AGP Executive Report

Sargassum-to-medicine materials: Researchers at Intec (with UWI, UCR and partners in Spain) report a feasible process to extract alginate from Caribbean sargassum, a natural biopolymer used in food, cosmetics, agriculture, pharma and biomaterials—turning a coastal nuisance into a potential health-linked input. Cancer care and lived experience: Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean shared details of her stage four bowel cancer journey, including how symptoms were first dismissed as “irritable bowel,” and urged people to “celebrate the joys in life” while emphasizing the value of getting checked. Public health threat watch: The New World screwworm continues spreading north; USDA-APHIS confirmed a case in Texas (first in decades), with officials warning clinicians and vets to watch for early signs and step up surveillance as the fly expands across Central America and beyond. Local health diplomacy: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández backed U.S. diplomatic and economic pressure on Cuba, saying there’s “no gray area” when human lives and rights are at stake, and reaffirmed Costa Rica’s embassy withdrawal from Havana. Health-adjacent environment: Costa Rica’s microplastics research and beach/fish/livestock findings remain in the news cycle, reinforcing concerns about exposure pathways.

World Bank Update: The World Bank trimmed Costa Rica’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% (from 3.6%), pointing to a slower global economy and higher energy/borrowing pressures, while noting Costa Rica is still doing better than the regional average. Public Health & Animal Health Alert: The New World screwworm is spreading north again, with USDA confirming a case in a Texas calf and reporting hundreds of thousands of animal cases across Mexico and Central America plus thousands of human cases—raising urgent surveillance and treatment concerns for pets, livestock, and wildlife. Environmental & Safety Crisis in Costa Rica: Illegal gold mining in Crucitas is deepening into a national security and environmental emergency, with toxic contamination risks (including mercury and cyanide), unsafe tunnels, and organized-crime involvement near the Nicaraguan border. Wellness Community (Not Costa Rica, but relevant): A new adult “recess” field day in Prospect Park is being pitched as an antidote to loneliness and digital fatigue, with free games and community connection at the center.

Screwworm alert: New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S. (Texas cattle and a goat, plus a dog in New Mexico), raising concerns for people, pets, and livestock as the parasite spreads north after illegal cattle movement. Local environment & health risk: Costa Rica’s Crucitas gold crisis is deepening as illegal mining expands, with mercury and cyanide use threatening forests, soil, and nearby water sources. Microplastics watch: Costa Rica studies report microplastics found in beaches, fish, livestock, and poultry—another reminder that food and water safety are health issues, not just environment issues. Wellness beyond screens: A new adult “Field Day: Recess for Adults” event in New York highlights growing interest in play-based community wellness to tackle loneliness and burnout. Mental health support with horses: Horses for Mental Health says its May campaign raised about $960,000 to expand equine-assisted mental health services, including in Costa Rica.

Wildlife & public health in Costa Rica: A Tortuguero-based effort is tackling human–pet–wildlife conflict by expanding veterinary access in a remote Caribbean community, including 460 free consultations (vaccines, deworming, microchipping) and training “animal ambassadors” to reduce zoonotic disease risk. Infectious disease alert (New World screwworm): U.S. detections of the flesh-eating screwworm are raising alarm for people, pets, and livestock, with experts linking spread to illegal cattle transport and warning clinicians to watch for non-healing, foul-smelling wounds and maggots. Environmental health & safety (Crucitas gold crisis): Illegal mining in Crucitas near the Nicaraguan border is escalating into a toxic contamination and organized-crime crisis, with mercury/cyanide use threatening waterways and nearby communities. Mental health & wellness (equine-assisted programs): Horses for Mental Health says its May campaign raised $960,394 across Costa Rica and other countries to expand equine-assisted mental health services.

Mental Health & Horses: Horses for Mental Health says its fifth annual May campaign raised $960,394 for equine-assisted mental health and personal growth programs, reaching 130 organizations across 36 U.S. states and six countries (including Costa Rica). Infectious Disease Alert: New World screwworm has been detected again in the U.S. (Texas and New Mexico), with reporting noting it can infect people and pets via wounds or body openings—raising concerns for travelers and outdoor workers. Public Health Risk Link: Coverage ties screwworm’s return to illegal cattle trafficking and warns that smuggled livestock can spread the parasite northward. Costa Rica Health Research: Separate reporting highlights Costa Rica studies finding microplastics in beaches, fish, livestock, and poultry, adding to growing local concerns about exposure through the food chain. Health Policy & Prevention: A report on hypertension control points to Costa Rica among the few countries with strong results, alongside lessons from South Korea on improving blood pressure outcomes.

Hypertension lessons from abroad: South Korea is highlighted as a global standout for controlling high blood pressure, with Costa Rica named among the few countries clearing the 50% control mark—an encouraging reminder that prevention and treatment systems can move outcomes. Microplastics in Costa Rica: New research reports microplastics found in Costa Rica’s beaches, fish, livestock, and poultry, raising fresh public-health and food-safety questions. Digital health push: Adroit Infosystems promoted practical EHR and clinic workflow digitization at a World Family Doctor Day symposium in Trinidad & Tobago, focusing on smoother patient access, billing, and care continuity. Wildlife + health tech: TropiCam, an AI tool designed to study canopy species, points to new ways to monitor threatened tropical wildlife—useful for conservation that protects ecosystem health. Community care in the region: The Dive Savannah marks five years supporting people facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs through donated meals and outreach.

