AGP Executive Report

Life Sciences Finance: BAC says it’s deepening support for Costa Rica’s life sciences ecosystem with financial connectivity, treasury services, employee benefits, and regional advisory as MedTech investment keeps growing. Medical Tech Distribution: TempraMed expanded its exclusive distribution deal with TEM beyond Panama into more Latin American markets, adding VIVI Med and reporting an additional commercial order plus a planned private placement. Childhood Vaccines: A Costa Rica–linked webinar with PAHO and regional experts focused on why immunization rates are slipping and how community partnerships and trusted healthcare communication can help families accept vaccines. Diabetes Care in Detention: A Costa Rican man, Carlos Josué Marchena, died in U.S. ICE custody in Louisiana; his family says he repeatedly reported missed insulin, meals, and water while advocates raise concerns about medical oversight. Health Policy & Access: Costa Rica’s CCSS is highlighted for prioritizing emergency care during a strike, while Caja promises to resolve payment delays for hundreds of workers. Wellness & Living: Costa Rica ranks 20th globally in a relocation index and 5th for retirees, citing healthcare quality/affordability and livability. Public Health Funding (Coffee + Cancer): Grounds For Health’s annual coffee auction aims to fund women’s cancer screenings in remote coffee regions.

HIV Prevention Access (Costa Rica): PAHO says Costa Rica is among 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that can procure long-acting lenacapavir for HIV prevention via PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, expanding twice-yearly PrEP options after WHO recommended it in 2025. Diabetes Care in Detention (U.S.-Costa Rica link): A 36-year-old Costa Rican man, Carlos Josue Marchena, died after family says he was denied insulin shots and meals while held by U.S. ICE in Louisiana; the official cause is pending, and the case adds to scrutiny of medical care standards. Health Financing Policy (Global, with Costa Rica angle): Ghana’s President Mahama launched the Accra Reset report “A Sovereign Future for Health,” pushing for Global South control over health financing, resources, and local production—an approach that could shape regional health policy discussions. Mosquitoes & Disease Risk (Regional): A Mexico survey of the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve found 17 mosquito species, including one new to Yucatán and several new to the reserve, with some species known to transmit arboviruses. Wellness & Living (Costa Rica): Costa Rica ranked 5th globally for retirees and 20th overall in the 2026 Global Relocation Index, citing strong healthcare quality/affordability and livability.

Hepatitis A Alert: The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice for Costa Rica after hepatitis A cases surged to 772 through epidemiological week 32 of 2026, with San José province accounting for about 562 cases; the agency says it’s vaccine-preventable and urges usual precautions. Diabetes Care in Custody: A 36-year-old Costa Rican man, Carlos Josué Marchena Marchena, died after family alleged missed insulin, meals, and poor medical care while detained by U.S. ICE in Louisiana; ICE says he received proper care, and the cause of death is pending. HIV Prevention Access: PAHO and Gilead announced a new pathway to procure lenacapavir for HIV prevention via PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, including Costa Rica, to expand twice-yearly PrEP options across 14 countries. Health Financing Debate: Ghana President John Dramani Mahama launched the Accra Reset report “A Sovereign Future for Health,” arguing Global South countries need more control over health financing, resources, and production—an issue that resonates with regional health system planning. Workforce Disruption: Costa Rica’s CCSS said it will resolve salary delays for 482 workers after a strike disrupted surgeries and appointments, tied to problems during rollout of its personnel system.

Diabetes care in custody: A 36-year-old Costa Rican man, Carlos Josué Marchena, died in U.S. ICE custody in Louisiana after his family says he complained about missed insulin shots and meals while managing type 1 diabetes. Hepatitis A travel alert: The CDC issued a Level 1 notice for Costa Rica as hepatitis A cases top 770, with most reported in San José province—officials urge usual precautions and vaccination. HIV prevention access: PAHO and Gilead announced a new pathway for Latin America and the Caribbean to procure lenacapavir for HIV prevention via regional revolving funds, including Costa Rica. Health system staffing disruption: Costa Rica’s CCSS says it will resolve unpaid salary delays for 482 workers after a strike disrupted surgeries and appointments. Wellness at home: A new piece highlights how Costa Rica’s wellness culture is shifting from tourism to everyday life, alongside falling fertility rates and the cost pressures families face. Global relocation spotlight: Costa Rica ranks 20th overall in the 2026 Global Relocation Index and fifth for retirees, citing healthcare quality and affordability. Women’s cancer screening fundraiser: Grounds For Health marks 30 years with its annual coffee auction to fund cervical cancer screening in remote coffee regions.

