AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Recall: MorningStar Farms is voluntarily recalling Buffalo Chik’n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica after customers reported finding plastic pieces in packages; affected UPCs and “best if used by” dates were listed by the company. Public Health Threat Watch: The New World screwworm has returned to the U.S., with confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico affecting livestock and pets; officials say human risk is low, but the outbreak could drive major animal-health and economic impacts. Local Health & Emergency Care: A Brazilian surfer survived a needlefish strike in Costa Rica that punctured his heart, with rapid first aid on the beach and hospital treatment reported as key to recovery. Wellness & Mind-Body: Costa Rican producer G. Wiernik released “Harmony Beats – Frequency Healing and Tantra Music,” an instrumental album aimed at meditation, relaxation, and everyday wellness. Health & Society: A report on Nicaragua’s exodus says Costa Rica has granted protection to more than 200,000 people, highlighting ongoing regional displacement pressures that can strain health and social services.

Longevity & healthspan: New research highlights that living longer isn’t just genetics—Blue Zones lifestyles focus on daily habits that protect “healthspan,” not just lifespan. Food & health risk watch: The New World screwworm is back in the U.S., with confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico in livestock (and rare human risk), raising alarms for animal health and rural costs. Local emergency care spotlight: A Brazilian surfer survived a needlefish strike in Costa Rica after rapid first aid and emergency surgery for a punctured heart. Tourism health context: Costa Rica’s air-tourism hit a record 1.39M international arrivals, but U.S. arrivals dipped at SJO while Europe grew—important for planning healthcare demand and visitor services. Fatherhood & public health access: Costa Rica’s Father’s Day reflection points to how the Responsible Paternity Law and free DNA testing helped reduce stigma and improve family health outcomes. Wellness travel angle: A “pura vida” campaign promotes restorative travel experiences tied to wellbeing rituals.

Men’s Mental Health in Costa Rica: New reporting highlights why men often wait longer to seek help, pointing to a major gender gap in suicide deaths (1,755 men vs. 341 women from 2018–2023) and urging earlier, proactive care. Refugee Pressure on Health Services: UNHCR data says refugees and asylum seekers are about 4.5% of Costa Rica’s population, with Nicaragua driving most of the caseload and adding strain to housing, schools, and health care. Air Travel Shift at SJO: Costa Rica logged a record 1.39M international arrivals by air (+9.4%), but Juan Santamaría saw a slight dip (-1.4%), with U.S. arrivals down 7.3% while Europe surged. Fatherhood Reframed: Father’s Day coverage revisits how Costa Rica’s Responsible Paternity Law (2001) expanded access to free DNA testing and reduced stigma for “father not declared,” reshaping public health and family records. Yoga Day in San José: International Yoga Day returns with a free, registration-required event focused on stress relief and mindful breathing. Crucitas Security Scare: President Laura Fernández was evacuated after a loud blast during a visit to an area affected by illegal gold mining; no injuries confirmed, but officials reported medical episodes. New World Screwworm Alert (Texas): A flesh-eating parasite has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, prompting a new tracker site and renewed concern for livestock, wildlife, and rare human risk.

Air Travel & Health Access: Costa Rica logged a historic air-tourism record with 1,390,842 international arrivals (+9.4%), but U.S. arrivals at Juan Santamaría fell 1.4% overall (U.S. down 7.3%), a shift that could affect visitor health services and staffing at the main airport. Emergency Care Spotlight: A Brazilian surfer survived after a swordfish pierced his heart off Pavones Beach; he was rushed to Ciudad Neily Hospital for trauma surgery after cardiac arrest. Men’s Mental Health: Costa Rica is seeing a major gender gap in suicide deaths, with men far more likely to die by suicide than women, and experts urging earlier, proactive psychological support. Food & Parasite Risk Watch: The U.S. launched a new tracker website after New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, raising concerns for livestock, wildlife, and rare human cases. Wellness in San José: International Yoga Day returns to La Casa del Cuño (Antigua Aduana) with yoga, meditation, mindful breathing, and music—open to the public with registration. Public Health Pressure: UNHCR says refugees and asylum seekers are about 4.5% of Costa Rica’s population, with Nicaragua driving most of the load and adding strain to health care and services.