Exercise in prescriptions: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández says the CCSS should explicitly include “sport” or “exercise” in medical prescriptions, aiming to boost prevention and tackle cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and mental health barriers like long commutes and heavy workloads. Screwworm outbreak watch (health + animal risk): U.S. officials report new New World screwworm cases in Texas and a dog in New Mexico, prompting quarantines and emergency rules; the flesh-eating parasite threatens livestock and could raise beef prices, with Florida on high alert. Local health policy context: The IMF gave Costa Rica another favorable review but warned against complacency, stressing pending reforms and the risk of postponing tough decisions. Digital healthcare (regional): Adroit Infosystems highlighted practical EHR and workflow digitization at a World Family Doctor Day symposium in Trinidad & Tobago, focusing on smoother patient access, billing, and care continuity. Community wellbeing: The Dive Savannah marked five years of serving the Savannah community with donated services, free meals, and family reunification support.

Microplastics in Costa Rica: New local research reports microplastics showing up in beaches, fish, livestock and poultry, with experts warning the problem is now systemic—not just an environmental issue. Wellness tourism spotlight: Two Costa Rica hotels were named in Oprah Daily’s 2026 Hotel O-wards for wellness-focused stays, including Hacienda AltaGracia’s skin longevity program and Lamangata’s surf-and-yoga retreat. Exercise in prescriptions: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández proposes that “sport” or “exercise” be explicitly included in CCSS medical prescriptions, aiming to tackle cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and mental health—while noting many people lack time due to long commutes. Agroecology support grows: An IICA-led initiative expanded agroecology advisory services, reaching more than 10,000 small-scale farmers across Africa and Latin America, including Costa Rica and neighboring countries. Animal health alert with human relevance: The New World screwworm outbreak in the U.S. is expanding beyond Texas, prompting quarantines and emergency rules; while human risk is described as low, officials urge wound care vigilance for pets and livestock. IMF review for Costa Rica: The IMF’s favorable 2026 Article IV assessment comes with a warning against complacency, stressing pending reforms as the key to long-term stability.

Microplastics in Costa Rica: New local research reports microplastics in beaches, seabeds, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and even livestock and poultry—plus findings from remote Isla del Coco—pushing the issue beyond scenery into food safety and public health. Screwworm alert: Texas counties have been quarantined after New World screwworm cases in livestock (and a dog), with officials warning warm-blooded animals can spread the flesh-eating parasite; Canada has imposed temporary restrictions to protect its cattle and export markets. PFAS contamination study: A new report links hazardous chemicals from Gaza explosions to PFAS “forever chemicals” found in Israeli potatoes and nearby water wells and soils, raising concerns about long-term health impacts. Wellness tourism spotlight: Two Costa Rica hotels made Oprah Daily’s 2026 Hotel O-wards, highlighting longevity and skin-focused programs at Hacienda AltaGracia and surf-and-yoga recovery at Lamangata. Climate watch for Costa Rica: UNA warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raise temperatures, increasing pressure on water and energy. World Cup health angle: England is using palm-cooling devices during training to manage heat ahead of a Costa Rica friendly.

Microplastics & Public Health: Costa Rican studies report microplastics in beaches, marine sediments, fish and shellfish—and even in livestock and poultry—plus findings from remote Isla del Coco, with researchers warning the issue is now tied to food safety, marine conservation, agriculture, and public health. Marine Threats in Real Time: Cimar-UCR says sargassum arrivals in Costa Rica’s Caribbean are breaking records, with surges starting earlier than usual and highest sightings in the northern Caribbean, alongside reports of turtle strandings. El Niño Watch: UNA warns El Niño could intensify in late 2026 into early 2027, potentially cutting Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raising heat and pressure on water and energy. Wellness Tourism (Costa Rica): Oprah Daily named two Costa Rica retreats to its 2026 Hotel O-wards—Hacienda AltaGracia and Lamangata—highlighting longevity, skin programs, and wellness-focused stays. Longevity Center Launch: The Retreat Costa Rica opened its Vida Mía Longevity Centre, adding physician-guided nervous system and personalized optimization programs. Animal Health Risk (Regional): The New World screwworm fly has reappeared in Texas, with USDA reporting new cases and renewed efforts to protect cattle and wildlife.

New World screwworm threat: USDA says a flesh-eating screwworm has been detected again in Texas, with two new cases (a calf and a dog) bringing the state total to four—raising alarms for cattle, pets, and wildlife as officials race to eradicate the parasite. Climate & water risk for Costa Rica: Universidad Nacional warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and push hotter conditions, increasing pressure on water and energy through late 2026 into early 2027. World Oceans Day (coral protection): Beyond Green highlights coral reef conservation efforts across its member properties, spotlighting how reefs are being restored and protected amid climate and pollution stress. Safety for travelers and sports fans: A shooting near England’s World Cup base in Kansas City left nine people injured (non-life-threatening), renewing attention on public safety as the tournament approaches. Local wellness angle: A celebrity account of a uterine septum procedure and follow-up saline sonogram underscores how medical planning and recovery can be physically intense. Health travel watch: CDC expanded Ebola airport screening in Atlanta and issued new guidance on risks tied to travel-related cosmetic procedures, including medical tourism concerns.

