AGP Executive Report

West Nile virus alert: WHO and ECDC say mosquito-borne West Nile is spreading across Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia; WHO notes there’s no licensed human vaccine and urges people to prevent bites and seek care fast for warning signs like high fever, rash, or neck stiffness. Water safety crisis: Gostivar’s tap water is now safe for hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after a coliform contamination scare; bottled water continues while investigations focus on how the system was affected. Arsenic ban: Valandovo introduced a ban on drinking tap water after arsenic levels were found above WHO-recommended limits, with water considered safe for industrial use and bathing. Heat and storms impact health: A severe heatwave and storms hit the region, with reports of hospital admissions in Skopje after storm damage and broader weather risks across the Balkans. Fertility care milestone: A Skopje hospital reported a successful IVF birth for a 61-year-old woman using donated eggs after complex uterine reconstruction.

West Nile virus alert: WHO says West Nile is spreading faster across Europe as warmer weather boosts mosquitoes, with locally acquired cases reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia; WHO notes there’s no licensed human vaccine and urges people to prevent bites and seek care for warning signs like high fever, rash or neck stiffness. Local water safety crisis: Gostivar’s tap water is safe for hygiene but not for drinking or cooking after a contamination scare linked to stomach illness; hyperchlorination reduced coliform levels, while bottled water continues and officials investigate how the modernization project may have contributed. Arsenic in Valandovo: A separate ban on drinking tap water was introduced in Valandovo due to arsenic levels above WHO guidance, with water still considered safe for industrial use and bathing. Fertility milestone in Skopje: A Skopje hospital reported a successful IVF birth to a 61-year-old woman using donated eggs after uterine reconstruction; both mother and newborn are said to be in good health. Air pollution health impact: Eurostat data ranks Albania fourth in Europe for premature deaths tied to PM2.5, underscoring the wider Western Balkans burden that includes North Macedonia. Health diplomacy: India’s President Droupadi Murmu visited North Macedonia for the first time by an Indian head of state, with talks including trade, tourism and cooperation that also touched on healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Fertility Care Breakthrough: A Skopje hospital reported the birth of a baby to a 61-year-old woman and her 71-year-old husband after a complex IVF process, including uterine reconstruction and donated eggs; the mother and newborn are said to be in good health. Water Safety Crisis: In Gostivar, tap water is now considered safe for personal hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after an outbreak linked to coliform contamination; authorities say hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while bottled water continues and officials investigate delays in completing key pipeline work. Arsenic Alert in Valandovo: A drinking-water ban was introduced in Valandovo after arsenic levels exceeded WHO guidance; water is allowed for industrial use and bathing until new test results. Mosquito-Borne Risk: WHO and European health bodies warn that West Nile virus is spreading across Europe, with locally acquired cases including North Macedonia; officials urge people to prevent mosquito bites, especially during peak mosquito activity. Heat & Health Pressure: Southern Europe’s heat and extreme weather are driving health impacts and disruptions, with North Macedonia reporting hospital admissions after a storm damaged infrastructure and caused injuries. Fitness Expansion: FitActive, a 24-hour low-cost gym operator, says it has opened its 181st club in Skopje, as it targets up to 250–280 clubs across Europe.

Fertility Care Breakthrough: A Skopje hospital reported the first-time birth of a baby to a 61-year-old woman and her 71-year-old husband after a complex IVF process, including uterine reconstruction and donated eggs; the mother and newborn boy are said to be in good health. Water Safety Crisis: In Gostivar, tap water is now considered safe for personal hygiene but still not for drinking or cooking after an outbreak linked to contaminated supply; hyperchlorination reduced contaminants, while bottled water continues and officials have not set a clear return date. Public Health Alert: WHO is warning of a fast-growing West Nile virus spread across Europe as heat boosts mosquito activity; locally acquired cases include North Macedonia (5), and health authorities stress repellent use and mosquito bite prevention since there’s no human vaccine. Regional Health Risk: Valandovo introduced a ban on drinking tap water due to arsenic levels above WHO guidance, with water deemed safe for industrial use and bathing but risky for long-term consumption. Heat & Storm Impacts: A severe summer mix of heat and storms has sent people to hospital in Skopje after trees fell and power outages hit, underscoring ongoing weather-related health risks.