Men’s Mental Health: Costa Rica’s suicide data show a stark gender gap: 1,755 men died by suicide from 2018–2023 versus 341 women, and specialists say cultural barriers keep many men from seeking help early. Public Wellness Event: San José is hosting International Yoga Day this Saturday at La Casa del Cuño (Antigua Aduana), with yoga, meditation, mindful breathing, and music—open to the public with registration required. Health & Safety in the News: President Laura Fernández was evacuated after a loud blast during a visit to Crucitas, with no confirmed injuries but reports of nervous and medical episodes among delegation members. Health Care Access Abroad: A new report highlights how Original Medicare generally pays little to nothing outside the U.S., a key warning for Americans planning retirement or travel to Costa Rica. Refugee Pressure: UNHCR estimates refugees and asylum seekers are about 4.5% of Costa Rica’s population, with Nicaraguans making up most of the burden on health and other public services.

Men’s Mental Health: Costa Rica specialists are urging earlier support for men after suicide data shows a stark gap: 1,755 men died by suicide from 2018–2023 versus 341 women, with stigma and reluctance to seek help cited as major barriers. Medical Tourism: Travel And Tour World (TTW) released its Top 50 Medical Tourism Destinations for 2026, highlighting countries offering healthcare plus affordability and recovery-focused travel. Refugee Pressure: UNHCR says refugees and asylum seekers now make up about 4.5% of Costa Rica’s population, with Nicaragua driving most of the caseload and added strain on health services and housing. Wellness Events: San José is hosting International Yoga Day this Saturday at La Casa del Cuño (Antigua Aduana), with yoga, meditation, mindful breathing, and music open to the public (registration required). Ocean Health: A global study is assessing how ocean acidification affects seafood, including species important to Costa Rica’s food supply and fisheries.

Refugee Pressure: UNHCR says refugees and asylum seekers now make up about 4.5% of Costa Rica’s population, with 233,652 people hosted by end of 2025—mostly Nicaraguans (76%)—putting strain on housing, schools, health care, and border communities. Health & Safety in the News: President Laura Fernández was rushed out of the Crucitas mining area after a loud blast during an official visit; no injuries were confirmed, but lawmakers reported nervous and medical episodes. Wellness in San José: International Yoga Day returns to La Casa del Cuño (Antigua Aduana) this Saturday with yoga, meditation, mindful breathing, and music; registration is required. Ocean Health & Food Security: A global research effort highlights how ocean acidification threatens seafood—relevant to Costa Rica’s fisheries—by testing impacts on growth and survival of key species. Community Health Access: A Costa Rica-linked initiative (FUNDEPIM) plans a community center offering health and wellness services, plus education and public health seminars.

Wellness Event: San José is hosting International Yoga Day this Saturday at La Casa del Cuño (Antigua Aduana), 8 a.m.–1 p.m., with yoga, meditation, mindful breathing, and music for all ages; advance registration is required due to limited space. Public Health & Safety: President Laura Fernández was evacuated after a loud blast interrupted a Crucitas visit tied to illegal gold mining; no injuries were confirmed, but a lawmaker and another deputy reported medical episodes. Health, Housing & Care Gaps: Reports on Daveigh Chase’s death at 35 describe meningitis, sepsis, and terminal malnutrition amid homelessness on Los Angeles’ Skid Row, reigniting debate about how society supports people with addiction and serious illness. Food & Environment: A new global research effort examines how ocean acidification threatens seafood, including Costa Rica’s commercially important fish, to support climate resilience and future food supplies. Health Policy Context: A UN secretary-general candidate, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among others, argues the UN must restore credibility while addressing disease prevention and humanitarian needs.

