AGP Executive Report

Toxic Waste Cleanup Protest: Tens of thousands marched through Zagreb in the “Walk for Lika, Walk for Croatia” rally, demanding urgent action over an illegal hazardous waste dump near Gospić in Lika. Protesters say more than 30,000 tonnes (est. 34,000–37,000) of buried industrial and medical waste—linked to imports from Italy and other EU countries—could threaten soil and drinking water, with prosecutors previously warning of significant health and environmental risk (even as local authorities say drinking water remains safe). They want a clear remediation plan, deadlines, and a temporary ban on further waste imports. Public Health Angle: The dispute centers on concerns about contamination from “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and elevated metals in groundwater and soil, keeping health fears at the heart of the demonstrations. Safety Enforcement: In Zagreb, police seized 15 high-powered e-scooters after a crackdown found riders violating rules on speed and power, alongside helmet and other traffic offences.

Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito-control measures to curb further spread. Public Health & Research: A drug-resistant fungus linked to widespread rashes is spreading to new regions, with a fast-rising number of detected cases across multiple countries, raising concerns for treatment-resistant skin infections. Clinical/Medical Insight: A new medical overview explains hereditary palmoplantar keratoderma, including how clinicians classify the condition and why genetic testing can be needed for precise diagnosis. Health & Society (Croatia): Croatia’s Gospić waste cleanup is back in focus as a planned Zagreb protest demands faster action over illegally dumped hazardous waste and reported groundwater contamination, including PFAS. Global Health Link to Croatia: An Australian ultramarathon runner of Croatian heritage completed an 827 km coast run to raise awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), inspired by his grandfather’s illness. Sports Medicine Note: Michigan basketball’s European tour was marred by injuries, including a season-ending torn ACL for freshman Brandon McCoy Jr., highlighting how quickly health risks can derail athletes’ plans.

Peptides in the spotlight: An orthopaedic surgeon argues that peptide hype is outpacing real-world data, calling for a national registry to track safety and results in everyday patients. Public health watch: A drug-resistant ringworm fungus strain is spreading to new regions, with rising counts and treatment failures reported in multiple countries. Mosquito control in Zagreb: West Nile virus has been confirmed in the city, prompting urgent mosquito measures. Sports & recovery: A Croatian-linked ultramarathon effort—827 km along the coast—raises awareness of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Environment & health: A new FAO Adriatic fisheries unit was inaugurated in Split to support science-based, sustainable management as climate pressure grows. Travel & wellness access: Air China launched a Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb route, boosting direct connectivity for Croatia. EU politics with health implications: Ratko Mladić’s remains were flown to Serbia, triggering EU condemnation and a cancelled Serbia visit by the EU enlargement commissioner. Local health/environment pressure: Zagreb protest plans target the Gospić waste site and alleged PFAS contamination.

War Crimes & Public Health: Ratko Mladić’s body has been flown to Serbia on a government plane, with an autopsy planned and a public viewing and funeral scheduled for early next week—raising major security and public-order concerns as tens of thousands are expected. AI Policy: Croatia is among nine Central and Eastern European countries signing the Prague AI Declaration to deepen cooperation on AI rules, connect computing capacity, and coordinate positions in the EU. Infectious Disease Watch: A drug-resistant ringworm strain (Trichophyton indotineae) is spreading to new regions, with researchers reporting sharply rising detections worldwide and new findings in multiple countries, including in the US. Local Environmental Health: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at the former PPK Velebit waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover and remove buried and bagged waste and address potential groundwater contamination concerns. Heat & Health Risk: A new early-September heat dome is expanding across Europe, with forecasts of 38–42°C and limited overnight cooling—an added warning for heat-related illness risk, especially across the Mediterranean and Balkans. Rural Wellbeing: FAO calls for generational renewal in rural areas, stressing that young farmers need land, finance, services, and affordable housing plus access to health and childcare.

Public Health Watch: A drug-resistant ringworm fungus (Trichophyton indotineae) is spreading to new regions worldwide, with researchers reporting far more cases than in 2022 and new detections across Europe and South America; in the US it’s now been found in 11 states, though officials warn counts may be low due to misdiagnosis. Local Environment & Health: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at the former PPK Velebit waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover the area, remove waste stored in bags, and tackle large buried ash volumes; officials say the goal is to protect water, soil and air. Heat & Safety: An early-September heat dome is expanding across Europe, with forecasts of 38–42°C and weak overnight cooling, raising heat-stress risks for the Mediterranean and the Balkans. Health Policy & Costs: US employers may face an average 11% jump in healthcare costs, adding pressure to affordability. Wellness Tech: Huawei’s new WATCH GT 7 series adds outdoor-focused modes and health tracking, including features for skiing and cycling.

