NewzIntel.com

Category: COVID-19 Vaccine

  • India joins elite global group for Rinderpest Containment as ICAR-NIHSAD Bhopal earns category A status

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has secured a prestigious position in global animal health with the designation of the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal as a Category A Rinderpest Holding Facility (RHF) by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The recognition was The achievement highlights India’s commitment to international disease control standards and reinforces its pivotal role in safeguarding global animal health.

    At the 92nd General Session of WOAH in Paris on May 29, 2025, where Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) and India’s WOAH Delegate, received the certificate from WOAH’s Director General.

    Rinderpest, historically known as “cattle plague,” was a devastating livestock disease eradicated globally in 2011. To prevent its re-emergence, WOAH and FAO restrict the storage of Rinderpest Virus-Containing Material (RVCM) to a select few high-security laboratories worldwide. ICAR-NIHSAD, a Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facility and WOAH reference laboratory for avian influenza, was designated as India’s RVCM repository in 2012. Following a rigorous evaluation in March 2025 by international experts, the institute earned Category A RHF status for one year, affirming its robust biosafety measures, effective inventory management, and preparedness for emergencies.

    This milestone places India among an elite group of six global facilities tasked with securely managing rinderpest virus material, underscoring the nation’s leadership in animal health, biosecurity, and the One Health framework. “India’s role in eradicating rinderpest was historic, and today, preserving that legacy is equally critical. This recognition reflects our responsibility and readiness,” said Ms. Alka Upadhyaya. The international committee also urged India to pursue Category B designation by focusing on vaccine seed material, further strengthening its global standing.

  • MIL-OSI: Eos Energy Successfully Closed $336M in Concurrent Offerings of Common Stock and Convertible Senior Notes, Strengthening its Balance Sheet and Creating Enhanced Financial Flexibility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Simplified capital structure bolsters ability to rapidly meet customer demand, reduce interest expense, and increase liquidity

    Continues to scale operations with order for its second state-of-the-art battery module manufacturing line

    EDISON, N.J., June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) (“Eos” or the “Company”), America’s leading innovator in the design, sourcing, and manufacturing of zinc-based long duration energy storage (LDES) systems, manufactured in the United States, announced the closing of the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional notes in connection with its convertible senior notes due 2030 offering. Following the exercise of the option, $250 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 were outstanding. This announcement follows the Company’s successful closing of its concurrent offerings of common stock (including a full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) and convertible senior notes due 2030.

    These transformative transactions mark a critical inflection point that unlocks the financial flexibility required to scale operations to meet long duration energy storage global demand. The offerings were significantly oversubscribed, demonstrating strong investor confidence in Eos’ market potential and progress against its strategic plan.

    “We proactively capitalized on favorable market conditions to strengthen our financial position and play offense on long term growth,” said Nathan Kroeker, Eos Chief Commercial Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer. “Amid this opportunity, we strategically repurchased the maturing 2026 convertible note, lowered our cost of capital on the Cerberus term loan, and enhanced liquidity, putting us in an ideal position to capture the growing demand for long duration energy storage.”

    The capital infusion strengthens Eos’ ability to execute its growth strategy and increases strategic flexibility by reducing the weighting at the top of its capital stack. It also allowed the Company to restructure key portions of its debt, materially lowering its cost of capital while strengthening its balance sheet, with the overall transaction resulting in approximately $400 million in savings over the terms of the Company’s debt.

    “This was more than a capital raise – it strategically positions the Company to achieve our long-term objectives,” said Joe Mastrangelo, Chief Executive Officer of Eos. “Improving our capital structure provides the tools required to operationally position the Company for growth. A stronger balance sheet combined with an improved capital cost structure, allows Eos to deliver for its customers, and build long-term shareholder value.”

    Use of Proceeds and Strategic Debt Restructuring

    Proceeds from the transactions were used to:

    • Fully repurchase the Company’s $125.9 million 5%/6% Convertible Senior PIK Toggle Note due 2026 for $131 million, saving Eos $8.3 million in incremental interest that would have been owed upon maturity. Pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, the Company subsequently received a $5 million reimbursement of the purchase price from the holder.
    • Prepay $50 million of outstanding borrowings due under the Company’s Delayed Draw Term Loan (DDTL) between Eos and an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management LP (“Cerberus”), and
    • Add approximately $139 million in cash to the balance sheet net of purchaser discounts, prior to the deduction of expenses.

    The $50 million prepayment on the DDTL resulted in key benefits:

    • Reduced the interest rate on the remaining DDTL from 15% to 7%, significantly lowering the Company’s cost of capital.
    • Deferred the EBITDA and revenue financial covenants on the DDTL and DOE to begin March 31, 2027, allowing the Company to focus on scaled growth.
    • Extended the lock-up period on Cerberus held securities by one year to June 21, 2026, further aligning long-term shareholder interests.
    • Waived call protection provisions, saving the Company $28.7 million in prepayment expense.

    Eos is currently working to obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (DOE) for the next funding advance under tranche 1 of its DOE guaranteed loan.

    Operational Momentum and Manufacturing Expansion

    Eos recently submitted the purchase order for its second state-of-the-art manufacturing line that is expected to be operational in the first half of 2026. This marks a pivotal milestone in the Company’s plan to scale domestic production in response to strong U.S. and international demand. In parallel, Eos is in the process of installing and commissioning its first bi-polar sub-assembly, an automation enhancement expected to drive significant improvements in throughput and production efficiency.

    Year-to-date, Eos has shipped more energy storage cubes than in all of 2024, with Q2 shipments surpassing Q1, reflecting strong manufacturing execution. This momentum is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year, supported by meaningful output gains as the Company brings all its terminal and bi-polar sub-assembly automation fully online during the third quarter.

    System Performance and Field Integration

    As production capacity increases, Eos continues to invest in the innovation engine driving its technology roadmap. At its R&D facility in Edison, New Jersey, Francis Richey, Chief Technology Officer, and Pranesh Rao, Senior Vice President Storage Systems Engineering, and team are pioneering advancements that are reshaping long duration energy storage.

    Introduced during the Company’s December 2023 strategic outlook call, Eos has made substantial progress on two foundational components of its Z3 energy storage system: its proprietary American-made Battery Management System (BMS) and its modular inline cube architecture. The custom electronics and advanced software in the BMS have improved availability and shown round trip efficiency above 80% with some longer duration applications surpassing 90%. Developed and maintained in the United States, the BMS ensures critical data privacy and cybersecurity protections, key to enhancing the resilience and security of the U.S. power grid.

    The Company’s inline cube, engineered to simplify field deployment and reduce system level costs, has also demonstrated measurable field efficiencies. In a recent Z3 project, Eos proved the ability to cold commission 75 cubes in just 7 days, resulting in approximately 96% lower installation costs versus prior system designs. Faster installation times and lower costs allow the Eos system to rapidly-scale and meet customer demand for accelerating grid integration.

    Building on these operational and technological advancements, Eos has partnered with PA Consulting Group – energy market and policy advisor and industry leader in forecasting and analytics – to quantify the near and long-term value of its technology. Despite higher upfront costs, compared to incumbent technologies, PA’s independent modeling for ERCOT-based customers showed 30-50% higher revenues over the life of a project for 4+ hour systems. This is a testament to the differentiated performance of the domestically manufactured Z3 technology, and the benefits Eos can provide to customers across North America.

    As power systems adapt to the growing demands of electrification and increased renewable penetration, energy storage has become essential to ensuring grid reliability, flexibility, and resilience. Eos is well-positioned to meet this need with secure, scalable, American-made solutions offering customers not just technology, but long-term value and performance that support the evolving energy landscape.

    Upon the closing of the offerings (including the option to purchase additional notes), the Company is no longer subject to quiet period restrictions until the regularly scheduled period at the end of the second quarter until earnings.

    About Eos
    Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough Znyth™ aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. Safe, scalable, efficient, sustainable—and manufactured in the U.S—it is the core of our innovative systems that today provide utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 3-to 12-hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com.

    Contacts  
    Investors:  ir@eose.com
    Media:       media@eose.com

    Forward Looking Statements

    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expected revenue, for the fiscal years December 31, 2025, our path to profitability and strategic outlook, statements regarding orders backlog and opportunity pipeline, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to increase product volume on our state-of-the-art manufacturing line, statements regarding our future expansion and its impact on our ability to scale up operations, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to strengthen our overall supply chain, statements regarding our expectation that our new comprehensive insurance program will provide increased operational and economic certainty, statements that refer to the delayed draw term loan with Cerberus, milestones thereunder and the anticipated use of proceeds, statements that refer to outlook, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and the information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected.

    Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; our ability to forecast trends accurately; our ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; our ability to achieve the operational milestones on the delayed draw term loan; our ability to raise financing in the future; risks associated with the DDTL with Cerberus, including risks of default, dilution of outstanding Common Stock, consequences for failure to meet milestones and contractual lockup of shares; our customers’ ability to secure project financing; the amount of final tax credits available to our customers or to Eos pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act; the timing and availability of future funding under the Department of Energy Loan Facility; our ability to continue to develop efficient manufacturing processes to scale and to forecast related costs and efficiencies accurately; fluctuations in our revenue and operating results; competition from existing or new competitors; our ability to convert firm order backlog and pipeline to revenue; risks associated with security breaches in our information technology systems; risks related to legal proceedings or claims; risks associated with evolving energy policies in the United States and other countries and the potential costs of regulatory compliance; risks associated with changes to the U.S. trade environment; our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on NASDAQ; our ability to grow our business and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain our management and key employees; risks related to the adverse changes in general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and increased interest rates; risk from supply chain disruptions and other impacts of geopolitical conflict; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Eos may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; other factors beyond our control; risks related to adverse changes in general economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in the Company’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in the subsequent periodic and current reports and other filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks and uncertainties may emerge that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Eos Energy Successfully Closed $336M in Concurrent Offerings of Common Stock and Convertible Senior Notes, Strengthening its Balance Sheet and Creating Enhanced Financial Flexibility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Simplified capital structure bolsters ability to rapidly meet customer demand, reduce interest expense, and increase liquidity

    Continues to scale operations with order for its second state-of-the-art battery module manufacturing line

    EDISON, N.J., June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) (“Eos” or the “Company”), America’s leading innovator in the design, sourcing, and manufacturing of zinc-based long duration energy storage (LDES) systems, manufactured in the United States, announced the closing of the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional notes in connection with its convertible senior notes due 2030 offering. Following the exercise of the option, $250 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 were outstanding. This announcement follows the Company’s successful closing of its concurrent offerings of common stock (including a full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) and convertible senior notes due 2030.

    These transformative transactions mark a critical inflection point that unlocks the financial flexibility required to scale operations to meet long duration energy storage global demand. The offerings were significantly oversubscribed, demonstrating strong investor confidence in Eos’ market potential and progress against its strategic plan.

    “We proactively capitalized on favorable market conditions to strengthen our financial position and play offense on long term growth,” said Nathan Kroeker, Eos Chief Commercial Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer. “Amid this opportunity, we strategically repurchased the maturing 2026 convertible note, lowered our cost of capital on the Cerberus term loan, and enhanced liquidity, putting us in an ideal position to capture the growing demand for long duration energy storage.”

    The capital infusion strengthens Eos’ ability to execute its growth strategy and increases strategic flexibility by reducing the weighting at the top of its capital stack. It also allowed the Company to restructure key portions of its debt, materially lowering its cost of capital while strengthening its balance sheet, with the overall transaction resulting in approximately $400 million in savings over the terms of the Company’s debt.

    “This was more than a capital raise – it strategically positions the Company to achieve our long-term objectives,” said Joe Mastrangelo, Chief Executive Officer of Eos. “Improving our capital structure provides the tools required to operationally position the Company for growth. A stronger balance sheet combined with an improved capital cost structure, allows Eos to deliver for its customers, and build long-term shareholder value.”

    Use of Proceeds and Strategic Debt Restructuring

    Proceeds from the transactions were used to:

    • Fully repurchase the Company’s $125.9 million 5%/6% Convertible Senior PIK Toggle Note due 2026 for $131 million, saving Eos $8.3 million in incremental interest that would have been owed upon maturity. Pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, the Company subsequently received a $5 million reimbursement of the purchase price from the holder.
    • Prepay $50 million of outstanding borrowings due under the Company’s Delayed Draw Term Loan (DDTL) between Eos and an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management LP (“Cerberus”), and
    • Add approximately $139 million in cash to the balance sheet net of purchaser discounts, prior to the deduction of expenses.

