Gender-based violence: A new global look at violence against women highlights how widespread the problem is, with Papua New Guinea flagged for extremely high rates of intimate partner and domestic sexual violence—figures that also point to the need for stronger protection and support services across the Pacific, including Kiribati. Kiribati Language Week & women’s health: Kiribati Language Week is underway in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on identity and responsibilities; one Kiribati researcher is linking language to how women understand menstruation and reproductive health, showing how words and culture can shape care. Kiribati health funding: The World Bank has approved a US$14 million Kiribati Health Systems Strengthening Project to upgrade hospitals, health centres and clinics, train health workers, and improve health information systems—aimed at better care as non-communicable diseases rise. Heart screening in the Pacific: Vanuatu launched the HeartCare app to help community health workers screen for heart risk earlier using mobile checks like blood pressure and blood sugar, connecting people to care before serious events. Pacific eye care research: The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ is working to build better data on avoidable blindness in the Pacific so governments can target services where they will have the biggest impact. Rural living snapshot: A global map shows only 36 countries remain majority rural, including several Pacific nations—useful context for planning health services where distance and access are major barriers.