ASEAN Smoke-Free Push: Baguio City won Gold at the ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards, while Pasig took Bronze as the region spotlights local enforcement to cut tobacco smoke exposure. Water Safety in Focus: In Chiang Rai, Thai monitoring found arsenic above the national surface-water limit in the Kok and Sai rivers, raising health concerns for communities relying on river water, farming and fishing, with Myanmar mining cited as a key suspect. Medicines Security: ASEAN endorsed a five-year plan (2026–2030) to secure affordable essential medicines for 600+ million people, aiming for uninterrupted access during pandemics and disasters. Wildlife Crime and Health Risks: The Golden Triangle remains a cross-border hub for wildlife trafficking, with UN reporting links to organized criminal networks—an issue that also threatens public safety. Myanmar Flooding & Health: Heavy monsoon rains inundated parts of Yangon, with search efforts for a missing 13-year-old and renewed public health worries as acute diarrhea cases have risen. Education Under Attack: UNESCO warned attacks on schools rose 33% in 2025, disrupting learning for millions—highlighting the health and protection stakes for children. Community Health Policy: Malaysia showcased its “Mai Kurang” sugar-salt-calorie reduction push for NCD prevention and promoted community-based mental health care via the Mentari model.