West Nile Virus Alert: WHO is urging Europe to step up mosquito surveillance as West Nile cases rise in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia, with no licensed human vaccine and treatment focused on symptom care; officials say most infections are mild but severe neuroinvasive illness can occur, so people should avoid bites and seek care for high fever, rash or neck stiffness. Water Safety Crisis in North Macedonia: Gostivar has declared a 30-day state of crisis after contaminated tap water was linked to over 3,200 stomach-illness cases, with prosecutors investigating possible illegal pumps and authorities supplying drinking water daily. Local Drinking Water Ban: Valandovo introduced a ban on tap water for drinking after arsenic levels were found about 40% above WHO guidance, while water remains for industrial use and bathing. Heat, Storms and Health Impacts: A southern heatwave and extreme weather are affecting the region, including hospital admissions in Skopje after a storm, and wider Europe wildfire risk that can strain health services. Diplomacy with Health Links: President Droupadi Murmu’s first-ever visit to North Macedonia included talks on expanding cooperation in trade, tourism and health/pharma ties.

Water Safety Crisis: North Macedonia declared a 30-day state of crisis in Gostivar after contaminated tap water was linked to more than 3,200 stomach-illness cases; about 1,200 people sought medical help, drinking water supply was increased to 50,000 litres daily, and prosecutors are investigating how contaminated water entered the system. Arsenic Warning: In Valandovo, a ban on drinking tap water was introduced after arsenic levels were found above WHO-recommended limits; officials say the water is okay for industrial use and bathing, but long-term drinking could cause chronic harm. Mosquito-Borne Risk: The WHO is urging extra vigilance as West Nile virus spreads across Europe; Greece reported 21 cases since the start of the year, and Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia have recorded locally acquired infections. Local Outbreak Signal: In Greece’s Athens region, 14 new West Nile cases were reported within a week, with severe neurological illness rising and more areas flagged as higher risk. Heat & Storm Health Impacts: A severe summer mix of heat and storms is affecting the Balkans; in Skopje, 11 people were admitted to hospital after a storm felled trees, damaged roofs, and caused power and water outages. Diplomacy With Health Links: President Droupadi Murmu’s first-ever state visit to North Macedonia focused on expanding cooperation, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals ties alongside trade and tourism.

Diplomatic Health & Pharma Links: President Droupadi Murmu returned to New Delhi after a landmark three-nation Eastern Europe tour, including her first-ever visit as an Indian head of state to North Macedonia (and Moldova), with talks highlighting cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and healthcare/pharmaceuticals. Mosquito-Borne Risk: The WHO is urging extra vigilance as West Nile virus cases rise across Europe; locally acquired cases have been reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia, with guidance focused on preventing bites and watching for severe symptoms. Local Water Safety Alert: North Macedonia imposed a ban on drinking tap water in Valandovo after arsenic levels were found above recommended limits, while the broader Gostivar situation continues to be investigated after a contamination-linked stomach illness outbreak. Heat & Storm Impacts: Extreme summer conditions are affecting the region, with reports of heat-related strain and storm damage in Skopje and wider Western Balkans disruptions that can quickly turn into health risks.

West Nile Virus Alert: WHO says West Nile fever is spreading across Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia; there’s no human vaccine, so officials urge mosquito bite prevention and fast medical care for symptoms like high fever, rash or neck stiffness. Local Health Risk: Greece’s public health agency reports West Nile cases rising in the Athens area, with severe neurological illness increasing and experts warning the real number of infections is likely higher. Water Safety in North Macedonia: A drinking tap water ban was introduced in Valandovo after arsenic levels were found above WHO guidance; authorities say water is OK for industrial use and bathing, but not for drinking until new tests. Gostivar Outbreak Response: North Macedonia declared a 30-day crisis in Gostivar after contaminated tap water was linked to thousands of stomach illness cases, with prosecutors investigating how contaminated water entered the supply. Diplomacy with Health Links: India’s President Droupadi Murmu completed her three-nation visit, including Skopje, with cooperation discussed across trade, tech, tourism and health.

