AGP Executive Report

Aging & Care Costs: New research highlights how private elder care in Costa Rica can run from ₡500,000 to ₡1.6 million per month, with many families facing a steep monthly gap as the pension system strains and the share of people 65+ keeps rising. Disaster Medicine & Rescue: In Venezuela, an international rescue team freed Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, a security guard trapped under about 140 tonnes of rubble for eight days after twin earthquakes; he was stabilized and taken for medical care in Caracas as the death toll nears 2,600 and thousands remain missing. Regional Health Leadership: WHO, PAHO and Ibero-American road safety leaders met in Madrid to push safer mobility policies across the region, including speed, alcohol, helmets, seat belts, distracted driving and emergency care. Nutrition & Lung Health: A new study links higher vitamin A and D levels with better lung function in people with asthma, including signs of slower age-related lung decline. Medical Tourism Watch: A 2026 roundup ranks Costa Rica among the world’s top medical tourism destinations, placing it near the top tier alongside countries like Mexico, Malaysia and Singapore.

Disaster Response (Venezuela): Rescuers pulled 44-year-old security guard Hernán Alberto Gil Flores alive from the rubble of the Galerías Playa Grande mall in La Guaira after nearly 8 days trapped, in a rescue involving teams from Venezuela, Chile, the U.S., Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador; he was stabilized with hydration and oxygen during the operation and later taken to a Caracas clinic for observation. Local Health Link (Costa Rica): Costa Rican Red Cross paramedics helped detect signs of life and supported the medical side of the rescue, underscoring the region’s cross-border emergency capacity. Public Health Research (Asthma): A new U.S. study in Thorax reports higher vitamin A levels are linked to better lung function in children and adults with asthma, and vitamin D shows similar benefits in adults—adding to the debate on how these nutrients may affect lung health. Humanitarian Pressure (Venezuela): Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodríguez defended the earthquake response amid criticism, saying emergency protocols were activated quickly and staffing ramped up as search-and-rescue shifted toward displaced people’s needs.

Venezuela Earthquake Aftermath: A “miracle” rescue played out in La Guaira as international teams freed security guard Hernán Alberto Gil Flores after eight days trapped under rubble, with rescuers from Venezuela, Chile, the U.S., Portugal, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico tunneling through debris and providing water and oxygen; the official death toll is reported near 2,295 with thousands injured and many missing, while attention is shifting toward urgent displaced-person needs. Asthma & Nutrition: New U.S. research in Thorax links higher vitamin A levels (children and adults) and vitamin D levels (adults) to better lung function in people with asthma, suggesting vitamins may also relate to slower lung aging. Costa Rica Health & Wellness Spotlight: A report on Nicoya’s Blue Zone longevity highlights that community and shared meals are central to long life, while also noting many elders face poverty and rely on grassroots support. Food Safety Watch: A roundup notes Costa Rica is among markets affected by a MorningStar Farms recall tied to possible plastic pieces, underscoring ongoing food safety vigilance.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Rescue teams from seven countries, including Costa Rica, are racing to pull a 43-year-old Venezuelan man from rubble after twin quakes; rescuers say they’re close but must avoid further collapses as shelter and food shortages worsen. Human Rights in Costa Rica: A new opinion piece challenges Costa Rica’s claim of being “up to date” on rights, arguing that real progress requires tackling discrimination and barriers affecting sexual and gender diversity in daily life, including healthcare and workplaces. Blue Zone Longevity (Nicoya): A profile from the Nicoya Peninsula highlights what may drive centenarian longevity—community, family meals, purpose, and environment—while noting many elders still face poverty beyond the wellness spotlight. Flu Season Forecasting: A study links flu spread to air conditions that are either very dry or very humid, suggesting climate change could shift where and when outbreaks hit across the Americas, including Costa Rica. Asthma & Vitamins: Research in Thorax reports higher vitamin A levels are tied to better lung function in children and adults with asthma, with vitamin D showing benefits in adults. Age-Friendly Health Systems: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health participated in the WHO age-friendly cities push, reinforcing efforts to build healthier, more inclusive aging into public health planning.