    The $50 million prepayment on the DDTL resulted in key benefits:

    • Reduced the interest rate on the remaining DDTL from 15% to 7%, significantly lowering the Company’s cost of capital.
    • Deferred the EBITDA and revenue financial covenants on the DDTL and DOE to begin March 31, 2027, allowing the Company to focus on scaled growth.
    • Extended the lock-up period on Cerberus held securities by one year to June 21, 2026, further aligning long-term shareholder interests.
    • Waived call protection provisions, saving the Company $28.7 million in prepayment expense.

    Eos is currently working to obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (DOE) for the next funding advance under tranche 1 of its DOE guaranteed loan.

    Operational Momentum and Manufacturing Expansion

    Eos recently submitted the purchase order for its second state-of-the-art manufacturing line that is expected to be operational in the first half of 2026. This marks a pivotal milestone in the Company’s plan to scale domestic production in response to strong U.S. and international demand. In parallel, Eos is in the process of installing and commissioning its first bi-polar sub-assembly, an automation enhancement expected to drive significant improvements in throughput and production efficiency.

    Year-to-date, Eos has shipped more energy storage cubes than in all of 2024, with Q2 shipments surpassing Q1, reflecting strong manufacturing execution. This momentum is expected to continue throughout the remainder of the year, supported by meaningful output gains as the Company brings all its terminal and bi-polar sub-assembly automation fully online during the third quarter.

    System Performance and Field Integration

    As production capacity increases, Eos continues to invest in the innovation engine driving its technology roadmap. At its R&D facility in Edison, New Jersey, Francis Richey, Chief Technology Officer, and Pranesh Rao, Senior Vice President Storage Systems Engineering, and team are pioneering advancements that are reshaping long duration energy storage.

    Introduced during the Company’s December 2023 strategic outlook call, Eos has made substantial progress on two foundational components of its Z3 energy storage system: its proprietary American-made Battery Management System (BMS) and its modular inline cube architecture. The custom electronics and advanced software in the BMS have improved availability and shown round trip efficiency above 80% with some longer duration applications surpassing 90%. Developed and maintained in the United States, the BMS ensures critical data privacy and cybersecurity protections, key to enhancing the resilience and security of the U.S. power grid.

    The Company’s inline cube, engineered to simplify field deployment and reduce system level costs, has also demonstrated measurable field efficiencies. In a recent Z3 project, Eos proved the ability to cold commission 75 cubes in just 7 days, resulting in approximately 96% lower installation costs versus prior system designs. Faster installation times and lower costs allow the Eos system to rapidly-scale and meet customer demand for accelerating grid integration.

    Building on these operational and technological advancements, Eos has partnered with PA Consulting Group – energy market and policy advisor and industry leader in forecasting and analytics – to quantify the near and long-term value of its technology. Despite higher upfront costs, compared to incumbent technologies, PA’s independent modeling for ERCOT-based customers showed 30-50% higher revenues over the life of a project for 4+ hour systems. This is a testament to the differentiated performance of the domestically manufactured Z3 technology, and the benefits Eos can provide to customers across North America.

    As power systems adapt to the growing demands of electrification and increased renewable penetration, energy storage has become essential to ensuring grid reliability, flexibility, and resilience. Eos is well-positioned to meet this need with secure, scalable, American-made solutions offering customers not just technology, but long-term value and performance that support the evolving energy landscape.

    Upon the closing of the offerings (including the option to purchase additional notes), the Company is no longer subject to quiet period restrictions until the regularly scheduled period at the end of the second quarter until earnings.

    About Eos
    Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. is accelerating the shift to American energy independence with positively ingenious solutions that transform how the world stores power. Our breakthrough Znyth™ aqueous zinc battery was designed to overcome the limitations of conventional lithium-ion technology. Safe, scalable, efficient, sustainable—and manufactured in the U.S—it is the core of our innovative systems that today provide utility, industrial, and commercial customers with a proven, reliable energy storage alternative for 3-to 12-hour applications. Eos was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Edison, New Jersey. For more information about Eos (NASDAQ: EOSE), visit eose.com.

    Contacts  
    Investors:  ir@eose.com
    Media:       media@eose.com

    Forward Looking Statements

    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our expected revenue, for the fiscal years December 31, 2025, our path to profitability and strategic outlook, statements regarding orders backlog and opportunity pipeline, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to increase product volume on our state-of-the-art manufacturing line, statements regarding our future expansion and its impact on our ability to scale up operations, statements regarding our expectation that we can continue to strengthen our overall supply chain, statements regarding our expectation that our new comprehensive insurance program will provide increased operational and economic certainty, statements that refer to the delayed draw term loan with Cerberus, milestones thereunder and the anticipated use of proceeds, statements that refer to outlook, projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and the information currently available to, them. Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected.

    Factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes adversely affecting the business in which we are engaged; our ability to forecast trends accurately; our ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; our ability to achieve the operational milestones on the delayed draw term loan; our ability to raise financing in the future; risks associated with the DDTL with Cerberus, including risks of default, dilution of outstanding Common Stock, consequences for failure to meet milestones and contractual lockup of shares; our customers’ ability to secure project financing; the amount of final tax credits available to our customers or to Eos pursuant to the Inflation Reduction Act; the timing and availability of future funding under the Department of Energy Loan Facility; our ability to continue to develop efficient manufacturing processes to scale and to forecast related costs and efficiencies accurately; fluctuations in our revenue and operating results; competition from existing or new competitors; our ability to convert firm order backlog and pipeline to revenue; risks associated with security breaches in our information technology systems; risks related to legal proceedings or claims; risks associated with evolving energy policies in the United States and other countries and the potential costs of regulatory compliance; risks associated with changes to the U.S. trade environment; our ability to maintain the listing of our shares of common stock on NASDAQ; our ability to grow our business and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain our management and key employees; risks related to the adverse changes in general economic conditions, including inflationary pressures and increased interest rates; risk from supply chain disruptions and other impacts of geopolitical conflict; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that Eos may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; other factors beyond our control; risks related to adverse changes in general economic conditions; and other risks and uncertainties.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to additional risks, uncertainties, and factors, including those more fully described in the Company’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Further information on potential risks that could affect actual results will be included in the subsequent periodic and current reports and other filings that the Company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks and uncertainties may emerge that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mongolia’s measles death toll rises to six

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    ULAN BATOR, June 16 (Xinhua) — The death toll from measles in Mongolia has risen to six after another child died in the past 24 hours, the country’s National Research Center for Infectious Diseases said Monday.

    Meanwhile, 693 patients are undergoing treatment in hospital, including five children in critical condition, the official statement said.

    More than half of the confirmed cases have been among school-age children who had received only one dose of the measles vaccine, Mongolian doctors say.

    In view of this, the National Research Center for Infectious Diseases of Mongolia advised parents to protect their children from the potentially severe disease by giving them two doses of the appropriate vaccine.

    Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease characterized by a cyclical course. Common symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes.

    Measles can only be prevented through vaccination, Mongolian doctors believe. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to government announcement on boost to clinical trials

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the government announcing a boost to clinical trials as part of the 10 year health plan. 

    Dr Andrew Garret, Past President, Royal Statistical Society and Executive VP Scientific Operations, ICON Clinical Research, said:

    “The UK often competes in a global marketplace for clinical trials and finding suitable patients remains the biggest challenge facing drug developers. Efforts to speed up the process in the UK are most welcome and will make the UK a more attractive place to include in global clinical trials.  Other countries also recognise the need to reduce timelines and are working to reduce cycle times too. Contracting is often rate limiting and the efforts described to standardise contracts is tackling an important issue.

    “It is important to be realistic in terms of what matching patients to clinical trials will mean in practice and to manage the public’s expectations here.  Indeed, the Investigator will always be the person to determine if a consenting patient is eligible and can be safely enrolled in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials enrol healthy volunteers, such as certain vaccine trials, and matching will be simpler here.”

     

    Professor Cath Mummery, Director, UK Dementia Trials Network, said:

    “This news is most welcome and will match the world-leading expertise in medical science in the UK with the ability to deliver trials of innovative therapies. As a clinician I want the best treatments for my patients; this needs access to trials to be an integral part of clinical care. However, patients tell us it is hard to navigate the system, and as a result, most groups are under-represented in trials. Use of the NHS app for trial recruitment will improve equity of access and accelerate recruitment. This commitment from the government will change the game, democratising access and holding trusts accountable for ensuring research is truly embedded in clinical activities.”

     

    Dr Beth Thompson, executive director of policy and partnerships at Wellcome, the UK’s largest non-governmental research funder, said:

    “Combined with sustained investment, these actions will give a much needed boost to clinical trials, which are an essential way to improve patient care. Increasing the speed of trial set-up and stronger accountability for performance are important steps to ensure cutting-edge research becomes business as usual throughout the NHS and help it provide the very best care.”

     

    Prof Sir Martin Landray, Chief Executive, Protas and Professor of Medicine & Epidemiology, Oxford Population Health, University of Oxford, said:

    “It is good to see the government’s commitment to clinical trials. Timely and effective support for clinical trials is critical if we are to see new treatments developed for conditions that place a high burden on patients, their families, the NHS and wider society. Clinical trials are the way we determine which treatments work, how well, and for whom.

    Clinical trials are critical to providing evidence-based health care and essential if we are to avoid wasting resources. But if we want an evidence-based NHS, we must have an NHS that helps generate that evidence. Without clinical trials, clinicians and patients cannot make informed choices.

    The UK has many of the attributes needed to be a world-leader in this space. For example, during the pandemic the RECOVERY trial produced results that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. Other results that prevented hundreds of thousands of people receiving other treatments that were useless or even harmful.

    For too long, the administrative and bureaucratic processes that surround clinical trials in the UK have been seen as slow, poorly coordinated and cumbersome. We must streamline those processes as matter of urgency – ensuring the highest quality of consistent and coordinated decision-making and maximising opportunities to assess the impact of promising new treatments.

    We must be ambitious. It is not sufficient to be just a bit better than our neighbours. We must be truly transformative – to create the environment for inclusive, readily accessible clinical trials that maximise the use of data and technology, serve the interests of current and future patients, and which provide clear and compelling answers.

    The NHS has a key role in embracing this opportunity. But we also need to think beyond the walls of hospitals and doctors’ surgeries. Now is the time for a new era of digitally enabled, community-based trials of preventive therapies to address the high burden of common physical and mental health conditions, readily accessible to patients and the public across the whole of the UK.

    I am delighted to see this announcement from government and excited about the opportunities it could create.”

     

    Professor Andrew Morris CBE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said:

    “This announcement marks a significant commitment to strengthening the UK’s leadership in clinical research. The global clinical trials market is estimated to be worth at least $80 billion by 2030 and countries that can demonstrate speed, quality and cost will have a competitive edge. This commitment is very welcome as streamlined trial set-up times and enhanced public access through the NHS App will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge treatments from laboratory to bedside, directly benefiting patients whilst driving economic growth and ensuring policymakers have the evidence needed for informed healthcare decisions. 

    “The focus on improving participation from under-represented communities is important, though success will depend on earning trust and addressing the broader barriers to diverse participation. By embedding research throughout the NHS and making it accessible to all communities, we can ensure that medical innovation benefits reach every corner of society whilst strengthening the UK’s position as a hub for life sciences investment and discovery.”

    Declared interests

    Prof Sir Martin Landray: Protas is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation that enables smarter trials for better public health; www.protas.co.uk

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Campaign highlights importance of cervical screening

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The NHS Cervical Screening Programme saves thousands of lives every year by checking for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses that cause nearly all cervical cancers.

    Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but as the disease progresses, common symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, like after sex, between periods, or after menopause, changes in vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain. Advanced cervical cancer may also cause symptoms like back pain, leg swelling, or problems with urination or bowel movements.

    Screening is recommended for women aged 25 to 64, with invitations typically sent every 3 years for those aged 25 to 49 and every 5 years for those aged 50 to 64.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Around 850 women die from cervical cancer each year, with incidence rates highest in women aged 30 to 34, but research shows that the HPV vaccine, combined with cervical screening, can bring that number right down.

    “Encouraging more eligible people to receive their free HPV vaccine and attending screening remains a key priority for us.

    “Cervical cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. Many people survive cervical cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage, so early detection really does save lives.

    “If you’ve received your invitation, call your GP practice to book as soon as possible – evening and weekend appointments may be available. And if you missed your last cervical screening, call your GP now as it’s not too late.”

    For more information, please visit NHS | Cervical screening.