Heat Health Alert: A powerful early-September heat dome is expanding across Europe, with forecasts of 38–42°C in parts of Spain, southern Europe and the Balkans, including Zagreb, and especially dangerous lack of overnight cooling. Public Health & Safety: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at a major illegal waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover the area, remove surface waste and tackle an estimated 32,000–33,000 tonnes of buried ash while monitoring water, soil and air safety. Mosquito Control: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds were found, prompting urgent mosquito control measures. Mental Health & Research: A new study links personality traits to many genetic variants, suggesting no single “personality gene” and raising the possibility of earlier risk screening for mental-health problems. Smoking Trends: EU data show daily tobacco use is slowly declining, but tobacco still kills about 1.1 million people in Europe each year. Wellness Tourism: A new €17.6 million thermal wellness hotel opens in Croatia with a year-round focus. Climate Impact: A UN report warns global heating will reach at least 1.8°C, with major risks to health, water supplies and cities.

Genetics & Personality: A new study suggests personality traits are influenced by many genes, not a single “one gene” cause—raising hopes for better early risk screening for mental health issues. Public Health & Environment: Croatia is accelerating cleanup at a major illegal waste site in Gospić, with plans to cover the area, remove surface waste, and tackle large buried ash volumes to protect water, soil, and air. Fertility Costs Abroad: High fertility treatment costs are pushing more Americans overseas for IVF, with coverage promises still lagging and patients seeking lower-cost options. Sports Safety Concern: NHL prospect Matthew Mayich remains hospitalized after collapsing during an outdoor workout at Arizona State University; his family’s attorney says the investigation was mishandled and claims “zero chance of recovery.” Health & Risk in Heat: The Mayich case highlights how extreme heat and intense training can quickly become a medical emergency. Tobacco Trends in the EU: Smoking and related products remain common across the EU, with Croatia among the higher daily-use countries, while the EU targets further reductions. Mosquito Control: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito control measures. Climate & Health: A UN report warns global heating above 1.5°C will bring major health and infrastructure damage, with “no good outcomes” beyond that threshold.

Heat & health risk: NHL prospect Matthew Mayich (21) remains hospitalized after collapsing during an outdoor workout at Arizona State University; his family’s attorney says he has a “zero chance of recovery” and is pressing for answers about the university’s handling and the circumstances, with extreme heat reported that day. Hydration & endurance: Croatian runner Aydan Papac’s 827-km coast challenge nears its final stretch, but he hit a serious dehydration and sodium-loss episode near Zadar that forced medical treatment and cost valuable time. Public health & climate: A UN report warns global heating will reach at least 1.8°C even under optimistic scenarios, with “no good outcomes” above 1.5°C—highlighting threats to health, water, food and coastal communities. Local healthcare infrastructure: Croatia is nearing the finish line on its €10bn EU recovery plan, with €7.3bn already paid out and final payments expected after remaining targets are completed. Mosquito-borne disease watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito control measures. Wellness tourism investment: A new year-round wellness-focused thermal hotel opens in Croatia with a €17.6m investment, aiming to boost health and recovery travel.

Public Health & Safety: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds were found, prompting urgent mosquito control measures across the city. Health Policy & Access: Croatia is rolling out digital age verification for online alcohol sales, aiming to tighten compliance and reduce underage access. EU Funding for Care & Infrastructure: Croatia has received €7.3 billion of its €10 billion EU recovery package, with final payment requests planned after remaining targets are completed—money earmarked for reforms and investments including schools and hospitals. Sports Medicine Spotlight: After collapsing during a workout, NHL prospect Matthew Mayich remains in critical condition; his family is calling out Arizona State University’s handling of the investigation and medical response. Wellness & Lifestyle: EU tobacco use is slowly declining, but smoking and vaping remain significant—Croatia is among the countries with higher daily tobacco use rates. Local Community Health: A new €17.6 million year-round wellness-focused thermal hotel has opened in Croatia, adding to the country’s health tourism options.

Digital Health & Safety: Croatia is rolling out digital age verification for online alcohol sales, requiring buyers to confirm they’re 18+ via the state’s m-Građani app (with retailers given until 15 September to implement QR-based checks). Public Health Watch: West Nile virus is back in the spotlight after confirmation in Zagreb, with urgent mosquito control measures launched following dead bird findings. Health Policy & Care Access: High fertility costs are pushing Americans abroad for IVF, with Greece and Spain among the destinations—highlighting how cost and coverage gaps shape where patients seek care. Regional Health & Environment: Croatia eases African swine fever restrictions as the outbreak situation improves, while heat and wildfire risks across Europe continue to raise pressure on health systems and emergency planning. Health & Wellness Tourism: A new €17.6 million thermal wellness hotel opens in Croatia’s Zagorje with a year-round focus, adding to the country’s wellness travel options. Sports Medicine Angle: After Moses Itauma’s hospitalisation following his IBF heavyweight title loss to Filip Hrgović, the case again spotlights athlete safety and recovery after stoppages.

Digital Health & Safety: Croatia is rolling out digital age verification for online alcohol sales, requiring buyers to confirm they’re 18+ via the state’s m-Građani app, with retailers given until 15 September to implement the QR-based system. Public Health: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito control measures after a locally acquired case was identified in Hungary and signals that the virus is active in regional mosquito populations. Sports Medicine Spotlight: British heavyweight Moses Itauma was discharged after being taken to hospital on a stretcher following his ninth-round stoppage loss to Filip Hrgović—an event that reignited attention on athlete safety and recovery after exhaustion and injury. Health & Wellness Abroad: High fertility treatment costs are pushing some Americans to seek IVF overseas, with reports focusing on why patients travel and how policy and medication pricing are shaping decisions. Regional Health Diplomacy: Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković is set to visit Mostar, including the University Clinical Hospital Mostar, underscoring ongoing cross-border institutional ties.

