Pandemic Preparedness Boost: Laos officially launched the ALERT-LAO project with FAO and UNICEF, backed by a US$17.59m Pandemic Fund grant, to strengthen early warning, lab systems, One Health workforce training, and disease surveillance across all 18 provinces. Cross-Border Health Security: Laos and Thailand ran a joint public health emergency drill in Champasak to test outbreak response, disease surveillance, and coordination for infectious threats. Nutrition & Breastfeeding Push: Laos marked National Nutrition Day and World Breastfeeding Week, urging stronger support for maternal nutrition and breastfeeding to improve child immunity and healthy growth. HIV Trends in the Mekong: Thailand reported 557,993 cumulative HIV cases and falling new infections, while Laos is tracking rising infections among young people. Clean Water for Communities: HEINEKEN Lao and Vientiane Capital Water Supply launched a community water infrastructure project, adding 4.2 km of pipelines to improve access to clean water during the dry season. Cold Chain Food Supply: The China-Laos Railway moved over 100,000 tons of cold-chain vegetables this year, supporting fresher produce exports and modern agriculture logistics. Deportation vs Health Access: A Minnesota clemency recommendation could decide the fate of a man facing deportation to Laos, where his doctor says his kidney-transplant medication isn’t available—potentially making deportation a death sentence.