Dengue Watch: Hawaiʻi’s DOH reported dengue virus detected in Hilo wastewater (sample Aug. 24; follow-up pending) but said there are no active cases being tracked; dengue is travel-associated in Hawaiʻi and a year-round risk across parts of the Pacific, including the Marshall Islands and Palau—so officials are urging mosquito-bite prevention and removal of standing water. Pacific Health Workforce & Access: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, smaller island states leaders pushed for stronger regional action, including health workforce support and procurement, alongside transport and fisheries priorities. US Support for Pacific Health Systems: The US announced $150m+ in Pacific investments, including a Palau hospital upgrade (with partners including Taiwan) and other health-adjacent support like drinking water testing/cleaning—aimed at boosting resilience and services. Medicaid Changes (US Policy Impact): North Carolina released a “Know What’s Next” toolkit ahead of Medicaid rule changes starting Oct. 1, including tighter eligibility for some non-citizens and new work/renewal requirements for Medicaid expansion adults—relevant for Marshallese families living in the US. Regional Cooperation on Health: Taiwan and its Pacific allies (including the Marshall Islands) signed a joint statement pledging closer cooperation, including health-related projects such as an AI system at Belau National Hospital.