Gun Violence & Public Safety: Nine people were injured in a mass shooting near England’s FIFA World Cup base camp in Kansas City, Missouri, about four miles from Swope Soccer Village. Police said injuries were non-life-threatening and no suspects were in custody as investigations continue. Travel Health & Disease Screening: The CDC issued dual health alerts, expanding enhanced Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport and flagging risks tied to travel-related cosmetic procedures popular with “medical tourism” patients. Infectious Disease Watch (Livestock): U.S. officials confirmed New World screwworm in Texas for the first time in decades, triggering quarantine and import restrictions—an animal-health threat that can also affect wildlife. Costa Rica Wellness: The Retreat Costa Rica launched a Vida Mía Longevity Centre with physician-guided programs focused on nervous system medicine and “whole-body optimisation” therapies. Wildlife & Community Care: A Costa Rican wildlife center shared the rescue of a baby grison found alone and dehydrated, highlighting the role of trained responders in improving survival odds for fragile native species.

Wildlife & Power Lines: Costa Rica’s court ruling is holding agencies accountable for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara after more than 100 animals were treated following shocks. Public Access Fight: Punta Leona resort in Garabito reopened roads to public beaches after police enforced a judge’s order removing long-blocked gates; clashes left people hurt and arrests were made. Longevity Wellness Launch: The Retreat Costa Rica debuted its Vida Mía Longevity Centre, adding physician-guided nervous system and “cellular regeneration” programming at its healing spa. Travel Health Alerts: The CDC issued two separate alerts—expanded Ebola screening at Atlanta’s airport and warnings about adverse outcomes from travel-related cosmetic procedures—raising concerns for travelers and medical tourism. Infectious Disease Watch (Regional): The New World screwworm has been detected in Texas for the first time in decades, reviving fears for livestock and wildlife as the fly spreads across Central America and Mexico. Wildlife Rescue (Costa Rica): A baby grison found cold and dehydrated was stabilized in an incubator and is now drawing attention as rescuers highlight the importance of contacting trained responders.

Wildlife & Public Health: Costa Rica’s court ruling is holding agencies accountable for wildlife electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara after cases like a howler monkey electrocuted by lines. Animal Health Watch: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas for the first time in 60 years, raising alarms for livestock, pets, wildlife, and even people—especially as the pest has spread from Panama through Central America and Mexico. Community Health & Access: Punta Leona’s long-blocked public beach roads were reopened after a judge’s order, but clashes left people hurt and some resort employees arrested—an access issue with real safety and medical implications. Wellness Policy: Marjorie Taylor Greene says she received unapproved stem cell IV treatments in Mexico for anti-aging, spotlighting ongoing debates over safety, regulation, and cross-border wellness care. Local Safety: SINAPROC rescued hikers in Chiriquí after exhaustion and dehydration during a trek, including air evacuation for four people.

Wildlife Health & Animal Disease: Costa Rica is dealing with the fallout of power-line electrocutions after a court ruling held agencies responsible for preventing wildlife deaths, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara; veterinarians say howler monkeys and other animals are being shocked after mistaking lines for vines. Public Access & Safety: Punta Leona in Garabito reopened public beach access after police removed long-blocked roads following a judge’s order; clashes left people injured and some resort employees arrested, raising health-and-safety questions around crowd control and emergency response. Prevention & Community Health: A look at the HPV vaccination push highlights how countries are trying to reach girls before they “age out,” with school-based check-ups and tracking systems used to improve coverage. One Health Alert (Regional): The New World screwworm—flesh-eating larvae that can infest warm-blooded animals—has been confirmed in Texas after spread through Central America and Mexico, prompting heightened surveillance that matters for Costa Rica’s animal health planning. Tourism & Climate Wellness: A new “coolcation” ranking puts Costa Rica among top cooler-escape destinations for 2026, reflecting growing demand for heat-avoidant, nature-focused travel.

Wildlife & Public Health: Costa Rica is facing a legal and infrastructure push after a court ruling held agencies accountable for wildlife electrocutions from power lines, ordering changes in Nosara; veterinarians say howler monkeys and other animals mistake lines for vines, and more than 100 electrocuted animals have been treated at a rescue center. Animal Health Watch: The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed in a calf in south Texas, raising concern because the fly has spread through Central America and is now close to the region; officials are using quarantines and sterile-fly releases, and experts warn early signs can look like myiasis with lesions and maggots. Prevention & Care: A travel-health checklist highlights staying current on vaccines like MMR amid measles risk and planning for destination-specific outbreaks before trips. Community Health: SINAPROC completed a rescue operation for hikers in Panama’s Ngäbe-Buglé region suffering exhaustion and dehydration, including air evacuation of four people.