West Nile virus alert: WHO says West Nile fever is spreading faster across Europe, with locally transmitted cases reported in Greece, Italy, Spain, Romania and North Macedonia; Greece alone logged 21 cases as of July 22, and WHO urges mosquito-bite prevention (repellent, screens, nets, and removing stagnant water) plus urgent medical care for high fever, rash, or neck stiffness. Water safety in Valandovo: North Macedonia introduced a ban on drinking tap water in Valandovo after arsenic levels were found about 40% above WHO guidance; the water is still considered safe for industrial use and bathing while authorities investigate the source. Heat and storms strain health services: A southern heatwave and extreme weather hit the region; in Skopje, 11 people were hospitalized after a storm damaged homes and infrastructure, highlighting ongoing summer health risks. Local outbreak response: In Gostivar, a stomach-illness outbreak led to an epidemic declaration and medical visits for diarrhoea, fever and abdominal pain, with authorities supplying bottled water while investigations continue. Diplomacy with health links: President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to North Macedonia focused on cooperation in areas including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, alongside trade and tourism.

West Nile Virus Watch: WHO is urging extra vigilance as West Nile fever spreads in southern Europe, with Greece reporting 21 cases since the start of the year (14 new last week) and Italy reporting 21 cases across 17 regions; Spain, Romania and North Macedonia each recorded two cases, and WHO notes there’s no human vaccine and care is mainly supportive. Heat & Health Risks: Europe’s heatwave-and-wildfire season is intensifying health pressures, with Spain and France warning of very high wildfire danger and France reporting 5,764 excess deaths during its June heatwave. Water Safety Crisis in Gostivar/Valandovo: North Macedonia has declared a 30-day crisis in Gostivar after contaminated tap water was linked to over 3,200 stomach-illness cases (about 1,200 seeking medical help), while Valandovo introduced a ban on drinking tap water due to arsenic levels above WHO guidance. Local Care & Resilience: A separate report highlights how weak digital infrastructure can disrupt healthcare services during outages, underscoring the need for resilience in essential systems.

Water Safety Crisis: North Macedonia has declared a 30-day state of crisis in Gostivar after contaminated tap water was linked to more than 3,200 illness cases and about 1,200 people sought medical help for stomach problems; prosecutors are investigating whether illegal pumps let contaminated water into the supply, and the municipal water company head and two managers face possible detention. Arsenic Warning: A separate ban on drinking tap water was introduced in Valandovo after arsenic levels came in about 40% above WHO guidance; officials say the water may be used for industrial purposes and bathing, but long-term drinking could cause chronic health effects. Heat & Storm Impacts: A wider southern heatwave and storms have hit the region, with Skopje reporting 11 hospital admissions after a Tuesday storm felled trees, damaged roofs, and caused power outages and water disruptions. Public Health Threat: West Nile virus transmission is underway across Europe, with locally acquired cases reported in Greece and also noted for North Macedonia in ECDC surveillance updates. Health Sector Training: Aspetar’s Surgery Observer Programme drew 69 international observers over the past year, including participants from North Macedonia, reflecting growing demand for orthopaedic and sports medicine training. Diplomacy With a Health Angle: During President Droupadi Murmu’s first-ever Indian head-of-state visit to North Macedonia, both sides highlighted cooperation priorities including healthcare and pharmaceuticals alongside trade and technology.

Drinking Water Safety: Valandovo introduced a ban on tap water for drinking after arsenic levels came in about 40% above WHO guidance; the water is still considered OK for industrial use and bathing, but long-term consumption could cause chronic harm while authorities trace the source. Water Contamination Crisis: Gostivar declared a 30-day state of crisis after contaminated tap water was linked to over 3,200 stomach-illness cases; prosecutors opened an investigation into alleged illegal pumping and contamination, with municipal water managers arrested. Heat & Storm Health Risks: A wider heatwave and storms are affecting the region, with Skopje reporting hospital admissions after a storm knocked down trees and damaged infrastructure; officials also warn of more severe weather. Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus transmission is underway across Europe, with Greece reporting 21 locally acquired cases so far this season, including severe nervous-system illness in most patients. Healthcare Training Spotlight: Aspetar’s Surgery Observer Programme drew 69 international observers worldwide, highlighting growing global demand for orthopaedic and sports medicine training. Diplomacy With a Health Angle: President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to North Macedonia emphasized cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals alongside trade and technology.

