AI has made it easier than ever to find information: Ask ChatGPT almost anything, and the system swiftly delivers an answer. But the large language models that power popular tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude were not designed to be accurate or factual. They regularly “hallucinate” and offer up falsehoods as if they were hard facts.
Yet people are relying more and more on AI to answer their questions. Half of all people in the U.S. between the ages of 14 and 22 now use AI to get information, according to a 2024 Harvard study. An analysis by The Washington Post found that more than 17% of prompts on ChatGPT are requests for information.
One way researchers are attempting to improve the information AI systems give is to have the systems indicate how confident they are in the accuracy of their answers. I’m a computer scientist who studies natural language processing and machine learning. My lab at the University of Michigan has developed a new way of deriving confidence scores that improves the accuracy of AI chatbot answers. But confidence scores can only do so much.
Popular and problematic
Leading technology companies are increasingly integrating AI into search engines. Google now offers AI Overviews that appear as text summaries above the usual list of links in any search result. Other upstart search engines, such as Perplexity, are challenging traditional search engines with their own AI-generated summaries.
The convenience of these summaries has made these tools very popular. Why scour the contents of multiple websites when AI can provide the most pertinent information in a few seconds?
AI tools seem to offer a smoother, more expedient avenue to getting information. But they can also lead people astray or even expose them to harmful falsehoods. My lab has found that even the most accurate AI models hallucinate in 25% of claims. This hallucination rate is concerning because other research suggests AI can influence what people think.
It bears emphasizing: AI chatbots are designed to sound good, not give accurate information.
Language models hallucinate because they learn and operate on statistical patterns drawn from a massive amount of text data, much of which comes from the internet. This means that they are not necessarily grounded in real-world facts. They also lack other human competencies, like common sense and the ability to distinguish between serious expressions and sarcastic ones.
All this was on display last spring, when a user asked Google’s AI Overviews tool to suggest a way to keep cheese from sliding off a pizza. The tool promptly recommended mixing the cheese with glue. It then came to light that someone had once posted this obviously tongue-in-cheek recommendation on Reddit. Like most large language models, Google’s model had likely been trained with information scraped from myriad internet sources, including Reddit. It then mistakenly interpreted this user’s joke as a genuine suggestion.
While most users wouldn’t take the glue recommendation seriously, some hallucinated information can cause real harm. AI search engines and chatbots have repeatedly been caught citing debunked, racist pseudoscience as fact. Last year, Perplexity AI stated that a police officer in California was guilty of a crime that he did not commit.
Showing confidence
Building AI systems that prioritize veracity is challenging, but not impossible. One way AI developers are approaching this problem is to design models that communicate their confidence in their answers. This typically comes in the form of a confidence score – a number indicating how likely it is that a model is providing accurate information. But estimating a model’s confidence in the content it provides is also a complicated task.
How confidence scores work in machine learning.
One common approach to making this estimate involves asking the model to repeatedly respond to a given query. If the model is reliable, it should generate similar answers to the same query. If it can’t answer consistently, the AI is likely lacking the information it needs to answer accurately. Over time, the results of these tests become the AI’s confidence scores for specific subject areas.
Other approaches evaluate AI accuracy by directly prompting and training models to state how confident they are in their answers. But this offers no real accountability. Allowing an AI to evaluate its own confidence leaves room for the system to give itself a passing grade and continue to offer false or harmful information.
My lab has designed algorithms that assign confidence scores by breaking down a large language model’s responses into individual claims that can be automatically cross-referenced with Wikipedia. We assess the semantic equivalence between the AI model’s output and the referenced Wikipedia entries for the assertions. Our approach allows the AI to quickly evaluate the accuracy of all its statements. Of course, relying on Wikipedia articles, which are usually but not always accurate, also has its limitations.
Publishing confidence scores along with a model’s answers could help people to think more critically about the veracity of information that these tools provide. A language model can also be trained to withhold information if it earns a confidence score that falls below a set threshold. My lab has also shown that confidence scores can be used to help AI models generate more accurate answers.
Limits of confidence
There’s still a long way to go to ensure truly accurate AI. Most of these approaches assume that the information needed to correctly evaluate an AI’s accuracy can be found on Wikipedia and other online databases.
But when accurate information is just not that easy to come by, confidence estimates can be misleading. To account for cases like these, Google has developed special mechanisms for evaluating AI-generated statements. My lab has similarly compiled a benchmarking dataset of prompts that commonly cause hallucinations.
But all these approaches verify basic facts – there are no automated methods for evaluating other facets of long-form content, such as cause-and-effect relationships or an AI’s ability to reason over text consisting of more than one sentence.
Developing tools that improve these elements of AI are key steps toward making the technology a source of trustworthy information – and avoid the harms that misinformation can cause.
Lu Wang does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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Alongside its strong performance momentum, MiniLuxe successfully completes an oversubscribed private placement initially offered for up to $5M while contemporaneously satisfying the principal of USD $945,000 of convertible debt obligations.
Boston, MA, Feb. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MiniLuxe Holding Corp. (TSXV: MNLX) (“MiniLuxe” or the “Company”) today announces that it has completed a successful and final closing of an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement of Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company (the “Subordinate Voting Shares”). The Company first announced its intention for a non-brokered private placement on November 27, 2024, at a price of USD$0.55 per share for total proceeds up to $5.0M USD (the “Offering”). Since its announcement of the Offering, the Company has had strong investor demand reinforcing confidence in MiniLuxe’s continued performance and growth strategy.
Per the Company’s press release of January 2nd, 2025, MiniLuxe did a first closing for approximately one-third of the anticipated maximum of the Offering. In this second and final closing, the Company is pleased to announce that it has raised incremental gross proceeds of USD $3,436,250 (resulting in the issuance of 6,247,717 Subordinate Voting Shares at a price of USD $0.55 or CDN $0.79 per Share). Together, the first and second and final closing of the Offering raised total new primary capital for the Company in the amount of USD $5.067M or (~CDN $7.26M). Additionally, the Company finalized the conversion of USD$945,000 million or ~CDN $1.35M in principal value of prior convertible notes through shares for debt agreements, with further details provided below.
“We are humbled by the recent oversubscribed investor interest level and quantum raised, but even more excited by the quality of this capital. This financing brings new participants who share aligned principles to our vision and who offer value-add strategic perspectives. The investment interest is also a reflection of the work and progress made by the team over the past year and investors’ conviction behind our future growth plans,” said Tony Tjan, CEO of MiniLuxe.
As previously shared, the company is focused on three key performance objectives:
Accelerating overall studio contribution growth
Increasing fixed cost leverage and SG&A efficiency
Focusing growth through operating and franchise partners and a focused set of innovative products
Overall same studio cash contribution grew materially in 2024, in concert with increased profitability trends of studios across all regions. The most critical factor for the success of our base business is the success the company has in recruiting, developing and retaining nail designer and other beauty service professional talent. The Company’s current retention rate of its talent base stands at its all-time record high at 87 percent. The Company remains focused on ways to reconfigure and create greater SG+A efficiency with year-over-year reduction trends north of 25% on corporate level SG+A. As a percent of revenue on a TTM (trailing twelve month) basis corporate SG+A as a percent of revenue has improved ~2x going from ~32% to ~16% demonstrating continued fixed cost leverage. From the standpoint of key internal cash management metrics, annualized and average monthly operating cash burn have been very materially reduced. While not an IFRS measurement, on a company-wide basis and on a preliminary unaudited basis, it is expected that YoY adjusted EBITDA improvement in 2024 to be over 50 percent. The Company’s focus on instilling an entrepreneurial culture and creating aligned performance incentives with its studio leaders and through operating partners (JVs or franchise partners) with shared ownership of studios have meaningfully contributed to these results.
The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to build momentum on these performance trends while investing behind a focused set of strategic growth investments including the expansion of new studios– especially through an expanded set of world-class operators who hold connection and conviction with the MiniLuxe brand and who seek to own or jointly own and operate a MiniLuxe studio. The Company also intends to be filing for an NCIB (New Course Issuer Bid) to have the option to buy back shares at times when it believes that the market price does not reflect the company’s intrinsic and future value.
Alongside the Offering, the Company has also finalized additional shares-for-debt agreements to satisfy an aggregate of USD$1,055,577 (~CDN$1.51 million) of outstanding debt related to the principal and accrued but unpaid interest on certain convertible debentures of the Company (the “Debentures”). This is in addition to USD$1,085,944 (~CDN$1.56 million) of Debentures converted in the first tranche. As part of this debt conversion, an aggregate of 2,294,731 Subordinate Voting Shares will be issued at a deemed price of USD$0.46 per share, with an effective conversion date of February 7, 2025. The Company offered existing Debenture holders participating in the Offering the opportunity to elect to receive Subordinate Voting Shares at a discounted conversion price relative to the original terms of the Debentures. All Debenture holders electing to convert are deemed to be at arm’s length from the Company. The issuance of these shares remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Similarly, completion of all tranches of the private placement Offering is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued pursuant to the initial closing of the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the issuance date in accordance with applicable securities laws.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described in this news release. Such securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and, accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of persons in the United States or “U.S. Persons”, as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirements.
About MiniLuxe
MiniLuxe, a Delaware corporation based in Boston, Massachusetts. MiniLuxe is a lifestyle brand and talent empowerment platform servicing the beauty and self-care industry. Through its company-owned and partner-operated studios, Company delivers high-quality nail care and esthetic services that incorporate the brand’s proprietary products. For over a decade, MiniLuxe has been elevating industry standards through healthier, ultra-hygienic services, modern design, ethical labor practices, and better-for-you, cleaner products. MiniLuxe’s vision is to radically transform the highly fragmented and under-regulated self-care and nail care industry through its brand, standards, and technology platform that together enable better talent and client experiences.
Towards building long-term durable value for its stakeholders, MiniLuxe is expanding its reach through franchising and operating JV partners seeking ownership and impact with a brand recognized as the best nail salon franchise. Through self-care and self-expression, MiniLuxe is empowering one of the largest hourly work forces through professional development, economic mobility, and equity ownership. Since its founding, MiniLuxe has performed over 4.5 million services.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) concerning the Company and its subsidiaries within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to the future financial outlook and anticipated events or results of the Company and may include information regarding the Company’s financial position, business strategy, growth strategies, acquisition prospects and plans, addressable markets, budgets, operations, financial results, taxes, dividend policy, plans and objectives. Particularly, information regarding the Company’s expectations of future results, performance, achievements, prospects or opportunities or the markets in which the Company operates is forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects”, “budgets”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “outlook”, “forecasts”, “projects”, “prospects”, “strategy”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will” occur. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or circumstances.
Many factors could cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, those listed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s filing statement dated November 9, 2021. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Forward-looking information, by its nature, is based on the Company’s opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Those factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Despite a careful process to prepare and review forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information. Although the Company bases its forward-looking information on assumptions that it believes were reasonable when made, which include, but are not limited to, assumptions with respect to the Company’s future growth potential, results of operations, future prospects and opportunities, execution of the Company’s business strategy, there being no material variations in the current tax and regulatory environments, future levels of indebtedness and current economic conditions remaining unchanged, the Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. In addition, even if the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking information contained in this press release, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made). Any forward-looking statement that is made in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement.
Right now, approximately 20 billion red blood cells are busy travelling through your blood vessels. They are delivering oxygen to all the different tissues in your body and removing carbon dioxide to be breathed out of your lungs.
Red blood cells are discs curved inwards on both sides, without a cell nucleus. They are full of haemoglobin, a protein responsible for gas exchanges. At the core of a haemoglobin molecule is an iron carrying component called haem, which can be loaded with oxygen.
The shape of the red blood cell is useful to flexibly navigate blood vessels of all sizes, deforming as needed. It also provides a large surface for gas exchange. Haemoglobin collects oxygen in the lungs, where there is plenty of it, and releases it across the body, where there is much less.
In the UK, approximately 17,500 people have sickle cell disease and 300 babies are born with the condition each year. It is a genetic disorder caused by inherited mutations in a person’s DNA that affect the properties of haemoglobin.
Haemoglobin is made up of four proteins organised around the iron-carrying haem group. These proteins are called globins, and each haemoglobin molecule has two alpha and two beta-globins.
Sickle cell disease changes adult beta-globin. Instead of two alpha and two healthy beta chains, sickle cell disease patients have two alpha and two mutant beta chains. The resulting haemoglobin is called HbS.
HbS has different characteristics to normal adult haemoglobin, causing severe symptoms. HbS is structurally unstable. Upon high temperatures, dehydration, acidity, such as happens during infections, it clumps inside the red blood cells. The clumps make red blood cells rigid and change their shape from flexible doughnuts into inflexible sickles – hence the name of the disease.
Rigid sickle cells cannot travel through narrow blood vessels, which clogs them, forming clots that stop blood circulation in different places. The clots change oxygen and acidity locally, causing more sickling.
Accumulation of clots causes some of the most severe symptoms of sickle cell disease, including strokes, kidney failure, blindness, prolonged and painful erections (called priapism) and loss of circulation in the lungs – the excruciating acute chest syndrome.
Sickle red blood cells also break easily, a phenomenon called haemolysis. The body tries to produce more red blood cells, but cannot correct the underlying defect. Patients experience symptoms similar to other forms of anaemia, including pallor, breathlessness upon exertion, fatigue. Haemolysis leads to inflammation and damages blood vessels, further aggravating sickling symptoms.
Lifelong suffering
Symptoms and complications of sickle cell disease start in the first year of life and progress in severity. The disease reduces the quality and duration of life of patients – in the UK, those with sickle cell disease have a life expectancy of 67.
Worldwide, life expectancy is below 50 and many children with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa die before the age of five. Sickle cell disease patients are dependent on transfusions of healthy red blood cells – over time this causes complications of its own.
Until recently, the only cure for sickle cell disease was stem cell transplantation – also known as bone marrow transplantation – from a healthy donor with a compatible immune system which will not be rejected by, or attack, the patient. Often, this is a sibling or a parent, but, in up to 75% of cases, a compatible relative cannot be found.
Stem cell transplantation replaces the cells in the blood factory of the patient, which produce HbS, with blood-making cells without the genetic defect, which produce normal adult haemoglobin. Transplanted blood stem cells maintain healthy haemoglobin production for life.
In the absence of transplantation, sickle cell disease patients receive regular transfusions, which deliver healthy red blood cells. But, unlike stem cells, red blood cells are short-lived.
