Public Health Milestone: PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa presented the 2025 Annual Report to the OAS, highlighting Suriname’s certification as malaria-free in the Amazon Basin and progress on HIV elimination, while noting setbacks like measles elimination. Tobacco & Youth Health: A Caribbean-focused piece warns that vape marketing is “unmasking the appeal” to young people, with flavours and “healthier” claims masking nicotine and other harms—echoing WHO’s World No Tobacco Day theme. Suriname Health Supply Disruption: Suriname authorities seized drugs and medical supplies in a bust, raising concerns about safety and access along regional routes. Trade & Health-Linked Connectivity: Brazil and Suriname are set to negotiate to expand a limited trade agreement, with talks covering energy, logistics, agriculture and communications—areas that can affect health systems and supply chains. Medical Manufacturing Push: Supermax’s associate plans a US$50M medical glove facility in Brazil and targets market expansion into Mercosur countries including Suriname and Guyana. Wildlife & Public Safety: A trafficking ring targeting Brazil’s golden lion tamarins was linked to seizures in Togo and Suriname, underscoring cross-border criminal networks that can also strain enforcement and public health readiness.