Illegal Mining & Mercury/Arsenic Exposure: France is pushing for joint action with Suriname after AFP reports “ticking time bomb” pollution from illegal gold mining along the Marowijne border, with mercury and arsenic levels reported thousands of times above WHO limits—raising daily health risks for Indigenous Wayana communities through water and food. PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Pregnancy: A new Suriname study finds pregnant women in remote rainforest areas have higher PFAS levels in their blood than women in more accessible communities, pointing to location-linked exposure routes during a critical period of fetal development. Neurological Disorders Rising: PAHO-led research in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas flags Guyana (alongside Suriname and others) as among the hardest-hit for brain and nervous system conditions, with stroke, dementia, and epilepsy driving a growing disability burden. Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert: The CDC warns travelers about chikungunya activity in Costa Rica, urging vaccination where available and strict insect protection due to symptoms that can include prolonged joint pain. Women & Health Policy Context: Regional discussions highlight the role of women’s economic participation and the care economy—relevant to how health support systems and access to services can shape outcomes.