    The council and the NHS in the Black Country are holding a cancer awareness drop-in session at Bilston Market this Thursday (19 June) from 9.30am to 1.30pm. People can get information and advice about cancer signs, symptoms and screening, as well as how to enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

    Cervical Screening Awareness Week runs from Thursday (19 June) to Tuesday 24 June, 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Australian government has launched a new strategy to boost vaccination rates. Will it work?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Kaufman, Research Fellow, Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute

    South_agency/Getty Images

    Last week, the Australian government announced a new National Immunisation Strategy for 2025–30. This strategy sets out the government’s priorities for improving vaccine uptake for children, adolescents and adults over the next five years.

    It comes at an important moment. Childhood vaccination coverage has been declining consistently since 2020.

    So what are the key goals of this new strategy, and will it be able to reverse the drop in vaccination rates among Australian children?

    Declining vaccination coverage since the pandemic

    While overall vaccination coverage remains high by global standards – at 92% for one-year-olds – this is down from a high of nearly 95% in 2020. The reasons for the drop include access challenges and concerns among some parents about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

    Many children are missing out on timely vaccines that prevent diseases such as whooping cough and meningitis. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who also have lower vaccination coverage rates at one and two years old, bear a disproportionate burden of these diseases.

    And it’s not just children missing out. Among adolescents, HPV coverage at age 15 has dropped by 5% in girls (down to 81%) and 7% in boys (down to 78%) since 2020.

    Influenza vaccination coverage has declined year on year since 2022 and remains at very low levels. Coverage in 2024 was 62% for people aged 65 and older, and under 30% for the rest of the population.

    Across six key priority areas, the new immunisation strategy seeks to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve access to vaccinations, particularly in priority groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. A few key points stood out to us.

    The National Immunisation Strategy has six key priority areas.
    CC BY

    1. Emphasis on trust and community engagement

    We need to strengthen trust in vaccines and the people and systems that deliver them because low levels of trust are associated with vaccine scepticism and refusal. Even though Australians’ trust in childhood vaccines is generally high, there have been some bumps in recent years.

    The pandemic left some people with lingering questions and misperceptions about vaccines, supercharged by misinformation and increasing political polarisation of vaccination.

    The strategy rightly emphasises the need to engage with communities and build trust in vaccination and the health system.

    However, relationships with communities can’t be stood up at a moment’s notice – they take time and effort to sustain. State and federal governments invested in these relationships with diverse communities during the COVID vaccine rollout, but many of these initiatives have since been dissolved due to lack of sustained funding and commitment.

    Recently, there have been positive indications some governments are reinvesting in these efforts. Hopefully this strategy will encourage more to do the same.

    2. Addressing equity and access

    Too often government leaders and media headlines blame individual laziness or hesitancy for our uptake problems, failing to acknowledge the very real problems with service convenience and access that are also present.

    The strategy makes clear that the government and immunisation service providers should make vaccination accessible and equitable. As a part of this commitment, it highlights the importance of ensuring all health-care professionals who are able to deliver vaccines are being utilised to their full potential.

    Pharmacists are specifically mentioned, but there is no reference to the largest group of immunisation providers: nurses. They should be better recognised and we need reform to enable nurses to vaccinate more independently.

    3. Recognising the importance of data

    When vaccination rates are low, it’s essential to know why. This comes from both talking with communities and collecting robust data.

    We are part of the National Vaccination Insights project, which carries out yearly monitoring using surveys and interviews with the public to better understand the drivers of vaccine uptake.

    The strategy proposes a live dashboard of vaccine uptake data, which would be valuable, but we also encourage the addition of social and behavioural data. The dashboard should also report rates of vaccination in pregnancy. This information is newly available, thanks to the recent addition of a field to record pregnancy status in the Australian Immunisation Register.

    4. Commitment to consider vaccine injury compensation

    Maintaining trust in vaccination means being able to acknowledge when vaccines can very occasionally cause harm. People tend to be more confident in vaccines when you tell them what to expect, what the common minor side effects are, as well as the rare serious ones.

    When those rare serious side effects become a reality for a handful of people, they may have to take time off work, incur medical expenses, and very occasionally, manage long-term complications. So it’s essential these people are financially compensated by government.

    We had such a compensation scheme during the pandemic for COVID vaccines, but this ended in September 2024. We welcome the government’s plan to explore whether establishing a compensation scheme is feasible for all vaccines on the national program.

    A comprehensive no-fault vaccine injury compensation scheme is overdue and, with thoughtful and consultative planning, would make our already robust vaccination system more trustworthy.

    Where to from here?

    The new national immunisation strategy is comprehensive and informed by evidence. But its impact will ultimately come down to its funding and implementation, which are not described in this document. Finalising these key plans and putting them into action must happen soon to arrest declining vaccination coverage and keep people well protected from serious diseases.

    Jessica Kaufman receives funding from the NHMRC, MRFF, Australian government, Victorian government, and UNICEF. She is a member of the Collaboration on Social Science and Immunisation (COSSI).

    Julie Leask receives funding from NHMRC, WHO, US CDC, NSW Ministry of Health. She received funding from Sanofi for travel to an overseas meeting in 2024.

    – ref. The Australian government has launched a new strategy to boost vaccination rates. Will it work? – https://theconversation.com/the-australian-government-has-launched-a-new-strategy-to-boost-vaccination-rates-will-it-work-258808

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 20)

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the execution of the federal budget for the first quarter of 2025

    2. On amendments to the Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 1, 2004 No. 703 (in terms of amendments to the Regulation on the Federal Treasury)

    The draft act is aimed at bringing the terms and concepts defining the functions and powers of the Federal Treasury in the financial and budgetary sphere into line with the terms and concepts contained in Article 24213–1 of the Budget Code of the Russian Federation.

    3. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On State Registration of Real Estate”

    The bill is aimed at establishing the possibility of entering into the Unified State Register of Real Estate information on the boundaries of agricultural lands within agricultural lands.

    4. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 776683-8 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On State Cadastral Valuation” and Article 6 of the Federal Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying the provisions of the Federal Law of July 3, 2016 No. 237-FZ “On State Cadastral Valuation” and Article 6 of the Federal Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation”.

    5. On approval of the technical regulations on the safety of inland water transport facilities

    The draft act is aimed at ensuring the safety of inland water transport facilities.

    Moscow, June 15, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unprecedented boost for clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Unprecedented boost for clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan

    Millions will take part in clinical trials under the 10 Year Health Plan which will speed up clinical research.

    • Millions to take part in clinical trials under 10 Year Health Plan, transforming patient care with groundbreaking treatments, while driving growth.
    • Unparalleled access to trials via NHS App, and public reporting of Trusts to show who is and isn’t delivering on trials, with funding prioritised for best performers
    • Plan for Change will turbocharge clinical research to regain UK’s clout on world stage and deliver most ambitious reduction in trial set-up times in British history  

    Patients will receive the most cutting-edge treatments years earlier than planned under the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which will speed-up clinical trials so the UK becomes a hotbed of innovation.

    Millions of people will now be able to search for and sign up to lifechanging clinical trials, via the NIHR Be Part of Research service on the NHS App, allowing patients to browse and find the trials best suited to their interests and needs.

    Eventually the plan will see the NHS App automatically match patients with studies based on their own health data and interests, sending push notifications to your phone about relevant new trials to sign up to.

    It comes as the NIHR launches a UK-wide recruitment drive for clinical trials – the biggest ever health research campaign – to get as many people involved in research as possible. Adults across the UK are being urged to register, with underrepresented groups including young people, Black people and people of South Asian heritage particularly encouraged to sign up, at bepartofresearch.uk

    The 10 Year Health Plan will bring transparency to which Trusts are performing well in clinical trials – and which are not. All NHS Trusts and organisations will need to submit data on the number of trials being conducted and the amount of progress being made – as we rebuild the country’s global status as the epicentre of research.

    Public reporting will show the number of trials sponsored by both commercial and non-commercial sponsors at specific Trusts and other organisations, including universities or Primary Care sites. It will reveal to the government, patients, investors, and Trust boards which NHS organisations are performing well and which are falling behind. Government investment will only be prioritised for the Trusts that can prove they can support the NHS to deliver the treatments of tomorrow.  

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    The UK was has been at the forefront of scientific and medical discovery throughout our history. Some country will lead the charge in the emerging revolution in life sciences, and why shouldn’t it be Britain?

    The 10 year plan for health will marry the genius of our country’s leading scientific minds, with the care and compassion of our health service, to put NHS patients at the front of the queue for new cutting-edge treatments.

    The NHS App will become the digital front door to the NHS, and enable all of us as citizens to play our part in developing the medicines of the future. The British people showed they were willing to be part of finding the vaccine for Covid, so why not do it again to cure cancer and dementia?

    By slashing through red tape and making it easier for patients to take part, reforms in our ten year plan will grow our life sciences sector, generate news funds for the NHS to reinvest in frontline care, and benefit patients through better medicines.

    In recent years, the UK has fallen behind as a global destination for these trials, with patients and the wider economy missing out. It takes around 100 days to set up a trial in Spain, but around 250 days in the NHS. The plan will see commercial clinical trial set-up times fall to 150 days or less by March 2026 – this will be the most ambitious reduction in trial set-up times in British history.

    Currently set up processes for clinical trials take too long as a result of unnecessary bureaucracy and duplication of activities across different agencies and sites.

    Government will cut set up times for clinical trials. Currently, trials have to agree separate contracts with each part of the NHS they want to be involved. The plan will introduce a national standardised contract which can save months of wasted time, as well as simplifying paperwork to remove duplication on technical assurances.

    This means if any authority asks for evidence from a study, they can provide it once without having to spend time reframing that evidence differently to meet a separate criteria for another authority.

    In the coming weeks, the government will publish its 10 Year Health Plan. Through the plan, we will restore our position as a world leader in clinical trials, so we attract the world’s greatest minds and drive vital investment into the UK. This will spur economic growth, improve the standard of care to support a healthier population, and make the NHS more financially sustainable.

    Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR said:

    We know the benefits of embedding clinical research across the NHS and beyond. It leads to better care for patients, more opportunities for our workforce and provides a huge economic benefit for our health and care system. Integrated into the NHS App, the NIHR Be Part of Research service enables members of the public to be matched to vital trials, ensuring the best and latest treatments and care get to the NHS quicker.

    Ensuring all sites are consistently meeting the 150-day or less set-up time will bring us to the starting line, but together we aim to go further, faster to ensure the UK is a global destination for clinical research to improve the health and wealth of the nation.

    Dr Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said:

    The NHS App is transforming how people manage their healthcare, with new features letting them see their test results or check when prescriptions are ready to collect – all at the tap of a screen.

    We’re making it easier to sign up for clinical trials through the NHS App so patients can access new treatments and technologies earlier, improving their quality of care.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – which makes sure that medicines and healthcare products available in the UK are safe and effective – has already improved its performance.

    All clinical trial approval backlogs are cleared, and performance targets are now being met. Building on this, the 10 Year Health Plan will see the MHRA focus its attention on the most complex and potentially transformational new treatments – like individually personalised cancer vaccines, and the regulation of artificial intelligence. 

    Nicola Perrin, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities, said:

    Clinical trials are good for patients, the NHS and the economy. But both commercial and non-commercial trials in the UK have closed because of failures to recruit.

    Today’s announcements will help to maximise opportunities for everyone to take part in research and speed up access to innovative treatments. We warmly welcome the focus on driving up the participation of diverse and under-served groups – something that is incredibly important to our member charities.

    It’s encouraging to see the government recognise that boosting access to clinical trials must be a key part of the 10 Year Health Plan. Transforming clinical trials is an important step in truly embedding research in the NHS, securing the UK’s position as a leader in life sciences and offering a lifeline to patients.

    Professor Andrew Morris CBE PMedSci, President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: 

    This announcement marks a significant commitment to strengthening the UK’s leadership in clinical research. The global clinical trials market is estimated to be worth at least $80 billion by 2030 and countries that can demonstrate speed, quality and cost will have a competitive edge.

    This commitment is very welcome as streamlined trial set-up times and enhanced public access through the NHS App will accelerate the translation of cutting-edge treatments from laboratory to bedside, directly benefiting patients whilst driving economic growth and ensuring policymakers have the evidence needed for informed healthcare decisions. 

