Social protection for farmers: Laos launched SOLAR II to strengthen social protection, labor rights, and occupational safety and health for 32,000+ coffee, tea, and forestry farmers across seven provinces, tackling informal work, weak contracts, and risks like violence and sexual harassment. Nutrition financing: Laos’ Finance Ministry met with UNICEF to improve nutrition budget tracking and spending analysis so child malnutrition priorities get secure, measurable public funding. ASF and pork supply: Vientiane eased regulated pig movement to keep pork available while tightening African Swine Fever surveillance, using red/yellow/green zones, inspections, and strict documentation for market deliveries. Disaster response and WASH: After Typhoon Maysak flooding in Luang Namtha, Plan International Laos is supporting emergency relief focused on food, clean water, and sanitation/hygiene for thousands of affected people, with special attention to girls’ risks and menstrual hygiene needs. Health and safety in workplaces: A slope collapse at the Pak Beng hydropower project injured at least one worker, highlighting ongoing risks around construction camps and emergency readiness. Diabetes care research: New study protocols compare low-frequency electroacupuncture with sham electroacupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, adding to the evidence base for non-drug symptom management.