Renewable Energy & Health: The Cook Islands Government has accelerated its renewable energy push with a new solar project aimed at cutting diesel reliance and reaching 60% renewable supply by 2030—good news for cleaner air and steadier energy for outer islands. Community Health & NCDs: Vanuatu has launched the HeartCare mobile app to help spot heart disease risk earlier in communities, using trained health workers to record blood pressure and other key measures and link people to care before serious problems hit. Local NCD Burden: New Cook Islands figures show 5,815 adults (15+) living with at least one non-communicable disease, with hypertension driving the highest number of new cases—another reminder to prioritise screening and prevention. Mental Health in Sport: The Cook Islands Rugby Union kicks off its 2026 Super 10s competition with a “Men’s Mental Health” theme, using sport as a platform for wellbeing. Plastic & Ocean Health: Local volunteers report heavy beach litter on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with plastics making up most rubbish collected, while Pacific leaders also push for stronger action in global plastic pollution talks. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: New warnings highlight unregulated radioactivity risks from deep-sea mining, raising concerns for marine life and seafood safety. Obesity Pressure: A global ranking flags obesity as a major crisis, with several Pacific nations among the highest rates—fuel for urgent nutrition and lifestyle support.