Pandemic Preparedness Boost: Laos launched the ALERT-LAO project with FAO and UNICEF, backed by a US$17.59m Pandemic Fund grant, to strengthen early warning, lab systems, and One Health workforce capacity across all 18 provinces. Cross-Border Health Drill: Laos and Thailand ran a joint public health emergency response exercise in Champasak to test surveillance, coordination, and outbreak response for diseases including avian influenza, anthrax, and Ebola. Nutrition & Breastfeeding Push: Laos marked National Nutrition Day and World Breastfeeding Week, urging better maternal nutrition and breastfeeding to support child immunity and healthy growth. HIV Focus in the Region: Thailand reported 557,993 cumulative HIV cases and falling new infections, while Laos officials track rising infections among young people. Cold-Chain Food Trade: China-Laos Railway moved over 100,000 tons of cold-chain vegetables, helping Yunnan exports grow fast. Health Access Under Pressure Abroad: A Minnesota clemency commission recommended a pardon for a man facing deportation to Laos, warning his kidney-transplant medication is unavailable there. Deportation Concerns for Lao Communities: New reporting highlights a surge in U.S. deportations affecting long-term Lao and Hmong residents, raising humanitarian and health risks.