Public Health Milestone (Suriname): PAHO says Suriname became the first country in the Amazon Basin certified malaria-free, adding to 20 malaria-free countries across the Americas, while also flagging setbacks like measles elimination progress in the region. Tobacco & Vaping Warning (Caribbean): World No Tobacco Day 2026 messaging is pushing back on “healthier” vape marketing aimed at youth, with a Trinidad and Tobago hospital case described where a 16-year-old was admitted due to vaping-related symptoms. Waste & Environment (Trinidad & Tobago): UNDP’s resident representative warns Trinidad and Tobago generates about 2.6 kg of waste per person per day—double the Caribbean average—urging more responsible consumption as World Environment Day events promote action. Health-Linked Policy Context (Caribbean): A report on the dismantling of USAID-funded programs highlights how abrupt cuts can derail agriculture support, with knock-on effects for livelihoods and community wellbeing. Wildlife Crime (Brazil/Amazon): A trafficking ring targeting golden lion tamarins is described, with sickened animals and forged documents—another reminder that environmental harm can spill into public health and ecosystem stability.