Flu Forecasting & Climate: A new study says flu spreads best when air is either very dry or very humid, and climate change could shift flu seasons across the Americas—easing winter outbreaks in colder regions while boosting risk in the tropics, including places like Costa Rica. Asthma Nutrition Update: Research in Thorax links higher vitamin A levels to better lung function in children and adults with asthma, and vitamin D to similar benefits in adults, with possible links to slower biological ageing. Healthy Aging in Costa Rica: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health took part in the WHO Age-Friendly Cities and Communities push, highlighting national work to support healthier, more inclusive ageing. Food Safety in Costa Rica: Costa Rican police seized 1,600 kg of chicken smuggled from Panama after finding missing legal and sanitary documentation; the case follows a prior Salmonella-linked outbreak investigation in Mora. Bird Flu Watch (Region): Belize is on heightened alert for highly pathogenic avian influenza, citing monitoring of outbreaks in neighboring Honduras and Costa Rica and urging stronger biosecurity.

Asthma & Vitamins: A new study in Thorax links higher vitamin A levels to better lung function in children and adults with asthma, and vitamin D to similar benefits in adults, including slower biological ageing. Food Safety in Costa Rica: Costa Rican police seized 1,600 kg of chicken smuggled from Panama after finding missing documentation and sanitary violations; the case follows a recent Salmonella outbreak investigation in Mora. Bird Flu Watch: Belize’s poultry sector is on heightened alert for highly pathogenic avian influenza, citing nearby outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica and urging strict biosecurity and reporting of sick or dead birds. Venezuela Earthquake Response (Regional Health Impact): Costa Rican Red Cross teams reported a survivor found alive under rubble in La Guaira as the death toll climbs, highlighting ongoing needs for rescue, emergency health care, and safe water. Costa Rica’s Reforestation Legacy: Coverage revisits how Costa Rica reversed decades of deforestation through forest protection, incentives, and large-scale tree planting—now a global restoration model. Cyber Fraud (Seniors): Costa Rica’s cybercrime unit warns scammers target older adults using urgent calls, fake municipal claims, and digital access tricks to steal savings.

Food Safety in Costa Rica: Costa Rican Fuerza Pública seized 1,600 kilos of chicken smuggled from Panama after finding missing legal origin and tax documentation, plus sanitary violations tied to a prior Salmonella outbreak linked to a local chicken shop. Public Health & Animal Health: Belize’s BAHA raised Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) surveillance, citing nearby outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica and urging biosecurity and reporting of sick or dead birds. Disaster Response (Costa Rica–Venezuela): Costa Rica sent a second 48-person search-and-rescue team to earthquake-hit Venezuela as the death toll climbed past 1,400, with teams working on complex extractions and medical support. Health Policy & Care: A Stanford-led randomized trial found two effective therapies for ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder), offering a clearer evidence base for parents and therapists. Wellness & Longevity: A Blue Zones expert says longevity is driven by everyday habits—mostly unprocessed plant foods and fewer highly processed foods—rather than expensive “longevity hacks.” Health Tech/Industry: Nelipak received ISCC PLUS certification for more sustainable, traceable medical packaging materials.

Food Safety in Costa Rica: Costa Rican Fuerza Pública seized 1,600 kilos of chicken smuggled from Panama after finding missing legal origin and tax documentation, plus sanitary violations during a checkpoint stop in Coto Brus; the case follows a prior Salmonella-linked outbreak in Mora tied to a local chicken shop. Public Health & Biosecurity: Belize is on heightened alert for highly pathogenic avian influenza after outbreaks in Honduras and Costa Rica, urging residents to report sick or dead birds and avoid handling them. Disaster Response (Regional Health): Costa Rica is sending more help to Venezuela’s earthquake aftermath, including a second 48-person search-and-rescue team with medical and life-detection specialists as the death toll climbs past 1,400 and hospitals are among damaged infrastructure. Nutrition & Longevity: A new Blue Zones-focused report highlights everyday habits—mostly unprocessed plant-based eating and fewer highly processed foods—as a key pattern behind long, healthy lives, including Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Research (Mental Health): A Stanford-led randomized trial reports early evidence-based therapies for ARFID, a childhood eating disorder that can disrupt growth.