    The focus on improving participation from under-represented communities is important, though success will depend on earning trust and addressing the broader barriers to diverse participation. By embedding research throughout the NHS and making it accessible to all communities, we can ensure that medical innovation benefits reach every corner of society whilst strengthening the UK’s position as a hub for life sciences investment and discovery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda Rallies Global Solidarity Against Oesophageal Cancer: Science, Innovation, and Diplomacy at the Heart of Progress

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    In a demonstration of Uganda’s growing commitment to collaborative Healthcare Diplomacy, the Uganda Embassy in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), and key stakeholders including AFRECC, Olympus, and Kyabiirwa Surgical Center, hosted a high-level esophageal Cancer Symposium at Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala. Under the theme “Leveraging Science, Innovation and Technology to Address the Burden of Esophageal Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa,” the event marked the culmination of a four-day health-focused agenda that began with specialized surgical training at Kyabiirwa Surgical Center in Jinja. Over 50 patients received treatment during the training phase, a tangible outcome underscoring the importance of applied science in addressing real-world health burdens.

    The symposium was not merely an academic exchange it was a convergence of minds from the health sector, diplomatic corps, academia, media, and private manufacturers, drawn together by a shared sense of responsibility. Beyond policy, the symposium made room for stories personal accounts of survivors, caregivers, and practitioners working in low-resource settings. It is this blend of policy, practice, and lived experience, which gave the event its distinct character and diplomatic weight. The event also served as a platform for discussing the broader socio-economic and cultural implications of non-communicable diseases. Presenters explored how public perceptions, behavior change, and even commercial industries such as tobacco and alcohol influence cancer rates. With emphasis on building resilient health systems, speakers called for a multi-sectoral approach that combines regulation, education, and innovation.

    In line with her Mission’s mandate to promote Science and Technology transfer under the four ATMS, Uganda’s Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge, delivered remarks that reflected a nuanced understanding of global diplomacy in the health sector. “Cancer is not just a medical challenge it’s a deeply human one,” she said. “Each diagnosis is a story of hope, resilience, and the quiet strength of families and communities.” She underlined the critical role of technology in bridging geographic divides, emphasizing that embassies today function as both diplomatic posts and development facilitators. “With limited resources and high expectations, we walk a fine line. But strategic partnerships and shared responsibility remain our greatest assets,” she added.

    Amb. Kakonge’s remarks also recognized the essential roles of countries like Japan which has worked closely with the Uganda Cancer Institute and the United States, not as donors, but as co-creators of a shared future. Her appeal to “think beyond borders and budgets” framed cancer as a global development issue an approach that resonated strongly with international health experts and funders in attendance. Speaking with both humility and resolve, His Excellency Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, who was also in attendance, reflected on the evolving collaboration between Japan and Uganda, which he described as “a journey of mutual respect and long-term investment in people.” The ambassador pointed to areas of growth, including health cooperation, coffee exports, and cultural exchange. He also acknowledged Japan’s contribution to Uganda’s infrastructure through projects like the donation of ambulances and medical equipment efforts he described as acts of friendship, not charity.

    “Our collaboration is not a project. It is a relationship,” he remarked, inviting partners to co-create solutions that transcend national interests and reflect a common vision for health, sustainability, and innovation. In his keynote address delivered on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, echoed Uganda’s commitment to early detection, public education, and regional health equity. He emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination for girls under 14, and he urged stronger efforts to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage. “When we delay, we pay,” he stated, referencing the escalating costs both human and economic of late diagnosis. Dr. Olaro also pointed to growing mental health concerns and the need for integrated, community-based approaches in both cancer and psychosocial care.

    Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, described the symposium as “a convergence of science, innovation, and diplomacy.” He stressed that Uganda’s cancer burden cannot be tackled in isolation. “We must draw on global partnerships not only for funding but for the co-creation of knowledge. Innovation must be localized, and science must be democratized,” he said. His remarks were received with deep resonance by the international delegations, many of whom had travelled to Kampala to affirm their support. As the curtains fall on this milestone gathering, one thing is clear: Uganda is not just hosting conversations it is shaping them. With its eyes firmly on the future and its feet grounded in regional realities, the country is emerging as a credible voice in the global dialogue on cancer care, resilience, and shared humanity. In a world grappling with health inequities, Uganda’s call is simple yet profound: “Let us heal together.”

    – on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Join Luján, Warnock and Blunt Rochester in Slamming Secretary Kennedy’s Decision to Gut Nation’s Vaccine Advisory Committee and Replace Them with Vaccine Skeptics

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 13, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and 17 of their Senate colleagues in condemning U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s decision to gut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appoint several members to the committee with a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. In the letter, the lawmakers raise the alarm on the dangers of gutting the ACIP and urge Secretary Kennedy to immediately reappoint the members of the committee he fired.

    “We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP),” the Senators wrote. “This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations — the complete opposite of ‘radical transparency’ and ‘good science.’” 

    The Senators raised the alarm on the recent appointment of several members to the committee, “We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science-based, and data-driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired.”

    “ACIP is a longstanding, trusted national source of science- and data-backed advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Members that serve on this committee must undergo extensive vetting and disclose any conflicts of interest. Firing every member of the committee just before their next meeting scheduled for June 25-27 eliminates the advisory board’s ability to debate and make well-informed recommendations, putting American lives at risk,” continued the Senators.

    “We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence,” the Senators concluded. 

    Last week Duckworth also slammed Kennedy and HHS for announcing changes to CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule that would dramatically limit access to COVID-19 vaccines for millions of pregnant women and children, needlessly endangering their health.

    In addition to Duckworth, Durbin, Luján, Warnock and Blunt Rochester, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Angus King (I-ME), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

    Read the full letter on the Senator’s website or below:

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations — the complete opposite of “radical transparency” and “good science”. We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science-based, and data-driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired.

    ACIP is a longstanding, trusted national source of science- and data-backed advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Members that serve on this committee must undergo extensive vetting and disclose any conflicts of interest. Firing every member of the committee just before their next meeting scheduled for June 25-27 eliminates the advisory board’s ability to debate and make well-informed recommendations, putting American lives at risk. This reckless move is also happening as our nation faces the largest measles outbreak in over 30 years.

    This decision appears to be a deliberate effort to repopulate the committee with anti-vaccine demagogues and continue pushing vaccine misinformation to the American people. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 80 percent of parents with children under age 18 report that their children receive routine immunizations; however, a divide based on political ideology is growing. The reality is that most Americans trust the science behind vaccines — but through inaccurate information and politicization, you are eroding the trust in vaccines.

    This is just one action of many that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently taken to undermine vaccine confidence in the United States. Just over two weeks ago, HHS reversed the CDC recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination. This decision was made without the consultation of ACIP or CDC, narrowing recommendations to exclude healthy pregnant people despite pregnancy increasing the risk for severe infection. Just a day later, HHS announced the termination of a contract with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine despite warnings of a future pandemic from infectious disease doctors and public health professionals. These deliberate efforts to sow doubt in the safety and efficacy of vaccines have real consequences — people will die.

    In addition to advising everyday Americans on their health decisions, ACIP recommendations also influence whether insurance will cover certain vaccines, making them accessible to insured Americans. Furthermore, ACIP determines the vaccine recommendations for the Vaccines for

    Children program, which ensures underinsured and uninsured children across the nation can access vaccines at no cost. Without these recommendations, vaccines will become out of reach for far too many Americans. These actions contradict your written responses to questions for the record from the Senate Finance Committee, in which you said “yes” in response to a question about your commitment to ensure there are no financial barriers to accessing safe and effective vaccines.

    Vaccines are safe and effective and have significantly reduced, and in some cases entirely eliminated, disease. With recent scientific advances in mRNA technology, vaccines are becoming easier and faster to produce in addressing today’s public health crises. It is critical that ACIP maintains its ability to develop science- and data-driven recommendations on vaccination without interference from anti-vaccine ideology.

    Patient safety and transparency is at the heart of ACIP — Americans deserve the ability to make informed decisions about their health. You are stripping Americans of the freedom to choose by your recent appointments to the committee by centering anti-vaccine ideology.  Therefore, we demand that you recuse your personal views on vaccines and restore the ACIP. We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: A new approach to COVID-19 immunizations

    Due to changes to the federal COVID-19 vaccine procurement process earlier this year, provinces and territories are now responsible for purchasing COVID-19 vaccines for residents. Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring Albertans who are at highest risk due to COVID-19 have access to immunizations.

    Starting this fall, Albertans who are at a higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 will be able to access the vaccine through public health clinics in the province.

    “In previous years, we’ve seen significant vaccine wastage. By shifting to a targeted approach and introducing pre-ordering, we aim to better align supply with demand – ensuring we remain fiscally responsible while continuing to protect those at highest risk.”

    Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services

    In the 2023-24 respiratory virus season, a total of just over one million COVID-19 vaccines were wasted, or 54 per cent of Alberta’s order that year. Based on the Center for Disease Control costing estimates of $110 per vaccine dose, this means that about $135-million worth of vaccines were never used and were discarded.

    Now that Alberta’s government is responsible for procuring vaccines, it’s important to better determine how many vaccines are needed to support efforts to minimize waste and control costs.

    This new approach will ensure Alberta’s government is able to better determine its overall COVID-19 vaccine needs in the coming years, preventing significant waste.

    In the fall, the COVID-19 vaccine program will be rolled out in four phases, beginning with the highest-risk groups and gradually expanding to include more Albertans over time.

    Phase 1:

    Through Phase 1, provincially funded COVD-19 vaccines will be available free of charge to residents of seniors supportive living accommodations and home care clients.

    Phase 2:

    Through phases two, three and four, to prevent significant waste, the COVID-19 vaccine will only be available through public health clinics. Community pharmacies will no longer be administering COVID-19 vaccines.

    In Phase 2, provincially funded COVID-19 vaccines will be available free of charge for:

    • Those six months and older with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems, or in congregate living accommodations.
    • Albertans on social programs (i.e. AISH, income supports, and individuals experiencing homelessness)

    Phase 3:

    Through Phase 3, the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all Albertans 65 years and older. Albertans in Phase 3 will be required to cover the full costs of the vaccine. Work is underway to determine what the final cost will be per vaccine.

    Phase 4:

    Through Phase 4, remaining COVID-19 vaccines will be available to other Albertans who will be required to pay the full costs of the vaccine.

    Starting Aug. 11, eligible Albertans will be able to signal their intent to receive the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines by pre-ordering through the Alberta Vaccine Booking System. Following the pre-order, Albertans will receive a reminder notification via text message or email prompting them to book their immunization appointment in early October. When individuals book their immunization appointment for fall/winter 2025-26, they can also pre-order their vaccine for 2026-27.

    It is recommended Albertans talk to their primary care provider to determine what is the best course of action for their needs.

    Quick facts

    • Recently, the Federal Drug Administration in the United States stopped recommending routine COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and healthy children.
    • As of April 1, Alberta has taken over the responsibility for procuring and funding COVID-19 vaccines for the province.
      • Alberta will begin procuring COVID-19 vaccines annually through the National Bulk Purchasing Program.
    • For the 2025-26 season, approximately 485,000 doses have been ordered to support the targeted COVID-19 immunization program.
    • Based on the Center for Disease Control costing estimates of $110 per vaccine dose, the cost to taxpayers for the COVID-19 vaccine should not exceed $49 million, much of which will be offset through cost recovery in phases 3 and 4. The actual cost per dose and for the program is yet to be determined.
    • Estimated budget costs for the 2025-26 season are approximately $2 million for RSV and $19 million for influenza.

    Related information

    • Information about COVID-19 vaccines
    • Alberta Vaccine Booking System
    • Public Health Clinics

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: 250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Army

    Source: US Whitehouse

    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
     
    A PROCLAMATION

     On June 14, 1775, the sword and shield of our Republic were forged when the Second Continental Congress voted to establish what would later become the United States Army.  Today, our Nation proudly celebrates 250 years of our Army’s strength, service, valor, and discipline.  We honor its heroic legacy as the guardian of our sovereignty and our fortress against tyranny — and we pay tribute to the millions of warriors who live by the motto:  This We’ll Defend.

    Following the first shots of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, it became clear to the patriots that — despite their persistent efforts for peace — war against the British was necessary as a final recourse in defense of their freedom.  In the wake of the Boston Massacre, the Intolerable Acts, and the enduring injustice of taxation without representation, they established the First Continental Congress in the fall of 1774 to formally address their grievances.  After dozens of patriots perished at Lexington and Concord, the Colonies reconvened — and by June 14, the delegates had decided that there was only one path forward.

    On that spring day, in a momentous act of unity and resolve, the Congress passed a resolution to formally establish the instrument of our national defense in the form of the Continental Army.  “Resolved, that six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia” the resolution reads.

    With the passing of that fateful resolution, the scattered militias of the American Colonies banded together as a single force — boldly declaring that they would never waver in defense of their liberty and their home.  The next day, George Washington was unanimously appointed as the Continental Army’s Commander-in-Chief.  Weeks later, on July 3, 1775, he took charge of his Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  “It is hoped that all Distinctions of Colonies will be laid aside so that one and the same Spirit may animate the whole, and the only Contest be, who shall render, on this great and trying occasion, the most essential service to the Great and common cause in which we are all engaged,” he wrote.

