Maritime Security for Health Supply Chains: Saudi Arabia and 13 partners agreed a defensive naval alliance to protect ships through Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as Houthi disruptions and wider chokepoint risks keep threatening transport of medicines and food. Somalia Peace Mission Funding Shock: The AU’s AUSSOM faces major uncertainty after the US said it won’t fund beyond 31 Dec and will block UN logistical support, with leaders in Kampala warning the drawdown is already weakening operations. Djibouti in the Regional Spotlight: Djibouti is listed among founding states in the Saudi-led maritime pact, and it also appears in Somalia mission discussions tied to UN support changes. Health Workforce & Access: Yemen’s health sector is under strain from blockade-linked delays in medicines and dialysis supplies, with dialysis services at risk as equipment and solutions can’t reach hospitals reliably. Community Health & Nutrition Partnerships: IFRC and Kenya Red Cross leaders met President Ruto to strengthen emergency preparedness and resilience, including health interventions and nutrition-focused action. Women’s Health Rights: Progress against female genital mutilation faces renewed legal pressure in The Gambia, with civil society mobilizing again as court challenges threaten the ban.