Patients also receive a drug called hydroxycarbamide, which is used to treat cancer patients and can be toxic, but alleviates symptoms. Hydroxycarbamide acts by turning on a gene that leads to the production of foetal haemoglobin, which is not affected by the sickle cell disease mutation.
In 2024, two forms of gene therapy were approved for sickle cell disease treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration. Both involve collecting stem cells from the patient, modifying them genetically, and transplanting them back into the patient so the body makes blood with corrected cells for the rest of the patient’s life.
The first of the gene therapies, commercially called Casgevy, works by removing and inactivating a gene that is normally responsible for producing beta-globin. This replaces HbS in the red blood cells with the unaffected foetal haemoglobin.
The second gene therapy, called Lyfgenia (Lovotibeglogene autotemcel), works differently. It introduces an additional gene in the stem cells which makes it less likely for HbS to form aggregates and cause sickling, reducing the more severe symptoms of the disease.
The development and testing of gene and cell therapies for sickle cell disease is still an ongoing effort of many scientists and companies. That there are now two approved therapies for sickle cell disease highlights the importance of supporting investigation and development of breakthrough technologies based on detailed understanding of biological mechanisms of disease.
These investigations are key to treating patients with genetic diseases, which often do not have any other available treatments.
Cristina Pina receives funding from Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group via the Little Princess Trust and the National Centre for the Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of Animals in Research. She receives honoraria for consulting services to the Medicines Discover Institute at the University of Cardiff via an MRC research grant to Simon Ward.
Victor Hernandez-Hernandez receives funding from GOSHCC Charity, Newlife Charity, Welcome Trust, Fight for Sight, EU FP7. He is co-founder, shareholder and employee of Axovia Therapeutics Ltd.
India’s quantum leap testified by global success stories like Vaccine, Chandrayaan, says Dr. Jitendra Singh India’s Scientific Rise: From DNA Vaccines to Space Tech, Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Key Achievements
Traditional Knowledge is India’s Exclusive Asset, Says Dr. Jitendra Singh
Integration is No Longer an Option But a Necessity: Dr. Jitendra Singh Calls for Greater Scientific Collaboration
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Vigyan Bharati’s New Premises in New Delhi
Posted On: 09 FEB 2025 5:10PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said here today that India’s quantum leap was testified by global success stories like Vaccine and Chandrayaan.
He was speaking after inaugurating the new premises of “Vigyan Bharati” in the national capital, describing the same as a long-felt need. He emphasized that the office would serve as a center for exchange of ideas and a seat of learning.
Addressing the ceremony, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that India is witnessing a transformative era in science under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted how the Prime Minister not only encourages but also provides unwavering support to the scientific community, strengthening it with resources and enabling collaborations with non-governmental sectors to achieve the best outcomes.
Reflecting on the advancements of the past decade, Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that while India has always had immense scientific acumen and talent, the missing element was commitment and prioritization from the political leadership—something that is now being actively addressed under PM Modi’s governance.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the significant progress India has made, particularly in healthcare. He noted that India, once not taken seriously in curative healthcare, is now emerging as a global leader in preventive healthcare. He proudly mentioned India’s achievements, including: The first DNA vaccine developed during the pandemic. The first indigenous HPV vaccine to combat cervical cancer and rapid advancements in space technology, despite a late start in the sector. He also spoke about India’s commitment to global climate change efforts, reaffirming the country’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), calling it a valuable repository of indigenous wisdom. He cited examples such as: The Konark Temple in Odisha, which remained intact even after the super cyclone of 2000, showcasing India’s architectural resilience.
The growing interest in traditional medicine, as seen during the pandemic when the West explored homeopathy and naturopathy for potential remedies. He also referenced India’s success in using steel slag for road construction in Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the Tata Group, drawing parallels with the durable routes of Ajanta and Ellora that have withstood the test of time.
Quoting Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Dr. Singh remarked, “By remaining committed to our legacy, we should not deprive ourselves of what is happening across the world.” He urged Vigyan Bharati to act as an interface for identifying initiatives and fostering collaborations, similar to how IN-SPACe and BIRAC have become successful platforms for the space and biotechnology sectors, respectively.
He also proudly announced India’s recent breakthrough in pharmaceuticals with the creation of the indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, positioning India as a leader in both traditional and cutting-edge technologies.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that integration is no longer an option but a necessity and called upon Vigyan Bharati to become a key medium for broader scientific integration. He expressed confidence that such efforts would drive India’s continued rise as a global powerhouse in science and technology.
Source: The White House
ESTABLISHING A FAITH OFFICE: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to establish the White House Faith Office.
The White House Faith Office will empower faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship to better serve families and communities.
The Office will be housed in the Domestic Policy Council and will consult with experts within the faith community and make recommendations to the President regarding changes to policies, programs, and practices to better align with the American values.
The Office will coordinate with agencies on religious liberty training and on identifying and promoting grant opportunities for non-profit faith-based entities, community organizations, and houses of worship.
The Office will work in collaboration with the Attorney General to identify failures to enforce constitutional and Federal statutory protections for religious liberty.
DEFENDING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY: President Trump is committed to protecting the liberty and freedom of our religious communities, organizations, and students.
In his first week, President Trump pardoned Christians and pro-life activists who were persecuted by the weaponized Biden Administration for praying and peacefully living out their faith.
President Trump reinstated service members forced out of the military over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, including those discharged over their religious objections to the vaccine.
Last week, President Trump signed executive actions to ensure Federal overreach and taxpayer dollars will no longer force individuals to violate their commitment to life.
Yesterday, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT: These actions build on President Trump’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding the fundamental right to religious freedom, as evidenced by his first term.
In 2017, President Trump stopped the Johnson Amendment from interfering with pastors’ rights to speak their minds.
In 2018, President Trump established the Faith and Opportunity Initiative which recognized and promoted the essential contributions of faith-based organizations.
In 2018, President Trump reversed the Obama-era policy that prevented the government from providing disaster relief to religious organizations.
In 2019, President Trump hosted a Global Call to Protect Religious Freedom event at the United Nations and called on the international community and business leaders to work to protect religious freedom around the world.
In 2020, President Trump issued new guidance to protect religious liberty and expression in public schools.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP reminds public of precautions against cold weather CHP reminds public of precautions against cold weather ******************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 8) reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather. Cold weather can easily trigger or exacerbate diseases, especially among the elderly and persons suffering from heart disease, respiratory illnesses or other chronic illnesses. Elderly people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanisms may be weaker. Their bodies may not be able to respond appropriately to cold weather. Some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat. Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes and endocrine disorders, may undermine the health of elderly people and lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their bodies to generate less heat. Persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or heart disease, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather. The CHP reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly; Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake; Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production; Stay in a warm environment and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure; Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation; and Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.
In addition, the public should avoid alcoholic beverages. Drinking alcohol does not keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead. Parents should ensure that babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating. Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:
Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature; Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep; Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding; Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents’ bed; and Maintain a smoke-free environment.
In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP’s website. A person infected with influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:
Surgical masks can prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask; Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask; Avoid touching one’s eyes, mouth and nose; Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated; When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub; Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards; Maintain good indoor ventilation; When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
Wash hands before handling and consuming food; Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food; Wash and cook all food thoroughly; Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub hard-surfaced vegetables with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices; Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque; For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove the internal organs; Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius to destroy pathogen; Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below; Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.
In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning. For more health information, the public may call the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP’s website and Facebook Fanpage. The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens.
Details 2025-01-31 President Lai’s response to Pope Francis’s 2025 World Day of Peace message President Lai Ching-te recently sent a letter to Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in response to his message marking the 58th World Day of Peace. The following is the full text of the president’s letter to the pope: Your Holiness, In your message for the 2025 World Day of Peace entitled Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace, you called for a cultural change that would bring an end to the governance of interpersonal and international relations by a logic of exploitation and oppression and herald true and lasting peace. I wholeheartedly admire and identify with your point of view. Since transitioning from a medical career to politics, I have remained true to my original intentions in the sense that, while a doctor can help only one person at a time, a public servant can simultaneously assist many people in resolving the difficulties affecting their lives. In my inaugural address in May 2024, I pledged that every day of my term, I would strive to act justly, show mercy, and be humble, which accord with the teachings of the Bible. I promised to treat the Taiwanese people as family and prove myself worthy of their trust and expectations. With an unwavering heart, I have accepted the people’s trust and taken on the solemn responsibility of leading the nation forward and building a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous new Taiwan. In this new year, the changing international landscape continues to present many grave challenges to democratic nations around the world. As the Russia-Ukraine war persists, the steady convergence of authoritarian regimes, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatens the rules-based international order and severely impacts peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the world at large. Your Holiness has stated that war is a defeat for everyone. I, too, firmly believe that peace is priceless and that war has no winners. A high level of consensus has formed in the international community on upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The Taiwanese people also maintain an unyielding commitment to safeguarding a way of life that encompasses freedom, equality, democracy, and human rights. Taiwan will continue to spare no effort in preserving regional peace and stability and serving as a pilot for global peace. In your World Day of Peace message, you urged prosperous countries to assist poorer ones. This compassion is truly touching. Taiwan is proactively implementing values-based diplomacy and, under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, enhancing allies’ development through a range of initiatives. Over many years, Taiwan has accumulated abundant and unique experience of providing foreign assistance. Seeking to foster self-reliance among disadvantaged countries, we have extended genuine support to help alleviate poverty through such avenues as strengthening basic infrastructure, transferring technology, and cultivating talent. In your message, you reminded countries worldwide that assistance should not be merely an isolated act of charity and pointed to the need to devise a new global financial framework so that food crises, climate change, and other challenges could be jointly addressed. I hold this view in high regard. I therefore earnestly hope that international organizations will stop excluding Taiwan for political reasons. Taiwan is willing to shoulder its international responsibilities so that it can contribute and share its valuable experience through many global platforms. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I again express our interest in collaborating with the Holy See to advance world peace through concrete action. We also aspire to demonstrate Taiwanese values and the Taiwanese spirit and work together with the Holy See to uphold the core values of justice, democracy, freedom, and peace. Please accept, Your Holiness, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration, as well as my best wishes for your good health and the continued growth of the Catholic Church.
Details 2025-01-31 President Lai meets former US Vice President Mike Pence On the afternoon of January 17, President Lai Ching-te met with former Vice President of the United States Mike Pence. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Vice President Pence for his contributions to the deepening of Taiwan-US relations, noting that he actively helped to strengthen Taiwan-US cooperation and facilitate the normalization of military sales to Taiwan, and did his utmost to deepen the Taiwan-US economic partnership. The president indicated that former Vice President Pence also spoke up for Taiwan on numerous occasions at international venues, backing Taiwan’s international participation. President Lai expressed hope for a stronger Taiwan-US partnership to maintain peace and stability throughout the world, and that the two sides can advance bilateral exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, and industry. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am delighted to welcome former Vice President Pence and Mrs. Karen Pence to the Presidential Office. Former Vice President Pence is not only an outstanding political leader in the US, but also a staunch supporter of Taiwan on the international stage. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest gratitude to former Vice President Pence for his contributions to the deepening of Taiwan-US relations. Thanks to former Vice President Pence’s strong backing, ties between Taiwan and the US rose to unprecedented heights during President Donald Trump’s first administration. Former Vice President Pence actively helped to strengthen Taiwan-US security cooperation and facilitate the normalization of military sales to Taiwan, helping Taiwan reinforce its self-defense capabilities. He also did his utmost to deepen the Taiwan-US economic partnership. Former Vice President Pence also paid close attention to the military threats and diplomatic isolation faced by Taiwan. He spoke up for Taiwan on numerous occasions at international venues, taking concrete action to back Taiwan’s international participation. We were truly grateful for this. As we speak, China’s political and military intimidation against Taiwan persist. China and other authoritarian regimes, such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran, are continuing to converge and present serious challenges to democracies around the globe. At this moment, free and democratic nations must come together to bolster cooperation. I believe that a stronger Taiwan-US partnership can be an even more powerful force in maintaining peace and stability throughout the world. Former Vice President Pence has previously supported the signing of a trade agreement between Taiwan and the US. Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work with the new US administration and Congress to advance bilateral exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, and industry. This is the first time that former Vice President Pence and Mrs. Pence are visiting Taiwan, and their visit is significantly meaningful for Taiwan-US exchanges. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to extend a warm welcome. Moving forward, I hope we will jointly realize even more fruitful achievements through Taiwan-US cooperation. Former Vice President Pence then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for his hospitality on his and his wife’s first visit to Taiwan, saying that it is an honor to be here to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between the people of America and the people of Taiwan, which are strong and longstanding. The former vice president indicated that the American people admire the people of Taiwan and all that has been accomplished in a few short decades for Taiwan to rise to one of the world’s preeminent economic powers and free societies. He said that he is grateful for President Lai’s courageous and bold leadership of Taiwan, and grateful to be able to express the support of the overwhelming majority of the American people for this alliance. Former Vice President Pence indicated that the values shared by Taiwan and the US, including freedom, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, bind us together in a partnership that transcends geographic boundaries and cultures. He then assured President Lai that China’s increasingly aggressive posture in the Taiwan Strait and across the Indo-Pacific, for the values and interests that both sides share, is deeply concerning to the American people. Former Vice President Pence stated that America is a Pacific nation, and is committed to the status quo, adding that they recognize it is China that wants to change the status quo that America, Taiwan, and other allies in the region want to preserve, which has created an environment of extraordinary growth and prosperity. The former vice president concluded by once again thanking President Lai and his team for their gracious hospitality and conveying best wishes to him and the people of Taiwan. Former Vice President Pence then assured President Lai that just as Taiwan will never surrender its freedom, he will continue to be a voice for a strong US-Taiwan relationship in the defense and the benefit of Taiwan, the US, and the free world. Later that day, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao hosted a banquet for former Vice President Pence and his delegation at Taipei Guest House to thank him for his longstanding friendship and staunch support for Taiwan-US ties.
