Climate & Food Security: Tonga is preparing for likely dry months as El Niño drought warnings affect Ha’apai, with officials warning sandy soils there can’t hold water well and that crops like yam, cassava, taro and watermelon may face poor growth, delayed planting, lower yields and higher pest/disease stress. Health Systems & Access: A new HeartCare app in Vanuatu is bringing heart disease screening to communities via trained health workers and partners, aiming to spot cardiovascular risk earlier and link people to care before heart attacks or strokes. Taro Resilience Research: University of the South Pacific researchers are developing climate-smart tools to protect taro production across Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, upgrading taro models to better reflect Pacific conditions and soil health challenges. Eye Health in the Region: The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ is pushing Pacific-led research to map avoidable blindness and vision impairment so governments can plan better and target investment where it will help most. Governance for Health & Services: Tonga has launched and commissioned the Communications Commission Tonga headquarters, with leaders stressing that reliable digital systems support healthcare, emergency services and everyday access. Funding Pressure: An OECD report warns Pacific small island states, including Tonga, face major health and public service strain as global aid drops to the lowest level since 2014. Extreme Weather: The Pacific is also dealing with severe conditions this week, including Super Typhoon Bavi and record cold, adding pressure to homes, emergency services and food supplies.