Author: TMC Palau
From outbreaks of scrub typhus and leptospirosis to climate-sensitive threats like dengue, Palau is grappling with how environmental change and global mobility are reshaping the landscape of disease. For this small island archipelago, interconnectedness across the human-animal-environment interface is increasingly becoming a frontline for new and evolving health threats. To meet these challenges, Palau is embracing a transformative approach: One Health — in close partnership with WHO. From 20 to 23 April 2026, WHO leveraged its convening power to bring together 30 representatives from across Palau’s human health sector; agriculture, fisheries and environment departments; private sector; border control; academia and international partners — to build a unified wall against global health insecurities. Palau’s Vice President and Minister of Health, Honourable Raynold B. Oilouch, gave opening remarks at the workshop recognizing the value of One Health and…
[Source: BBC] Vigils are to be held across Australia on Thursday to remember a 5-year-old girl who was allegedly murdered two weeks ago. The body of the girl, known as Kumanjayi Little Baby for cultural reasons, was found on 30 April, five days after she went missing from an Aboriginal town camp near Alice Springs. Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been charged with her murder, which sparked riots in Alice Springs amid an outpouring of grief and anger. The public has been invited to join candlelit vigils in the Northern Territory (NT) town and other state capitals and cities late on…
Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2020 www.photosport.nz The PNG Chiefs have confirmed the signing of the NRL’s top try-scorer Alex Johnston. Johnston broke Ken Irvine’s 54-year record of 212 NRL tries earlier this year, and has now taken his tally to 221 tries for South Sydney. His grandmother was born in PNG and raised in Sandaun Province. The Chiefs said Johnston adds immediate firepower to the their roster and the signing signals the club’s commitment to building an attacking brand of football with a connection to its people. “On the field, Alex is a game-breaker, a record holder and a figure…
The delivery came just days before the opening ceremony of the Pacific Mini Games, a 10-day international event that is expected to bring thousands of athletes and spectators to the islands of Palau. The All-Terrain First Aid Kit, packed with trauma supplies, bandages, and antiseptics for on-site emergencies, were provided to Belau National Hospital and will be placed at medical stations throughout the sports venues.Distributed throughout the islands, these kits enable rapid response time for medical assistance and reinforce an already robust medical structure for the Games. Beyond the Pacific Mini Games, the first aid kits will reduce hospital reliance…
[Photo: Bose Vavataga] More than 11,000 people in rural Ba are expected to benefit from upgraded water and sanitation services at Namau Nursing Station, Balevuto Health Centre and Nailaga Health Centre. The WASH project was commissioned today by Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, who says access to safe water remains a major challenge in many rural clinics around the country. The upgrades include improved water supply systems, larger storage tanks, handwashing stations and separate toilets for men, women and people living with disabilities. Dr Lalabalavu says the ministry’s priority is to ensure clinics are in good condition and have proper…
The Albanese Government is supporting Palau’s renewable energy transition by investing a further $16.4 million to upgrade the country’s electricity network infrastructure. The upgrade will provide improved network reliability while increasing the amount of renewable energy used in the grid. It builds on Australia’s support for Palau’s first large-scale solar power plant and battery storage facility. This project, financed by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, has reduced carbon emissions from diesel generators and supported Palau in reaching its renewable energy targets. Australia and Palau will today sign a letter of intent to form a bilateral partnership under…
[Photo: FILE] Fiji is rapidly cementing its place as the Pacific’s technology powerhouse, with global industry leaders pointing to the country’s aggressive embrace of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital innovation. Speaking to FBC News, Data#3 General Manager Software Brendan Merry says Fiji has consistently stayed ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting emerging technologies. Merry says Fiji’s openness to innovation over the last 18 years has positioned the country as a regional technology hub, with businesses increasingly turning to AI and cloud-based systems to drive productivity and growth. However, he says the real challenge now is ensuring organisations…
An archipelago of limestone islands suspended in turquoise lagoons, Palau is a paradise of world-class dive sites, thriving reefs and historic battlegrounds that’s just a six-hour flight from Brisbane. A seven-day journey in this island nation allows you to discover its wild beauty and rich culture, from learning the art of traditional sailing to unwinding in a natural mud bath and camping under the stars. (Permits are required to visit many areas and attractions in Palau, so be sure to check with tour operators or local authorities before embarking on your adventures.) Here’s how to spend a perfect week in…
Written by H.E. Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr. Growing up in Palau, I learned early that the ocean provides everything: food, work, joy and identity. I spent my days with my father taking divers to see the wrecks, the reefs and the wild marine life in our bountiful seas; by night we were fishing for our food or to sell our catch. All of this was made possible by the ocean we were blessed to call home. Immersed in that world, I came to understand that we are not separate from the sea, but part of it. It sustains our lives…
Solomon Islands will have a new Prime Minister next week after Jeremiah Manele was voted out through a motion of no confidence in Parliament today. A total of 26 MPs in the 50-seat Parliament voted against Manele, ending his two-year term as leader. The motion followed weeks of political tension, with former government MPs accusing the administration of corruption, bribery and weak leadership. During the heated debate, former Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka claimed some ministers were abusing public funds and giving unfair advantages to close associates.Article continues after advertisement Manele defended his leadership and called on those behind the…