AGP Executive Report

Public Health Workforce: Tunisia’s Ministry of Health has opened a credentials-based recruitment competition for 52 public health pharmacists (50 ministry posts plus 2 secondment roles), with applications due by Oct. 23, 2026 and the competition opening Nov. 23. Animal Health & Prevention: Ariana’s Regional Agricultural Development Commission is running two free, mandatory rabies vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats in Ettadhamen on Sept. 9 and 10 (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.). Cardiology Access: Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Medenine performed its first pacemaker implantations on Sept. 6, treating four patients and expanding specialized care locally. Cancer Care Insight: Italy’s integrative oncology program in Tuscany is under debate after a survey found many oncology staff view complementary medicine as useful, with nearly half of oncologists recommending it. Nutrition & Wellness: A ConsumerLab.com review of extra virgin olive oil reports that higher price doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality. Weather Watch: Siliana, Kef, and Kasserine are under a yellow alert for thunderstorms, scattered rain, and stronger winds.

Public Health Hiring: Tunisia’s Health Ministry has opened a credentials-based recruitment drive for 52 public health pharmacists (50 ministry posts plus 2 secondment roles), with applications due by Oct. 23, 2026 and the competition opening Nov. 23. Animal Health: Ariana’s veterinary services will offer free, mandatory rabies shots for dogs and cats in Ettadhamen on Sept. 9 and 10 (9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.). Cardiology Access: Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Medenine carried out its first pacemaker implant procedures on Sept. 6, helping four patients and bringing specialized care closer to southeastern Tunisia. Food & Health Costs: Tunisia’s inflation rose to 5.4% in August (from 5.1%), driven mainly by food prices, including big jumps in poultry, meat, fruit and fresh fish. Heat & Livestock: Veterinary authorities warned of heat stress risks for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows from Sept. 7–13, urging farmers to boost water, shade and ventilation. Press Freedom: Journalists protested in Tunis after the arrest of Alqatiba editor-in-chief Mohamed Yousfi on money-laundering charges, with claims of no concrete evidence and reports of health deterioration in detention.

Public Health Hiring: Tunisia’s Health Ministry has opened a credentials-based recruitment drive for 52 public health pharmacists (50 ministry posts plus 2 secondment roles), with applications due Oct 23 and the competition set to open Nov 23. Cardiology Access: Medenine’s Habib Bourguiba University Hospital carried out its first pacemaker implantations, successfully treating four patients and bringing specialized care closer to southeastern Tunisia. Animal Health & Prevention: Ariana will offer free, mandatory rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats on Sept 9–10 (9am–12pm) in Ettadhamen, with veterinary tents at the Avenue de la République health center and Ettadhamen Park. Heat Risk for Livestock: Tunisia’s veterinary services warn of heat stress for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows from Sept 7–13, with temperatures expected up to 41°C and guidance on water, shade and ventilation. Cost of Living & Health Prices: Tunisia’s inflation rose to 5.4% in August, driven mainly by food (+7.8%), while healthcare inflation also climbed to 3.4%. Sports & Wellness Angle: Shooting Stars coach Salisu Yusuf said his team created plenty of chances in the 1-0 CAF Confederation Cup win over CS Sfaxien, but missed key scoring moments—an indirect reminder of how performance and recovery matter in high-stakes health-and-fitness demands.

Heat & Livestock Safety: Tunisia’s veterinary services warn of heat stress risks for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows from Sept 7–13 as temperatures may reach 41°C, urging farmers to boost clean water, ventilation, cooling and shade. Local Health Care Access: Medenine’s Habib Bourguiba University Hospital carried out its first pacemaker implantations on Sept 6, treating four patients and bringing specialized cardiology closer to southeastern Tunisia. Weather Precautions: Siliana, Kef and Kasserine were placed under a yellow weather alert for possible thunderstorms, scattered rain and stronger winds, with guidance to take extra care during sensitive activities. Inflation & Food Costs: Tunisia’s annual inflation climbed to 5.4% in August (from 5.1%), driven mainly by faster food price rises, including poultry, meat and fruit. Human Rights & Health Under Pressure: A Tunisian activist from the Global Sumud Flotilla, Wael Nawar, is reported in critical condition after a 21-day hunger strike, with lawyers citing severe deterioration amid extreme heat. Judicial/Political Climate: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld long prison sentences in a state security conspiracy case, deepening concerns about judicial independence and freedoms. Regional Health Policy Watch: Morocco says mental health needs are growing, with a large treatment gap, and has launched a Mental Health Plan 2030 to expand beds, facilities and workforce. Animal Health Controls: The Philippines announced a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and products from multiple countries including Tunisia, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks.