Details 2025-01-31 President Lai meets delegation to 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of US president and vice president On the morning of January 16, President Lai Ching-te met with Taiwan’s delegation to the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the United States. In remarks, President Lai stated that democratic Taiwan stands united, working hard to deepen Taiwan-US ties together. He then entrusted the delegation with three missions: to convey best wishes from the people of Taiwan, convey our firm commitment to democracy, and help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: The 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the US will be held on January 20. I want to thank Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), president of the Legislative Yuan, for accepting my invitation to lead our nation’s representative delegation to the event. I also thank Legislative Yuan Members Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), Wang Ting-yu (王定宇), Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞), Lee Yen-hsiu (李彥秀), Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷), Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴), and Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) for joining this visit to the US to attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. We have gathered together today despite differences in party affiliation because in democratic Taiwan, while parties may compete domestically, when it comes to engagement externally, they stand united and share responsibility, working hard to deepen Taiwan-US ties and strive for the best interests of the nation. We share the value of defending freedom and democracy, and we share the goal of advancing peace and prosperity. Today, we engage with the world together as those from the same country – the Republic of China (Taiwan). In this complex and volatile new international landscape, and as the nation faces difficulties and challenges, I want to stress that in Formosa, there is no hostility that cannot be let go, and no hardship that cannot be overcome. Unity is the most important, and I hope that Taiwan can stand united, because there is true strength in unity. Democratic Taiwan must stand united in engaging with the world and initiate exchanges with confidence. On that ground, I am entrusting this delegation with three key missions. First, convey best wishes from the people of Taiwan. Just last year, Taiwan and the US celebrated the 45th anniversary of the passage of the Taiwan Relations Act. And on May 20, the US sent a senior bipartisan delegation to congratulate me and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao on our inauguration. As the leader of this cross-party delegation, Speaker Han must clearly convey the well-wishes of the people of Taiwan, congratulate President Trump and Vice President Vance on their inauguration, and wish success to the new administration and prosperity to the US. Second, clearly convey the firm commitment of the people of Taiwan to democracy. The theme of these inaugural ceremonies is “Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise.” Taiwan and the US share the universal value of democracy and are staunch allies. I hope that the delegation can faithfully convey the firm commitment to democracy that the people of Taiwan have, which will not change even in the face of authoritarian threats. Taiwan is willing to stand side by side with the US and other members of the democratic community to defend the sustainable development of global democracy and prevent the expansion of authoritarianism. Third, help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone. In recent years, Taiwan-US relations have continued to grow, with the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st Century Trade having formally taken effect last month. This morning, the House of Representatives also passed the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. I hope that the delegation can help Taiwan-US relations reach a new milestone through these exchanges so that our relations continue to grow, our cooperation expands even more, and so that we can achieve even greater success after the new administration takes office. Four years ago, Taiwan’s representative to the US inaugural ceremonies was Vice President Hsiao, who was then our representative to the US. Everyone has a lot to learn from her. I have specially invited everyone here to converse so that you can draw from Vice President Hsiao’s experience and ensure an even smoother visit. Washington, DC was also hit by a rare blizzard recently, and the weather has been very cold, so make sure to stay warm. I am sending everyone off with hand warmers and thermoses so that you can bring some warmth from Taiwan with you on your journey. And I ask that Speaker Han exercise his wisdom to help generate some warmth between the ruling and opposition parties through cooperation, which they can then bring back to Taiwan. Let us unite to give our all for diplomacy so that we can unite to give our all for Taiwan. I wish the delegation a smooth and safe trip, and hope your missions can be carried out successfully. Speaker Han then delivered remarks, stating that it was an honor to be invited by President Lai to organize a delegation to represent our nation at the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the US in Washington, DC, and express the Republic of China’s sincere and cordial best wishes. The Legislative Yuan’s president has assumed this important task numerous times in the past, he said, not only to represent the government of the Republic of China, but also to take on the mission of conveying the voices of 23 million people. He went on to say that he is honored to take up the baton, lead eight legislators to the US to attend this celebration that will attract global attention, and express sincere best wishes to newly elected President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the new administration’s team. As enjoined by President Lai, he hopes the delegation’s trip will help open a new chapter in Taiwan-US exchanges. Speaker Han stated that the US is the most free and democratic country in the world. He noted that in 1776 in the US Declaration of Independence, founding father Thomas Jefferson propounded the concept of “unalienable rights,” and emphasized that the people have a right to freedom and the pursuit of happiness, democratic ideas that have long been rooted in the people’s hearts. Today, he said, democracy is also embedded in the DNA of Taiwan’s 23 million people, and this hard-won democratic achievement is a result of the concerted efforts of our pioneering predecessors, thinkers, and activists over the past 100 years. Speaker Han stated that during this visit, the Legislative Yuan delegation hopes to convey the voice of Taiwan as a democratic country. Taiwan’s security, he said, is like the four legs of a table: The first leg is defending the Republic of China, the second is defending freedom and democracy, the third is maintaining Taiwan-US relations, and the fourth is maintaining cross-strait peace. The delegation will travel to the US amidst severe cold weather to show that we value our relationship with the US, and our citizens have great hopes and expectations. Speaker Han stated that this will be a cross-party delegation of eight legislators, all of whom have a strong sense of mission. He hopes that all democratic nations will acknowledge Taiwan’s importance, and pay attention to Taiwan’s 23 million people. The delegation, he said, will do its utmost to convey the goodwill and warmth that the people of Taiwan give to each and every one of our good friends.
Details 2025-01-31 President Lai confers decoration on former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis On the morning of January 14, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon upon former Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis of the Republic of Lithuania in recognition of his remarkable contributions to deepening Taiwan-Lithuania relations. In remarks, President Lai thanked former Minister Landsbergis for standing firmly with Taiwan and remaining a staunch defender of democratic values, yielding fruitful cooperative results. The president expressed hope that the two countries will engage in even more cooperation and exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, technology, and culture, and continue to advocate for the values of freedom and democracy so that together we can contribute even more to our nations’ development and to peace and prosperity throughout the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, by conferring the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon upon former Minister Landsbergis, we recognize his outstanding contributions during his time as foreign minister of Lithuania. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I thank him for the key role he has played in deepening Taiwan-Lithuania relations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the efforts of former Minister Landsbergis, Lithuania was the first European nation to donate vaccines to Taiwan. On that occasion, he stated that “freedom-loving people should look out for each other.” His statement was very moving and left a deep impression on many Taiwanese people. We will never forget it. Former Minister Landsbergis has continued to express the spirit of those words through his concrete actions. With his staunch support, Taiwan and Lithuania have mutually established representative offices. Moreover, our representative office in Lithuania was the first in Europe to incorporate “Taiwan” in its name. As for bilateral cooperation, Taiwan and Lithuania have seen fruitful results in such fields as semiconductors, laser technology, finance, and medicine. Be it overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic or resisting expanding authoritarianism, former Minister Landsbergis has stood firmly with Taiwan and remained a staunch defender of democratic values. We greatly admire and appreciate his spirit. Today, authoritarian regimes continue to converge, posing threats and challenges to democracies around the world. Taiwan, Lithuania, and other democratic countries must come closer together, drawing on the strength of unity, so as to jointly safeguard freedom and democracy and uphold the rules-based international order. Looking ahead, we hope that Taiwan and Lithuania will engage in even more cooperation and exchanges in such areas as the economy, trade, technology, and culture. Let us continue to advocate for the values of freedom and democracy. Together, we can contribute even more to our nations’ development and to peace and prosperity throughout the world. In closing, I once again thank you, former Minister Landsbergis, for your support and for all that you have done for Taiwan. We welcome you and your wife to visit often. I wish you both a smooth and successful visit in Taiwan, and hope you leave with lasting memories. Former Minister Landsbergis then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to receive the decoration today. He noted that only partially can he accept the honor, as there have been many people who worked together with him in the ministry and in the whole country who support the people of Taiwan and see the benefit of supporting democracy in Taiwan. He often says that in Lithuania they remember well the fight for their freedom, and just today, he mentioned, he was shown the permanent exhibition in the Presidential Office, where he saw similar pictures of Taiwanese people fighting for democracy. He emphasized that not even one generation has passed since these events took place here in Taipei or similar events took place in Vilnius. Former Minister Landsbergis said that decision-makers in the Lithuanian government are either people who were themselves fighting for freedom, or, as in his case, those who were sitting on the shoulders of parents who were fighting for freedom. So for them, he underlined, freedom, democracy, liberty, and sovereignty are very real concepts that they cherish, not just things read about in a history book. He said that this is the main connector between Lithuania and Taiwan, a feeling of freedom and support for each other. Former Minister Landsbergis stated that in the face of authoritarians who do not wish us prosperity, who do not wish us freedom and future achievements, what he expects from the future is that the friendship, collaboration, and mutual support between Lithuania and Taiwan will inspire others to join in. This, he said, will make other countries not be afraid to support freedom and democracy, and will allow our group of friends to continue to grow. Lithuanian history, the former minister said, is difficult, and a big part of it was fighting for their freedom. He explained that during the 19th century when Lithuania was part of Russia’s empire, they had several revolutions and uprisings with the aim of becoming free, and that they were fighting for that freedom alongside Poland and Belarus. He then applied a phrase that they used in the revolution of 1864 – “for your freedom and ours,” meaning that they will continue to fight for their freedom while helping Taiwan fight for ours. Also in attendance at the ceremony were former Minister Landsbergis’ wife Dr. Austėja Landsbergienė and Lithuanian Representative to Taiwan Paulius Lukauskas.
Details 2025-01-31 Presidential Office thanks White House for its statement on enduring US commitment to Indo-Pacific region On January 10 (US EST), the US White House released a statement on the United States’ Enduring Commitment to the Indo-Pacific Region, in which it reaffirms its position of using a range of methods to help Taiwan maintain a sufficient self-defense capability so as to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and across the Taiwan Strait. Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) on January 11 expressed sincere gratitude to the US government for taking concrete actions to fulfill its security commitments to Taiwan, advancing the close Taiwan-US security partnership, and supporting Taiwan in its efforts to enhance its self-defense capabilities and resilience. Spokesperson Kuo stated that the deepening Taiwan-US security partnership is a critical cornerstone for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. She noted that Taiwan, as a force for good and regional stability, will continue to work alongside like-minded countries to strengthen defense resilience as we jointly defend the values of freedom and democracy and ensure the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
Details 2025-01-01 President Lai delivers 2025 New Year’s Address On the morning of January 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered his 2025 New Year’s Address, titled “Bolstering National Strength through Democracy to Enter a New Global Landscape,” in the Reception Hall of the Presidential Office. President Lai stated that today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. In this new year, he said, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. The president expressed hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together, allowing Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. President Lai emphasized that in 2025, we must keep firm on the path of democracy, continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies, and continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. The president said that Taiwan will keep going strong, and we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. A translation of President Lai’s address follows: Today is the first day of 2025. With a new year comes new beginnings. I wish that Taiwan enjoys peace, prosperity, and success, and that our people lead happy lives. Taiwan truly finished 2024 strong. Though there were many challenges, there were also many triumphs. We withstood earthquakes and typhoons, and stood firm in the face of constant challenges posed by authoritarianism. We also shared glory as Taiwan won the Premier12 baseball championship, and now Taiwanese people around the world are all familiar with the gesture for Team Taiwan. At the Paris Olympics, Wang Chi-lin (王齊麟) and Lee Yang (李洋) clinched another gold in men’s doubles badminton. Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) took home Taiwan’s first Olympic gold in boxing. At the International Junior Science Olympiad, every student in our delegation of six won a gold medal. And Yang Shuang-zi’s (楊双子) novel Taiwan Travelogue, translated into English by King Lin (金翎), became a United States National Book Award winner and a tour de force of Taiwan literature on the international level. Our heroes of Taiwan are defined by neither age nor discipline. They have taken home top prizes at international competitions and set new records. They tell Taiwan’s story through their outstanding performances, letting the world see the spirit and culture of Taiwan, and filling all our citizens with pride. My fellow citizens, we have stood together through thick and thin; we have shared our ups and downs. We have wept together, and we have laughed together. We are all one family, all members of Team Taiwan. I want to thank each of our citizens for their dedication, fueling Taiwan’s progress and bringing our nation glory. You have given Taiwan even greater strength to stand out on the global stage. In this new year, we must continue bringing Taiwan’s stories to the world, and make Taiwan’s successes a force for global progress. In 2025, the world will be entering a new landscape. Last year, over 70 countries held elections, and the will of the people has changed with the times. As many countries turn new pages politically, and in the midst of rapid international developments, Taiwan must continue marching forward with steady strides. First, we must keep firm on the path of democracy. Taiwan made it through a dark age of authoritarianism and has since become a glorious beacon of democracy in Asia. This was achieved through the sacrifices of our democratic forebears and the joint efforts of all our citizens. Democracy’s value to Taiwan lies not just in our free way of life, or in the force driving the diverse and vigorous growth of our society. Democracy is the brand that has earned us international trust in terms of diplomacy. No matter the threat or challenge Taiwan may face, democracy is Taiwan’s only path forward. We will not turn back. Domestic competition among political parties is a part of democracy. But domestic political disputes must be resolved democratically, within the constitutional system. This is the only way democracy can continue to grow. The Executive Yuan has the right to request a reconsideration of the controversial bills passed in the Legislative Yuan, giving it room for reexamination. Constitutional institutions can also lodge a petition for a constitutional interpretation, and through Constitutional Court adjudication, ensure a separation of powers, safeguard constitutional order, and gradually consolidate the constitutional system. The people also have the right of election, recall, initiative, and referendum, and can bring together even greater democratic power to show the true meaning of sovereignty in the hands of the people. In this new year, the changing international landscape will present democratic nations around the world with many grave challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas rage on, and we are seeing the continued convergence of authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, threatening the rules-based international order and severely affecting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the world at large. Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. Taiwan needs to prepare for danger in times of peace. We must continue increasing our national defense budget, bolster our national defense capabilities, and show our determination to protect our country. