AGP Executive Report

West Nile Virus Update (Skopje): North Macedonia’s Infectious Diseases Clinic reports 8 hospitalized patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus in Skopje, alongside the country’s 8th death—an elderly 70-year-old man from Dracevo admitted Aug. 25 in very serious condition. Two of the hospitalized patients are in intensive care on ventilation. Authorities say no new cases were admitted recently and that all patients are over 60; intensified emergency measures are in place, including mosquito spraying, and updated guidance urges extra caution for older adults and people on immunosuppressive therapy. Child Health & Safety (UNICEF): A UNICEF report warns that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year, with higher reported risk in Mexico and North Macedonia. Labour Cooperation (Qatar–North Macedonia): Qatar and North Macedonia signed an MoU to strengthen labour-sector cooperation, including exchange of expertise, labour inspection, and occupational safety and health.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia is reporting a sharp rise in West Nile virus activity, with 8 deaths now recorded and 58 infections as of September 2026; in Skopje, eight confirmed neuroinvasive cases are hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic, including two in intensive care on ventilators, and authorities have launched intensified emergency steps like mosquito spraying plus updated guidance urging extra caution for people over 60 and those on immunosuppressive therapy. Heart Health in the Spotlight: Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay underwent a successful cardiac ablation for a “mild benign arrhythmia,” with a two-week rest period before returning to training—an example of how irregular heart rhythms can be treated with minimally invasive procedures. Labour & Safety Cooperation: Qatar and North Macedonia signed an MoU to strengthen labour-sector cooperation, including exchange of expertise on labour inspection and occupational safety and health, with a joint committee set to oversee implementation. Child Safety Online: UNICEF warns that 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with higher mental health risks for victims and especially elevated risk reported for Mexico and North Macedonia.

West Nile virus update: North Macedonia’s Infectious Diseases Clinic in Skopje reports 8 hospitalized patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus, including 2 in intensive care on ventilators, and confirms the country’s 8th death—an elderly man (70) from Dracevo admitted Aug. 25 in very serious condition; authorities say no new cases have been admitted recently and that intensified mosquito-control measures (aerial and ground spraying) are underway, with updated guidance urging extra caution for people over 60 and those on immunosuppressive therapy. Cardiac care spotlight: In a separate health story with local relevance, Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay underwent a successful heart ablation for a mild benign arrhythmia in Manchester, with a two-week rest before resuming training—highlighting how minimally invasive procedures can correct irregular heart rhythms. Public health context: A UNICEF report warns that in North Macedonia and other countries, children face sharply elevated risks of self-harm and suicidal thoughts after technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, with the study estimating 20 million affected children aged 12–17 across 21 countries.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia reports an eighth West Nile virus death as the outbreak worsens. Eight patients with neuroinvasive West Nile virus are hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic in Skopje, including two in intensive care on ventilators. The latest fatality is a 70-year-old man from Dracevo admitted on August 25. Health authorities say there have been 58 infections and eight deaths so far, with intensified mosquito spraying and updated guidance urging extra caution for people over 60 and those on immunosuppressive therapy. Heart Health Awareness: In sports medicine news with a local angle, Napoli says Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay underwent a successful ablation for a mild benign arrhythmia in Manchester and is expected to rest for two weeks before resuming training—while he misses upcoming Nations League matches that include North Macedonia. Lab Safety Cooperation: Qatar and North Macedonia sign an MoU to strengthen labor-sector cooperation, including occupational safety and health, labor inspection, and preventive measures for safer workplaces.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia reports its 8th West Nile virus death as eight confirmed neuroinvasive cases are hospitalized in Skopje; two patients are in intensive care on ventilators and all patients are over 60, prompting intensified emergency measures including mosquito spraying and updated guidance for older adults and immunosuppressed people. Public Health Context: The wider outbreak is part of a broader rise across Europe, with health authorities tracking increasing infections and fatalities. Healthcare Awareness (Sports): In a separate health-related story, Napoli says Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay’s heart surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia was a “complete success,” with a two-week rest before returning to training—highlighting how common rhythm issues can still require timely medical care. Labour Cooperation (Health & Safety): Qatar and North Macedonia sign an MoU to strengthen labour cooperation, including occupational safety and health measures, labour inspection, and preventive steps for safer working conditions.

