Drug Policy Watch (Mauritius): Mauritius’ National Agency for Drug Control CEO Kunal Naik says the “drug situation is critical,” arguing that arrests and seizures don’t show the full picture as cheap synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances spread—pushing for stronger prevention, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation alongside enforcement. Health Systems (Africa): WHO’s Africa chief says countries are still making progress on disease control despite the deepest cuts to health funding in a generation, citing milestones in elimination efforts (including Mauritius) and continued treatment coverage for HIV and TB. Ebola Response (Region): Ebola measures are tightening across multiple countries, with entry restrictions and health declarations aimed at travellers linked to affected areas in the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Spinal Pain (Research): A new global analysis highlights the growing disability burden from spinal pain across Asia-Pacific, reinforcing the need for better prevention and rehabilitation. Climate & Health Risk (Southern Africa): Zimbabwe braces for a hotter, drier 2026/27 season, raising concerns for crop output, water access and livestock survival—factors that can quickly spill into health. Finance & Access (Mauritius-linked): The African Peer Review Mechanism plans to launch an African credit ratings agency in Mauritius on Oct 5, aiming to reduce borrowing costs by offering an African alternative to global ratings.