Drought Watch (Bougainville): Bougainville has been placed on drought alert as El Niño raises the odds of below-normal rainfall (80–90%) for Sept–Nov 2026, with risks to water supplies, food gardens, nutrition, and remote island health. Hospital Upgrade (Morobe): Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8 million to boost emergency and intensive care for critically ill patients, with plans to support district hospitals if staff are trained. Health Security (PNG): Papua New Guinea completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO under IHR 2005, aiming to map gaps and guide a prioritized national health security action plan. Bird Flu Preparedness (Pacific): WHO urged Pacific countries to prepare for avian influenza (H5N1) spillover, stressing One Health coordination and stronger surveillance. El Niño Funding (Children): The US announced over K15 million for a child nutrition project in PNG as El Niño preparations ramp up. Correctional Health (PNG): PNG Correctional Service submitted El Niño response plans focused on water security, inmate health, and preventing mass escapes, warning of higher risks of skin diseases and other medical problems. Disaster Response (Australia): Australia reiterated support for PNG’s provincial disaster preparedness, using a capacity report to identify gaps and strengthen early warning systems. Water Access Warning (PNG): Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned landowners not to profit from water sources during possible 2026–27 shortages, urging community cooperation.