Heat & Livestock Safety: Tunisia’s veterinary services warn of heat stress for poultry, rabbits and dairy cows from Sept 7–13, with temperatures forecast at 30–41°C and higher humidity—urging farmers to boost clean water, ventilation, cooling and shade. Cardiology Access: Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Medenine carried out its first pacemaker implantations on Sept 6, successfully treating four patients and training local cardiology doctors. Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s annual inflation climbed to 5.4% in August (from 5.1% in July), driven mainly by food—poultry (+16.5%), sheep meat (+14.7%) and fruit (+14.4%)—with healthcare inflation also rising. Prison Health Under Extreme Heat: A Tunisian activist in preventive detention, Wael Nawar, is reported in critical condition after a 21-day hunger strike, with lawyers citing severe pain, exhaustion and worsening health amid heat. Health Tourism Potential: A Tunisia study by IACE highlights big growth prospects by 2030, including health and wellness tourism, projecting nearly 2.7 billion dinars and 21,500 jobs from five underused tourism niches.

Health & Environment: Tunisian researchers turned desert sand into mesoporous silica nanoparticles that can destroy a textile dye in just 30 minutes under simulated sunlight, using a microwave-assisted method that avoids hazardous purification steps. Public Health & Safety: Tunisia’s inflation hit 5.4% in August 2026, with food prices rising faster and the “Health” category also increasing—raising pressure on household health costs. Prison Health Crisis: The Global Sumud Flotilla says Tunisian activist Wael Nawar is in critical condition after a 21-day hunger strike, with severe symptoms worsened by extreme heat; separate reporting also cites heat-related deaths in detention. Food & Animal Health: The Philippines temporarily banned imports of foot-and-mouth disease–susceptible animals and products from at least 23 countries including Tunisia, after lab-confirmed outbreaks. Health Tourism Push: A Tunisia study by IACE says expanding health and wellness tourism could generate over 1.3 billion dinars by 2030 and create more than 21,500 jobs across new tourism niches. Human Rights & Health Access: Tunisia’s unions and rights groups warn of deteriorating rights, including prison conditions and media freedom, as the country faces power and water shortages and medicine scarcity.

Prison Health Crisis: Tunisia’s League for Human Rights says at least 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme heat, with overcrowding and poor ventilation blamed as temperatures soar. Inflation & Health Costs: Tunisia’s inflation hit 5.4% in August 2026, driven by faster food price growth (notably poultry, mutton, fruit, beef and fresh fish) and a rise in health-category prices. Human Rights Under Pressure: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld heavy sentences in a state security “conspiracy” case, deepening concerns over judicial independence and political freedoms. Hunger Strike Deterioration: Global Sumud Flotilla reports Tunisian activist Wael Nawar is in critical condition after 21 days on hunger strike, citing severe exhaustion and worsening health in prison heat. Food Safety & Livestock Risk: The Philippines banned imports of foot-and-mouth disease–susceptible animals and products from 23 countries including Tunisia, after lab-confirmed outbreaks. Health Tourism Push: A Tunisia study says health and wellness tourism could exceed 1.3 billion dinars by 2030, alongside other niche growth areas.

Heat & Health in Detention: Tunisia’s League for Human Rights says at least 20 prisoners have died in recent weeks amid extreme heat, with overcrowding and poor ventilation blamed; authorities have not confirmed heat-related deaths. Human Rights & Civil Society: Tunisia’s unions and rights groups issued a joint statement warning of a deep political, economic and social crisis, citing restrictions on freedoms, pressure on media, and detention conditions. Judicial Pressure: Tunisia’s top court upheld convictions in a state security “conspiracy” case, with sentences up to 45 years, renewing concerns about judicial independence. Inflation & Health Costs: Tunisia’s inflation rose to 5.4% in August, driven by faster food price growth and a jump in the “Health” category. Food Safety & Livestock: The Philippines banned imports of foot-and-mouth disease–susceptible animals and products from multiple countries including Tunisia, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Wellness Tourism Push: A Tunisian study by IACE highlights health and wellness tourism as a major growth niche, projecting up to 1.3 billion dinars by 2030. Prisoner Hunger Strike: Global Sumud Flotilla activist Wael Nawar is reported in critical condition after 21 days of hunger strike, with lawyers citing severe pain and exhaustion.