Boxing Health Watch: Moses Itauma’s first pro defeat is still raising medical questions after he was stretchered out following Filip Hrgovic’s ninth-round stoppage for the vacant IBF heavyweight title in London; Itauma has since been discharged and posted that he’ll “be back,” while Tyson Fury refused to guarantee a full recovery. Croatia’s Public Health: West Nile virus has been confirmed in dead crows in Zagreb, prompting urgent mosquito-control steps and advice to remove standing water and use repellents. Heat Safety: Dubrovnik region remains under an orange heat warning, with DHMZ urging extra caution for seniors and children as temperatures stay above 32°C. Sports & Recovery: Ivica Zubac returned to form for Croatia in FIBA play after a broken rib, posting a double-double against the Netherlands. Tennis Health Alert: Novak Djokovic exited the US Open in tears after reporting vomiting, cramping, and pain that worsened during his first-round match.

West Nile in Zagreb: Croatia’s capital has confirmed West Nile virus in dead crows and launched urgent mosquito-control steps, targeting both larvae in breeding spots and adult mosquitoes, with residents urged to remove standing water and use repellents. Heat risk in Dubrovnik: An orange heat warning is in force for the Dubrovnik region, with highs above 32°C and warm nights; authorities warn seniors and children to take extra precautions. Sports health update (boxing): Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgović stopped Moses Itauma in the ninth round to win the vacant IBF title, and Itauma was taken to hospital as a precaution after being stretchered out; he has since been discharged and is recovering at home. Fertility costs abroad (IVF): A report highlights how high IVF prices are pushing some Americans to seek treatment overseas, including Greece, where clinics and medication costs can be lower. Gun safety at school: A case study describes how a Croatian-linked K-9 unit approach is used to respond to firearm reports on school property, emphasizing training and rapid search procedures.

Sports Medicine & Safety: Moses Itauma was stretchered out and taken to hospital after Filip Hrgovic stopped him in the ninth round to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title in London, with reports of a possible leg injury and a precautionary medical check. Public Health Watch (Croatia): West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds were found, adding to the broader Balkan circulation concerns. Infectious Disease Policy: Croatia partially eased African swine fever restrictions after no new outbreaks in domestic pigs since Aug. 4, though the virus remains in wild boars and veterinary surveillance continues. Wellness & Care Tourism: A new €17.6 million thermal health tourism hotel opened in Zagorje, linking year-round wellness facilities with the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Stubičke Toplice. Travel Convenience: Dubrovnik Airport rolled out 3D luggage screening tech, so passengers no longer need to remove liquids and electronics from hand luggage. Health Myth Check: BPC-157 is back in the spotlight as a “miracle peptide,” with debate over whether the hype matches real medical benefit.

Health Tourism in Croatia: A new €17.6 million thermal wellness hotel, Thermal Hotel Wrello, has opened in Stubičke Toplice, tied to the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation. The four-star facility adds a covered pool and year-round wellness, with 36 rooms and two apartments (about 70 beds), a 100-seat restaurant, and a new physiotherapy department—physically connected to the hospital. Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead crows were found in multiple locations (Zapruđe, Kvaternikov trg, Bartola Kašića Park, Savica, Dubec). Health authorities say the virus spreads via mosquito bites and ask residents to report clusters of dead wild birds. Public Health Policy: Croatia has partially eased African swine fever restrictions as the situation improves; no new outbreaks in domestic pigs were detected since Aug 4, though the virus remains in wild boars. Medical Research Note: A case report describes a six-inch tapeworm cyst in a lung that collapsed part of the organ and sent a patient to the ER with confusion and breathing trouble.

Health Tourism & Rehabilitation: A new €17.6 million thermal hotel, Thermal Hotel Wrello, has opened in Stubičke Toplice in Zagorje, built to run year-round and tied directly into the Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation—36 rooms, two apartments, about 70 beds, a covered wellness pool complex, and a physiotherapy department, with EU-backed support and energy-efficiency upgrades. Infectious Disease Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in several dead crows across Zagreb (Zapruđe, Kvaternikov trg, Bartola Kašića Park, Savica, Dubec); authorities remind people to report clusters of dead wild birds to veterinary services, noting mosquitoes are the key spread route. Cancer Care Research: A new medical write-up reviews melanoma treatment outcomes using cost-focused and statistical methods, highlighting survival differences across European countries including Croatia. Public Health & Policy: Croatia has partially eased African swine fever restrictions after no new outbreaks in domestic pigs since Aug 4, though the virus remains in wild boars and surveillance continues. Healthcare Access & Costs: Spain’s organ donation system is highlighted for fully reimbursing transplant-related costs within public healthcare, aiming to avoid financial burden on donors and families.