    In the days, weeks, and years that followed, that very same Army shocked the Redcoats at Trenton and Princeton, won their first great victory at Saratoga, secured the cause of independence at Yorktown, preserved the Union at Gettysburg, held the line at Chateau-Thierry, stormed the bloody beaches of Normandy, and to this day, gallantly defends our inheritance of freedom against every foe with unmatched tenacity, courage, and strength.  What was first formed as a ragtag army of farmers, frontiersmen, blacksmiths, and merchants now stands as the most dominant military force ever born of human will — guided by the promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

    To ensure our Army’s storied legacy continues well into the future, as President, I have purged the sinister ideology of “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” from the ranks of our military.  I directed the Department of Defense to update its guidance regarding transgender — identifying medical standards to ensure our military remains the most lethal in the world.  In a long overdue redress of injustice, I reinstated American service members who were dismissed for refusing the COVID vaccine, with full back pay and benefits.  Every day, I am restoring a foreign policy of peace through strength — and as a result, military recruitment is soaring to historic highs.  Under my leadership, the United States military will remain the mightiest, fiercest, boldest, and most revered in the entire world.

    On this 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army, we pay tribute to every legend of liberty who sacrificed their life to keep America safe, sovereign, and free.  As my Administration continues the work of protecting our homeland and upholding our way of life, we proudly summon the spirit, confidence, and resolve of the intrepid men who won our independence on the battlefield 250 years ago — and we vow that their legacy of courage will never perish, and that our sacred birthright of freedom will never, ever die.

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as a day in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army.  This We’ll Defend.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
    thirteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
     
     
     
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jersey to offer a more personalised cervical screening programme13 June 2025 From July, Jersey will follow NHS England and the recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee, to offer a more personalised cervical screening service. The more accurate Human Papillomavirus… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    13 June 2025

    From July, Jersey will follow NHS England and the recommendations from the UK National Screening Committee, to offer a more personalised cervical screening service. 

    The more accurate Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing has enabled this change in line with major clinical evidence. 

    Cervical screening detects HPV, these are types of viral infection which are the main cause of cervical cancer. If HPV is detected, the screening sample will then be checked for any changes to the cells in the cervix. If caught early, these can be treated before they turn into cervical cancer. 

    Since December 2019, all cervical screening samples taken in Jersey have been tested for high-risk HPV, which is more accurate than the previous method of cytology testing, known as a ‘smear test’. 

    From July, younger women and people with a cervix, aged 25 to 49, who test negative for HPV or who have previously tested negative for HPV and are therefore known to be at very low risk of cervical cancer over the next 10 years and will safely be invited by their GP for their free screening appointment at five-year intervals rather than three. This is in line with major clinical evidence and follows the UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation. 

    Those women and people with a cervix whose sample indicates the presence of HPV or who have a recent history of HPV, which causes nearly all cervical cancers, will continue to be invited to more frequent screenings to check whether HPV has cleared and if not, if any cell changes have developed. This approach is already used for women and those with a cervix aged 50 to 64 and follows robust evidence on how often those eligible need to be safely screened. 

    The body often clears the infection itself within 36 months. By testing those who have tested positive for HPV every year, cell changes can be picked up very quickly. If abnormal cells are found, the patient will be referred for another examination called a colposcopy which takes a closer look at the cervix. 

    Dr Fiona Nelson, Clinical lead for Cervical Screening, said: “Since 2019 all cervical samples have been tested first for high-risk HPV which is a more accurate test then previous cytology testing. This change has allowed us to move to a more personalised programme in Jersey. Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, and we now have the ability to make the disease a thing of the past. The cervical screening programme, together with our HPV vaccination programme and treatment, helps us move towards our goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Jersey. 

    “The reason we have decided to follow England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland with this change is because the new test used in cervical screening picks up problems earlier than the older screening test that was previously used by the programme. Women and people with a cervix who test negative for HPV are very low risk and those who have a recent history of HPV will be invited more frequently. 

    “The HPV test is an objective test which means the sample is not dependent on a person looking at cells and making a judgment and this means there are fewer missed cases. The HPV test is very good at picking up if someone has HPV and because it typically takes 10-15 years for cancer to develop after an HPV infection a five-year interval for those who are HPV negative is safe.” 

    The Jersey Screening Board added: “This change aligns Jersey with the latest evidence-based guidance. HPV testing offers greater accuracy, enabling safer and more personalised screening. It marks a significant step towards the prevention and eventual elimination of cervical cancer.”​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 13 June 2025 Departmental update mRNA Technology Transfer Programme’s Phase 2.0 discussed with partners on the sidelines of G20 Summit

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In parallel with the G20 Health Working Group, global health leaders are coming together in Johannesburg to set the foundation for a new phase of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme – a pioneering initiative transitioning from proof of concept to sustainable, commercially viable manufacturing, while enhancing pandemic preparedness and regional health security.

    Launched in 2021 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), with the support of the Government of South Africa, France, Belgium, Canada, the European Union, Germany and Norway, the Programme has successfully enabled 15 Partners across Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia to receive foundational mRNA technology. Now, it is moving into Phase 2.0 (2026–2030), with the aim of empowering regional manufacturers to scale up commercially sustainable production of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics at Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-grade.

    “The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme is delivering on its promise to build capabilities in low- and middle-income countries,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The Pandemic Agreement adopted by the World Health Assembly also includes legally-binding commitments to strengthen local production. We must now translate those commitments into capacity on the ground, so that when the next pandemic strikes, we meet it more equitably and more effectively.”

    “This is a unique opportunity, driven by the pandemic. The foundations are in place — but without sustained political will, the promise of equitable mRNA access could slip through our fingers.” said Charles Gore, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool. “What we need now is the courage to build on our investment to date, to align, and to realise the full value and impact of what we started.”

    From technology access to market-ready solutions

    The Programme is moving from focus on technology acquisition to defining how each partner will translate it into real-world impact. Each manufacturer is now focused on developing an economic case for long-term, flexible, and commercially viable manufacturing — with the capacity to produce mRNA vaccines in inter-pandemic periods and pivoting rapidly in response to future health emergencies.

    Product focus areas include:

    • mRNA vaccines – for pandemic and priority diseases (e.g., influenza, TB, HIV, malaria, dengue, leishmaniasis);
    • mRNA therapeutics – such as oncology and monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments; and
    • Biologicals beyond mRNA – including near-term commercial products to support facility viability.

     “We have successfully progressed with the technology transfer to eight Partners — a testament to the strength and openness of this platform,” said Prof. Petro Terblanche, CEO of Afrigen Biologics. “What comes next is even more exciting: Afrigen is on the cusp of receiving GMP accreditation, positioning us not only as a technology originator but as a sustainable manufacturing and innovation partner for the Global South. We will continue to work with local and global partners on the development of new vaccines prioritizing the burden of disease in LMICs.”

    A diversity of models, one global goal

    The Programme’s Phase 2.0 recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all model. Manufacturers will develop tailored business strategies based on national health needs and policy, regulatory maturity and regional market dynamics. Some, like Bio-Manguinhos and Sinergium in Latin America, BioFarma in Indonesia, and Biovac in South Africa, are already piloting investment roadmaps with detailed market, regulatory, and COGS (cost of goods sold) modelling. Others will receive bespoke support to develop their investment cases.

    Crucially, sustainability will depend on country and regional-level procurement commitments, pooled purchasing mechanisms, and cross-border alignment — especially in Africa and Asia, where national markets alone may be insufficient to support GMP-level manufacturing scale.

    “We need to back science with smart policy,” said Dr Mmboneni Muofhe of South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. “This is about creating a new ecosystem for public health security, grounded in regional ownership, long-term strategy and investments.”

    Rising demand meets structural barriers

    While market opportunities for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics are growing — from seasonal influenza and HPV to innovative cancer treatments — the Programme acknowledges structural hurdles:

    • Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy;
    • Shifting donor funding priorities that reduce funding availability;
    • High clinical trial costs; and
    • Need for supportive policies and well-defined procurement pathways.

    The mRNA Programme highlights both the growing interest in regional R&D consortia focused on target diseases of regional relevance like leishmaniasis and malaria, and the drive to advance next-generation technologies focusing on dose sparing, reduced cost of goods and thermostability.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reassessment of the EU’s COVID-19 vaccine authorisation in the light of long-term effectiveness and international policy developments, particularly in the United States – E-002214/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002214/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine[1] reviews long-term data on COVID-19 vaccinations. It concludes that repeated booster doses provide only limited added benefit for healthy adults under 65 years of age, especially those with a history of prior infection or complete primary vaccination. The study raises concerns over the reliance on non-inferiority trials and short-term immunogenicity data as the basis for vaccine approvals.

    The authors focus in particular on updated mRNA vaccines, including bivalent formulations (targeting ancestral and BA.4/BA.5 variants) and monovalent XBB.1.5-based boosters. They argue that these vaccines provide only modest and short-lived protection for low-risk groups and call for more targeted vaccination strategies supported by robust clinical evidence.

    • 1.Can the Commission clarify how the European Medicines Agency ensures that its evaluation and authorisation of updated COVID-19 vaccines – specifically bivalent and monovalent XBB.1.5-based mRNA boosters – are based on clinically meaningful outcomes, particularly in light of the study’s critique of non-inferiority trials and short-term immunogenicity data?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to revise its guidance on booster vaccinations to reflect growing evidence supporting more targeted, risk-based approaches?
    • 3.In the light of the recent decision by US health authorities to remove COVID-19 vaccinations from the recommended immunisation schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women, does the Commission intend to consider a similar adjustment to EU-level guidance?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    • [1] 20 May 2025, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMsb2506929, https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMsb2506929.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Brait Consulting y xSuite Group establecen una alianza estratégica

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    El especialista español en ECM y procesamiento de facturas ofrecerá a sus clientes soluciones certificadas por SAP de xSuite, proveedor global experto en automatización de cuentas por pagar.

    Ahrensburg, Alemania / Tudela, España, 13 de junio 2025 – Speto & Brait Consulting Group S.L. ha firmado una alianza estratégica con xSuite Group. El acuerdo, ratificado en abril, designa a Brait Consulting como nuevo Socio de Soluciones del proveedor de software alemán. A partir de ahora, Brait comercializará, implementará y dará soporte a las soluciones de xSuite para la automatización de procesos de facturación y compras, así como para el archivado digital, tanto en España como en otros mercados europeos. Esta alianza representa una expansión estratégica para Brait Consulting, al fortalecer su oferta de servicios modernos centrados en SAP.

    Con sede en Madrid, España, Brait es una empresa de consultoría informática especializada en la digitalización y automatización de procesos empresariales en entornos SAP. Gracias a su experiencia en automatización de facturas, facturación electrónica, gestión documental y cumplimiento electrónico, la empresa ayuda a las organizaciones a optimizar e integrar sus sistemas SAP. A medida que se acelera la transformación tecnológica y muchas empresas se preparan para migrar a SAP S/4HANA, crece la demanda de soluciones modernas que sustituyan a sistemas heredados, especialmente en el área de procesamiento de facturas.

    Brait ofrece soluciones certificadas por SAP compatibles con todos los modelos de implementación de SAP: en la nube, on-premise e híbridos. Gracias a este partnership con xSuite, Brait ampliará su capacidad de ofrecer soluciones integrales especialmente en el área de Purchase-to-Pay y archivado digital, reconocidas por su gran flexibilidad y escalabilidad. Además, la empresa cuenta con una hoja de ruta de productos orientada al futuro que incorpora tecnologías emergentes. Estas características convierten a xSuite en una opción potente y preparada para el futuro para empresas que están realizando la transición a SAP S/4HANA.

    “Estamos muy entusiasmados con nuestra alianza con Brait Consulting, ya que refuerza significativamente nuestra presencia en el mercado español. Esta colaboración nos permite ofrecer conjuntamente soluciones de automatización innovadoras y preparadas para el futuro a clientes de SAP en las áreas de finanzas y compras”, afirmó Gonzalo Isla Baranda, Director General de xSuite Iberia. “Al combinar la profunda experiencia de consultoría de Brait con nuestro software avanzado, los clientes se beneficiarán de una optimización de procesos inteligente, eficiente y sostenible.”

