AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary, specialized and hospital care, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS), epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, health legislation, statistics and eHealth, plus research and medical equipment exchange. West Nile Alert: West Nile virus activity remains a concern across Europe; North Macedonia reported its fifth death of the year, while Greece is among the countries with rising cases and WHO urges stronger mosquito surveillance and public protection measures. Court & Access to Care: The Kocani Basic Court case against dual Bulgarian-Macedonian citizen Iva Mihaylova over a fatal 2025 road crash resumes Sept. 28, after multiple requests to travel to Bulgaria for medical treatment were rejected; Bulgarian MPs say her rights and access to quality healthcare must be guaranteed. Heart Procedure (Health News, Not Local Care): Napoli confirmed Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay will undergo corrective surgery for a mild benign arrhythmia and miss several fixtures, with return expected after the international break.

Court & Care: In Kocani, North Macedonia’s Basic Court resumed taking evidence in the case against Iva Mihaylova, charged over a fatal 2025 traffic crash; the next hearing is set for September 28, when accident-reconstruction experts retained by both sides are expected to testify. Human Rights & Access to Treatment: Mihaylova and Bulgarian MPs say her documents were confiscated after the crash, blocking travel to Bulgaria for medical care for spinal injuries; they argue prosecutors are opposing her departure unless her condition is “life-threatening,” while supporters call for impartial proceedings and guaranteed healthcare access. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus remains active across Europe; North Macedonia has reported multiple deaths this year, and the wider region is seeing ongoing mosquito-borne circulation, with calls for stronger surveillance and public protection measures. Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a draft 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering primary, specialized and hospital care, disease prevention (including HIV/AIDS), epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, health legislation, statistics and eHealth, plus research and medical technology exchange. Mosquito-Borne Alerts: Reports from Europe also highlight new West Nile activity and malaria cases linked to airport exposure, underscoring the need for vigilance as mosquito seasons continue.

Court & Care: The Basic Court in Kočani resumed evidence in the case against Iva Mihaylova, charged after a fatal road crash in early October 2025; the hearing heard a police officer and began accident-reconstruction expert testimony, with the next session set for September 28. Mihaylova says her spinal injuries require treatment in Bulgaria, but her documents were confiscated after the crash, and she claims prosecutors have opposed her travel unless her condition is “life-threatening.” Rights Pressure: Bulgarian MPs including GERB’s Georg Georgiev and Democratic Bulgaria’s Elisaveta Belobradova attended the court, calling for impartial proceedings and access to quality healthcare and human rights. Health Diplomacy: 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 research and medical equipment cooperation. Mosquito Alerts: West Nile virus remains active across Europe; North Macedonia reported its fifth death of the year, while Greece is among countries with rising cases and WHO urges stronger mosquito surveillance.

Bilateral Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a draft 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary, specialized and hospital care; prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS); epidemiological surveillance and emergency management; health legislation, statistics and eHealth; plus research and medical product exchange. West Nile Virus Watch: West Nile virus remains active across Europe and the Balkans, with North Macedonia reporting its fifth death of the year; Albania reported its first confirmed case in Korçë, and ECDC lists North Macedonia among countries with 2026 cases. Malaria at a Major Hub: Two Frankfurt Airport employees died after contracting malaria, with authorities investigating mosquito exposure linked to aircraft and setting up mosquito traps for testing. Press Freedom & Health Policy Context: A North Macedonia media-defense profile highlights rising SLAPP pressure on journalists, relevant for how health information and public communication can be protected. Food Security: FAO data shows moderate or severe food insecurity affects about 9.2% in North Macedonia (2023–2025), improving slightly but still below regional peers.

Bilateral Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary, specialized and hospital care; prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS); epidemiological surveillance and emergency management; health legislation, statistics and eHealth; plus research and medical product exchange. West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia reported a fifth West Nile virus death this week as cases rise (at least 43 reported, with most in the last three weeks), alongside frequent hospitalisations and ongoing aerial and ground mosquito fumigation in Skopje and other areas; officials urged people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Outbreak Context: West Nile activity is also being reported across Europe, with Greece among countries seeing cases and the Netherlands reporting a domestic infection death, underscoring the broader mosquito-season risk for the Balkans.

Bilateral Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary, specialized and hospital care, prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS), epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, health legislation, statistics and eHealth, plus research and medical product exchange. West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia reported a fifth West Nile virus death and at least 43 cases, with hospitals seeing near-daily admissions; authorities are running extensive mosquito fumigation in Skopje and other areas and urging people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Outbreak Context: West Nile activity is also rising across Europe, with Greece among countries reporting cases and the Netherlands reporting a domestic infection death; health agencies are pushing stronger mosquito surveillance and public protection measures. Malaria at Frankfurt Airport: Two airport employees died and five others fell ill with malaria, with authorities investigating a possible mosquito-related source linked to aircraft travel. Food Security: FAO estimates show moderate or severe food insecurity affects about 9.2% in North Macedonia (2023–2025), far lower than Albania but still a concern for vulnerable households. Health & Travel Safety: A Turkish dental clinic issued an initial response after a Greek-Canadian patient who received implants in Antalya fell into a coma in Athens, with the family alleging serious complications.