Water Safety Crisis: North Macedonia declared a 30-day state of crisis in Gostivar after contaminated tap water was linked to a stomach illness outbreak, with over 3,200 cases reported and daily supplies of drinking water being delivered while prosecutors investigate possible illegal pumps and coliform bacteria contamination. Legal Accountability: The prosecution opened an investigation into the acting director and other managers of the local water utility Komunalec, after samples showed heavily contaminated water entering the distribution system. Health Diplomacy: India’s President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to North Macedonia highlighted cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, alongside plans to expand trade and investment, including joint manufacturing and new partnerships. Digital Resilience for Care: A new study warns weak internet infrastructure can disrupt essential services like hospitals, banking, and government operations during major outages, raising concerns for healthcare continuity. Climate & Health Risks: Reports on extreme heat and shifting weather hazards across the region note growing risks for health and emergency response, with wildfires and hailstorms affecting parts of the Western Balkans including North Macedonia.

Water Safety Crisis in Gostivar: North Macedonia declared a 30-day state of crisis after contaminated tap water was linked to more than 3,200 illness cases and about 1,200 people seeking medical help for stomach problems; prosecutors say lab tests found faecal contamination (coliform bacteria nearly 50 times above the allowed limit) and opened an investigation into officials at the municipal water company over alleged illegal pump installations. Public Health Response: Authorities are supplying 50,000 litres of drinking water daily while the investigation targets the acting director and other managers, with possible detention. Climate-Linked Health Risks: Reuters reports Western Balkans conditions are shifting from heatwaves to hailstorms, with injuries reported in North Macedonia and eastern Kosovo, as extreme weather intensifies across Europe. Health System Stress from Heat: France recorded 5,764 excess deaths during its June heatwave, highlighting how extreme temperatures can quickly strain health services. Regional Crime With Cross-Border Links: Serbia indicted six people over drug trafficking allegedly involving North Macedonia, including suspected transport of nearly five tonnes of marijuana. Bilateral Health/Pharma Cooperation: During President Droupadi Murmu’s visit, India and North Macedonia discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals alongside trade and technology.

Water Safety Crisis: Gostivar’s stomach-illness outbreak is now tied to drinking-water contamination, with lab tests finding faecal bacteria (coliform) about 50 times above allowed limits; prosecutors opened an investigation into officials at the local water utility after pumps were allegedly connected to a surface water channel near the drinking-water system, and more than 3,100 people sought medical help since the epidemic declaration. Digital Health Risk: A new study warns weak internet infrastructure could disrupt banking and healthcare during major outages, potentially blocking access to patient records and essential services. Bilateral Health & Pharma Push: During President Droupadi Murmu’s first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to North Macedonia, both sides discussed expanding cooperation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals alongside IT and AI, with a goal to double bilateral trade. Policy & Partnerships: Murmu urged deeper pharma, agriculture and renewable-energy partnerships, including joint manufacturing for medicines and medical devices. Environmental Health Concern: Environmental groups renewed opposition to the Ilovica–Shtuka mines, saying the project could harm soil, air, water and public health. Public Health Context: Separate reporting highlights how mosquito-borne viruses are spreading across Europe, raising travel-related health risks.

Water Safety Crisis: Lab tests linked Gostivar’s mass stomach illness to faecal contamination in the town’s drinking water, with coliform bacteria found nearly 50 times above allowed limits; prosecutors say officials allegedly installed pumps in a wastewater canal next to the drinking-water chamber, letting harmful substances enter the pipeline for over 20 days, and more than 3,100 people have sought treatment as an epidemic was declared. Diplomatic Health & Pharma Ties: During President Droupadi Murmu’s first-ever Indian presidential visit to North Macedonia, both sides agreed to double bilateral trade and expand cooperation in sectors including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, alongside IT and digital innovation, with a push for long-term investment and joint ventures. Global Policy Push: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova hailed India as a major global player and called for urgent UN Security Council reform during Murmu’s visit, framing it as a “new chapter” for bilateral relations. Environmental Health Concern: Environmental groups have renewed opposition to the Ilovica–Shtuka mines, warning the project could pollute soil, air and water and harm public health, urging the government to cancel mining concessions.