    Édgar Jiménez, CEO de Brait, añadió: “Los clientes de SAP hoy en día exigen soluciones tecnológicamente avanzadas y funcionalmente sólidas, independientemente de si ejecutan SAP en la nube, on-premise o en entornos híbridos. Con xSuite, ampliamos nuestro portfolio, ofreciendo otra plataforma modular, certificada por SAP y desplegable globalmente. Nos impresiona especialmente la naturaleza cercana y colaborativa de la alianza, así como la hoja de ruta claramente definida, que nos permite brindar a nuestros clientes un soporte sostenible y preparado para el futuro.”

    Acerca de Speto & Brait Consulting Group
    Speto & Brait Consulting Group es una empresa especializada en la optimización y automatización los procesos empresariales. Son expertos en factura electrónica a nivel global, en business networks, y en todo tipo de integración y automatización de facturas (tanto emitidas como recibidas), digitalización end-to-end del proceso de compras y en gestión documental, siempre con SAP.
    https://www.brait.cc/en

    Acerca de xSuite Group
    Con oficinas en Asia, Europa y Estados Unidos, xSuite es un líder innovador en la optimización de flujos de trabajo P2P basados en SAP. La empresa ofrece soluciones de software y servicios de implementación a más de 1.600 clientes en todo el mundo, lo que la convierte en un socio de confianza para la modernización de los sistemas de cuentas por pagar y la automatización de procesos manuales basados en papel. www.xsuite.com

    Contacto de prensa:
    xSuite Group / Oficina central
    Barbara Wirtz
    Marketing y Relaciones Públicas
    Tel. +49 (0)4102/88 38 36
    barbara.wirtz@xsuite.com

    Contacto xSuite Iberia
    Gonzalo Isla Baranda, Director General
    Calle del Hierro 21, Ático B
    28045 Madrid I Spain
    Tel. +34 623 94 85 19
    info.iberia@xsuite.com

    Contacto para partners:
    xSuite Group / Internacional
    Tony Cheung
    Vicepresidente Global
    Cuentas Empresariales y Alianzas Estratégicas
    Tel. +44 7561 893170
    tony.cheung@xsuite.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warnock Demands Transparency from HHS Secretary Kennedy After Abruptly Firing Scientists from CDC’s Vaccine Safety Board

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Warnock Demands Transparency from HHS Secretary Kennedy After Abruptly Firing Scientists from CDC’s Vaccine Safety Board

    Senators Reverend Warnock, Luján, and 20 Senators pressed HHS Secretary Kennedy about the sudden firing of every member of the ACIP

    The unprecedented action threatens the health of all Americans and hurts the legitimacy of the historically non-partisan board

    Senator Warnock voted against Secretary Kennedy to lead HHS, the agency that oversees the CDC, due to concerns over disturbing comments and long-held beliefs of Kennedy that would threaten health care costs, quality, and access for millions of Georgians and Americans

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led 21 Senate colleagues in demanding answers from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his sudden decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). In a letter sent to Secretary Kennedy, Senators Warnock, Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and 20 other Senate colleagues stressed the importance of protecting ACIP’s longstanding reputation as a trusted national authority on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease.

    “This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations – the complete opposite of ‘radical transparency’ and ‘good science’. We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science-based, and data driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired,”     the Senators said.

    “This decision appears to be a deliberate effort to repopulate the committee with anti-vaccine demagogues and continue pushing vaccine misinformation to the American people. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 80 percent of parents with children under age 18 report that their children receive routine immunizations; however, a divide based on political ideology is growing. The reality is that most Americans trust the science behind vaccines – but through inaccurate information and politicization, you are eroding the trust in vaccines,”     the Senators continued.

    At the conclusion of the letter, the Senators pressed for greater transparency and emphasized the immediate risk Kennedy’s decision has on Americans’ public health.

    “Patient safety and transparency is at the heart of ACIP – Americans deserve the ability to make informed decisions about their health. You are stripping Americans of the freedom to choose by your recent appointments to the committee by centering anti-vaccine ideology. Therefore, we demand that you recuse your personal views on vaccines and restore the ACIP. We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence,” the Senators closed.

    Earlier this year, Senator Warnock voted against Secretary Kennedy to lead HHS, the agency that oversees the CDC, due to concerns over disturbing comments and long-held beliefs of Kennedy that would threaten health care costs, quality, and access for millions of Georgians and Americans. Since the CDC and its employees became a target of this administration, Senator Warnock has led several efforts defending their employment and the crucial role they play in keeping the nation safe. This includes joining them at a rally, delivering a floor speech opposing Secretary Kennedy’s nomination, demanding answers from administration nominees at Congressional hearings, and more.

    In addition to Senators Warnock and Luján, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Angus King (I-ME), Peter Welch (D-VT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Gary Peters (D-MI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

    Read the full letter     HERE, and the text is below

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations — the complete opposite of “radical transparency” and “good science”. We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science- based, and data-driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired.

    ACIP is a longstanding, trusted national source of science- and data-backed advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Members that serve on this committee must undergo extensive vetting and disclose any conflicts of interest. Firing every member of the committee just before their next meeting scheduled for June 25-27 eliminates the advisory board’s ability to debate and make well-informed recommendations, putting American lives at risk. This reckless move is also happening as our nation faces the largest measles outbreak in over 30 years. 

    This decision appears to be a deliberate effort to repopulate the committee with anti-vaccine demagogues and continue pushing vaccine misinformation to the American people. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 80 percent of parents with children under age 18 report that their children receive routine immunizations; however, a divide based on political ideology is growing. The reality is that most Americans trust the science behind vaccines — but through inaccurate information and politicization, you are eroding the trust in vaccines.

    This is just one action of many that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently taken to undermine vaccine confidence in the United States. Just over two weeks ago, HHS reversed the CDC recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination. This decision was made without the consultation of ACIP or CDC, narrowing recommendations to exclude healthy pregnant people despite pregnancy increasing the risk for severe infection. Just a day later, HHS announced the termination of a contract with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine despite warnings of a future pandemic from infectious disease doctors and public health professionals. These deliberate efforts to sow doubt in the safety and efficacy of vaccines have real consequences — people will die.

    In addition to advising everyday Americans on their health decisions, ACIP recommendations also influence whether insurance will cover certain vaccines, making them accessible to insured Americans. Furthermore, ACIP determines the vaccine recommendations for the Vaccines for Children program, which ensures underinsured and uninsured children across the nation can access vaccines at no cost. Without these recommendations, vaccines will become out of reach for far too many Americans. These actions contradict your written responses to questions for the record from the Senate Finance Committee, in which you said “yes” in response to a question about your commitment to ensure there are no financial barriers to accessing safe and effective vaccines.

    Vaccines are safe and effective and have significantly reduced, and in some cases entirely eliminated, disease. With recent scientific advances in mRNA technology, vaccines are becoming easier and faster to produce in addressing today’s public health crises. It is critical that ACIP maintains its ability to develop science- and data-driven recommendations on vaccination without interference from anti-vaccine ideology.

    Patient safety and transparency is at the heart of ACIP — Americans deserve the ability to make informed decisions about their health. You are stripping Americans of the freedom to choose by your recent appointments to the committee by centering anti-vaccine ideology. Therefore, we demand that you recuse your personal views on vaccines and restore the ACIP. We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Successful childhood immunisation programme delivering results

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A successful programme to help Māori health providers lift childhood immunisation rates will be renewed, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “The Immunising our Tamariki programme, originally launched in 2023 by Hon Dr Shane Reti, invested $50 million in Māori health providers to deliver targeted, community-based immunisation outreach. It aims to lift childhood immunisation rates for babies and children who may not be reached through traditional health channels such as GPs or pharmacies.”

    “Since March 2024, the programme has delivered 41,719 scheduled childhood immunisations for children under 24 months, including 3,301 in May – the highest monthly total since it began,” Mr Brown says.

    “In total, more than 132,000 vaccinations have been administered through the programme, with a record 18,555 given in April 2025 alone as part of preparations for winter – including influenza and other immunisations. It’s a clear example of how backing local health providers and frontline workers delivers better outcomes for the communities they know best.

    “The Immunising our Tamariki programme focuses on reaching children and families who are yet to receive their immunisation through traditional pathways such as GP practices, particularly in communities with historically low immunisation rates.

    “We know we need to significantly lift immunisation rates for Māori to meet the Government’s target of 95 per cent of children being fully immunised by 24 months of age. Targeted, localised outreach services are critical to achieving that goal. 

    “About 40 per cent of people immunised through the programme are also non-Māori, reflecting the essential role that community providers play in delivering low-cost, trusted health services for all New Zealanders.”

    As part of the programme’s renewal to 30 June 2026, Health New Zealand will implement several changes to maximise its impact:
     

    • All funding will go directly to frontline service delivery and qualified immunisation staff.
    • Newly commissioned services must include clinical capacity to vaccinate – such as authorised vaccinators and cold chain infrastructure – so new providers can begin immunising immediately.
    • Support will continue for Māori health providers to build trust and momentum in communities with high-needs, building on the groundwork laid during the COVID-19 response.

    “These improvements will help deliver tens of thousands more immunisations in the year ahead, while relieving pressure on GPs and hospitals.

    “One of the most important things we can do to protect children and families is to stay up to date with immunisations. This programme is a smart, targeted way of doing just that,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Warnock, Blunt Rochester Lead Senate Push Slamming Secretary Kennedy for Decision to Gut Nation’s Vaccine Advisory Committee and Replace Them With Vaccine Skeptics

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) led a group of 19 Senate colleagues in condemning U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s decision to gut the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and appoint several members to the committee with a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. In the letter, the lawmakers raise the alarm on the dangers of gutting the ACIP and urge Secretary Kennedy to immediately reappoint the members of the committee he fired.

    “We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations — the complete opposite of ‘radical transparency’ and ‘good science,’” wrote the senators.

    The senators raised the alarm on the recent appointment of several members to the committee, “We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science-based, and data-driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired.”

    “ACIP is a longstanding, trusted national source of science- and data-backed advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Members that serve on this committee must undergo extensive vetting and disclose any conflicts of interest. Firing every member of the committee just before their next meeting scheduled for June 25-27 eliminates the advisory board’s ability to debate and make well-informed recommendations, putting American lives at risk,” continued the senators.

    “We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence,” the senators concluded. 

    In addition to Senators Luján, Warnock, and Blunt Rochester, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

    Read the full letter here or below:

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We are deeply concerned by your decision to fire every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This unprecedented action will strip Americans of the ability to make informed decisions about the benefits and risks of vaccinations — the complete opposite of “radical transparency” and “good science”. We are troubled by your recent announcement to appoint several members to the committee who have a documented history of anti-vaccine ideology and peddling misinformation. We urge you to restore legitimacy to this historically non-partisan, science-based, and data-driven committee and immediately reinstate the members of ACIP you have baselessly fired.

    ACIP is a longstanding, trusted national source of science- and data-backed advice and guidance on the use of vaccines to prevent and control disease. Members that serve on this committee must undergo extensive vetting and disclose any conflicts of interest. Firing every member of the committee just before their next meeting scheduled for June 25-27 eliminates the advisory board’s ability to debate and make well-informed recommendations, putting American lives at risk. This reckless move is also happening as our nation faces the largest measles outbreak in over 30 years.

    This decision appears to be a deliberate effort to repopulate the committee with anti-vaccine demagogues and continue pushing vaccine misinformation to the American people. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 80 percent of parents with children under age 18 report that their children receive routine immunizations; however, a divide based on political ideology is growing. The reality is that most Americans trust the science behind vaccines — but through inaccurate information and politicization, you are eroding the trust in vaccines.

    This is just one action of many that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently taken to undermine vaccine confidence in the United States. Just over two weeks ago, HHS reversed the CDC recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination. This decision was made without the consultation of ACIP or CDC, narrowing recommendations to exclude healthy pregnant people despite pregnancy increasing the risk for severe infection. Just a day later, HHS announced the termination of a contract with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine despite warnings of a future pandemic from infectious disease doctors and public health professionals. These deliberate efforts to sow doubt in the safety and efficacy of vaccines have real consequences — people will die.

    In addition to advising everyday Americans on their health decisions, ACIP recommendations also influence whether insurance will cover certain vaccines, making them accessible to insured Americans. Furthermore, ACIP determines the vaccine recommendations for the Vaccines for

    Children program, which ensures underinsured and uninsured children across the nation can access vaccines at no cost. Without these recommendations, vaccines will become out of reach for far too many Americans. These actions contradict your written responses to questions for the record from the Senate Finance Committee, in which you said “yes” in response to a question about your commitment to ensure there are no financial barriers to accessing safe and effective vaccines.

