Hospital upgrades in Malaita: Japan has officially handed over the upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital, a major SBD120–130 million redevelopment supported through JICA, with new outpatient and emergency areas, operating theatre, birthing suite, imaging, pharmacy and sterilising services—aimed at reducing referrals and improving care for women, children and patients across Malaita. Water and sanitation support: New Zealand’s High Commission handed over 39 water tanks to Tasimboko Ward communities in Guadalcanal to ease ongoing drinking-water shortages for about 2,000 people across more than 30 villages. Local health system strain: Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua says 55% of health facilities in the province have had no renovation in five years, with only 39% of patients showing improvement after treatment—highlighting urgent infrastructure needs. Tobacco control push: On World No Tobacco Day, Solomon Islands’ Health Minister warned against tobacco and nicotine marketing to youth, including e-cigarettes and flavored nicotine, and pledged to strengthen the Tobacco Act and enforcement. Community health training: A five-day workshop in Honiara is underway to strengthen Provincial Healthy Settings advocacy, with malaria drug and supply shortages flagged as a key challenge. Regional health context: A WHO-UNICEF report says most Pacific countries struggle to reach 90% child vaccination targets, even when some meet the goal for many vaccine types. Marine protection: Solomon Islands joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area initiative—promising biodiversity gains but raising concerns about management and enforcement.