GEF-8 Environment Funding: The Global Environment Facility council has approved a final $144.3 million disbursement under its 8th funding cycle, backing ocean and biodiversity projects with a push toward 2030 goals. Maternal Health Partnership: UNFPA and the African Development Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen maternal health and “demographic resilience,” with plans for digital training for health workers, climate-resilient health infrastructure, and better health information systems. Madagascar Health Equipment Deal: Madagascar’s transitional prime minister met Sberbank leadership in Moscow, agreeing on support including 230 containers of medical equipment for rural first aid, plus training and health-related AI use. Mental Health Focus: WHO-backed regional mental health workshop planning includes Madagascar among participating countries, aiming to build national mental health landscape analyses. Neonatal Care Research: A new review highlights that kangaroo mother care started immediately after birth may improve outcomes for premature and low-birth-weight babies, though hospital implementation still varies. Vanilla Innovation in Madagascar: IFF is setting up a Vanilla Innovation Centre in Madagascar to improve lab testing, extraction, and product development at origin. Mosquito-Borne Alerts: France reported 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May (dengue, chikungunya, Zika), underscoring ongoing arbovirus risk as tiger mosquitoes remain active. Wildlife & Community: Fota Wildlife Park announced the birth of two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur babies in Madagascar, inviting the public to help name them.