Health Funding Accountability: PNG Health Minister Elias Kapavore faces mounting public pressure over reports of K1.5 billion in health allocations not translating into better hospital care, as people point to overcrowding, medicine shortages and deteriorating services, with calls for clearer releases and detailed spending acquittals. Government Transparency Push: Prime Minister James Marape has ordered ministers, provincial leaders and MPs to publicly share detailed seven-year sector and jurisdiction reports on spending, achievements and challenges, after presenting the Marape-Rosso performance review. El Niño Watch for Highlands: All seven Highlands provinces are placed under “El Niño Watch,” warning of potentially prolonged drought that could affect food and health planning. Child Protection & Police Action: PNG’s child welfare office says it is working with police to arrest and charge a suspect after a viral video showed a young girl being threatened and forced to leave her home in Porgera, Enga. Maternal Health Training Return: A PNG Fulbright scholar has returned after completing a Master of Public Health focused on reducing preventable maternal and child deaths through community-based emergency training. Workforce Skills for Resource Communities: Six trainees from landowner-linked companies completed an eight-week industry skills programme in Napa Napa, covering safety, first aid/CPR, and equipment operations to boost local participation in mining and oil and gas roles. Rural Welfare Outreach: RPNGC welfare officers completed a two-week outreach across Central and Gulf, advising police families on welfare rights, health insurance, child protection and domestic violence support. Regional Disaster Risk: A powerful 7.8 earthquake in the southern Philippines triggered tsunami warnings affecting parts of the wider Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, renewing urgency for coastal safety readiness. Volcanic Activity Alert: PNG authorities warn a submarine volcano in the Bismarck Sea remains active, with pumice washing ashore in Manus and tsunami risk still above normal. Digital Health-Relevant Tech Moves: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe to expand digital government services and connectivity, aiming to improve transparency and service delivery. Healthcare Workforce Recognition: The Media Council of PNG mourns the death of Genesis Ketan, a trainer and treasurer who supported capacity building for young journalists—an indirect reminder of the importance of health and community wellbeing.