Inflation Watch: Tunisia’s National Institute of Statistics reports inflation at 5.4% in August 2026, up from 5.1% in July, with food prices rising faster (Food +7.8% vs 6.8% in July) and health costs also climbing (+3.4%). Heat & Health Risks: The Tunisian League for Human Rights says 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme heat, citing suffocation and poor ventilation, while authorities have not confirmed heat-related deaths. Food Safety & Livestock: The Philippines has banned imports of foot-and-mouth disease–susceptible animals and related products from at least 23 countries including Tunisia, after lab-confirmed outbreaks—an indirect reminder of how animal health affects food systems. Wellness Tourism Push: A Tunisian tourism study by IACE highlights big growth potential in health and wellness tourism, projecting it could top 1.3 billion dinars by 2030, alongside other niche segments. Civil Society Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch warns Tunisia’s NGO crackdown is intensifying, with prosecutions, detentions, and suspensions that could further limit access to health and social support.

Heat & Health Crisis: Tunisia’s League for Human Rights says 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme heat, with doctors and relatives citing suffocation and poor ventilation as power cuts and water shortages worsen conditions. Human Rights & Justice: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation upheld convictions of dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and human rights defenders in a state security “conspiracy” case, drawing renewed concerns about judicial independence and political freedoms. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch reports Tunisia is intensifying measures against NGOs, including prosecutions, arbitrary detention and mass suspensions, as authorities move to shut down civil society. Food & Animal Health: The Philippines ordered precautionary bans on importing FMD-susceptible animals and related products from at least 23 countries, including Tunisia, after lab-confirmed outbreaks. Wellness Tourism Push: A Tunisia study by IACE highlights health and wellness tourism as a growth niche, projecting up to 1.3 billion dinars by 2030 and new jobs. Public Health Research: A systematic review and meta-analysis updates global prevalence patterns of chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a common long-term cancer treatment side effect.

Human Rights & Justice: Tunisia’s Court of Cassation has upheld prison sentences of up to 45 years for dozens of opposition figures, lawyers and human rights defenders in a state security “conspiracy” case, drawing renewed international concern over judicial independence and political freedoms. Prison Health: A Tunisian human rights group says 20 prisoners have died in detention amid extreme heat, citing suffocation, poor ventilation and overcrowding, while authorities have not confirmed heat-related deaths. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch reports Tunisia is intensifying pressure on NGOs through prosecutions, arbitrary detention, financial investigations and mass suspensions as power and water shortages fuel public anger. Water Safety: Tunisia’s food safety authority says drinking water distributed via public networks (SONEDE) meets health standards after bacteriological and physicochemical testing and chlorine checks. Health & Wellness Tourism: A study by IACE highlights big growth potential for Tunisia’s health and wellness tourism—alongside other niche segments—projecting up to 2.7 billion dinars by 2030 and 21,500+ jobs. Food & Public Health: The National Authority for Food Safety confirms the potability of public-network drinking water, with ongoing monitoring and corrective measures when needed. Health Research: A new systematic review and meta-analysis updates global estimates on chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, a common long-term cancer treatment side effect. Animal Health: The Philippines bans imports of animals susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease from multiple countries including Tunisia, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks.

Heatwave & Health Crisis: Tunisia’s extreme heat is hitting hardest in detention and hospitals, with the Tunisian League for Human Rights reporting 20 prisoner deaths in recent weeks and doctors warning of “unprecedented” pressure and rising heat-related admissions. Water & Power Safety: Rotating power cuts are disrupting water supplies and worsening health risks, as hospitals and households struggle without reliable electricity, while SONEDE/SONEDE-linked pumping failures leave some areas without drinking water. Wildfire Response: Authorities evacuated 100+ families in Kairouan and Siliana as fast-moving wildfires threatened homes, with military aircraft and civil defense support and medical care for panic attacks. Public Health Monitoring: Tunisia’s National Authority for Food Safety says drinking water distributed via public networks is safe and compliant, citing ongoing bacteriological and physicochemical testing plus residual chlorine checks. Sexual Violence on Flights: A 39-year-old Tunisian man was charged after a woman alleged she was groped while unconscious on a Ryanair flight from Malta to Nantes. Food & Disease Controls: The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and products from at least 23 countries including Tunisia. Access to Care & Tech: A new UNITECH lab in Haiti focuses on cybersecurity and AI with Tunisian collaboration—relevant to protecting health and data systems. Digital Delivery Shift: Uber’s $16.9bn deal to take over Delivery Hero’s African operations includes Glovo services across countries such as Tunisia, with regulatory approvals pending.