    Vaccines are safe and effective and have significantly reduced, and in some cases entirely eliminated, disease. With recent scientific advances in mRNA technology, vaccines are becoming easier and faster to produce in addressing today’s public health crises. It is critical that ACIP maintains its ability to develop science- and data-driven recommendations on vaccination without interference from anti-vaccine ideology.

    Patient safety and transparency is at the heart of ACIP — Americans deserve the ability to make informed decisions about their health. You are stripping Americans of the freedom to choose by your recent appointments to the committee by centering anti-vaccine ideology. Therefore, we demand that you recuse your personal views on vaccines and restore the ACIP. We urge you to immediately reappoint the members of the committee that you fired and remove those that you have recently appointed that have a documented history of peddling misinformation or undermining vaccine confidence.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, Former ACIP Member from WA State Raise Alarm Over Purge of Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    NEW: Kennedy’s new CDC panel includes members who have criticized vaccines and spread misinformation

    ***WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s unprecedented decision on Monday to fire every single member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Dr. Helen Chu joined Senator Murray for the press conference, a professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine, who was a member of ACIP until Monday—when she was fired by Secretary Kennedy alongside the entire panel of experts. Senator Murray and Dr. Chu laid out just how unprecedented and unthinkably dangerous this move is, and what it means for the future of vaccine policy and public health.

    On Wednesday, RFK Jr. announced eight new appointees to ACIP, including Dr. Robert Malone, a close adviser to RFK Jr. who downplayed the deaths related to one of the largest measles outbreaks in the U.S. in years, and Vicky Pebsworth, who is listed as a board member and volunteer director for the National Vaccine Information Center, a group that is notorious for spreading vaccine misinformation.  

    “RFK Jr. took a dangerous, practically unthinkable step to undermine public health and vaccine confidence—he fired every single member of CDC’s vaccine advisory panel,” said Senator Murray on today’s press call. “And he is already packing the panel with people who advocated letting COVID rip through communities, who serve as board members of vaccine disinformation groups, who promoted conspiracies and quack treatments for COVID and measles—and he is just getting started! It is really just about impossible to underscore how reckless and unprecedented this is. I mean, even some Republicans who voted for him—only did so after he convinced them he wouldn’t go this far. Of course they should have known better—I even warned them! You can’t trust this guy, he has a long history of attacking science and vaccines at every turn, he’s not going to give up that crusade when you give him tremendous power to wage it. But they ignored the obvious warnings—and now here we are. Let’s be clear, RFK Jr. is not just crossing a red line for public health, he is sprinting into dangerous, uncharted territory in support of totally deranged conspiracies, and he is dragging us all along with him. He is putting our communities—and our families—in harm’s way.”

    “The means by which vaccines are recommended for use in the United States is a careful, deliberate and rigorous process that has been in place for over 60 years. ACIP is widely regarded as the international gold standard for vaccine decision-making. Other countries have, in the past, considered the United States as a model to guide their own vaccine policies because they could be sure decisions were unbiased and based on evidence. But that may no longer be the case,” said Dr. Helen Chu, a professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Until Monday, Dr. Chu was also a member of ACIP until Secretary Kennedy abruptly dismissed the entire Committee this Monday. “We cannot dismantle a system that has allowed for open, evidence-based dialogue among experts, that has supported transparent, clear decision-making.  We cannot replace it with a process driven by one person’s beliefs. In the absence of an independent unbiased ACIP, we can no longer trust that safe and effective vaccines will be available to us and the people around us. I worry about the health and safety of people in our country—and the future of our public health infrastructure.”

    Senator Murray forcefully opposed the nomination of notorious anti-vaccine activist RFK Jr. to be Secretary of HHS, and she has long worked to combat vaccine skepticism and highlight the importance of scientific research and vaccines. Murray was also a leading voice against the nomination of Dr. Dave Weldon to lead CDC, repeatedly speaking up about her serious concerns with the nominee immediately after their meeting. In 2019, Senator Murray co-led a bipartisan hearing in the HELP Committee on vaccine hesitancy and spoke about the importance of addressing vaccine skepticism and getting people the facts they need to keep their families and communities safe and healthy. Ahead of the 2019 hearing, as multiple states were facing measles outbreaks in under-vaccinated areas, Murray sent a bipartisan letter with former HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander pressing Trump’s CDC Director and HHS Assistant Secretary for Health on their efforts to promote vaccination and vaccine confidence.

    Senator Murray has been a leading voice in Congress against RFK Jr.’s dismantling of HHS and attacks on America’s public health infrastructure, raising the alarm over HHS’ unilateral reorganization plan and slamming the closure of the HHS Region 10 office in Seattle and the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Spokane Research Laboratory. Senator Murray has sent oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans’ health and safety and will set our country back decades, and lifting up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.

    In particular, Senator Murray has been leading the charge against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut lifesaving research at NIH and pushed out nearly 5,000 NIH skilled scientists, grants administrators, and other employees at the agency. When the Trump administration attempted to illegally cap indirect cost rates at 15 percent, Senator Murray immediately and forcefully condemned the move, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter decrying the proposed change, and introduced amendments to Senate Republicans’ budget resolution to reverse it, which Republicans blocked. Murray has led Congressional efforts to boost biomedical research. Previously, over her years as Chair of the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Murray secured billions of dollars in increases for biomedical research at NIH, and during her time as Chair of the HELP Committee she established the new ARPA-H research agency as part of her PREVENT Pandemics Act to advance some of the most cutting-edge research in the field. Senator Murray was also the lead Democratic negotiator of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which delivered a major federal investment to boost NIH research, among many other investments. 

    Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:

    “I am here today to sound the alarm for public health, and to sound it as loud as I possibly can. Because this week, RFK Jr. took a dangerous, practically unthinkable step to undermine public health and vaccine confidence. He fired every single member of CDC’s vaccine advisory panel. Every. Single. One.

    “And he is already packing the panel with people who advocated letting COVID rip through communities, who serve as board members of vaccine disinformation groups, who promoted conspiracies and quack treatments for COVID and measles—and he is just getting started! It is really just about impossible to underscore how reckless and unprecedented this is.

    “I mean—even some Republicans who voted for him—only did so after he convinced them he wouldn’t go this far. Of course, they should have known better—I even warned them! You can’t trust this guy. He has a long history of attacking science and vaccines at every turn—he’s not going to give up that crusade when you give him tremendous power to wage it. But they ignored the obvious warnings. And now here we are.

    “Let’s be clear, RFK Jr. is not just crossing a red line for public health, he is sprinting into dangerous, uncharted territory in support of totally deranged conspiracies, and he is dragging us all along with him! He is putting our communities and our families in harm’s way.

    “Here’s what everyone needs to know. The CDC’s vaccine advisory panel has a simple, important job. Look at the data. Look at the science. And make recommendations on the vaccines FDA has approved as safe and effective.

    “That work has serious repercussions. These recommendations impact public confidence and trust in our vaccines. These recommendations are trusted by health care providers as they talk to patients and discuss their personal health decisions.

    “And these recommendations affect whether health plans—including Medicare and Medicaid—are required to cover vaccines at zero cost to patients or insurance companies can force Americans to foot the bill for vaccines that keep them safe or parents get guidance about which vaccines their children should receive and when.

    “Guess what happens when vaccines become more expensive for patients? Guess what happens when Trump’s highest-ranking health official ignores the facts and tells people our vaccine experts can’t be trusted? Guess what happens when RFK Jr. packs the CDC advisory committee wall-to-wall with his favorite anti-science grifters and conspiracy pushers?

    “Fewer people are going to get vaccinated. This is not rocket science.

    “Maybe they think—because of RFK’s Jr.’s disinformation—that measles isn’t a big deal. Maybe they think—incorrectly—that it’s safer to get whooping cough than the vaccine. Maybe they just can’t afford it anymore—because the vaccine they wanted to protect their family is no longer covered by insurance.

    “Whatever the reason, the result is going to be the same. Diseases we can fight—diseases we can prevent—spreading like wildfire through our communities, through our schools, through our nursing homes. Kids are going to be hospitalized, even killed, all because one conspiracy theorist thinks he knows better than qualified medical experts, and centuries of research.

    “We’ve already seen an historic measles outbreak on RFK Jr.’s watch. His response to it has been a complete disaster, promoting quack cures and spreading lies about vaccines, as cases skyrocket.

    “And, if RFK Jr.’s flood of disinformation is allowed to drown out real science, it’s not just going to be measles—we are going to see a full parade of horrors come raging back.

    “We have to speak up. And we have to make sure we are countering nonsense with reality with facts. We have to make sure parents get the message: that vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving.

    “And so, I am using my megaphone today, to not just raise the alarm, but to raise up the voice of an expert who knows the science of vaccines and who knows the stakes of this moment.

    “I’m pleased to be joined by one of the CDC advisory members RFK Jr. is trying to silence through firing: UW’s own Dr. Helen Chu. Thank you all for joining this call today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kenya Bolsters Immunisation Drive as Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Aden Duale Flags Off 6.2 Million Vaccine Doses to Counties

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale  flagged off 3 million doses of BCG (used to prevent tuberculosis) and 3.2 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at Afya House, Nairobi, marking a major boost to Kenya’s national immunisation programme.

    During the flag-off, the CS called on all county governments—through the Council of Governors (CoG) and their County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Health—to prioritise the collection of the vaccines from regional depots and ensure timely distribution to health facilities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

    Hon. Duale commended the government for moving with urgency to facilitate the delivery of the vaccines, describing it as a strong demonstration of Kenya’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its children.

    He acknowledged immunisation partners, including UNICEF, for their rapid procurement and delivery of the vaccines, and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions and sustain the country’s immunisation momentum.

    Parents and Caregivers across the country are encouraged to visit local health facilities to have their children vaccinated and catch up on any missed doses.

    The CS was joined by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, CoG CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

    Media files

    Download logo

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Podcast: Measles and Vexing Vaccines (Including COVID)

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The UConn Health Pulse Podcast brings a variety of expertise on health topics to the general public.

    Given the resurgence of measles in some parts of the U.S. in recent years and mixed messages from Washington in recent months, it’s easy to be confused over what to think about vaccination. We’re seeing more of a divide over what historically has been accepted by many in the medical community as one of the great developments in modern medicine. And we seem to be in a new place when it comes to widespread acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination after four years.

    I do think there is a lot of misleading information out there right now that I want to caution people to be very wary of.
    &#8212 Dr. Melissa Held

    Dr. Melissa Held, professor of pediatric infectious diseases and senior associate dean of medical student education at the UConn School of Medicine, and Dr. David Banach, associate professor of medicine, infectious diseases physician and UConn Health’s hospital epidemiologist, join the UConn Health Pulse podcast to help distinguish between fact and myth.

    Listen now:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK welcomes the work of the UN and other partners to release humanitarian personnel detained by the Houthis: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    The UK welcomes the work of the UN and other partners to release humanitarian personnel detained by the Houthis: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen.

    First, last Friday marked one year since the Houthis’ arbitrary detention of personnel from the United Nations, national and international NGOs, civil society organisations and diplomatic missions. 

    As of today, 23 UN and five INGO personnel remain arbitrarily detained. These dedicated humanitarian workers have now been separated from their family and loved ones for over a year, and for some, over 1000 days.

    2025 has also seen the tragic death of a World Food Programme member of staff in Houthi captivity. And yet, these detentions have continued, including the recent detention of journalists and media workers.

    The Secretary General’s statement on the anniversary of the detentions and the briefing we heard today from Special Envoy Grundberg highlight the profound injustice of these detentions. The individuals have dedicated their lives to providing life-saving assistance and support to the people of Yemen.

    Following a further press statement on 5 June, we, as a Security Council, have been unequivocal in condemning these ongoing unlawful detentions and in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained.

    The UK welcomes the vital work of the United Nations and other partners towards securing their immediate release.

    Second, President, 19.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and 4.8 million are internally displaced in Yemen. 

    This dire situation will get worse, with increases in food insecurity and malnutrition projected this year, compounded by disease outbreaks.

    The funding shortfall, ongoing detentions and challenging operating space exacerbate these challenges. So we must continue to work together and prioritise our collective response to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those most in need. 

    The UK recently enrolled in a joint programme with King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, targeting the spread of cholera across Yemen. 

    This programme will provide cholera vaccines and help strengthen local response capacity in the most high-risk and affected communities.