Costa Rica health system under strain: A new report highlights how the “engine” of Costa Rica’s welfare model—the CCSS public healthcare network—faces serious sustainability threats, with patients warning that overcrowding and budget gaps can affect care quality. Venezuela earthquake response (Costa Rica-led): Costa Rica has sent a second rescue contingent to quake-hit Venezuela, adding 48 USAR specialists and 12 tons of equipment, as authorities report rising casualties and urgent needs for medical care, triage, and safe water. Venezuela earthquake aid push: The Red Cross is ramping up an emergency appeal to support hundreds of thousands affected, with search-and-rescue still the top priority while health and infrastructure damage mounts. Health & biotech update: AB Science says it completed Step 3 of a Phase 1 study of AB8939 plus venetoclax in difficult-to-treat AML, reporting a 67% overall response rate and no dose-limiting toxicities. Public health & environment: Costa Rica’s IMN warns Saharan dust could worsen haze and reduce rainfall this weekend, with possible air-quality impacts—an issue for respiratory health.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Costa Rica is sending a second wave of 48 search-and-rescue specialists to help after the double earthquake, as the official toll rises to about 1,450 dead and thousands more are injured, with Costa Rican teams joining broader Red Cross medical and rescue efforts. Public Health & Climate: A new study links temperature and humidity to when flu outbreaks start and how severe they get across the Americas, suggesting climate change could shift flu patterns—potentially including stronger outbreaks in some tropical areas. Health System Pressure in Costa Rica: A report highlights strain on the CCSS “Caja” system, with patients warning that budget problems and overcrowding threaten access to care that many rely on for life-saving treatment. Food Safety: MorningStar Farms recalls plant-based nuggets and sausage products over possible plastic contamination, adding to ongoing consumer food-safety concerns. Wellness Tourism: JACANA expands its Caribbean wellness platform, bundling botanical personal care, plant medicines, and nature-based experiences as wellness travel demand keeps climbing. Air Quality Alert: Saharan dust is expected to reduce rainfall and worsen haze in parts of Costa Rica this weekend, with officials warning of potential air-quality impacts.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Costa Rica is sending a second wave of 48 Urban Search and Rescue specialists to help after twin quakes devastated parts of the country, joining an earlier team already working in the rubble as the death toll climbs and hospitals and infrastructure take major hits. Humanitarian Funding: The CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean has launched a Venezuela Recovery and Reconstruction Fund with an initial US$1 million, while the Red Cross is also calling for donations to support hundreds of thousands affected. Health System Pressure (Local): A new report highlights how Costa Rica’s public healthcare “Caja” is under strain from overcrowding and budget problems, even as patients stress it remains essential and far cheaper than private care. Air Quality Watch: Saharan dust is expected to reduce rainfall and haze skies across Costa Rica this weekend, with officials warning it could also affect air quality in some areas. Flu Season Forecasting: A Brown University study links temperature and humidity to when flu outbreaks surge across the Americas, including how climate change could shift patterns for places like Costa Rica.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Costa Rica has deployed a Red Cross rescue and humanitarian mission to Venezuela after back-to-back quakes, sending 16 specialists on the first team plus a larger 48-rescuer, 12-ton equipment and food deployment coordinated through the Red Cross network. Public Health & Disaster Needs: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched a major emergency appeal to support hundreds of thousands affected, with urgent priorities including search-and-rescue, medical care, shelter, and water and sanitation. Health Forecasts: A new study links flu outbreaks across the Americas to weather conditions like temperature and humidity, suggesting climate change could shift where and how strongly flu spreads—researchers specifically note differences that could affect places like Costa Rica. Air Quality Warning: Costa Rica faces a hotter, drier weekend as Saharan dust reduces rainfall and may worsen air quality in some areas, with gusty winds and temperatures above 36°C in parts of the country. Food Safety Alert: FDA reports MorningStar Farms frozen food recalls tied to possible plastic contamination.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 quakes have killed at least 235 people, with more than 4,300 injured, as medical teams work around the clock and rescuers search collapsed areas in La Guaira and Greater Caracas. Aid & Coordination: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched a 50 million Swiss franc emergency appeal, while countries including Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the U.S., and others mobilized rescue teams, equipment, and transport. Costa Rica Health Watch: Costa Rica’s Senasa confirmed a new H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza case in a wild marine bird (a blue-footed booby) in Manuel Antonio; officials say it’s limited to wildlife and does not affect poultry exports or consumer safety. Flu Season Forecasting: A Brown University study links temperature and humidity to flu outbreak timing and severity across the Americas, including how climate change may shift patterns for places like Costa Rica. Food Safety Alert: FDA-linked coverage highlights MorningStar Farms frozen food recalls tied to possible plastic contamination.