West Nile Update: North Macedonia has reported its 8th death from West Nile virus, with 58 cases total; all fatalities were men aged 62–83 with underlying health problems, as the EU health agency flags rising infections across Europe. Child Safety Online: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with higher risks of self-harm and suicidal thoughts; nearly 60% of cases involved major social media platforms. Labour & Health at Work: Qatar and North Macedonia signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation in the labour sector, including occupational safety and health, labour inspection, and preventive measures for safer workplaces. Cross-Border Medical Access: A North Macedonian woman’s case over denied permission to receive medical treatment in Bulgaria is heading toward the European Court of Human Rights, raising concerns about access to care amid ongoing legal proceedings. Sports Cardiac Care: Scotland and Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay is set for a minor procedure for a mild benign arrhythmia, expected to keep him out until after the international break.

West Nile Update: North Macedonia has reported its eighth death from West Nile virus, with 58 cases total; all fatalities were men aged 62–83 with underlying health problems, as the EU health agency notes more than 1,000 locally acquired cases across 15 European countries this year. Child Safety Online: UNICEF says about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year; nearly 60% of cases happened on social media, and in Mexico and North Macedonia the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors was more than eight times higher for affected children. Cross-Border Treatment Dispute: A court case involving Iva Mihaylova—accused after a fatal crash near Kočani—has escalated into a Bulgaria–North Macedonia dispute, with repeated refusals to allow her medical treatment abroad and talk of a possible move to the European Court of Human Rights. Workplace Health Cooperation: Qatar and North Macedonia signed an agreement to strengthen labor cooperation, including exchange of expertise on labor inspection and occupational safety and health. Health in Sports: Scott McTominay is set for corrective surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia, expected to keep him out of several Scotland Nations League matches.

West Nile virus: North Macedonia reported its 8th West Nile virus death, bringing total cases to 58; all fatalities were men aged 62–83 with underlying health problems, as the EU health agency notes over 1,000 locally acquired cases across 15 European countries this year. Cross-border medical access & justice: A Kočani road-crash case involving dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova is escalating into an EU-integration pressure point, with Bulgarian authorities citing treatment access disputes and North Macedonia courts repeatedly rejecting requests for her to leave for medical care. Child safety online: UNICEF says nearly 1 in 5 children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with North Macedonia included in the study and many cases linked to social media and messaging platforms. Heart health spotlight: Footballer Scott McTominay is set for minor corrective surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia, expected to sideline him for weeks—an example of how irregular heart rhythms can require prompt medical follow-up.

Sports Health: Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has a mild, benign arrhythmia and will undergo corrective heart surgery next week, likely keeping him out for more than a month and sidelining him from Scotland’s Nations League matches that include games against North Macedonia. Cross-Border Care & Courts: In North Macedonia, the Kočani court continues the case involving dual citizen Iva Mihaylova, whose passports were seized after a fatal crash; she says her injuries require treatment outside the country and that repeated refusals to let her travel could push the dispute toward the European Court of Human Rights. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation in a single year, with higher mental health risks for victims and underreporting likely making the true scale worse.

Heart Health: Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo a corrective procedure for a mild benign arrhythmia, expected to sideline him for weeks and likely affect Scotland’s Nations League schedule. Cross-Border Care & Rights: In Kočani, the case of Iva Mihaylova—charged after a fatal crash—continues as courts weigh whether she can travel for medical treatment abroad; her passport remains seized and further hearings are set, with preparations for a possible Strasbourg challenge. Child Safety Online: UNICEF released findings estimating that about 1 in 5 children aged 12–17 faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation in a single year across 21 countries, including North Macedonia, with many cases linked to mainstream social platforms.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports nearly 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with many cases linked to social media and online games; the study also flags much higher risks of anxiety and self-harm among affected children, including in North Macedonia. Medical Access & Rights: In North Macedonia, the case of dual citizen Iva Mihaylova continues after a fatal crash; courts have repeatedly rejected requests to travel for medical treatment abroad, and her defense is preparing a potential appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Heart Health in Sports: Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia after Napoli confirmed he’ll miss several fixtures, including matches involving North Macedonia. Public Health Context: A separate report notes EU fruit and vegetable residue exceedances, highlighting which supplier countries are most often linked to interceptions—relevant for food safety awareness in the region.