Hepatitis A Alert for Travelers: The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice for Costa Rica after the hepatitis A outbreak topped 770 cases, with San José province driving most infections (about 562). The guidance is “usual precautions,” including vaccination for those who may be unprotected, careful hygiene, and avoiding contaminated food and drinks. HIV Prevention Access Expands: PAHO and Gilead announced a new pathway to procure twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention via PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, covering 14 countries including Costa Rica—aimed at widening access to effective PrEP. CCSS Pay Delays Disrupt Care: Costa Rica’s social security system (CCSS) says it will resolve salary delays for 482 workers after a strike tied to problems with its new personnel system; the disruption led to suspended surgeries and appointments. Global Health “Sovereignty” Push: President Mahama launched the Accra Reset panel report “A Sovereign Future for Health,” arguing Global South countries need control over financing and production to truly own health systems. Local Health & Wellness Research Supply: Peptides Costa Rica says it now holds in-country inventory of verified research-grade peptides with batch documentation to reduce customs delays for researchers.

Hepatitis A Alert: Costa Rica has reported 772 hepatitis A cases through epidemiological week 32 of 2026, with San José province driving most infections (562 cases), prompting a CDC Level 1 travel notice that urges usual precautions rather than canceling plans. Corcovado Health & Safety: Costa Rica has restored visitor capacity at Corcovado’s Sirena Biological Station to up to 366 people per day after wastewater treatment repairs, raising limits from 225/day in July. Local Research Access: Peptides Costa Rica says it now keeps verified research-grade peptide stock inside the country with batch documentation and Certificates of Analysis, aiming to cut customs delays for labs. Wildlife Watch: Rangers spotted 4–5 orcas near Cocos Island—rare for that area—captured on video, with juveniles possibly indicating a family group. Conservation Science Spotlight: A Costa Rican-led team filmed the hunting behavior of Bolivia’s newly identified Tilcayo wild cat, highlighting Latin American science and Indigenous naming. Public Health Context: A new report warns plastic pollution hotspots across Latin America are creating a growing public health crisis as waste systems buckle.

Corcovado Visitor Health Update: Costa Rica has restored visitor capacity at the Sirena Biological Station in Corcovado National Park, raising the daily limit to 366 people after wastewater treatment repairs and health requirements were met—230 day visitors plus 105 overnight, with reserved spots for local and park administration. Local Wellness Travel Spotlight: A new wave of “wellness Pura Vida” tourism is being promoted, including fall-focused travel ideas and Río Celeste-area stays that market spa and nature-based recovery. Nutrition & Longevity Talk: A roundup of longevity guidance continues to circulate, including Blue Zones-style habits and “long and happy life” messaging aimed at people over 50. Food & Environment Link: Researchers revisit a Costa Rica orange-peel dumping experiment from the 1990s, reporting the waste unexpectedly helped restore a degraded forest—an unusual case study for health and ecosystem resilience. Wildlife Monitoring: Rangers report a rare orca sighting near Cocos Island, offering another reminder that conservation and public health are tied to protecting marine ecosystems.

Corcovado wastewater fix boosts access: Costa Rica restored visitor capacity at the Sirena Biological Station in Corcovado National Park, raising the daily limit to 366 people (230 day visitors, 105 overnight), after months of restrictions tied to wastewater treatment problems. Forest “waste” becomes restoration lesson: A Costa Rican orange-juice dumping experiment—about 12,000 metric tonnes of peels and pulp deposited in the 1990s—later helped regenerate a degraded area into a thriving forest, according to researchers who revisited the site years afterward. Public health warning on plastic pollution: A new study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, linking overwhelmed waste systems and hard-to-recycle plastics to major health risks for communities. Wellness tourism spotlight: Experts point to Costa Rica as a top wellness trip after 50, while coverage also highlights the country’s growing Pura Vida wellness tourism appeal. Longevity and healthy aging content: Multiple pieces focus on living longer and better, including Blue Zones habits and a Costa Rica-linked longevity narrative.