Avian Flu Watch in Costa Rica: Senasa confirmed a new H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza case in a wild blue-footed booby found at Manuel Antonio, triggering surveillance and coordination with health and conservation partners; officials say it’s limited to wildlife and does not affect poultry exports or consumer safety. Food Safety Recall: FDA issued a recall for specific MorningStar Farms frozen plant-based items (Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties) due to possible plastic presence, including products sold in Costa Rica. Public Health & Climate: A Brown University study links flu severity and timing to temperature and humidity, suggesting climate change could reshape flu seasons across the Americas, including impacts for Costa Rica. Disaster Response (Regional Health): Venezuela’s back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes have killed hundreds and injured thousands, with reports of damaged hospitals and urgent needs for trauma care, shelter, water, and search-and-rescue support—Red Cross networks and partner countries, including Costa Rica-based Red Cross services, are mobilizing. Wellness Spotlight: A report ranks Sri Lanka as the top trending wellness destination for 2026, reflecting growing demand for retreats focused on health and mindfulness.

Avian Flu Watch in Costa Rica: Senasa confirmed a new highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 case in a wild blue-footed booby found at Manuel Antonio (Quepos), stressing it’s limited to wildlife and does not affect poultry exports; the agency is running surveillance with the Ministry of Health and conservation partners. Food Safety Recall: FDA reports a voluntary recall of MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties due to possible plastic presence; the recall covers Costa Rica as well as the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with consumers urged to check UPCs and “Better if Used Before” dates. Regional Health Risk: Costa Rica joined a Central America–Mexico meeting to strengthen coordination on New World screwworm control and milk/meat residue monitoring, aiming to protect livestock and food safety. Venezuela Disaster Response (Health Angle): After back-to-back quakes, Venezuela’s health system is treating thousands of injured trauma patients while international rescue and aid efforts ramp up, including Red Cross support and field medical assistance. Wellness Trend: A global report flags Sri Lanka as the top trending wellness destination for 2026, reflecting rising demand for mindfulness and rejuvenation retreats.

Disaster Response: Venezuela’s twin earthquakes are driving a major public-health emergency, with Costa Rica-relevant lessons for preparedness as the death toll climbs to 235 and 4,300+ injured are treated, including patients arriving without vital signs. International Aid: UN-certified rescuers and multiple countries are mobilizing specialists, rescue dogs, and equipment, while the Red Cross reports $2.5 million released for recovery. Local Health & Safety Watch: In Costa Rica, the FDA-linked food safety recall is a reminder to check labels—MorningStar Farms plant-based nuggets and sausage patties are recalled in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica due to possible plastic contamination. Wellness & Longevity: A popular “Blue Zones” style piece spotlights Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, tying longer, healthier lives to deep social connections and community support. Conservation Health Link: Poachers are being caught on camera traps at Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Curú, raising concerns for wildlife protection and the health of local ecosystems.