Meditation & Stress Relief: A new Vedic Meditation retreat and “Learn to Meditate” course are set for December in Nosara, Costa Rica, aimed at helping both experienced practitioners and first-timers find deep rest. Health Policy & Systems: PAHO’s RedFESP network welcomed Colombia and Cuba to expand regional work on Essential Public Health Functions, with Costa Rica among participating countries. Seafood & Climate Health: A global research effort is assessing how ocean acidification affects seafood, including Costa Rica’s commercially important snapper, to support fisheries and aquaculture adaptation. Local Health Infrastructure: PROCOMER reports four Costa Rican food companies promoted higher-value, healthier products in South Korea, targeting hotels and restaurants—an indirect boost to nutrition-focused supply chains. Public Health Education: A community center in Honduras (FUNDEPIM) will include health and wellness services plus nutrition and public health seminars, reflecting a broader Central America push for practical health education.

Ocean & Food Security: A new IAEA-coordinated research effort is examining how ocean acidification affects seafood, including locally important Costa Rican species, to help fisheries and aquaculture adapt and protect future protein supplies. Public Health Systems: PAHO’s RedFESP network welcomed Colombia and Cuba as new member countries during a virtual seminar, expanding regional collaboration that includes Costa Rica to institutionalize Essential Public Health Functions. Costa Rica Trade & Nutrition: PROCOMER reports Costa Rica is strengthening its Asia push with value-added food products in South Korea, with Costa Rican firms showcasing dehydrated fruit, frozen tropical items, and aloe-based offerings for hotels and restaurants. Animal Health Watch: USDA is rolling out a $105 million initiative to boost surveillance and prevention against livestock disease risks, as markets track ongoing screwworm detections in the U.S. Wellness Tourism: A feature highlights how wellness retreats have grown across Costa Rica, tied to the country’s sustainability and ecotourism reputation.

Ocean & Food Security: A new international study led by the IAEA is assessing how ocean acidification affects fish and shellfish—key for seafood-dependent communities, including Costa Rica—using a shared global testing approach to map impacts on growth and survival. Public Health Systems: PAHO’s RedFESP network welcomed Colombia and Cuba as new members in a virtual seminar focused on institutionalizing Essential Public Health Functions, expanding regional peer learning that includes Costa Rica. Local Health Policy: Costa Rica’s new dog and cat breeding rules took effect June 12, requiring SENASA oversight and a Certificado Veterinario de Operación for breeders and clinics to curb informal breeding and welfare gaps. Health & Environment Research (Costa Rica): Researchers in Sarapiquí documented “vulture bees” (necrophagous stingless bees) using carrion as food, adding new detail to how tropical ecosystems function. Wellness Tourism: A feature revisits how wellness retreats grew in Costa Rica and why the country remains a top destination for yoga, mindfulness, and healthier travel.

Animal Health & Public Risk: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, prompting Michigan to restrict movement of warm-blooded animals into the state to protect livestock and pets. Clinical Safety Alert: The CDC says no human cases are confirmed in the U.S. so far, but clinicians in affected areas should stay alert because the parasite can infest people. Costa Rica Policy Watch: Costa Rica’s new dog and cat breeding rules took effect June 12, requiring SENASA oversight and a Certificado Veterinario de Operación for breeders and clinics selling companion animals. Local Research Spotlight: Costa Rican researchers documented “vulture bees” that feed on decaying animal tissue, expanding what scientists know about stingless bee diets in the Sarapiquí corridor. Health & Access Angle: A dental tourism trend is drawing Americans to countries including Costa Rica for lower-cost care combined with travel. Human Health Story: Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean shared her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis and treatment journey, highlighting how early symptoms can be missed.