    Finally, the UK remains committed to achieving lasting peace in Yemen and the broader region. Long-term stability and security in Yemen can only be achieved by a UN-led, inclusive political settlement. And we continue to support Special Envoy Grundberg in his efforts in this regard.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Government on top off foot-and-mouth disease response

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Thursday, June 12, 2025

    Cabinet has welcomed the swift response by the Department of Agriculture following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that has affected KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

    “Despite the warnings that were issued, FMD was imported into Gauteng as people continued to move livestock to the province of Gauteng,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Cape Town.

    The department has ordered over 900 000 doses of vaccines, with the first batch expected to arrive soon.

    “All infected properties are placed under quarantine. No movement is allowed into, out of, or through these areas or farms. 

    “Large areas, where individuals cannot be served with quarantine notices, are declared Disease Management Areas, and the same restrictions apply.

    In addition, plans are underway to establish a biosecurity council that will bring together the South African Police Service (SAPS), veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority and captains of industry to better respond to future outbreaks and manage the related risks,” Ntshavheni said.

    She was addressing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 11 June 2025. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vaccine to prevent gonorrhoea

    Source: Scottish Government

    Reducing diagnoses to address antibiotics resistance.

    Thousands of cases of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea could be prevented through a new vaccine programme.

    The Scottish Government is funding the programme, which will begin in August, to address increasing health inequalities and growing resistance to antibiotics treatment.

    Those eligible include gay and bisexual men at highest risk of infection, those involved in selling or exchanging sex regardless of gender and those who sexual health clinic professionals assess as being at a similar risk level. 

    Gonorrhoea can cause significant pain and discomfort and in rare cases, life-threatening sepsis. The number of cases has been rising steadily in recent years and it is the second most common bacterial STI in Scotland. Latest figures show there were 5,999 diagnoses in 2023, a 59% increase on pre-pandemic.

    Speaking at the Public Health Scotland Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Conference in Edinburgh, Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said:

    “This action is urgent and timely since the number of diagnoses has been high and the disease is becoming increasingly difficult to treat with antibiotics. 

    “The science tells us that this vaccine will potentially protect thousands of people and prevent the spread of infection. 

    “Anything which stops people from contracting gonorrhoea in the first place can have huge benefits, including ensuring our health system remains resilient by reducing the amount of treatment needed.”

    Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of the Vaccination and Immunisation Division at PHS, said:

    “With gonorrhoea diagnoses having increased in recent years, the offer of the 4CmenB vaccine to those at highest risk of exposure is a welcome new intervention. This vaccination programme is expected to help control and prevent the spread of gonorrhoea.

    “Public Health Scotland is working with the Scottish Government and colleagues across NHS Boards to finalise plans for the roll out of this targeted vaccination offering to those at increased risk of gonorrhoea from August 2025.”

    Background

    Ministers accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s advice on the programme, which will be delivered by the Scottish Vaccination and Immunisation Programme led by Public Health Scotland.

    The £280,000 funding is intended to cover first and second doses of 4CMenB vaccine.

    The vaccine is 30-40% effective and will be offered in the clinics alongside those for HPV, hepatitis and the routine mpox vaccination programme.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: TransUnion Analysis Reveals Massive Performance Gap Between Best and Worst Audience Targeting Decisions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — An analysis from TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) sheds new light on the impact of audience composition on marketing performance, showing that making the best targeting decisions can have a compounding effect on return on ad spend (ROAS}—an upside of up to 9x.

    The analysis, based on real-world campaigns from 25 TransUnion measurement clients across five verticals, revealed a widening performance gap as audiences became more targeted: An audience built with two optimal consumer traits had a 3.6X ROAS upside, while an audience with three optimal traits had a 7.2X ROAS upside.

    Conversely, the analysis also highlights the risk of making sub-optimal targeting decisions, i.e., the more campaigns were targeted to the wrong audience segments, the worse they performed. At the farthest end of that spectrum, mistargeted campaigns saw –90% ROAS, placing fresh emphasis on the importance of audience building to the bottom line.

    “In a world with thousands of targeting choices, the challenge is selecting the most effective option from many that appear similar,” said Matt Spiegel, EVP of TruAudience Growth Strategy. “Our data proves that even within common attributes like income or age, the performance difference can be massive.”

    Positive and Negative Impact of Targeting Sophistication on ROAS

      Single
    Characteristic
    Audience    		 Two
    Characteristics
    Combined    		 Three
    Characteristics
    Combined    		 Four
    Characteristics
    Combined    		 Six
    Characteristics
    Combined
    Correct
    Decisions    		 97% 3.6X 7.2X 8.3X 9X
    Wrong
    Decisions    		 -49% -78% -88% -89% -90%

    The analysis evaluated 26 targeting attributes across six distinct categories such as age, income, presence of children, and neighborhood type. The findings showed that even subtle variations in targeting led to significant swings in return on ad spend — reinforcing the need for smarter audience strategy.

    Rather than defaulting to broad assumptions — like “go after high income” or “target by age group” — marketers have an opportunity to uncover more precise combinations, often where they least expect them. The analysis reveals just how much performance can hinge on thoughtful, data-backed audiences.

    “This isn’t guesswork — it’s measured behavior,” said Mike Finnerty, SVP Marketing Solutions at TransUnion. “Recognizing the impact of the best targeting decisions on the bottom line and pulling out actionable insights is only possible when you have a persistent view of identity that runs through every marketing activity, from planning to measurement.”

    Ultimately, this analysis illustrates the true potential of multi-dimensional targeting, putting it alongside engaging creative as a key driver of marketing performance.

    “In today’s marketing landscape, great creative and thoughtful precise targeting are both needed to create the best outcomes. And it is worth noting that targeting decisions by themselves, especially more advanced targeting strategies, are independently impactful,” concluded Spiegel.

    Click here to learn more about TruAudience audience solutions.

    Methodology
    The analysis is based on Q4 2024 campaign data from 25 brands across five industries, with at least two brands per industry. Quarterly spend ranged from $5 million to over $100 million per brand. In total, $1.5 billion in campaign spend and over 18.4 billion events across a broad set of addressable paid media channels, including audio, connected TV, display, search, social and video were analyzed using TransUnion’s MTA platform and TruAudience® identity graph. Return on ad spend reflects actual ad exposure and conversion outcomes at the household level.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cholera vaccination campaign in Khartoum, Sudan to reach 2.6 million residents – health authorities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KHARTOUM, June 12 (Xinhua) — A cholera vaccination campaign targeting 2.6 million residents was launched in Sudan’s capital Khartoum on Wednesday, Khartoum health authorities said.

    The 10-day campaign will be carried out in 12 administrative units in Omdurman, Um Badda, Karari, Jabal Awliya and East Nile towns, health authorities said in a statement.

    According to the statement, the country has recorded a decrease in the number of cholera cases, and “the mortality rate due to complications associated with this disease has reached zero.”

    Khartoum State Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza has commended health authorities for containing the cholera outbreak and improving recovery rates.

    He called for continued efforts to combat epidemics and maintain stability in the health sector, praising the support of international and government organizations, as well as the contribution of volunteers. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF tackles logistical challenges to vaccinate 500 000 people against diphtheria

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    On a quiet Tuesday evening, an ambulance pulls into Ati provincial hospital in Chad’s central Batha region. Inside are four members of a family with symptoms of diphtheria – an entirely preventable disease that has resurged across the country in recent years. Since July 2024, more than 2,700 cases have been reported, due in large part to low vaccination coverage and limited public awareness of the disease.

    The mother and her three children have travelled 65 km over rough, unpaved roads to reach the hospital. In Chad, motorised transport is scarce and expensive, making a journey of this length is anything but simple. Medical staff from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are able to save the mother and two older children, but the youngest child is in a serious condition and dies a few days later.

    Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium that produces a dangerous toxin. It can cause fever, respiratory distress and a swollen neck, and in severe cases can lead to organ failure and death – especially in children with pre-existing health conditions.

    To help curb the epidemic and slow the spread of this disease – which was long believed to be under control in Chad – MSF has been supporting Chad’s Ministry of Public Health and Prevention by treating patients for the disease, monitoring its spread and carrying out a mass vaccination campaign to prevent more people from becoming infected. The vaccination campaign was a major logistical feat, reaching around 500,000 people across two arid regions where travel is difficult, and health centres are few and far between.

    Maryam receives the diphtheria vaccine during market day in Mantcharné. She and her mother walked more than five kilometres from their village to reach the market. Chad, November 2024.

    Reaching patients early

    In the diphtheria treatment unit at Ati provincial hospital, 11-year-old Daoud Mahadi is slowly recovering from the disease. When his symptoms first appeared, his mother tried to treat him with traditional medicine, as there was no health centre nearby.

    “We tried traditional medicine because we had no other option, but it didn’t help,” says his mother. “I watched my child grow weaker every day – he couldn’t even swallow water.” When Daoud arrived at the hospital, he was severely malnourished, weighing barely 15 kg.

    The response to diphtheria in Chad comes up against a number of serious challenges, including people’s lack of knowledge about the disease, their limited access to healthcare, and the lack of treatment options. 

    MSF teams are also working in Moussoro hospital, in Barh-El-Gazel region, where we have been treating patients and training health workers, as well as supporting peripheral health centres to diagnose and treat people with diphtheria. Since October 2024, MSF teams in Ati and Moussoro have treated more than 1,600 patients, including 700 severe cases.

    Along with our medical response, MSF has rehabilitated 20 wells across Moussoro and neighbouring Chaddra districts to improve people’s access to clean water and help prevent further outbreaks of infectious diseases.

    A group of children learn about diphtheria with the MSF team, who explain how vaccination protects against disease. Alifa, Chad, November 2024.

    Vaccination: a logistical feat

    To address the low immunisation rates that fuelled the epidemic, MSF worked with the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention to run a mass vaccination campaign targeting 300,000 people in Batha region and 200,000 people in Barh-El-Gazel region. The campaign focused on reaching remote and isolated communities, including nomadic people, and aimed to deliver the two vaccine doses required for full protection against diphtheria.

    Reaching these scattered communities was one of the biggest challenges of organising the mass vaccination campaign. With communities often located far apart, in areas without passable roads, MSF deployed around 100 motorcycles and off-road vehicles to get vaccination teams and vaccines to where they were needed.

    Diphtheria vaccines must be kept at a temperature of between 2°C and 8°C.

    “Transporting vaccines while maintaining the cold chain in a desert climate where temperatures can hit 45°C is an enormous challenge,” said Jean Bourges, MSF head of mission. “This was a massive deployment effort, especially in a context where health infrastructure is extremely limited, and power supplies are unreliable.”

    To reach nomadic communities in Batha region and gain their trust, MSF and the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention worked with the Ministry of Livestock to implement a ‘One Health’ strategy. This integrated approach – linking human, animal and environmental health – enabled teams to build up trust with communities and vaccinate people during livestock vaccination campaigns – an initiative which significantly boosted vaccination coverage for diphtheria.

    In remote areas where roads are non-existent or safety is sometimes uncertain, MSF uses motorcycles to send vaccination teams, awareness-raising officers, and the equipment needed to carry out activities. Chad, November 2024.

    The need to remain vigilant

    As early as 2023, we warned of a resurgence of diphtheria across West Africa. Protection against this disease depends on routine immunisation programmes, which were severely disrupted after the COVID-19 pandemic, notably due to lack of funding and loss of priority.

    To prevent future outbreaks, MSF continues to advocate for stronger disease surveillance and more robust vaccination programmes.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW residents urged to get vaccinated as flu levels rise

    Source: Australian Green Party

    NSW Health is urging the community to book in now for their flu vaccine, as cases rise across the state.
    The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows more than 3,100 people in NSW testing positive for influenza in the week ending 7 June, an increase of 10.6 per cent compared with the previous week, and following weekly increases since 10 May 2025. Most people with flu don’t have a test, so these are just a small proportion of all people who have had influenza recently.
    Health Protection NSW Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said influenza is now circulating at moderate levels in the community.
    “Getting the flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged six months and over,” Dr McAnulty said.
    “With flu on the rise and school holidays fast approaching, we are strongly encouraging people to book in for their flu vaccine now, which is widely available through pharmacists and GPs. Vaccination is the best protection against infection and severe disease.
    “Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death.
    “Complications can occur in anyone but are most likely in those at higher risk of severe illness.”
    The flu vaccine is free for:

    children aged six months to under five years
    pregnant women
    Aboriginal people aged six months and over
    anyone aged 65 and over
    people with serious health conditions

    NSW Health also continues to remind the community there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:

    staying up to date with their vaccinations
    staying home if they’re sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
    avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
    consider doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
    making a plan with their doctor if they’re at higher risk of severe illness
    practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.

    If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage the community to call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for 24-hour advice. A nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.
    ​

    MIL OSI News –