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard Taiwan’s democracy and security. We must gather together every bit of strength we have to enhance whole-of-society defense resilience, and build capabilities to respond to major disasters and deter threats or encroachment. We must also strengthen communication with society to combat information and cognitive warfare, so that the populace rejects threats and enticements and jointly guards against malicious infiltration by external forces. Here at home, we must consolidate democracy with democracy. Internationally, we must make friends worldwide through democracy. This is how we will ensure security and peace. The more secure Taiwan, the more secure the world. The more resilient Taiwan, the sounder the defense of global democracy. The global democratic community should work even closer together to support the democratic umbrella as we seek ways to resolve the war in Ukraine and conflict between Israel and Hamas. Together, we must uphold stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific, and achieve our goal of global peace. Second, we must continue to bolster our national strength, make Taiwan more economically resilient, and enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. In the first half of 2024, growth in the Taiwan Stock Index was the highest in the world. Our economic growth rate for the year as a whole is expected to reach 4.2 percent, leading among the Four Asian Tigers. Domestic investment is soaring, having exceeded NT$5 trillion, and inflation is gradually stabilizing. Export orders from January to November totaled US$536.6 billion, up 3.7 percent from the same period in 2023. And compared over the same period, exports saw a 9.9 percent increase, reaching US$431.5 billion. Recent surveys also show that in 2024, the average increase in salaries at companies was higher than that in 2023. Additionally, over 90 percent of companies plan to raise salaries this year, which is an eight-year high. All signs indicate that Taiwan’s economic climate continues to recover, and that our economy is growing steadily. Our overall economic performance is impressive; still, we must continue to pay attention to the impact on Taiwan’s industries from the changing geopolitical landscape, uncertainties in the global economic environment, and dumping by the “red supply chain.” For a nation, all sectors and professions are equally important; only when all our industries are strong can Taiwan be strong as a nation. Our micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of Taiwan, and the development of our various industrial parks has given Taiwan the impetus for our prosperity. We must carry the spirit of “Made in Taiwan” forward, bringing it to ever greater heights. Thus, beyond just developing our high-tech industry, our Executive Yuan has already proposed a solution that will help traditional industries and MSMEs comprehensively adopt technology applications, engage in the digital and net-zero twin transition, and develop channels, all for better operational structures and higher productivity. Taiwan must continue enhancing its economic resilience. In recent years, Taiwan has significantly increased its investments in the US, Japan, Europe, and the New Southbound countries, and such investment has already surpassed investment in China. This indicates that our efforts in diversifying markets and reducing reliance on any single market are working. Moving forward, we must keep providing assistance so that Taiwan industries can expand their global presence and market internationally from a solid base here in Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan must use democracy to promote economic growth with the rest of the world. We must leverage our strengths in the semiconductor and AI industries. We must link with democratic countries so that we can together enhance the resilience of supply chains for global democracies. And through international cooperation across many sectors, such as UAVs, low-orbit communications satellites, robots, military, security and surveillance, or biopharmaceuticals, renewable energy technology, new agriculture, and the circular economy, we must keep abreast of the latest cutting-edge technology and promote diverse development. This approach will help Taiwan remain a leader in advancing global democratic supply chains, ensuring their security and stability. Third, we must continue working toward a Balanced Taiwan and generational justice, ensuring that the fruits of our economic growth can be enjoyed by all our people. Democracy means the people have the final say. Our nation belongs to all 23 million of us, without regard for ethnic group, generation, political party, or whether we live in urban or rural areas. In this new year, we must continue to pursue policies that promote the well-being of the nation and the people. But to that end, the central government needs adequate financial resources to ensure that it can enact each of these measures. Therefore, I hope that the ruling and opposition parties can each soberly reconsider the amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures and find a path forward that ensures the lasting peace and stability of our country. For nine consecutive years, the minimum wage has continued to rise. Effective today, the minimum monthly salary is being raised from NT$27,470 to NT$28,590, and the hourly salary from NT$183 to NT$190. We hope by raising the pay for military personnel, civil servants, and educators for two consecutive years, coupled with benefits through wage increases and tax reductions, that private businesses will also raise wages, allowing all our people to enjoy the fruits of our economic growth. I know that everyone wants to pay lower taxes and rent. This year, we will continue to promote tax reductions. For example, unmarried individuals with an annual income of NT$446,000 or less can be exempt from paying income tax. Dual-income families with an annual income of NT$892,000 or less and dual-income families with two children aged six or younger with an annual income of NT$1,461,000 or less are also exempt from paying income tax. Additionally, the number of rent-subsidized housing units will also be increased, from 500,000 to 750,000 units, helping lighten the load for everyone. This year, the age eligibility for claiming Culture Points has been lowered from 16 to 13 years, so that now young people aged between 13 and 22 can receive government support for experiencing more in the arts. Also, our Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative is about to take effect, which will help more young people in Taiwan realize their dreams by taking part in education and exchange activities in many places around the world. We are also in the process of establishing a sports ministry to help young athletes achieve their dreams on the field, court, and beyond. The ministry will also be active in developing various sports industries and bringing sports and athletics more into the lives of the people, making our people healthier as a result. This year, as Taiwan becomes a “super-aged society,” we will launch our Long-term Care 3.0 Plan to provide better all-around care for our seniors. And we will expand the scope of cancer screening eligibility and services, all aimed at creating a Healthy Taiwan. In addition, Taiwan will officially begin collecting fees for its carbon fee system today. This brings us closer in line with global practices and helps us along the path to our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. We will also continue on the path to achieving a Balanced Taiwan. Last month, the Executive Yuan launched the Trillion NT Dollar Investment National Development Plan and its six major regional flagship projects. Both of these initiatives will continue to expand the investment in our public infrastructure and the development of local specialty industries, narrowing urban-rural and wealth gaps so that all our people can live and work in peace and happiness. My fellow citizens, today’s Taiwan is receiving international recognition for its performance in many areas, among them democracy, technology, and economy. This tells us that national development is moving in the right direction. In this new year, Taiwan must be united, and we must continue on the right course. We hope that everyone in the central and local governments, regardless of party, can work hard together to ensure that national policies are successfully implemented, with the people’s well-being as our top priority. This will allow Taiwan sure footing as it strides forward toward ever greater achievements. In this new year, we have many more brilliant stories of Taiwan to share with the world, inspiring all Taiwanese, both here and around the world, to cheer time and again for the glory of Taiwan. Taiwan will keep going strong. And we will keep walking tall as we enter the new global landscape. Thank you.
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Related Agencies Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, and Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, in calling out the Trump Administration for the chaos and confusion they have unleashed by pausing communications and critical work, groundbreaking research, and funding for programs Americans rely on at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The legislators also demanded answers from the Trump Administration on the funding freeze that has impacted Medicaid, Head Start and other vital services in their states.
“The Department’s issuance of internal guidance combined with implementation of sweeping Executive Orders has unleashed significant confusion and hindered the Department’s mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans,” wrote the legislators in a letter to Dorothy A. Fink, M.D., Acting Secretary of HHS.
The legislators outlined their concerns that HHS has paused external communications for weeks that give Americans basic information about the spread of diseases and viruses that impact their communities. As communities across the country deal with avian flu, the Centers for Disease paused the release of a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from January 16 to February 6, the first time in decades that this basic public health communication for states and local communities did not go out. The National Institutes of Health was also forced to cancel over 50 critical meetings, resulting in delays for tens of thousands of grant applications and delaying lifesaving biomedical research and clinical trials across the country.
Meanwhile on the ground in communities across the country, community health centers have been unable to reach anyone at the Health Resources and Services Administration who can help them access the federal funds that they are owed, while public health data that researchers and local doctors rely on was removed from CDC’s website.
The legislators also rebuked the Trump Administration for the chaos and confusion caused by an Office of Management and Budget memo that called for a halt on federal funding of agency grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs. While that memo was later rescinded and courts stepped in to pause the freeze on spending, significant confusion and ongoing disruptions in federal funding remain. The legislators warned against continued efforts to override Congress, especially the delay or termination of grants through programs already secured and passed in bipartisan spending legislation.
“The Department’s actions over the last two weeks have done nothing to improve the health of Americans. They have disrupted early childhood education for our youngest children. They have put at risk opioid prevention and treatment programs and led to domestic violence programs wondering how they can keep their doors open and phones on,” the legislators continued. “They have delayed biomedical research and clinical trials for lifesaving cures for deadly diseases. We are deeply concerned this is a precursor of actions to come from this Administration.”
Given the lack of transparency or clear communication from HHS, the legislators concluded by demanding more information about the full scope of the HHS communications pause and further information on their plan to implement the flurry of Executive Orders from the Trump Administration in its first few weeks. The legislators requested a response by no later than February 10, 2025. A full list of their questions is available below.
A full version of this letter is available here and below.
Dear Acting Secretary Fink,
We write with serious concerns about actions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the Department) since January 20, 2025, including a pause in external communications and lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s funding freeze. The Department’s issuance of internal guidance combined with implementation of sweeping Executive Orders has unleashed significant confusion and hindered the Department’s mission to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans.
On the first full day of the Trump Administration, you sent a memo, “at the direction of the new Administration” to the heads of HHS operating and staff divisions implementing an immediate pause on issuing documents and public communications. Although you noted in the memo that these directives were consistent with precedent, they are clearly more far reaching, restrictive and long-standing than any limitations on communication that have been implemented during previous transitions. As a result, CDC did not issue its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for two weeks, the first time in decades this basic public health communication to states and local communities has not been published. A February 20-21 meeting (notably outside the scope of the “temporary” pause that was supposed to be in effect until February 1) of CDC’s National Vaccine Advisory Committee, which advises HHS leadership on vaccine policy, was cancelled. The National Institutes of Health cancelled more than 53 FACA meetings, including at least 10 Advisory Committee meetings and innumerable peer review sections, holding up tens of thousands of grant applications and delaying lifesaving biomedical research and clinical trials across the country. Community health centers have been unable to reach anyone at the Health Resources and Services Administration who can help them access the federal funds that they are owed. Public health data that researchers and practitioners rely on was removed from CDC’s website.
In addition to this internal memo, over the last two weeks the Administration has issued sweeping Executive Orders (EOs) that directly implicate HHS and its programs, and sought to disrupt funding in a manner that far exceeds the President’s legal authority. The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo on January 27 (M-25-13) to heads of executive Departments and agencies directing them to broadly freeze federal funding of agency grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs. While that memo was later rescinded and courts quickly issued Temporary Restraining Orders against its implementation and any freeze, pause, cancelation, or termination of existing grant funding related to recent EOs, it created significant confusion and ongoing disruptions in federal funding. Attempts to illegally pause federal funding led to a nationwide outage of HHS payment management systems including Medicaid portals in all 50 states and organizations continue to have problems accessing their grant funds this week, including Head Start programs and community health centers. Compounding this problem, grantees are largely unable to get answers from their program officers or agency contacts, apparently because of restrictions on external communications.
In the midst of this confusion, HHS has begun implementing Trump Administration EOs, many of which focus on broadly undefined terms and provide little concrete information for grantees or Congress. This includes directives to federal grant recipients that they must comply with various EOs which has created more confusion and uncertainty among Federal grant recipients tasked with carrying out HHS’ broad mission. The Department has also provided no information to the Committees on Appropriations regarding how it is implementing EOs that seek to directly alter the availability and uses of funds provided in prior appropriations acts.
Finally, while we are focused on the most immediate issues created by the Administration’s actions, we are also concerned about continued, ongoing restrictions on HHS grantmaking and communications and the impact they will have on families and communities if they persist for the remainder of the fiscal year. The cancellation of HHS advisory committee meetings and study sections has already delayed the grant making process and impacted tens of thousands of research grants. Implementation of the Trump Administration’s EOs has already delayed the posting of scores of funding opportunity announcements and the awarding of new grants. This not only slows biomedical innovation and destabilizes national security, but it jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of every American. This is particularly concerning given the Administration’s stated intentions to impound federal funding for activities it simply does not support.
The Department’s actions over the last two weeks have done nothing to improve the health of Americans. They have disrupted early childhood education for our youngest children. They have put at risk opioid prevention and treatment programs and led to domestic violence programs wondering how they can keep their doors open and phones on. They have delayed biomedical research and clinical trials for lifesaving cures for deadly diseases. We are deeply concerned this is a precursor of actions to come from this Administration. Given the tremendous importance and reach of HHS programs, and the lack of transparency over the Department’s actions to date, we write to request additional information. Because most of these questions have been previously provided in writing we request a prompt response by no later than February 10, 2025 at 5pm.
Regarding the memo issued on January 21, 2025, directing an immediate pause on issuing documents and public communications:
What restrictions on issuing documents and public communications are currently in place as a result of this memo?
Are there any restrictions on communications with Members of Congress and/or Congressional staff, including Appropriations Committee staff? Are there any restrictions on communicating with existing grantees?
Does the directive to pause issuing documents and public communication apply to any part of the grant making process, including the release of notices of award, notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs), or any part of the peer review process? If so, does the Department expect any delay in the awarding of grant funds or posting of funding opportunity announcements? Please provide the total number of grant applications and NOFOs impacted, broken down by agency.
Has the directive to pause issuing documents and public communication resulted in the delay of FACA meetings, including advisory meetings or councils, or peer review sections? If so, please provide the total number of meetings and study sections impacted, broken down by agency. When do you expect any paused activities to resume?
Does the guidance to pause external communications and public documents apply to public health information, including the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)?
Does the guidance to pause external communications, or any subsequent guidance provided through acquisition alerts issued by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, apply to communications between HHS personnel and private vendors for the purposes of acquisition, procurement, or contracting of goods or services necessary to carry out activities under existing grant awards or contracts?
Does the guidance to pause external communications apply to communications between HHS personnel and current grant recipients that are eligible to exercise grant extensions?
Regarding Executive Orders:
Describe all actions taken and planned to be taken to implement the Executive Order (EO) “Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO)”, including addressing the specific questions below:
Will the directive to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” impact ongoing cooperative agreements between HHS and WHO in the interim between the announcement and the official withdrawal?
What new activities will HHS have to assume that are currently a function of the United States’ participation in WHO in response to Section 2 (d)(iii) of this EO?
Describe all actions taken and planned to be taken to implement Executive Order “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government”, including addressing the specific questions below:
How will HHS “assess grant conditions and grantee preferences and ensure grant funds do not promote gender ideology”? How is HHS defining “promote gender ideology”?
Will this assessment include a review of existing grant awards/contracts where funding has already been obligated?
What if any guidance has been provided to existing grantees/contractors regarding implementation of this EO? If guidance has been provided has it been provided to all grantees or just select grantees? If it’s only been provided to select grantees how was it determined which grantees would receive guidance?
How does HHS plan to implement this EO with regard to future funding opportunities?
Describe all actions taken and planned to be taken to implement Executive Orders “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” and “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity”, including addressing the specific questions below:
How is HHS identifying offices, positions, initiatives, programs, grants, or contracts implicated by this EO? How is HHS defining equity actions and equity-related grants or contracts?
Provide a list of all offices, positions, initiatives, programs, grants, or contracts that have been identified or terminated as a result of this EO.
What if any guidance has been provided to existing grantees/contractors regarding implementation of these EOs? If guidance has been provided has it been provided to all grantees or just select grantees? If it has only been provided to select grantees how was it determined which grantees would receive guidance?
How does HHS plan to conduct the Position Reviews referenced in OPM’s memo, “Guidance on Implementing President Trump’s Executive Order titled, ‘Restoring Accountability To Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce’”?
