Rescues and Care: Five people, including two children, were rescued on Fanning Island after nearly three months adrift from Micronesia. Kiribati medical officials treated them, and an MP urged further care on Kiritimati; four others remain missing. Separately, Kiribati fishermen rescued 18-year-old Luka Rahan after 41 days at sea. He is recovering in Tarawa hospital; his cousin died during the ordeal. Climate and Health: El Niño is strengthening and could persist through March 2027. The regional outlook warns of below-normal rainfall across parts of the northwest Pacific, raising concerns for water supplies and food security. Health Funding: An OECD estimate cited in a regional aid update projects Kiribati’s health aid will fall by 17% between 2024 and 2026.