Public Health Milestone (Suriname): PAHO reports Suriname became the first country in the Amazon Basin certified malaria-free, adding to 20 malaria-free countries across the Americas—alongside other regional gains like Brazil ending mother-to-child HIV transmission. Tobacco & Youth Health (Caribbean): World No Tobacco Day coverage warns that vape marketing is “unmasking the appeal,” targeting children and adolescents with “healthier” claims and sweet flavours, while clinicians describe vaping-linked illness in young patients. Governance & Health Risk (Caribbean): Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while several neighbours score higher—highlighting how public-sector trust and accountability can shape health outcomes. Environment & Health (Waste): UNDP flags Trinidad and Tobago’s rising waste problem, citing higher per-person waste generation than the Caribbean average and urging more responsible consumption. Health Policy Context (Regional trade): France’s ambassador to Guyana points to connectivity barriers to trade and investment, including in health—an indirect reminder that access and logistics affect healthcare delivery.