In response to any Executive Orders issued to date, or as a result of any other administrative action, has HHS issued stop work orders on existing grants/contracts or imposed new restrictions on existing grants/contracts? If so, please explain.
In response to Executive Orders issued to date, or as a result of any other administrative action, does HHS expect delays in awarding new, renewal or continuation grants relative to the timelines of previous years?
Describe in detail the timeline of events since January 20, 2025 that led to widespread problems with grantees being unable to draw down or access their grant funds from HHS’ Payment Management System in a timely manner, including ongoing problems as of today. When was HHS first aware of problems and what was the cause of them? When will issues with HHS’ Payment Management System be resolved and what efforts are being made to ensure it is operational as soon as possible?
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called on States to establish BioE3 cells as part of India’s Biotechnology revolution and realize Bio-Vision in Viksit Bharat by 2047 Science and Technology Minister Dr. Singh releases booklet on Establishment of BIOE3 cells for Biomanufacturing Implementation
Reiterates PM Modi’s Whole of Government approach, calls for a strong Centre-State partnership for successful implementation of the BioE3 Policy
Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 7:19PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh called on states to establish BioE3 Cells as part of India’s biotechnology revolution, with the aim of realizing Bio-Vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. During the Centre-State Partnership Conclave on the BioE3 Policy, held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Dr. Singh emphasized the significance of strengthening Centre-State collaboration to advance India’s bioeconomy.
He highlighted the need for state governments to leverage their unique strengths, resources, and economic priorities to propel India’s biomanufacturing sector forward. Notably, he pointed out the importance of marine resources, the Himalayan region’s resources, and other region-specific bio-resources that could help usher in a new biotech revolution.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) forScience and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for approving the BioE3 Policy within the government’s first 100-day agenda. He mentioned other key initiatives, such as Mission Mausam, funding for Space Startups, and the National Research Foundation (NRF).
To ensure the success of the BioE3 Policy, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged states to establish ‘BioE3 Cells’ in collaboration with the Centre through the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). These BioE3 Cells will serve as interconnected knowledge hubs, linking state and national stakeholders to facilitate the effective implementation of the BioE3 Policy. Established at the state level, these cells will act as central platforms for knowledge exchange, policy coordination, and technology adoption in the biomanufacturing sector.
On this occasion, Dr. Singh released a booklet on the Establishment of BioE3 Cells for Biomanufacturing Implementation, which aims to catalyze Centre-State partnerships to drive biotech innovations. In releasing the booklet, he highlighted that the primary goal of the BioE3 Cells is to ensure biomanufacturing initiatives are closely aligned with each state’s specific priorities, resources, and strengths, while also staying connected to broader national objectives. He emphasized that by establishing a nationwide network of BioE3 Cells, the government aims to facilitate the integration of emerging technologies, innovative research, and sustainable biomanufacturing practices across regions, ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach to biotechnology development in India.
Reiterating PM Modi’s “Whole of Government” approach, Dr. Singh called for a strong Centre-State partnership to ensure the successful implementation of the BioE3 Policy. He stressed the need to stop working in silos and instead collaborate on various fronts, with clear demarcation between industry, academia, and entrepreneurship. He also referred to IN-SPACe and BIRAC as successful; platform to usher collaborations with private sector.
Furthermore, Dr. Singh pointed out notable advancements in India’s biotechnology sector, including the indigenous DNA vaccine developed by the Department of Biotechnology during the pandemic, the development of the antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’, and successful gene therapy trials at CMC Vellore. He also emphasized that India remains open to private sector collaboration, aiming to replicate the successes seen in the space sector and nuclear energy.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Dr. Singh referred to the allocation of resources for Bio Foundries and Biomanufacturing in the latest budget, which marked a shift from typical populist priorities to a focus on science and technology under PM Modi’s leadership.
Dr. Singh also provided examples of successful Centre-State collaboration. For instance, his Department of Administrative Reforms has paired states with similar issues to address challenges effectively. He noted the central government’s funding for cleaning lakes like Loktak Lake and Dal Lake. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of Fecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTP) during the Kumbh Mela, showcasing how science and biotechnology can play a critical role in addressing daily challenges and ensuring sustainable development.
Dr. Rajesh Gokhale. Secretary Department of Biotechnology addressed the conclave on opportunities in Biotech Sector for Viksit Bharat. Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Advisor DBT summarized the deliberations which took place throughout the day with states. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, founder, Biocon joined the conclave through virtual mode. Mr. R. Subramani, Founder, Fermbox Bio, Bangalore also marked his presence along with senior representatives from almost all states. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD, BIRAC shared BIRAC’s effort towards building strong industry linkages, paving the way for the establishment of BioE3 cells.
The conclave provided a valuable platform for senior representatives from various states to deliberate on biotechnology initiatives, ensuring these efforts are aligned with each state’s unique strengths and resources while staying true to the overarching goals of the BioE3 Policy.
Question for written answer E-000373/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Gerald Hauser (PfE)
It is scientifically documented that the risk of contracting COVID-19 increases with the number of vaccinations administered. Under Directive 2001/83/EC, all suspected adverse reactions to medicinal products should be reported to the competent national authorities. These notifications are examined, and subsequently forwarded to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and published. However, so far, only around 6 % of all side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations have been reported. Nevertheless, more than two million cases of vaccine damage have already been documented. A further problem with COVID-19 vaccinations is that countless millions of infections after an ineffective vaccination – known as breakthrough cases – have gone largely unreported. Most of these cases of vaccination damage were wrongly declared as ‘long Covid’. This is mainly due to the fact that the accounting regarding medical services in the Member States is regulated accordingly and that, in the vast majority of cases, previous vaccinations are not taken into account at all.
1.What measures does the Commission plan to take to ensure that all COVID-19 vaccine side effects and breakthrough cases in the EU are reported and documented?
2.How does the Commission guarantee that damage caused by COVID-19 Vaccine breakthrough cases will in future be correctly documented as vaccine side-effects and not erroneously as ‘long Covid’?
3.When will the Commission withdraw the COVID-19 vaccinations from the market, since it has been demonstrably proven that they are harmful and ineffective under the terms of Directive 2001/83/EC?
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms, Inc., the company that owns Facebook, regarding the social media platform’s alleged censorship of COVID-19 vaccine injured individuals.
The letter details Facebook’s apparent targeting of the vaccine injured by shutting down their support groups and even concealing private messages they exchanged, which came to light in a recent book entitled Worth a Shot?. The book chronicled the experience of Brianne Dressen, an AstraZeneca clinical trial participant who was involved in these once-accessible Facebook support groups.
Within twenty-four hours of Chairman Johnson’s June 28, 2021 roundtable, which featured individuals who were experiencing adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, including Mrs. Dressen, Facebook reportedly began shutting down vaccine injury support groups. In response, Mrs. Dressen and others sought refuge in what was the “largest COVID vaccine injury support group in the world,” only for Facebook to shut it down five days after the chairman’s roundtable.
In a recent appearance as a guest on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Mr. Zuckerberg blamed the Biden administration for pressuring Facebook to take down certain posts that were critical of the COVID-19 vaccines. Mr. Zuckerberg said that Biden officials “pushed [Facebook] super hard to take down things that were honestly were true[.]” He also noted that the Biden administration pressured Facebook to take down “anything that says that vaccines might have side effects,” threatening repercussions if Facebook were to disobey.
Chairman Johnson wrote, “Facebook’s alleged censorship campaign against the vaccine injured, as detailed in Worth a Shot?, is the latest evidence of Big Tech’s efforts, in conjunction with the Biden administration, to silence anything critical of the COVID cartel and the vaccines.”
The chairman’s letter directs Mr. Zuckerberg to provide all records with any federal entity that may show the extent to which the Biden administration pressured Facebook to censor COVID-19 vaccine injured individuals and shut down their support groups.
Read more about Chairman Johnson’s letter in Breitbart.
The full letter can be found here.
Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) delivered remarks on the Senate floor opposing the nomination of Russell Vought, the chief architect of Project 2025, a radical, right-wing agenda, to serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. You can watch her full remarks here.
Key Quotes from Senator Shaheen:
“Either the OMB, under Russell Vought’s direction, deliberately stopped funding for 2,600 programs, for water and sewer projects, for housing, for meals for seniors, or they were so incompetent that without meaning to they sent a memo to the whole federal government that had that effect.”
“There’s no question that Russ Vought and President Trump intend to take away some of the funding that Congress has provided on a bipartisan basis to help families in New Hampshire and around the country save money.”
“It’s beyond ridiculous that anyone could propose these cuts with a straight face, while also supporting trillions of dollars in tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and corporations in this country.”
“It’s important to all Americans to make sure that our government runs effectively and efficiently, but indiscriminately freezing hiring across the board, pushing out thousands of civil servants, makes that problem worse not better.”
“We’re not talking about political appointees here. We’re talking about the people who write the checks at the Social Security Administration, about the caseworkers at the Department of Housing and Urban Development who make sure that people have roofs over their heads and food to eat. We’re talking about doctors and therapists at VA hospitals who work around the clock to provide lifesaving care and benefits to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country and program operators at the Small Business Administration.”
Remarks as delivered can be found below:
I’d like to go back to my concerns about the nomination of Russ Vought to be the head of the Office of Management and Budget, because that’s an office that determines the services that millions of families and small businesses rely on.
And yet, he supported unilaterally taking away those services and help for more than 2,600 federal programs that were ordered to cease activities with less than 24 hours notice.
And in every state in the country, we heard confusion and panic and chaos.
Since then, I’ve heard from thousands of Granite Staters who are worried about what those cuts mean for them and their families.
I’ve heard from health care providers, from our community health centers, from our nonprofits, from our police departments, from so many people who provide services to the state of New Hampshire.
And it’s now been more than a week, and despite not one but two federal judges ordering the Trump Administration to stop holding up funds, we are still hearing reports of frozen payment systems and missed reimbursements.
Now, I know my Republican colleagues are hearing those concerns too.
But despite this outpouring, we’re still here today contemplating confirming Russell Vought, the architect of this reckless, unprecedented and misguided policy.
He was directly involved in drafting the memo that OMB sent out that started all of this last Monday.
That memo was so extreme that it provoked concern and outrage from both sides of the aisle about the breadth of payments that were being halted.
Russ Vought then had to walk back parts of the memo that he’d worked on just the day before.
And all of this happened, and he wasn’t even a confirmed nominee.
So, I’m very worried about what he’s going to do if he actually gets confirmed for this job.
We know that what we saw last week was just a short preview of what he plans to do.
And the justification that we’ve heard since that memo is that that memo wasn’t meant to cut off funding to all of the programs that saw their funding halted.
It wasn’t meant to stop Medicaid in every state or to shut down HUD’s system of rental assistance or homelessness funding.
But I’ll tell you, if that’s your defense, that just means that OMB sent a memo that was so poorly drafted that agencies across the federal government thought it required them to cut off all these programs that people and towns depend on.
So, either the OMB under Russell Vought’s direction, deliberately stopped funding for 2,600 programs for water and sewer projects, for housing, for meals for seniors, or they were so incompetent, that without meaning to, they sent a memo to the whole federal government that had that effect.
Well, regardless of which answer it is, I think the person who’s behind that, Russ Vought, the man leading that effort, should not be running the Office of Management and Budget that determines how funding goes out in the federal government.
And I think this is especially true because there’s no question that Russ Vought and President Trump intend to take away some of the funding that Congress has provided on a bipartisan basis to help families in New Hampshire and around the country save money on things like their energy bills, to help address pollution like PFAS.
And I would just remind folks that we passed theBipartisan Infrastructure Law on a strong bipartisan vote—19 Republican senators voted with the Democrats to invest in our communities.
We worked shoulder to shoulder, Republicans and Democrats, to prioritize things like energy efficiency, water infrastructure, funding that this administration says it’s looking at cutting off, even though communities are depending on it.
Well, I plan to continue to stand up and defend funding that Congress provides to make necessary investments in all of our communities, and I hope my Republican colleagues will do the same.
And then this past weekend, we learned that Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, who’s never been elected, along with unelected, unconfirmed DOGE employees, the DOGE boys we call them, now have access to the payment system at the Treasury Department.
That is a system that processes more than $5 trillion worth of payments every year.
That’s everything from tax refunds and Social Security checks to reimbursing towns for work that they’re doing on sewers or roads.
They have access to Social Security numbers, to health information, and to so much more.
This is a system that the vast majority of people working at Treasury can’t access, and they shouldn’t be able to, because this is private information.
You may have heard that Treasury only gave “read only”, I say that in quotes, “read only” access.
But if that’s the case, why is Elon Musk talking about using this access to stop payments to a charity that helps seniors with housing?
What’s he doing in the Treasury records anyway?
Why does he need that information?
This week, we’re hearing confirmation that Musk’s team didn’t just have “read access”.
In fact, they had administrator level access, giving them the ability to make changes to this payment system.
One specific Treasury employee refuted Treasury leadership’s denial that they gave a DOGE staffer “write access”, that’s the ability to change the code and to change the checks that get sent out by Treasury.
The employee said, and I quote, “I am looking at his access right now, and it has the Deputy Assistant Commissioner instructing the team to disregard all previous instructions and assign him,” the DOGE person, “read/write privileges for the database,” so he can change what’s in that database.
That doesn’t sound like “read only” access to me.
I think it’s unacceptable for an unelected billionaire to be taking over the payments system that our government relies on, that millions of Americans rely on, and trying to stop those payments.
Now, fortunately, the original OMB memo was rescinded.
But this fight is not over.
Instead, this access to the Treasury’s payment system could be the next front in stopping funds going out to the American people.
We can, and we do, intend to continue to push back on these illegal actions to stop funding that’s required by law.
And despite knowing better, Russell Vought has never shied away from his belief that the executive branch can disregard the law and override spending decisions that are made by Congress.
He clearly believes that this administration should be above the law and should be able to take away funding that helps millions of Americans.
Russ Vought is the architect of Project 2025.
That proposed a budget that would cut Medicaid, just Medicaid, by $2.1 trillion over ten years.
It would slash SNAP, the food program, by $400 billion.
We have people in New Hampshire who count on the SNAP program in order to be able to feed their kids.
His proposal would cut funding that helps low-income Americans go to college by more than $250 billion.
It would eliminate the Affordable Care Act tax credits that help millions of Americans afford health care.
These are not cuts that lower costs.
These are not cuts that create jobs.