Medical Access & Human Rights: The case of Iva Mihaylova, a dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen, is back in focus after a Kočani court hearing where she says she cannot get needed treatment abroad because her documents were seized following a fatal road crash; Bulgarian MPs and her defence argue she should be allowed to travel for care, with talk of a possible move to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Child Health & Safety Online: UNICEF released a report estimating that about 1 in 5 children aged 12–17 faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation in a single year across 21 countries, including North Macedonia, warning of major mental health harms and underreporting. Public Health & Travel Safety: A separate UNICEF update highlights how digital platforms can enable abuse, urging stronger protection frameworks and support services for victims. Sports Medicine (Local Interest): While not North Macedonia-specific, Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia, sidelining him from upcoming Nations League matches that include North Macedonia.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports about 20 million children (ages 12–17) across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in one year, with many cases linked to mainstream social media and games—highlighting higher risks of anxiety and self-harm for victims, including elevated suicidal thoughts reported in North Macedonia. Cross-Border Healthcare & Rights: In North Macedonia, the case of Iva Mihaylova—a dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen—continues as courts weigh whether she can leave for medical treatment in Bulgaria after a fatal crash; her passports were seized and multiple travel requests were rejected, with Bulgarian MPs and her defense pushing the matter toward Strasbourg. Heart Health Spotlight: Footballer Scott McTominay announced he will undergo corrective treatment for a mild benign arrhythmia, sidelining him from upcoming Nations League matches that include North Macedonia.

Child Safety Online: UNICEF reports that about 20 million children aged 12–17 across 21 countries faced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year, with many cases happening on mainstream social media and private messaging—highlighting serious mental health harms and widespread underreporting. Cross-Border Healthcare Rights: In Kočani, the case of Iva Mihaylova—charged after a fatal road crash—continues as she says she cannot get needed treatment in Bulgaria because her travel requests are repeatedly denied; her defence argues the matter could be taken to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Local Health Context: The UNICEF findings explicitly include North Macedonia in the surveyed countries, pointing to higher risks of self-harm and suicidal thoughts among affected children. Medical Access & Justice: Bulgarian MPs and officials attending the hearings frame the dispute as both a fair-trial issue and a right to adequate healthcare, with the next court steps set for late September.

Medical Rights in Court: The Kocani Basic Court resumed the case of Iva Mihaylova, a dual Bulgarian–North Macedonian citizen charged after a fatal road crash, as prosecutors and accident-reconstruction experts testified; Mihaylova says her spinal injuries require treatment abroad, but authorities have repeatedly blocked her travel for medical care, with her legal team pushing the matter toward the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Child Safety Online: UNICEF reported that nearly 20 million children across 21 countries faced technology-facilitated sexual abuse in one year, with most cases linked to mainstream social media and private messaging, urging stronger protection and support for victims. Heart Health Update: Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay has a mild benign arrhythmia and will undergo corrective ablation surgery, ruling him out of several Nations League matches that include games against North Macedonia. Public Health Watch: A locally acquired West Nile virus case was detected in Hungary, highlighting ongoing mosquito-borne risk in the region and the potential for severe illness in rare cases.

Healthcare Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary and hospital care, prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS), epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, health legislation, statistics and eHealth, plus links between research institutes and universities. Cross-Border Medical Rights: In Kočani, the case of Iva Mihaylova—charged over a fatal road crash—continued as her defence and prosecution experts testified; she has been repeatedly denied permission to leave North Macedonia for treatment in Bulgaria, with her supporters saying her right to health care and a fair process is at stake and a possible appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg is being prepared. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus activity remains a concern in Europe, with North Macedonia reporting its fifth death of the year and other countries also recording cases, highlighting the need for stronger mosquito surveillance and prevention. Global Child Safety: A UNICEF report says about 1 in 5 children surveyed faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse or exploitation in a year, especially in protracted crises where protections and support services are lacking.