Maternal Health Boost: A new ultrasound scanner and equipment have arrived at ANC Kama Clinic in Eastern Highlands, aiming to strengthen early diagnosis, monitoring and referrals so expectant mothers don’t have to travel for basic care. Workforce Pressure: Eastern Highlands’ Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital says its Emergency Department is overwhelmed, with only about 50 doctors for a population over 900,000, after social media complaints about waiting times and care. Malaria Prevention: Morobe Province has begun routine distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets across Markham and Nawaeb to cut malaria transmission, with nets expected to last up to three years. Malaria Research: PNG and Japan launched a five-year joint research project to strengthen health systems and work toward malaria elimination, with East Sepik as a main field site. Pandemic Readiness: WHO and partners unveiled a Western Pacific Pandemic Fund-backed project to improve disease surveillance, labs and emergency response across 12 countries. HIV Harm Reduction (Regional): Fiji passed a needle exchange law to support harm-reduction services, joining Australia, New Zealand and PNG among Pacific nations with formal programmes. Governance & Service Delivery: Opposition Leader James Nomane renewed calls to end “PNG Time,” linking delays to problems including healthcare access and medicine shortages. Disaster Health Risks: West New Britain is battling severe El Niño wildfires, with smoke and ash creating health risks for nearby communities.