These are not cuts that enhance public safety and make it easier for people to afford their rent and their groceries.
It’s beyond ridiculous that anyone could propose these cuts with a straight face while also supporting trillions of dollars in tax breaks for the wealthiest individuals and corporations in this country.
You know, I’m not one to claim that the federal government can’t be run more efficiently.
I think we can always do everything better.
And it’s important to all Americans to make sure that our government runs effectively and efficiently, but indiscriminately freezing hiring across the board, pushing out thousands of civil servants, makes that problem worse, not better.
And last week, more than 2 million federal employees received emails offering to pay their salaries for the rest of the fiscal year in exchange for resigning now.
I mean, that in and of itself is questionable because this Congress hasn’t appropriated dollars to pay those employees.
And why would somebody who wants to improve effectiveness and efficiency in government, pay people to go home and not work? And that’s what this email said.
At the time, it included hundreds of thousands of individuals working in critical national security roles and included, for example, every single air traffic controller in the country, just days before we tragically saw the worst aviation incident in nearly 30 years.
Now, they’ve since walked that offer back, stating that it should not apply to employees who are critical to national security.
But, like the claim of the funding freeze, they say that that was always their intent, they must have made a mistake, but I’m not sure which option is worse.
That while we’re short more than 3,500 air traffic controllers, Russell Vought really wanted to pay the ones we do have not to work, or that he blasted out an irresponsible, reckless, non-targeted effort that could have had devastating consequences for critical positions without taking the time to think it through.
What’s more, they tried to convince us this offer will save money, making it clear that even if we lose thousands of key employees with no plans to replace them, we’ll be better off.
Well, tell that to the people in New Hampshire who are trying to get answers on their Social Security or their income tax checks.
Tell that to the students who need help with their FAFSA form so that they can apply and get help to go to college.
Vought has relentlessly attacked the millions of career civil servants who show up every day, no matter who’s in power, to keep the lights on and the wheels turning.
Some of these people have served our country for 30, 40, even 50 years through countless presidents and Congresses.
We’re not talking about political appointees here, we’re talking about the people who write the checks at the Social Security Administration, about the caseworkers at the Department of Housing and Urban Development who make sure that people have roofs over their heads and food to eat.
We’re talking about doctors and therapists at VA hospitals who work around the clock to provide lifesaving care and benefits to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country, program operators at the Small Business Administration who helps entrepreneurs get loans.
They’re the forest rangers who show up in all weather conditions in the White Mountain Forest in New Hampshire to ensure there is safe and enjoyable recreation opportunities for hundreds of millions of visitors to our national parks and forests.
And speaking of the weather, they’re the meteorologists at the National Weather Service, the people we rely on to prepare for hazardous storms.
These employees contribute to the maintenance of nuclear submarines, which is an essential tenet of our national security, a crucial part of our capability to deter major conflicts.
And any impact to our shipyards, we have the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard between New Hampshire and Maine that does maintenance on our nuclear submarines, any impact to that workforce will strain our shipbuilding industrial base that’s already saturated with demand to meet the requirements of our Navy.
So, why did they get an email giving those employees the option to resign?
This administration has said repeatedly that it wants to “restore the warrior ethos” at the Pentagon.
But if Russell Vought gets his way, there isn’t going to be anybody left at the Pentagon.
And now we’re hearing that Elon Musk’s team is plugging in to our air traffic control system.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association has repeatedly asked for what they need: more funding, targeted investments and workforce development, shorter hours and upgraded technology.
We need to get to work in this Senate, in this Congress, on legislation that addresses these issues.
But handing the keys to the nation’s air traffic control system over to an unelected, inexperienced billionaire who cuts first and asks questions later, isn’t the solution.
Now, Russell Vought will tell you over and over again that government doesn’t work.
But he says this at the same time that he’s doing everything in his power to break it with zero regard for how that’s going to hurt you and your family.
And this week, we’ve seen and we’ve heard more horrifying parts of Russell Vought’s agenda.
He’s teaming up with Elon Musk.
And last year, for the first time, thanks to PEPFAR, more than half of new HIV infections were outside of Sub-Saharan Africa.
One of the most successful health programs ever in U.S. history, put in by George W. Bush.
And one of the only things that has stood between Americans and so many of the diseases that come from overseas is USAID.
Now, I was listening to the prayer breakfast this morning, and I heard President Trump talking about his admiration for Billy Graham, for Franklin Graham, for the good work that they do.
Then a few minutes later, I heard the morning news, and I heard them talking about what’s happening in Sudan, where we have a famine and millions of people desperate because of the conflict there and what’s happening.
And the news report said, if we don’t get our foreign assistance turned back on to help the Sudanese, eight million people are going to starve to death in the coming months.
I can’t imagine that Billy Graham or Franklin Graham support the idea of eight million Sudanese dying, because we’ve turned off the foreign assistance that we provided because Elon Musk doesn’t like the United States Agency for International Development.
I think Billy Graham and Franklin Graham, Billy Graham, when he was alive, and his son Franklin would say, these are also God’s children and it’s important for us to support people around the world who are dying.
And you know, it’s not just those kinds of situations like we have in Sudan.
We have significant diseases that are breaking out in parts of the world, and we don’t have people on the ground to make sure that the people who—the outbreak of Ebola that’s happening in Africa, some of us remember in 2014 when about what came to the United States—we don’t have any aid workers anymore because under Elon Musk’s order, they’ve shut down those programs.
They’re bringing those people home, so there’s nobody there to make sure that that Ebola outbreak doesn’t go across borders and doesn’t wind up in the United States.
There’s a Marburg outbreak, another hemorrhagic disease that’s happening in Africa.
It has a 90% mortality rate, and right now, we have no real treatment and no vaccination for the Marburg virus.
And yet again, we’ve taken our teams of people who help in-country to treat the Marburg virus and we’ve taken them home.
We’ve said, “go ahead cross whatever country lines you want. Come to the United States, because we’re not going to prevent that.”
And, you know, we’ve got a bird flu epidemic now.
You may have heard there’s a new strain that’s just been discovered in cows in Nevada.
We’ve had, about 70 people who have been infected with bird flu.
We’ve had somebody die from that.
We used to monitor bird flu outbreaks around the world, but under this shutdown of USAID and its programs, we’re not monitoring bird flu anymore.
So, that bird flu can come to the United States?
We don’t know.
Nobody seems to care in the Trump Administration if that happens.
These things don’t just happen overseas.
They affect us here in America.
It’s in our interest to ensure that these efforts that help with diseases, that help prevent Vladimir Putin and Russia from its nefarious activities in Europe, in Moldova, in Romania, in Ukraine—that’s also happened the aid to help Ukraine in this war against Russia.
That’s all been cut off.
That doesn’t make America safer.
That doesn’t make us stronger.
That doesn’t make us more prosperous.
I hope my colleagues will stand against Russell Vought, who has been the architect of so much of this carnage.
Sadly, I don’t think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will do that.
And I hope that we can reverse some of this, harm that’s been done to so many people around the world that is going to come home to roost in America if we don’t address it.
US Drug Enforcement Administration images accompanying a warning about the emergence of nitazenes in Washington DC, June 2022USDEA
In the early hours of September 14 2021, three men parked in a quiet car park in the southern English market town of Abingdon-on-Thames. The men, returning from a night out, had pulled over to smoke heroin.
Unknown to them, the drug had been fortified with a nitazene compound called isotonitazene, a highly potent new synthetic opioid. Two of the men, Peter Haslam and Adrian Davies, overdosed and went into cardiac arrest. The third, Michael Parsons, tried to save them and himself by injecting naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote. Despite paramedics also trying to resuscitate Haslam and Davies, both died at the scene.
Their deaths were among at least 27 fatalities linked to nitazenes that year in the UK. Since then, nitazenes – otherwise known as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids – have become more prevalent in the UK’s illegal drug supply, leading some experts to warn that they are a major new threat because of their extreme potency.
In June 2023, the UK’s most recent outbreak of deaths linked to synthetic opioids emerged in the West Midlands when drug dealers used nitazenes to fortify low-purity heroin. By August, there were 21 nitazene-related fatalities in Birmingham alone. In some cases, dealers also added xylazine (colloquially known as “tranq”), a non-opioid sedative used by vets.
The increasing availability of these and other synthetic drugs led the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to warn in August 2024 that “there has never been a more dangerous time to take drugs”. Like Haslam and Davies, many heroin users are unaware they might also be consuming nitazenes, which significantly increase the risk of overdose.
Given their potency, only a small amount of nitazene is required to produce a fatal dose. While some studies have concluded that nitazenes are even more potent than the synthetic opioid fentanyl, which causes many thousands of deaths in the US, the NCA judges it a “realistic possibility” that the potency of both substances are “broadly equivalent” – making them roughly 50 times more potent than heroin.
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Officially, more than 400 deaths plus many non-fatal overdoses were linked to nitazenes in the UK between June 2023 and January 2025. But this is likely to be an underestimate because of gaps within forensic and toxicology reporting. These figures come amid record levels of drug-related deaths in England and Wales. In 2023, there were 5,448 deaths related to drug poisoning, an 11% increase on the previous year and the highest total since records began in 1993.
This is of particular concern given that the UK has the largest heroin market in Europe, comprising around 300,000 users in England alone. While nitazene-related deaths are still relatively low (although by no means insignificant) compared with those from heroin and other opioids, these new synthetic opioids are cheap and easy to buy, and offer dealers multiple advantages over traditional plant-based drugs.
Unlike opium, nitazenes and other synthetic opioids can be produced anywhere in the world using precursor chemicals that are often uncontrolled and widely available. Producer countries including China and India have not yet banned all nitazene compounds, meaning they are sold legally – mostly online. Chemical manufacturing companies in these countries can synthesise nitazenes at scale using a comparatively easy three or four-step process.
Opioid use death rates around the world:
Estimated deaths from opioid use disorders per 100,000 people in 2021. Our World In Data, CC BY
For the past 15 years, I have researched and advised on the international narcotics industry, especially the Afghan drug trade, as an academic, UK Home Office official and consultant. I’ve observed many shifts within global drug markets, and I believe the increasing availability of synthetic drugs in the UK and Europe may represent a new chapter in illicit drug use here – with the emergence of nitazenes only adding to these concerns.
A brief history of synthetic opioids
New synthetic opioids (NSOs) are one of the fastest-growing groups of new psychoactive substances around the world. The EU Drugs Agency (EUDA) currently monitors 81 NSOs – the fourth-largest group of drugs under observation.
NSOs largely fall into two broad groups: fentanyl and its analogues, and non-fentanyl-structured compounds – these include nitazenes, among many other substances.
Many of these “new” synthetic opioids have, in fact, existed for decades. Nitazenes were first synthesised in the 1950s by the Swiss pharmaceutical company, Ciba Aktiengesellschaft, as pain-relieving analgesics, although they were never approved for medical use.
Prior to 2019, there had only been limited reports of nitazenes in the illegal drug supply – including a “brownish looking powder” found in Italy in 1966; the discovery of a lab in Germany in 1987; several nitazene-related deaths in Moscow in 1998; and a US chemist illegally producing the drug for personal use in 2003. But since nitazenes re-emerged at the end of the last decade, over 20 variants have been discovered.
Paul Janssen, the Belgian chemist who first made fentanyl. Johnson & Johnson
The most common NSO in the illegal drug market, fentanyl, was first synthesised by Belgian chemist Paul Janssen in 1960. Fentanyl, which is roughly 100 times more potent than morphine, was approved in the US in 1968 for pharmaceutical use as an analgesic.
Over the next four decades, however, illegally produced fentanyl resulted in three relatively small outbreaks of deaths in the US. A fourth, larger fentanyl outbreak in Chicago, Detroit and Philadelphia resulted in about 1,000 deaths between 2005 and 2007.
The current US fentanyl crisis started in 2013, expanding to affect much of the country. Between 2014 and 2019, Chinese companies were the main manufacturers of finished fentanyl substances in the US – to combat this, both the Obama and Trump administrations lobbied Beijing to curtail the fentanyl industry.
The Chinese government responded by controlling specific fentanyl analogues. However, every time an analogue was banned, chemists there would slightly adjust the formula to produce a new compound that mirrored the banned substance.
China finally banned all fentanyl-related substances in May 2019, prompting two significant changes in the drug’s supply: a slowdown in the development of new fentanyl analogues, and a reduction in their direct sale to the US from China. Instead, Chinese companies increasingly sent fentanyl precursors to Mexican drug cartels who would synthesise fentanyl (or counterfeit medication) in clandestine labs, before smuggling it across the US border. Consequently, Mexico is now the primary source of fentanyl in the US.
But these supply changes led to another shift in the global drugs arena, as China’s chemical and pharmaceutical businesses – keen to develop new markets – adjusted their focus to producing uncontrolled synthetic substances, including nitazenes. At the same time, they expanded their geographical focus from North America to include Europe and the UK.
The nitazene supply chain
Producing nitazenes is a relatively low-cost exercise. They are largely manufactured in laboratories – both legal and illegal – in China, before being smuggled to the UK and Europe via fast parcel and post networks.
Nitazenes’ high potency means only small quantities are required, making them easier to transport and harder for border officials to detect. Some Chinese vendors have reportedly been offering to hide nitazenes in legitimate goods such as dog food and catering supplies, to circumvent custom controls. All of this decreases the risk to sellers, and lessens the price of doing business.
In March 2024, two China-based sellers operating on the dark web were selling a kilo of nitazene for between €10,000 and €17,000 (£12,000-£20,000). During roughly the same period, a kilo of heroin at the wholesale level in the UK was selling for between £23,000 and £26,000. Once bought, nitazenes are largely used to fortify low-purity heroin, although the drug can also be made into pills.
Video by The Guardian.
Nitazenes are not limited to the dark web. They are widely and openly advertised on the internet, social media and music streaming platforms. In February 2024, one China-based e-commerce site displayed 85 advertisements for nitazenes. Such sites also sell a range of other synthetic drugs, including fentanyl analogues and precursors, xylazines, cannabinoids and methamphetamine.
This means drug dealers in the UK and across the world no longer need to have established connections to underworld figures to source illegal drugs. With a click of a mouse, they can have them delivered to their home address. In this sense, the internet has democratised the drug trade by widening access beyond “traditional” criminals.
In the UK, while the supply of nitazenes is currently assessed as “low”, a number of smaller-scale organised crime groups are importing them to fortify low-purity heroin, before largely dealing it at the “county lines” level. This involves organised crime groups moving drugs – primarily heroin and crack cocaine – across towns, cities and county borders within the UK, using mobile phones or another form of “deal line” to sell to customers.