CCSS Strike Watch: Costa Rica’s public health system is preparing backup plans for a nationwide strike by hospital, clinic, and Ebais workers over unpaid salaries, with emergency care prioritized while routine appointments, tests, and planned procedures could face delays depending on staffing. Medical Access Push: Costa Rica’s Medical Association is proposing a new UNIDOS platform to help reduce CCSS waiting lists by matching private doctors to outpatient and specialized care needs using geographic proximity and available schedules. Public Health & Environment: A new study warns that “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America are creating major health risks as imported plastic overwhelms waste systems and leaks into communities. Local Health Context: A Costa Rica forest “orange peel” dumping experiment is being revisited by scientists as an unexpected case of restoration—an unusual reminder of how environmental decisions can ripple into long-term ecosystem health. Wellness Tourism: Forbes highlights La Fortuna’s shift toward upscale dining built on local ingredients, tying food culture to the region’s growing wellness travel appeal.

CCSS Strike Watch: Costa Rica’s public health system is preparing for a nationwide strike over unpaid salaries, with emergency care and urgent services prioritized while some regular appointments, tests, and planned procedures could be delayed depending on staffing. Medical Access Plan: The Medical Association says its UNIDOS platform aims to reduce CCSS waiting lists by matching patients with available private doctors for outpatient care and specialized appointments, using geographic proximity and coordinated schedules. Local Health System Pressure: CCSS is also described as prioritizing emergency care on the strike day, signaling a “backup plans” approach rather than a full shutdown. Wellness & Longevity: A Blue Zones roundup highlights daily habits tied to healthy aging, including communities like Nicoya in Costa Rica. Nutrition for Heart Health: A new report-style piece points to beans as a daily food linked to lower heart disease risk, tying nutrition to practical prevention. Health-Adjacent Science: Researchers say a Costa Rica orange-waste experiment unexpectedly helped restore a degraded forest, offering a reminder that environmental health can shape long-term wellness.

CCSS Strike Watch: Costa Rica’s public health system is preparing backup plans for a nationwide strike over unpaid salaries, with emergency care prioritized but some appointments, tests, and planned procedures at hospitals, clinics, and Ebais potentially delayed. Private Care to Ease Waiting Lists: The Costa Rica Medical Association says its UNIDOS platform could route 15,000 private doctors to help reduce CCSS outpatient and surgery backlogs by matching patients with available specialists and coordinating follow-up in CCSS systems. HIV Prevention Milestone: Gilead and PAHO announced a partnership aimed at accelerating access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean. Wellness & Community: World Wellness Weekend marks its 10th year with a global push around sleep, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and purpose. Local Health & Culture: Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, with Costa Rica tied to the Sept. 15–Oct. 15 celebrations that also highlight community contributions and wellbeing. Wildlife & Public Interest: Rangers reported a rare orca sighting near Cocos Island, underscoring Costa Rica’s ongoing conservation and health-of-ecosystems focus.

CCSS Strike Update: Costa Rica’s public health system is preparing backup plans for a nationwide strike over unpaid salaries, with emergency care and urgent cases prioritized while some regular appointments, tests, and planned procedures could be delayed. Health System Reform: Costa Rica’s Medical Association proposes using a new UNIDOS platform to let private doctors help reduce CCSS waiting lists, aiming to connect patients with available specialists based on location and schedules. HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO announced a milestone partnership to accelerate access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean. Wellness Tourism in Costa Rica: Forbes highlights La Fortuna’s shift toward upscale dining built on local ingredients and traditional Costa Rican cooking, tying food culture to the region’s wellness appeal. Nutrition for Heart Health: A growing body of research points to beans as a daily habit that may lower heart disease risk, supported by nutrients like magnesium and fiber. Pura Vida Wellness Push: World Wellness Weekend marks its 10th anniversary with thousands of events worldwide, promoting sleep, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and purpose.