West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia has recorded a fifth West Nile virus death this year, with at least 43 cases reported and hospitals seeing around 20–21 patients daily; authorities are running extensive fumigation in Skopje and other areas, urging people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Outbreak Context: The virus is also active across Europe, with Greece among 12 countries reporting cases in 2026, while the Netherlands reported a hospital death linked to a domestically acquired infection. Bilateral Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a draft 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering primary, specialized and hospital care, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS), epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, health legislation, statistics and eHealth, plus research and medical product exchange. Local Health & Care Access: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova says she will raise the case of 23-year-old Iva Mihaylova with the Council of Europe in mid-September after North Macedonia doctors said they could not provide the needed treatment. Health-Related Diplomacy: North Macedonia’s foreign minister visited Israel and signed cooperation talks that include health among other sectors like agriculture, water management, security, innovation and tourism.

Healthcare Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary, specialized and hospital care; prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS); epidemiological surveillance and emergency management; health legislation, statistics and eHealth; plus research and medical product/technology exchange. West Nile Virus Update: North Macedonia reported a fifth West Nile virus death and at least 43 cases, with hospitals seeing near-daily admissions; authorities are running extensive mosquito fumigation in Skopje and other areas and urging people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Outbreak Context: West Nile activity is rising across Europe, with Greece among the countries reporting cases; the Netherlands also reported a West Nile-related hospital death, underscoring the broader seasonal risk. Cross-Border Health Diplomacy: The same cooperation plan also targets specialist exchanges and participation in national and international healthcare events, aiming to deepen bilateral ties through practical health work. Health Access Concern: Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova said she will raise the case of 23-year-old Iva Mihaylova in Strasbourg, after North Macedonia doctors said they couldn’t provide the needed treatment and Bulgaria offered consultation or treatment options.

Healthcare Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a draft 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary, specialized and hospital care; prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS); epidemiological surveillance and emergency management; health legislation, statistics and eHealth; plus research and medical exchange on medicinal products and new technologies. West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia reported a fifth West Nile virus death and at least 43 cases, with fumigation and mosquito-control spraying intensifying around Skopje and other high-risk areas; health officials urged people to take precautions and report dead birds. Regional Spread: The EU health agency says locally acquired West Nile virus cases have been reported in 12 European countries this year, including North Macedonia, as Greece, Italy and others report higher numbers and authorities push for stronger mosquito monitoring and control. Cross-Border Health Links: North Macedonia’s foreign minister visited Israel and signed cooperation agreements, with health listed among areas for expanded collaboration alongside security, innovation, agriculture, water management and tourism.

Bilateral Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a draft 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia, covering primary, specialized and hospital care; prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases (including HIV/AIDS); epidemiological surveillance and emergency management; health legislation, statistics and eHealth; plus research and medical institution links for exchanges on science, medicinal products and new technologies. West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia reported a fifth West Nile virus death and at least 43 confirmed cases, with health officials saying almost daily hospitalizations continue; fumigation and mosquito-control efforts are underway in Skopje and other areas, and authorities urge people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Spread: The EU health agency says locally acquired West Nile virus cases have been reported in 12 European countries this year, including North Macedonia, and calls for stronger mosquito monitoring and control. Cross-Border Care Dispute: Bulgaria’s president and foreign ministry escalated the case of 23-year-old Iva Mihaylova, saying North Macedonia cannot provide the needed treatment and pushing for timely medical care abroad, including a planned meeting in Strasbourg. Healthcare Safety Concern: A Turkish dental clinic issued an initial response after a Greek-Canadian patient who received implant treatment in Antalya fell into a coma in Athens, with the clinic saying it is reviewing the case with lawyers.

West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia reported its fifth West Nile virus death and at least 43 cases, with 40 confirmed and three positive on a single test, as health authorities intensify mosquito fumigation and urge people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Outbreak Update: The EU health agency says 12 European countries have locally acquired West Nile virus cases this year, including North Macedonia, with Greece and Italy leading in numbers; there’s no vaccine or specific treatment, so prevention and mosquito control are key. Cross-Border Health Cooperation: Bulgaria’s government approved a 2026–2028 healthcare cooperation plan with North Macedonia covering primary, specialized and hospital care, prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, epidemiological surveillance, emergency management, health legislation, statistics and eHealth, plus research and medical product exchange. Healthcare Access & Rights: Bulgaria’s foreign ministry says it is taking urgent steps to protect Iva Mihaylova’s rights after courts upheld limits on her leaving North Macedonia for treatment, while the Council of Europe meeting in Strasbourg is set to raise her case. Infectious Disease Incident Abroad: Two Frankfurt Airport workers died of malaria and five others fell ill, with authorities investigating whether a mosquito arrived via aircraft and setting up special traps for testing.