Tunisia Heat Crisis: Human rights groups warn Tunisia’s extreme heat is worsening health and detention conditions, with CPJ reporting at least 10 prisoner deaths in recent weeks and Amnesty urging Tunisia’s Court of Cassation to overturn convictions in an unjust “conspiracy” case as detainees face deteriorating health. Power & Water Fallout: STEG’s trust has reportedly broken as rotating outages force businesses to rely on generators, while reports say power cuts are disrupting water supplies and hospital care during near-50°C temperatures. Civil Society Under Pressure: HRW says Tunisia is escalating a crackdown on NGOs through prosecutions, detention, financial investigations, and suspensions, as anger grows over living standards and freedoms. Wildfire Response: Authorities evacuated 100+ families in Kairouan and Siliana after fast-moving wildfires, with military aircraft and civil defense deployed; no casualties reported. Water Safety Check: Tunisia’s food safety authority confirms drinking water distributed via public networks is safe and potable after bacteriological and physicochemical testing. Mediterranean Diet Inspiration: A Tunisian-linked lifestyle story highlights Mediterranean eating habits, spotlighting practical daily meals.

Heatwave Health Crisis: Tunisia is facing severe heatwave strain, with temperatures near 50°C driving rotating power cuts that disrupt water supplies and push hospitals into “unprecedented” pressure, while doctors report rising heat-related admissions and deaths. Wildfire Response: Authorities evacuated 100+ families in Kairouan and Siliana as wildfires spread fast in strong winds; medical teams treated panic attacks and emergency aircraft and reinforcements were deployed. Prison Health Under Extreme Heat: CPJ and Amnesty International are urging Tunisia to release imprisoned journalists and opposition figures, warning that overcrowded, poorly ventilated cells and heatwaves are worsening health risks. Civil Society Crackdown: Human Rights Watch says Tunisia’s government is intensifying repression of NGOs through prosecutions, detention, financial investigations, and suspensions—raising concerns for health and safety of detainees and workers. Water Safety Check: Tunisia’s food safety authority confirmed drinking water distributed via public networks is safe and potable, citing bacteriological and physicochemical testing plus residual chlorine checks. Health Insurance Uptick: Tunisia’s health insurance market grew 16.9% in the first half of 2026, with turnover rising to 400 million dinars.

Heat & Health Crisis: Tunisia is sweltering again, with Kairouan hitting 49.8°C and hospitals reporting mounting pressure as rotating power cuts disrupt water supplies and worsen heat-related illness. Water Safety: Tunisia’s National Authority for Food Safety says drinking water delivered through public networks is potable and meets health standards, with ongoing bacteriological and chlorine monitoring. Wildfires & Evacuations: More than 100 families were evacuated in Kairouan and Siliana as wildfires spread in strong winds; military aircraft and civil protection teams were deployed, and no deaths were reported. Prison Health in Extreme Weather: CPJ and Amnesty warn that journalists and other detainees face life-threatening conditions during heatwaves, citing overcrowding, poor ventilation, and limited medical access. Insurance & Health Coverage: Tunisia’s insurance sector grew in H1 2026, with health insurance turnover up 16.9%, while motor insurance remains the biggest non-life segment. Civil Society Under Pressure: Human Rights Watch reports Tunisia’s crackdown on NGOs is intensifying, including prosecutions and detention tied to civil society activity.

Water Safety Check: Tunisia’s National Authority for Food Safety says drinking water delivered via public networks (run by SONEDE) is safe to drink, citing bacteriological and physicochemical tests plus residual chlorine checks, with regular monitoring to continue. Heat & Health Crisis: A new extreme heatwave is pushing Tunisia toward breaking point, with near-50°C temperatures linked to rotating electricity cuts and water disruptions that also hit hospitals and bottled-water production. Wildfire Response: Authorities evacuated 100+ families in Kairouan and Siliana as wildfires spread toward homes; medical care was provided for people suffering panic attacks, and aircraft plus civil defense teams were deployed. Cost-of-Living Pressure: A report revisits how prices in Tunisia have surged since the Arab Spring, with the dinar losing about half its value and everyday essentials becoming far more expensive. Insurance & Care Access: Tunisia’s insurance sector grew in H1 2026, with health insurance turnover up 16.9%, while motor insurance remains the biggest non-life segment.