In November 2023, Leon Brown from West Bromwich was imprisoned for seven years for dealing drugs containing nitazenes – a verdict described as “a great result in our ongoing efforts to tackle county lines drug dealing” by detective sergeant Luke Papps of the South Worcestershire county lines team.
A few larger UK criminal networks have also been involved in nitazene distribution. In October 2023, the police and Border Force conducted raids across north London, arresting 11 people. They dismantled a drug processing site and seized 150,000 tablets containing nitazene – the UK’s largest ever seizure of synthetic opioids – as well as a pill-pressing machine, a firearm, more than £60,000 in cash and £8,000 in cryptocurrency. The police suspected the group had been selling the tablets on the dark web.
Anecdotal reports suggest there have been mixed reactions to the introduction of nitazenes into the illegal drug supply. Richard, a recovering heroin user from Bristol, told Vice magazine that, given their potency, some “people are scared of [nitazenes]” while others are “actively seeking” them.
As has been the case with fentanyl in the US, users build up tolerance and therefore seek stronger doses. Manny, a heroin user from Bristol, told Vice: “I smoked [heroin cut with nitazenes] and it felt like the first time I’d ever taken drugs.”
Video by Vice.
UK-based criminals also use the dark web to export nitazenes abroad. In October 2023, the Australian Border Force identified 22 nitazene discoveries in packages shipped to the country via mail cargo from the UK. British criminals have also trafficked counterfeit medicines containing nitazenes to Ireland and Norway.
Use of nitazenes is now being detected all over the world. Within Europe, Ireland experienced several nitazene outbreaks in 2023-24 while in Estonia, nitazenes now account for a large share of overdose deaths – a trend also seen (to a lesser extent) in Latvia. Preliminary data suggests at least 150 deaths were linked to nitazenes in Europe in 2023.
Nitazenes have also been discovered in fake pain medication such as benzodiazepines, oxycodone and diazepam, which widens the number of people at risk to include those with no opioid tolerance. The death in July 2023 of Alex Harpum, a 23-year-old British student who was preparing for a career as an opera singer, was a stark reminder of the danger of buying fake medicine online that may have been contaminated with nitazenes.
The nitazene ‘boom’ and the global heroin trade
For decades, Afghanistan was the world’s largest opium producer and the source of most of Europe’s heroin. Then in April 2022, the ruling Taliban announced a comprehensive prohibition on the use, trade, transport, production, import and export of all drugs. As a result, poppy cultivation has fallen to historically low levels for a second consecutive year.
While this has not, as yet, translated into a shortage of heroin on European streets, including in the UK and Germany, some indicators suggest a slowdown in heroin supplies to the UK. In the year March 2023-24, the quantity of heroin seized in the UK fell by 54%, from 950kg to 441kg. This is the lowest quantity of heroin seized since 1989, when about 350kg was intercepted.
The NCA assesses that the Taliban ban has created market “uncertainty”. The wholesale price of heroin has increased from roughly £16,000 per kilo prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to about £26,000, while anecdotal reports suggest average heroin purity for users dropped to under 30% (often to 10-20%) in 2024, compared with around 35% in 2023 and 45% in 2022.
Video by UN Story.
Even without the Taliban’s ban, heroin is not easy to produce and supply. Cultivating opium poppy is labour-intensive, taking five or six months. The static nature of opium fields means they are visible and susceptible to eradication; poppy crops can also be negatively affected by blight or drought.
Converting opium into heroin base is also a labour-intensive process that can involve (depending on the production method) at least 17 steps. Acetic anhydride, the main chemical used to convert morphine into heroin, is relatively expensive compared with synthetic precursors. Moreover, heroin is a bulky product, which means it is harder to move in large volumes.
While the relationship between events in opiate-producer countries and the introduction of synthetic opioids to consumer markets should not be overstated, this new type of drug offers economic advantages to criminals whose “sole motivation is greed”.
For decades, Turkish, Kurdish and Pakistani criminal networks have been responsible for importing heroin into the UK. Once in the UK, both Turkish and British groups largely control its wholesale supply, with some participation of Albanian gangs.
To date, there is little evidence to suggest these groups have transitioned to supplying NSOs, including nitazenes. The shifting dynamics in the global drug supply chain, however, could upend traditional markets and the gangs who profit from them.
America’s synthetic drug crisis
The synthetic opioid fentanyl has devastated the US, having been linked to about 75,000 deaths in 2023 alone. It is the primary cause of death for Americans aged 18-49. Canada, too, has experienced a wave of deaths: between January 2016 and June 2024, there were 49,105 apparent opioid deaths there, with fentanyl implicated in a large proportion.
More than 4,300 reports of nitazenes have reached the US National Forensic Laboratory Information System since 2019. They are typically used to fortify fentanyl and other opioids, which can produce a fatal concoction.
Efforts to stem the flow of NSOs, including nitazenes, from China to the US and elsewhere will prove challenging. And even if China does implement stricter controls, other countries could step in to fill the void. According to the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking:
The overall sizes of these industries, limited oversight efforts and political incentives contribute to an atmosphere of impunity among firms and individuals associated with those industries.
While US and Chinese counter-narcotics cooperation ended in 2022 amid increasing geopolitical tensions, the following November’s summit in Woodside, California, between presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping saw them agree to recommence collaboration.
As a result, China recently closed several chemical companies that were shipping fentanyl precursors and nitazenes to the US. These vendors used encrypted platforms and cryptocurrency to conduct the deals, and mislabelled the consignments to try to ensure the substances evaded border controls. China has also outlawed more chemicals and substances, including several nitazene variants.
But President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on imports from China – which sit alongside proposed taxes on imports from Canada and Mexico, in part for supposedly not doing enough to curb the trafficking of fentanyl and its precursors to the US – threatens this counter-narcotics cooperation.
While nitazenes are not yet widely available in the US, their presence within some fentanyl batches is complicating the US opioid crisis – and according to some experts, has the potential to further increase the already shocking number of synthetic opioid-related deaths.
The UK response to nitazenes
Successive UK governments have made tackling NSOs a high priority. Shortly after the most recent nitazene-related deaths were discovered in the UK in summer 2023, the NCA launched Project Housebuilder to lead and coordinate the law enforcement and public health response.
This was soon followed by the establishment of a government-wide Synthetic Opioids Taskforce “to improve…understanding, preparedness and mitigation against this evolving threat”. Chris Philp, then the UK’s combatting drugs minister, stated that “synthetic opioids are at the top of [this government’s] list because of the harm they cause”.
The taskforce has taken a range of measures, such as controlling more NSOs as class A drugs, conducting more intelligence operations at UK borders, widening access to naloxone, and enhancing the UK’s real-time, multi-source drug surveillance system. The government also worked with the US and Canada to learn from their experiences.
Recently, the current UK government banned a further six synthetic opioids and introduced a generic definition of nitazenes as class A drugs. And the UK’s current government, unlike its Conservative predecessor, has also indicated its willingness to consider evidence from the UK’s first drug consumption facility, which recently opened in Glasgow.
Other policy measures worthy of consideration include expanding drug checking services whereby drug users submit drugs to a lab to test what is in them, then are provided with information about the sample. These services offer vital information to the public and authorities about current drug trends.
While there is high uncertainty about what is going to happen next in the UK regarding illicit drug trends, the evolution of the US drug landscape over generations provides some important lessons.
Lessons from the US
The US fentanyl crisis shows drug markets can change quickly with long-lasting consequences. Most heroin on US streets contains – or has been replaced by – fentanyl. According to DEA seizure data, US heroin seizures declined by nearly 70% between 2019 and 2023, whereas fentanyl seizures have increased by 451%.
However, illegal drug markets evolve in different ways and at different paces. In May 1989, Douglas Hogg, a UK Home Office minister, travelled to the US and the Bahamas on a fact-finding mission about crack cocaine, a drug that was predicted to spread from the US to the UK. Upon his return, Hogg noted:
The ethnic, social and economic characters of many of our big cities are very similar to those in the US. If they have a crack problem, why should not we? … The use of crack in Great Britain is likely to develop very substantially over the next few years.
But this “crack invasion”, as some called it, did not materialise in the UK to the extent it had in the US – and the same was true about a predicted wave of methamphetamine use in the UK, which remains low compared with the US.
It is also unlikely the UK and Europe will experience a synthetic opioid crisis on the same scale as the US. The first wave of the US crisis was driven by extensive overprescription of opioids for pain relief. This increased the number of people addicted to opioids, some of whom later turned to heroin, before transitioning to fentanyl. In contrast, large-scale opioid prescriptions have not been a major issue in the UK or Europe, although there is some diversion of legal fentanyl into the illegal drug market in Europe.
Video by The Brookings Institution.
According to Alex Stevens, professor of criminology at the University of Sheffield, another factor differentiating the US and Europe is the provision of drug treatment and harm reduction programmes. Opioid users in Europe, and to a lesser extent in the UK, are much more likely to be in medication-assisted treatment than their US counterparts, thus reducing the number of people at risk. These interventions are reinforced by different socioeconomic factors in much of Europe, such as lower economic inequality, stronger social protections, and better healthcare systems.
None of this, though, means the nitazene threat in the UK and Europe should be underestimated, nor that use and supply of these drugs (and other NSOs) will not increase from its current relatively low base. As the NCA recently warned:
While a zero-tolerance approach from law enforcement, plus advice to users on the heightened dangers, may contain or slow the current uptake, we must prepare for these substances to become widely available, both unadvertised in fortified mixes and in response to user demand as a more potent high.
The future of new synthetic opioids
Predicting the future of NSO use and trafficking is a challenging task. Projections for Europe range from existing opiate stockpiles ensuring that heroin consumer markets remain serviced (assuming the Taliban ban is short-lived), to a heroin shortage which results in more drug dealers turning to NSOs to plug the shortfall, which in turn could lead to lasting changes in European drug markets (as happened in a few countries following the Taliban’s first opium ban in 2000-01).
In such a scenario, it is possible that Turkish criminal networks may exploit their links with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel to source NSOs. Mexican criminal gangs also operate in Europe, which may increase the likelihood of them trying to open a new NSO market on the continent.
There is also evidence that some Italian criminal organisations have entered the NSO marketplace. In November 2023, Italian authorities announced the seizure of 100,000 doses of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, as part of operation Painkiller, a joint Italian-American initiative.
Given the many advantages for criminal groups of NSOs, it seems likely they are here to stay. A key question is whether nitazenes (or other NSOs) will supplant traditional heroin as the opioid of choice, as they have done in the US, or remain at relatively low levels in Europe, co-existing with or mixed into the heroin supply.
In December 2023, Paul Griffiths, the EUDA’s scientific director, told Vice: “We’re not seeing much new initiation of heroin use in Europe. So in five to ten years … as heroin users get older and more vulnerable, we’re not going to have much of an opiate problem left.”
But he warned that if heroin use does dry up: “You might then see opioids appearing in other forms and preparations, such as pills, that could potentially become popular among younger age groups who currently do not appear attracted to injecting heroin.”
While previous NSO outbreaks in the UK were relatively short-lived and limited in scale, the most recent nitazene outbreak, which started in summer of 2023, has been more sustained, covered more parts of the UK, and involved more fatalities. The broader trend in Europe also suggests the prevalence and variations of NSOs are increasing at a faster pace than in previous years.
Notwithstanding, nitazene use and supply in the UK currently remains relatively low. In fact, the rate of nitazene-linked deaths – at least those officially reported – decreased between spring 2024 and the end of the year.
In the short term, then, it seems unlikely there will be a nitazene “explosion”. Rather, criminal groups will probably try to increasingly embed nitazenes into the UK drug market at a similar pace to the last 18 months.
However, this situation could change rapidly in future, especially if larger criminal networks involved in heroin importation switch to smuggling NSOs, and there is a genuine shortage of Afghan heroin. This problem would be compounded if drug users start seeking nitazenes, thus creating demand for them.
Either way, the UK government, along with its European partners, should continue to reinforce the whole drug system, to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
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Philip A. Berry does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Maps are ubiquitous – on phones, in-flight and car displays, and in textbooks the world over. While some maps delineate and name territories and boundaries, others show different voting blocs in elections, and GPS devices help drivers navigate to their destination.
But no matter the purpose, all maps have something in common: They are political. Making maps is about making decisions about what to omit and what to include. They are subject to selection, classification, abstractions and simplifications. And studying the choices that go into maps, as I do, can reveal different stories about land and the people who claim it as theirs.
Nowhere is this more true than in the contested regions that today include modern-day Israel and the Palestinian territories. Since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, different governmental and nongovernmental organizations and political interest groups have engaged in what can best be described as “map wars.”
Maps of the region use the naming of places, the position of borders and the inclusion or omission of certain territories to present contrasting geopolitical visions. To this day, Israel or the Palestinian territories may fall off some maps, depending on the politics of their makers.
This is not exclusive to the Middle East – “map wars” are underway across the globe. Some of the more well-known examples include disputes between Ukraine and Russia, Taiwan and China, and India and China. All are engaged in controversies over the territorial integrity of nation-states.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displays a map of Israel indicating the Golan Heights are inside the state’s borders. Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images
A short history of maps
Traditionally, maps have been used to represent cosmologies, cultures and belief systems. By the 17th century, maps that represented spatial relations within a given territory beaome important to the making of nation-states. Such official maps helped annex territories and determine property rights. Indeed, to map a territory meant to know and control it.
More recently, the tools for making maps have become more broadly accessible. Anyone with a computer and internet access can now make and share “alternative maps” that present different visions of a territory and make varied geopolitical claims.
And maps produced in a conflict region, such as Israel and the Palestinian territories, tell a rich story about the relationship between mapmaking and politics.
Mapping the Middle East
During the British Mandate of Palestine from 1917 to 1947, British surveyors mapped the territories to exercise their control over the land and its people. It was an attempt to supersede the more informal Ottoman land claims of the time.
A map shows the shaded areas of the Arab state recommended by the U.N. Special Committee on Palestine in 1947. The unshaded areas are parts of the proposed Jewish state. Underwood Archives/Getty Images
Maps also helped build the Israeli state. Surveyors and planners mapped the land to allocate land rights, and they helped build the state’s infrastructure, including roads and railroads.
But maps also helped create a sense of nationhood. Maps representing a nation’s shape by delineating its national borders are known as “logo” maps. They can enhance feelings of national unity and a sense of national belonging.
