bahrain condemned Iran’s drone assault on its territory, calling it a “flagrant threat” to citizens and residents, as the U.S. and Iran trade strikes and negotiations continue; separately, a ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting new concerns for maritime safety and potential knock-on effects for regional logistics and emergency response. Disaster Response: In Venezuela, the earthquake death toll climbed to 1,430 with tens of thousands missing as rescuers race through rubble into Day 3; aid delivery is harder as the main airport is damaged, and experts stress the critical 48–72 hour window for finding survivors. Public Health Surveillance: South Sudan says it has no confirmed Ebola cases after testing seven suspected samples, urging countries to lift travel restrictions while it strengthens screening and rapid response. Primary Care Training: A Bahrain study of plastic surgery referral pathways found PCPs rely on clinical judgement and recommends more standardised guidelines and integrating plastic surgery education into primary care training and continuing medical education. Animal Welfare Costs: Local rescuers describe the heavy financial and emotional toll of caring for abandoned animals, with many spending thousands of dinars out of pocket. Bahrain SDG Progress: Bahrain’s third voluntary national review reports progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals despite security challenges.

Plastic Surgery Access in Bahrain: A first-of-its-kind study of 74 primary care physicians in Muharraq finds referrals to plastic surgery often depend on clinical judgement, with calls for clearer, standardised referral guidelines and adding plastic/reconstructive surgery training into primary care curricula and continuing medical education. Animal Welfare Pressure: Bahrain community rescuers say stray rescue is both financially and emotionally draining, with some spending over BD10,000 from personal funds for vet care, TNR and ongoing treatment—highlighting the health toll on rescuers as well as animals. Regional Health Security & Diplomacy: Iran condemned a US-GCC joint statement after a ministerial meeting in Manama, warning against external interference and linking regional security tensions to risks for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Ebola Update (South Sudan): South Sudan reports no confirmed Ebola cases, saying seven suspected samples tested negative and urging countries to lift travel restrictions while surveillance continues.

Disaster Response: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) have killed at least 188–235 people, with more than 1,500 injured and hundreds trapped as rescue teams race through rubble in La Guaira and beyond. US Medical & Humanitarian Aid: The US says it will deploy warships, transport planes and helicopters, and mobilise $150m to support search-and-rescue and life-saving assistance. Regional Health Security: South Sudan reports it has no confirmed Ebola cases, with seven suspected samples testing negative, and urges countries to lift travel restrictions while it boosts surveillance and rapid response. Maritime Health & Safety: The UN paused ship evacuations through the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was hit off Oman, raising safety concerns and complicating regional logistics that affect medical supply chains. Local Bahrain SDGs: Bahrain’s third Voluntary National Review reports progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals despite missile and drone attacks impacting civilians and infrastructure. Education Access: 21K School launched a GCC-focused “Global North Cohort” offering Cambridge schooling for mobile Indian families, including Bahrain.

Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s twin quakes are worsening fast, with the health ministry saying at least 235 people died after thousands were injured and many still trapped under rubble in La Guaira and around Caracas. US Medical & Rescue Aid: The US has pledged $150m and is sending warships, transport planes and helicopters to support search-and-rescue and deliver life-saving medical help. Maritime Safety for Health & Supply Chains: The UN paused evacuations of ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was hit off Oman, raising fresh safety concerns for a key route that affects regional logistics and access to medicines. Gulf Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met GCC leaders in Bahrain, stressing Hormuz must stay free of tolls or attempts to control navigation, while GCC ministers said any engagement with Iran must address missiles, drones and proxy threats. Local Healthcare Access: Bahrain’s Salmaniya Medical Complex announced working and visiting hours during the Ashura holiday, keeping patient access and care continuity in focus.

Maritime Safety in the Gulf: Bahrain-linked regional attention is on the Strait of Hormuz after a British military report said a cargo ship on a UN-backed route was hit by a projectile near Oman, with damage reported but no injuries or environmental impact. Gulf Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Gulf leaders in Bahrain that Iran’s talk of fees or tolls for transit is “not workable,” while GCC foreign ministers said lasting peace depends on addressing Iran’s missiles, drones and proxy support. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Rescue teams in Venezuela are racing after back-to-back quakes (7.2 and 7.5) killed at least 188 and injured more than 1,500, with La Guaira hardest hit and international medical help arriving. Bahrain Environment & Health: Tests by Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Environment found Buhair Valley safe from harmful pollutants, but officials say the protected wetland remains closed pending further Health Ministry checks. Healthcare Education & Clinics: Bahrain continues healthcare capacity-building and community access efforts, including RCSI Medical University of Bahrain and Oman reaffirming cooperation, plus new Ashura medical clinic openings in Manama.