Smoke-free win: Baguio City (Philippines) took Gold at the 2nd ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards for enforcing tobacco smoke protections, with the initiative led by Laos under ASEAN Health Cluster 1 alongside SEATCA and the ASEAN Secretariat. Regional health policy: ASEAN health ministers launched the ASEAN Strategic Health Agenda 2026–2030 and discussed a single medical device pre-market submission model, noting member states are at different readiness levels and pledging not to leave the “weakest behind.” Dengue prevention in Laos: The Laos DDDiL project (Welcome Wolbachia) is expanding to four new provinces in 2026, reaching 1.5 million people in 2025 and reporting very high community acceptance, as Laos continues tackling dengue’s health toll. Clinic crackdown: Laos’ Ministry of Health ordered Dr. Nith Beauty Center to halt medical services after inspections found unauthorized injections and cosmetic procedures, including Botox, with a broader permit deadline for similar facilities. Women’s health support: Lao Women’s Union, UNFPA and Australia are distributing 1,400 dignity kits for flood-affected women and girls, including menstrual hygiene items and referrals for sexual and reproductive health and protection services. UNICEF planning: UNICEF approved Laos’ 2027–2031 Country Programme Document, focusing on the first 1,000 days, learning, adolescent empowerment, and safe water and clean environments. Disaster medicine drills: China–Laos “Peace Train-2026” medical rescue exercise in Vientiane used unmanned drones, robot dogs and vehicles for faster casualty search, supply delivery and evacuation.