West Nile virus surge: North Macedonia has recorded its fifth West Nile virus death of the year and at least 43 cases, with health authorities running extensive mosquito fumigation and urging people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional spread: The EU health agency says locally acquired West Nile cases have been reported in 12 European countries this year, including North Macedonia, and Greece is among the hardest hit. New cases nearby: Albania reported its first confirmed West Nile case in Korçë, while Cyprus confirmed a first case of 2026 with a patient in intensive care for encephalitis. Malaria at an airport: In Germany, two Frankfurt Airport workers died and five others fell ill with malaria, with authorities investigating whether a mosquito arrived via aircraft. Health access dispute: Bulgaria says it has taken urgent steps to protect the rights of Iva Mihaylova and secure necessary treatment after courts in North Macedonia blocked her from leaving for care. Elections & health cooperation: The North Macedonia–Bulgaria health ministry cooperation plan for 2026–2028 is set for government consideration, alongside election-related spending decisions.

West Nile Virus Surge in North Macedonia: The Health Ministry reports 43 West Nile fever cases so far, with 4 deaths and 40 confirmed infections; most cases are around Skopje, and authorities are intensifying mosquito spraying and urging residents to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Mosquito-Borne Alert: Across Europe, 12 countries have reported locally acquired West Nile virus this year, with ECDC urging stronger mosquito control as there’s no approved human vaccine and care is mainly supportive. Cross-Border Health Concern: Albania confirmed its first West Nile case in Korçë, adding to a wider Balkan picture where Greece and Italy are seeing sharp increases. Malaria at Frankfurt Airport: Two airport workers died and five were hospitalized after suspected mosquito-borne malaria exposure linked to aircraft arrival; special traps are collecting insects for genetic testing. Patient Rights and Treatment Access: Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova says she will raise the case of Iva Mihaylova in Strasbourg, while Bulgaria’s foreign ministry says it is using diplomatic and legal steps to secure necessary treatment. Healthcare in the News Cycle: A Turkish dental clinic issued an initial response after a Greek-Canadian man fell into a coma following implant surgery, saying it is examining the case with lawyers.

West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia is battling a growing West Nile outbreak, with the health ministry reporting 43 cases and a fifth death linked to the virus, while 40 cases are confirmed and three more test-positive; most infections are around Skopje, and hospitals are seeing roughly 20–21 patients as authorities step up mosquito spraying and ask people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Regional Spread: The EU health agency says locally acquired West Nile cases have been reported in 12 European countries this year, urging stronger mosquito control across the region where there are no approved human vaccines or specific treatments. Cross-Border Health Rights: Bulgaria’s president says she will raise the case of 23-year-old Iva Mihaylova in Strasbourg in September, after Bulgarian authorities say she can’t get needed treatment in North Macedonia and have taken urgent diplomatic steps to protect her right to care. Food Security Watch: FAO estimates show about 9.2% of people in North Macedonia face moderate or severe food insecurity (2023–2025), with the figure much higher in Albania, highlighting ongoing nutrition pressure in the wider region.

West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia is reporting a fast-rising West Nile situation, with 43 cases and a fifth death registered, as health authorities step up mosquito fumigation and urge people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Hospital Pressure: Officials say almost daily hospitalisations are occurring, with around 20–21 patients at clinics, and earlier reports put the year’s total at 38 confirmed cases and four deaths, including three fatalities in the past week. Regional Spread: The EU health agency says locally acquired West Nile cases have now been reported in 12 European countries this year, including North Macedonia, as mosquito-control efforts are intensified across the region. Food Security Watch: A new FAO estimate highlights that about 31.8% of Albanians face moderate or severe food insecurity (2023–2025), while North Macedonia is estimated at 9.2%, underscoring ongoing nutrition and public health pressures in the wider Balkans.

West Nile Virus Alert: North Macedonia is battling a fast-rising West Nile outbreak, with health authorities reporting 43 cases and a fifth death linked to the virus, alongside intensive mosquito spraying and calls for people to drain standing water and report dead birds. Hospital Pressure: The ministry says the virus has led to frequent hospitalizations, with the Infectious Disease Clinic head noting around 20–21 patients at the clinic, and earlier reporting of 38 confirmed cases and four deaths (three in the past week). Regional Spread: Europe-wide, the EU health agency says locally acquired West Nile cases have been reported in 12 countries this year, including North Macedonia, as Greece and Italy continue to record the highest numbers. Cross-Border Health Rights: Separately, Bulgaria says it has taken urgent steps to protect Iva Mihaylova’s rights after courts in North Macedonia upheld restrictions on her leaving for treatment, while the president says the case will be raised in Strasbourg.