CCSS Strike Watch: Costa Rica’s public health workers are set for a nationwide 24-hour strike over unpaid salaries tied to a new payroll module, with CCSS saying emergency and other critical care will continue while routine appointments, tests, and planned procedures may face delays. Medical Access Plan: Costa Rica’s Medical Association is proposing to reduce CCSS waiting lists by using its UNIDOS technology platform to match 15,000 private doctors with patients needing outpatient and specialized care. HIV Prevention Boost: Gilead and PAHO announced a milestone partnership to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across PAHO member states, including Costa Rica, using regional procurement and coordination. Wellness & Longevity: A new roundup highlights Blue Zones habits tied to healthy aging and longevity, while another story spotlights how eating beans regularly may lower heart disease risk. Local Health Tech/Industry: Costa Rica continues to position itself as a MedTech manufacturing hub, with major medical device companies and growing exports. Food & Health: A study-style piece argues beans’ fiber and magnesium may support heart health.

CCSS Strike Watch: Costa Rica’s public health system is preparing for a nationwide strike by health workers over unpaid salaries tied to a new payroll module introduced in July; emergency care is set to continue, but some non-urgent appointments, tests, and planned procedures could be delayed depending on staffing. Medical Access Plan: Costa Rica’s Medical Association is proposing that private doctors help reduce CCSS waiting lists using a platform (UNIDOS) to match patients with available specialists based on location and schedules, with interoperability built to record follow-up in CCSS systems. HIV Prevention Milestone: Gilead and PAHO announced a regional pathway to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across Latin America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica, using PAHO’s revolving funds and coordinated procurement. Wellness Tourism Angle: Costa Rica’s “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy is being positioned around mental health, deep rest, and nature reconnection—highlighting forest therapy, volcanic hydrotherapy, and holistic retreats. Health-Adjacent Tech Note: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 won’t be available in 33 regions due to regulatory clearances still in process.

CCSS Strike Prep: Costa Rica’s health workers are preparing a nationwide 24-hour strike starting 6 a.m. tomorrow over ongoing payroll problems tied to a new CCSS system introduced in July, with unions saying some employees have faced partial or missing salaries across hospitals, clinics, and Ebais. HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO announced a new regional pathway to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for HIV prevention (PrEP) across PAHO Member States, including Costa Rica, using PAHO’s regional purchasing system to help close access gaps. MedTech Growth: Costa Rica is highlighted as a global MedTech hub, with 18 of the world’s top 35 medical device companies manufacturing there and exports topping $10.9B in 2025, as the sector keeps scaling. Wellness Tourism: The “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy is pushing Costa Rica tourism as a health destination, linking forest therapy, volcanic hydrotherapy, and nature-based retreats to mental and physical wellness. Local Health Tech: Apple’s hypertension notifications may not be available on Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 in 33 regions, with regulatory clearances still in process.

Health Workers Strike: Costa Rica’s public healthcare unions are calling a nationwide 24-hour strike starting 6 a.m. tomorrow over ongoing payroll problems after CCSS rolled out a new payroll module in July, with reports of partial or missing salaries. HIV Prevention Access: Gilead and PAHO announced a milestone partnership to expand access to twice-yearly lenacapavir (PrEP) across all PAHO Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean via PAHO’s regional purchasing system, aiming to close regional prevention gaps. MedTech Growth: A new report highlights Costa Rica’s rapid rise in medical manufacturing, citing 18 of the world’s top 35 medical device companies and $10.9B in 2025 medical device exports, reinforcing the country’s role in global MedTech. Wellness Tourism: Costa Rica’s “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy is positioning nature-based therapies—like forest therapy and volcanic hydrotherapy—as mainstream health travel, linking mental rest with local biodiversity. Tech for Conservation: Tech4Nature’s expanded program now includes Costa Rica, using AI cameras and sensors to support conservation efforts such as jaguar monitoring. Public Health Tech Update: Apple says hypertension notifications on Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 may be unavailable in 33 regions due to regulatory clearances still in process. Safety for Travelers: A travel safety reminder flags carbon monoxide as a “silent killer,” noting past deaths in Costa Rican resorts and urging travelers to pack detectors.