Health Funding: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Kiribati government have signed an US$11 million grant to support the new Betio Hospital, aiming to strengthen health services for South Tarawa and outer islands, with completion and operations expected by the end of Q2 2028. Regional Health & Environment: Pacific countries are also pushing cleaner waste management under SPREP’s SWAP2 project, which includes Kiribati, supported by a €4.3 million AFD investment—progress includes beach surveys and marine-litter audits to guide waste policy. Mental Health Data Caution: A global comparison on depression reports very low rates in some countries, but researchers warn low numbers can reflect limited screening and reporting, not necessarily better mental wellbeing. Kiribati in Focus (Non-health): Purdue and partners say the Taraia Object Expedition to Nikumaroro will depart in October after Kiribati cabinet approval, as researchers investigate a lagoon anomaly linked to Amelia Earhart’s disappearance.