El Niño Drought Watch: PNG National Weather Service confirms El Niño is established, with drier conditions likely through 2026—raising concern for Highlands and other drought-prone areas. Disaster Relief Funding: PNG Government releases K5 million for Manus after undersea volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea, targeting food, clean water, transport and urgent services. Hospital Upgrade: Raihu Health Centre in Aitape-Lumi is upgraded to a Level 4 district hospital (St. Francis Catholic District Hospital), boosting access to higher-level care. UPNG–PIH Healthcare Access: University of Papua New Guinea and Pacific International Hospital sign a three-year MoU for expanded access, discounted services and preventive health programs from July 1. Medivac Dispute: Australia denies responsibility for medivac of a severely ill refugee in Port Moresby, while advocates say PNG lacks needed medication and mental health support. Climate and Child Health: UNICEF warns half of the world’s children face at least three climate hazards; in PNG, children are forced to swim crocodile-filled rivers to reach school after a bridge washed away. Pacific Tech Safety: Leaders warn AI and digital tools across the Pacific can fuel misinformation, online harm and youth mental health risks. Mosquito Research: Defence health teams run “No Sick Soldier” surveys in PNG to improve malaria and mosquito-borne disease control. Genetics and Immunity: New research links Denisovan-inherited DNA in Oceanians—including PNG—to immune system gene activity, with health impacts still being studied.