Defence Partnership: Australia and Papua New Guinea advanced the Pukpuk Treaty in Port Moresby, with talks on deeper cooperation and a recruitment pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force, alongside recent joint activities including health-supply transport to West Sepik. Maternal Health Legacy: Perth obstetrician Dr Margaret Smith, who delivered about 6,000 babies over decades, is remembered for breaking barriers in women’s healthcare. Cardiac Care Gap: East Sepik paediatrician Dr Cecilia Pakule says PNG needs more paediatric cardiac specialists at regional hospitals and basic screening training for more staff, after a recent East Sepik screening found children with multiple heart conditions. Eye Health Warning: Pacific International Hospital ophthalmologist Dr Muhammad Imran highlights cataracts as a major preventable eye problem in PNG, with diabetes pushing risk earlier—especially in urban and mining areas. Medicine Safety: A public-health callout warns against illegal prescription medicine sales on buses and streets, urging stronger enforcement to reduce misuse and antimicrobial resistance. Cocoa Value-Add: PNG inaugurated upgraded cocoa processing at Queen Emma Chocolate in Port Moresby, backed by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, aiming to double output and boost higher-grade local chocolate production. Coastline Waste: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are appealing for help as rubbish and plastic pollution grow, saying it’s now a public health and livelihood issue. Health Supplies Donation: Lutheran Health Services in Lae received medical consumables shipped via an Australian Navy vessel to support facilities across Morobe, Madang and the Highlands. Education Support: Dei District Development Authority backed tertiary education with K1.3m for students across PNG, easing fee pressure for families.