Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) response: Namibia’s FMD outbreak is driving tighter controls and new infected zones, with officials saying samples are being tested to identify the virus strain and origin; private vets also warn surveillance teams and the pace of easing restrictions may be too slow, risking biosecurity gaps. Botswana Independence health & safety concerns: Animal rights groups and some residents are questioning Botswana’s authorisation to kill 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, with added worry about game meat hygiene during ongoing FMD-related restrictions. Health systems capacity (global, with local relevance): Merck Foundation marks World Heart Day by funding diabetes and cardiovascular training scholarships for healthcare providers across multiple countries, aiming to strengthen prevention and early detection. Food security & nutrition: Botswana’s Milk Valley Farm receives another batch of high-yield Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil to boost domestic milk supply and reduce reliance on imports. Wildlife-health link: Reports from Botswana’s Okavango Delta highlight ongoing human-wildlife conflict and the health risks that come with it, including disease concerns tied to livestock and predators. WHO leadership (regional): Indonesia’s health minister is among WHO director-general candidates, pushing for a tighter focus on core mandate and country-led priorities.