Volunteer Spotlight: North Queensland’s Volunteering North Queensland has unveiled its 2026 top volunteers, celebrating the quiet people who keep local services running. Mosquito-Borne Warning: In the US, dengue cases tied to travel jumped 359% in 2024, with the CDC issuing a travel notice for 12 countries as Americans face rising risk of brain-bleeding illness. Climate Readiness: The UN is urging countries in the region—including Timor-Leste—to prepare for El Niño returning by mid-2026, warning drought, food stress, and health emergencies could follow. Heart Disease Research: Ochsner’s pediatric cardiologist Dr. Craig Sable is named a principal investigator in a $15M American Heart Association initiative to improve early detection of rheumatic heart disease, with a SHIELD center funded at $4.4M and partners including Timor-Leste. Public Health Policy: The Philippines’ DOH renews its push for a total vape ban, while also calling for strict enforcement of flavor restrictions. Community Care: Therma South donated therapy equipment to children with special needs, supporting occupational therapy and guided play.