Blood Donation Push: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health renewed its call for voluntary blood donors after World Blood Donor Day, saying donations are safe and can help multiple patients, with demand steady across hospitals and clinics. Screwworm Alert: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, prompting CDC and state officials to activate emergency response steps and warn clinicians that the parasite can infest people, pets, and livestock. Cervical Cancer Screening: A low-cost indigenous point-of-care HPV test in a multinational validation study met international standards, with strong sensitivity and specificity for detecting cervical precancer. Local Health System Need: A Costa Rica-focused piece highlights the urgent need for a familial cardiomyopathy unit to prevent sudden death. Health Tech & Jobs: Astrix says it expanded its pharmaceutical technology delivery with a second Global Center of Excellence in Kosovo, building on its Costa Rica operations. Costa Rica Tourism (Wellness Angle): Birdwatching tourism is growing fast in Costa Rica, drawing visitors to rural reserves and early-morning guided nature trips.

Blood Donation Push: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health renewed its call for more voluntary blood donors after World Blood Donor Day, noting 91,348 units collected in 2024 and that demand stays steady for surgeries, cancer care, transplants, accidents, and burn treatment. Malaria Elimination Drive: The Dominican Republic hosted a regional meeting with health authorities from Costa Rica and others to speed malaria elimination by 2027, focusing on surveillance, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and faster response times. Cervical Cancer Screening Tech: An indigenous point-of-care HPV test (Truenat HR-HPV-Plus) was reported as low-cost and formally validated, with strong sensitivity and specificity for detecting cervical pre-cancer. Pharma Access in Vietnam: Celltrion launched two oncology biosimilars in Vietnam, expanding its local portfolio and hospital tender experience. Maritime Health Emergency: Costa Rica’s Coast Guard reported a fisherman survived after severe dehydration following a capsizing, with new details that two crewmates died at sea. Tourism & Wellness Angle: Birdwatching tourism is growing in Costa Rica as travelers seek wildlife-focused, rural trips that can boost local spending.

Blood Donation Push: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health renewed its call for more voluntary blood donors after World Blood Donor Day, noting 91,348 units collected in 2024 and that only about 60% came from volunteers, while demand stays steady for surgeries, cancer care, transplants, accidents, and burn treatment. Cancer Screening Innovation: An indigenous, low-cost point-of-care HPV test (Truenat HR-HPV-Plus) was reported as meeting international validation standards, with strong sensitivity and specificity for detecting cervical precancer. Malaria Elimination Drive: The Dominican Republic hosted a regional meeting to speed malaria elimination by 2027, with Costa Rica among participating countries focused on faster diagnosis and treatment. Pharma Expansion in the Region: Celltrion launched two oncology biosimilars in Vietnam (Truxima and Vegzelma), expanding its portfolio and leveraging hospital tender experience. Health & Wellness Tech Training: PAHO rolled out a new virtual course on youth-centered digital health interventions for the Americas. Local Health Safety Note: A Costa Rican fisherman survived nearly a week adrift after a capsizing, suffering severe dehydration and highlighting ongoing risks at sea.

Familial heart risk in Costa Rica: A new UCR study warns up to 1,114 people each year may face sudden-death risk from hereditary heart disease due to gaps in timely diagnosis, urging a clearer pathway for early detection and family screening. Malaria push across the region: Costa Rica joined a Dominican Republic meeting with health authorities and partners to accelerate malaria elimination by 2027, highlighting faster diagnosis-to-treatment and stronger surveillance and community action. Oncology biosimilars expand in Vietnam: Celltrion launched Truxima and Vegzelma in Vietnam, growing its local oncology portfolio and aiming to broaden access through hospital networks and tender experience. Costa Rica export momentum to Asia: Four companies showcased high-value food products at Seoul Food & Hotel 2026, targeting South Korea’s HORECA market and retail chains to diversify exports. Fisherman survival details: A rescued Costa Rican fisherman reported witnessing two crewmates die after the Roxana II capsized, with severe dehydration requiring urgent clinic care. Climate-health angle via plants: A global AI study found flowering times are shifting about 2.5 days per decade, disrupting plant-pollinator relationships as climate change accelerates.