Plague Alert in Siberia: A 28-year-old lab worker in Irkutsk, Russia, died after severe pneumonia, with nearly 200 people placed under medical observation; authorities have not confirmed plague, but WHO notes pneumonic plague can spread person-to-person and become deadly fast. Global Health Security: WHO also highlighted where plague has been reported in recent years, while international officials said they are monitoring closely as details remain unclear. Tobacco Harm (Chewing): A new Lancet Global Health study estimates chewing tobacco caused about 251,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with roughly 84% of the burden in South Asia—use has not significantly declined in any country. Diabetes Progress (Mauritius): Mauritius is reported to be reversing its type 2 diabetes epidemic using standard 2-hour oral glucose tolerance testing, offering a model for other countries. Health Systems at UNGA81: Universal health coverage and resilient health systems were a key theme, with calls to strengthen primary care and pandemic preparedness together. Health & Environment Safeguards: AfDB and OPEC Fund capacity-building in Africa focused on safer, more inclusive environmental and social safeguards, including community health and safety. Madagascar Link (UHC & climate): The South-West Indian Ocean climate outlook urges multi-hazard preparedness—risks that can quickly spill into health and food security.