Ebola drug trial push: Mauritius-headquartered Xylomed Pharmaceuticals says it has a candidate Ebola treatment and plans a double-blind, randomised Phase 3B trial in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, aiming to test whether the molecule can stop the virus from replicating. Microplastics monitoring in the region: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques, to produce comparable data for marine pollution policy. Autism support through winter: South Africa’s The Star Academy expands autism early-intervention programmes across the year, keeping routines steady during winter to support children on the spectrum. One Health biodiversity focus: LifeWatch BEeS 2026 opened in Plovdiv, highlighting the link between healthy soils, food systems, ecosystems and human health. Mauritius governance spotlight: An editorial flags governance failures around Air Mauritius after parliamentary disclosures and a Kroll forensic investigation, calling for deeper accountability. Local health workforce lens: A public health column reviews women’s underrepresentation in dentistry leadership and specialised roles, while tracing key milestones for women in the profession. Food security risk from fertilizer shocks: WTO analysis links Persian Gulf conflict disruptions to urea and phosphate fertilizer trade, warning of possible yield and food-price impacts. Digital payments for travellers: India’s UPI is set to integrate with Indonesia’s payment system, with leaders also discussing cross-border QR links—relevant for smoother travel and commerce.