Health Funding: The Asian Development Bank 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 targeted for the end of Q2 2028. Mental Health Watch: A new global comparison highlights countries reporting the lowest depression rates, but researchers warn low numbers can also reflect limited screening and fewer mental health services—not necessarily better wellbeing. Pacific Health & Environment Link: SPREP’s SWAP2 project is pushing cleaner waste management across Pacific islands, including Kiribati, with progress on beach surveys and marine-litter audits to guide pollution priorities. Local Health Context: In the Solomon Islands, a landslide at Gold Ridge Mine reportedly killed at least 10 people, raising concerns about mining conditions and emergency response needs. Kiribati Spotlight (Non-health but local): Purdue’s Taraia Object Expedition is set to depart in October to investigate Amelia Earhart’s disappearance on Nikumaroro, after Kiribati cabinet approval—an update that keeps Kiribati in the regional spotlight.