Hospital upgrades in Malaita: Japan has officially handed over the upgraded Kilu’ufi Hospital (SBD$130m), with new outpatient and emergency services, operating theatre, maternity/birthing suite, imaging, pharmacy and central sterile services—aimed at cutting referrals and strengthening general care. Nursing on the ground: Registered nurse Brynish Talo says staff have been preparing equipment and departments ahead of use, with upgrades across OPD, emergency, labour ward, surgical theatre, sterilising, pharmacy and radiology. Health system capacity building: A five-day workshop in Honiara is training provincial leaders and community partners on the Provincial Healthy Settings approach, with malaria drug and commodity shortages flagged as a key challenge. Sanitation and WASH: UNICEF/KOICA-supported artisan training in Ghaobata Ward is teaching low-cost, durable household toilets (SATO pans and slabs) to help end open defecation, with participants planning to train others back home. Food and livelihoods: World Bank-funded SIART support is helping highland Guadalcanal farmers form the Atunoda Family Farmers Association, building a pineapple processing shed and machine to improve market access. Regional diplomacy (health-linked): Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela met China’s Wang Yi in Beijing as both sides reaffirmed cooperation in education, healthcare and green energy. Security and health impacts: Police have stepped up patrols in Belaha after burglary and suspected arson incidents, including injuries treated at the National Referral Hospital.