Once established, the Israeli state remade the maps of the region. An Israeli Governmental Names Commission came up with Hebrew names to replace formerly Arab and Christian names for different towns and villages on the official map of Israel. At the same time, formerly Palestinian topographies and places were omitted from the map.
Some Palestinian mapmakers, however, continue to make maps that include Palestinian named sites and depict pre-1948 historic Palestine – an area that stretches from River Jordan in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. Such maps are used to advocate for Palestinians’ right to land and foster a sense of national belonging.
A Palestinian woman holds up a map of the British Mandate of Palestine during a protest in Gaza City on Feb. 27, 2020. Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images
At the same time, Palestinian cartographers who work with the Palestinian Authority – the government body that administers partial civil control over Palestinian enclaves in the West Bank – make official maps of the West Bank and Gaza in the hope of establishing a future state of Palestine. They align their maps with United Nations efforts to map the territories according to international law by demarking the West Bank and Gaza as separate from and as occupied by Israel.
After the 1967 war between Israel and its Arab neighbors, Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza. As a result, map wars intensified, especially between different fractions within Israel. The left-wing “peace camp,” which was dedicated to territorial compromises with the Palestinians, was pitted against an Israeli right wing committed to reclaiming the “Promised Land” for ensuring Israeli security.
Such incompatible geopolitical visions continue to be reflected in the maps produced. “Peace camp” maps adhere to the delineation of the territories according to international law. For example, they include the Green Line – the internationally recognized armistice line between the West Bank and Israel. Official maps produced by the Israeli government, by contrast, stopped delineating the Green Line after 1967.
Broader and border disputes
Not only have different interest groups and political actors used maps of the region to put forth competing geopolitical claims, but maps have also played a central role in sporadic efforts to establish peace in the region.
The 1993 Oslo Accords, for example, relied on maps to provide the framework for Palestinian self-rule in return for security for Israel. The aim was that after a five-year interim period, a permanent peace settlement would be negotiated based on the borders laid out in these maps.
A map of the West Bank with proposed Palestinian-controlled areas in yellow, as per the Oslo II Accords. Wikimedia Commons
Consequently, Palestinian planners and surveyors mapped the territory allocated to a future state of Palestine. With the Oslo Accords promising only a future state – but with its borders and level of sovereignty still uncertain – Palestinian experts nevertheless continue to prepare for governing the territories by mapping them.
The Oslo maps are used to this day to delineate geopolitical visions of Israel and a future state of Palestine that are based on international law. But for many Israelis, the Oslo vision of a two-state solution has died – the attack by Hamas, the Palestinian nationalist political organization that governs Gaza, on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, was its last blow.
The subsequent war between Israel and Hamas, currently subject to a cease-fire, has from the outset involved maps.
In December 2023, the Israeli military posted an online “evacuation map” that divided the Gaza Strip into 623 zones. Palestinians could go online – provided they have access to electricity and internet in a territory plagued by blackouts – to find out whether their neighborhood was called upon to evacuate. Israeli military commanders used this map to decide where to launch airstrikes and conduct ground maneuvers.
Maps aren’t just for making sense of the past and present – they help people imagine the future, too. And different maps can reveal conflicting geopolitical visions.
In January 2024, for example, various Israeli right-wing and settler organizations organized the Conference for the Victory of Israel. The aim was to plan for resettling Gaza and increase Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Speakers advocated for transferring Palestinians from the Strip to the Sinai through “voluntary emigration.” With Jewish settlers planning for the return to Gaza, and speakers citing both the Bible and Israeli security for justifications, an oversized map showed the location of proposed Jewish settlements.
A man takes a photo with a map showing the Gaza Strip with Jewish settlements during a convention calling to resettle the Gaza Strip on Jan. 28, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Amir Levy/Getty Images
Such maps reveal the desire by some in Israel for a “Greater Israel” – an area described in 1904 by Theodor Herzl, considered the father of modern-day Zionism, as spanning from the brook of Egypt to the Euphrates.
Unsurprisingly, Palestinians make different maps for envisioning the future. Palestine Emerging – a Palestinian and international initiative that brings together various experts, organizations, and funders – uses maps that connect Gaza to the West Bank and the wider region.
A map shows the proposed Gaza-West Bank corridor transport link. Palestine Emerging
Their aim is to transform Gaza into a commercial hub for trade, tourism and innovation and to integrate it into the global economy. Accordingly, maps of urban projects, airports and seaports overlay the cartographic contours of Gaza; and a Gaza-West Bank corridor, which would be sealed for Israeli security, could connect the two geographically separate Palestinian territories.
Such maps reflect the efforts by Palestinian stakeholders to continue surveying the territories that, since the Oslo Accords, were to make up the future state of Palestine.
In a novel twist, U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 4, 2025, floated a plan for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza, moving its current inhabitants out and turning the enclave into “”the Riviera of the Middle East.”
Such a move would amount to another attempt to remake borders across the Middle East. It would not, however, end the “map wars” in Israel/Palestine.
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation through the Science and Technology Studies (STS) Program, award #1152322. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or any other entity.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Catriona Waitt, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Global Health, University of Liverpool
Breastfeeding is so important for child health that the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef recommend that babies should be breastfed within an hour of birth, be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and then continue breastfeeding in combination with other foods for two years or more.
Infectious disease emergencies can threaten breastfeeding and the lives of mothers and babies. Depending on the disease, there is a risk of passing infection to the baby by close contact or (rarely) through breastmilk. There is also the risk of harm to breastfed infants from medication or vaccination of their mothers.
But separating mothers and babies or stopping breastfeeding also poses risks.
Mothers need proper guidance on the best course of action during an Ebola outbreak.
Threat to mothers and babies
The symptoms of Ebola include fever, tiredness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and, later, bleeding from any part of the body.
Ebola viruses are extremely contagious and people who become infected are at very high risk of death. Pregnant women and infants are more vulnerable and at greater risk than others.
Ebola outbreaks most often occur in countries where breastfeeding is vital for child survival. They have occurred in several African countries and on 30 January 2025 Uganda declared an outbreak, the latest in several the country has endured.
Breastmilk contains many ingredients that help to prevent and fight infection and that strengthen the baby’s own immune system. Replacing breastmilk with other foods or liquids (including infant formula) removes this protection from babies and makes them more likely to become seriously ill.
It’s important to know which actions protect or harm babies and their mothers during outbreaks. Recommendations on infectious diseases must weigh up the risks related to the disease, medical treatments and the risks of not-breastfeeding.
The World Health Organization has published guidelines on how to care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants when one or both have Ebola, but these recommendations are based on “very low quality” evidence, they are mostly expert opinion rather than research-based knowledge.
Women and children have been largely neglected in Ebola research. More is known about Ebola and semen than Ebola and breastmilk.
In a paper just published in the Lancet Global Health, we have outlined a roadmap for research on Ebola and breastfeeding so that mothers and babies can be protected.
We don’t know if breastmilk can be infectious and, if it is, for how long.
We don’t know whether expressed breastmilk can be treated so that it is safe.
We don’t know whether, if both mother and baby are infected, it is better for the baby if the mother keeps breastfeeding, if she is able to.
We don’t know if vaccinating mothers against Ebola helps to protect their breastfed infants from the virus.
We don’t know if there are any risks for breastfed infants if their mothers are infected.
The result of this lack of knowledge is that decisions may be taken that increase risk and suffering for mothers and their babies.
For example, mothers may refuse vaccination because they are fearful that it is risky for their baby. But by refusing vaccination they’d be making themselves vulnerable to Ebola.
Alternatively, they may get vaccinated and stop breastfeeding, making their baby vulnerable to other serious infections.
If mothers and babies who both have Ebola are separated and breastfeeding is stopped, it could reduce the chances of survival.
Mothers and babies deserve better than this.
No more excuses
For many years people have called for more research on Ebola, breastmilk and breastfeeding, but this research has not been undertaken. It is not acceptable that women and children are deprived of breastfeeding because the needed research has not been done.
In our paper, we describe the different groups of breastfeeding women affected by Ebola who must be included in research:
vaccine recipients
mothers who are ill with Ebola
mothers recovering from Ebola
mothers who are infected with Ebola, but have no symptoms
the wider population of breastfeeding mothers in communities experiencing Ebola outbreaks.
The roadmap also includes the research questions that need answering and the study designs that would enable these questions to be answered.
It is up to governments, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, funders and health organisations to act.
Following the Ebola and breastfeeding research roadmap will not necessarily be easy. It is difficult to do research in the middle of an emergency.
But research on vaccination safety can be done outside outbreaks. Putting research plans in place and gaining approvals before outbreaks will also make things easier.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Catriona Waitt, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology and Global Health, University of Liverpool
Breastfeeding is so important for child health that the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef recommend that babies should be breastfed within an hour of birth, be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and then continue breastfeeding in combination with other foods for two years or more.
Infectious disease emergencies can threaten breastfeeding and the lives of mothers and babies. Depending on the disease, there is a risk of passing infection to the baby by close contact or (rarely) through breastmilk. There is also the risk of harm to breastfed infants from medication or vaccination of their mothers.
But separating mothers and babies or stopping breastfeeding also poses risks.
Mothers need proper guidance on the best course of action during an Ebola outbreak.
Threat to mothers and babies
The symptoms of Ebola include fever, tiredness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and, later, bleeding from any part of the body.
Ebola viruses are extremely contagious and people who become infected are at very high risk of death. Pregnant women and infants are more vulnerable and at greater risk than others.
Ebola outbreaks most often occur in countries where breastfeeding is vital for child survival. They have occurred in several African countries and on 30 January 2025 Uganda declared an outbreak, the latest in several the country has endured.
Breastmilk contains many ingredients that help to prevent and fight infection and that strengthen the baby’s own immune system. Replacing breastmilk with other foods or liquids (including infant formula) removes this protection from babies and makes them more likely to become seriously ill.
It’s important to know which actions protect or harm babies and their mothers during outbreaks. Recommendations on infectious diseases must weigh up the risks related to the disease, medical treatments and the risks of not-breastfeeding.
The World Health Organization has published guidelines on how to care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants when one or both have Ebola, but these recommendations are based on “very low quality” evidence, they are mostly expert opinion rather than research-based knowledge.
Women and children have been largely neglected in Ebola research. More is known about Ebola and semen than Ebola and breastmilk.
In a paper just published in the Lancet Global Health, we have outlined a roadmap for research on Ebola and breastfeeding so that mothers and babies can be protected.
We don’t know if breastmilk can be infectious and, if it is, for how long.
We don’t know whether expressed breastmilk can be treated so that it is safe.
We don’t know whether, if both mother and baby are infected, it is better for the baby if the mother keeps breastfeeding, if she is able to.
We don’t know if vaccinating mothers against Ebola helps to protect their breastfed infants from the virus.
We don’t know if there are any risks for breastfed infants if their mothers are infected.
The result of this lack of knowledge is that decisions may be taken that increase risk and suffering for mothers and their babies.
For example, mothers may refuse vaccination because they are fearful that it is risky for their baby. But by refusing vaccination they’d be making themselves vulnerable to Ebola.
Alternatively, they may get vaccinated and stop breastfeeding, making their baby vulnerable to other serious infections.
If mothers and babies who both have Ebola are separated and breastfeeding is stopped, it could reduce the chances of survival.
Mothers and babies deserve better than this.
No more excuses
For many years people have called for more research on Ebola, breastmilk and breastfeeding, but this research has not been undertaken. It is not acceptable that women and children are deprived of breastfeeding because the needed research has not been done.
In our paper, we describe the different groups of breastfeeding women affected by Ebola who must be included in research:
vaccine recipients
mothers who are ill with Ebola
mothers recovering from Ebola
mothers who are infected with Ebola, but have no symptoms
the wider population of breastfeeding mothers in communities experiencing Ebola outbreaks.
The roadmap also includes the research questions that need answering and the study designs that would enable these questions to be answered.
It is up to governments, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, funders and health organisations to act.
Following the Ebola and breastfeeding research roadmap will not necessarily be easy. It is difficult to do research in the middle of an emergency.
But research on vaccination safety can be done outside outbreaks. Putting research plans in place and gaining approvals before outbreaks will also make things easier.
There just needs to be a commitment to make this research happen.
Catriona Waitt receives funding from the Wellcome Trust and the Gates Foundation.
Karleen Gribble is a long-term member and current steering committee member of the Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Core Group.
Peter Waitt receives funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the UK Medical Research Council, thr UK National Institute of Health Research and the Wellcome Trust.
Mija Ververs and Prince Imani-Musimwa do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
“Our capacity to manage a pandemic is better today than it was in 2020. However, a crisis requires more than preparedness in the form of regulatory frameworks,” writes Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed (Christian Democrats).
This week marks five years since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Sweden. In this short time, society has undergone a comprehensive crisis and long since returned to normality. But for the people and families in our country, COVID-19 has left lasting scars in the form of grief and loss. Many lost their lives and many still experience long-term health issues as a result of COVID-19. Long-term isolation and loneliness have also left deep scars.
Sweden could face a new crisis
Other crises and difficulties have arisen in place of the pandemic, and seemingly part of human nature – in our country at least – is the wish to leave the preceding crisis behind us. But we must not forget the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, because unfortunately, we cannot rule out that Sweden will be faced with another pandemic – it is actually very likely that we will. That is why I am grateful for all the efforts that we are currently undertaking and that have been undertaken within the Government Offices to ensure that Sweden is better equipped to deal with any future pandemics.
A few examples:
Inquiry Chair Professor Jan Albert has been tasked with reviewing the regulation of communicable diseases to better adapt it to situations of extensive spread of infectious diseases. He will also submit information for a strategy for future pandemic management, including analyses of issues of allocation of responsibilities in the event of another pandemic.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden has been tasked with ensuring continued access to vaccines for the population in the event of an influenza pandemic. Currently, the avian influenza H5N1 has caused extensive outbreaks globally among both tame and wild animals in a short period of time. There are cases of the infection passing from animals to humans as well.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden has also been tasked with ensuring continued access to antiviral medicines in the event of a pandemic.
The National Board of Health and Welfare has been tasked with establishing a national collaboration structure for health and welfare’s supply preparedness of medical care products and any other equipment required to ensure the provision of proper care, together with the Medical Products Agency, the Swedish eHealth Agency, the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden’s mandate in relation to communication and information for the public has been clarified. The Agency plays a natural role in the dissemination of information and communication to the public.
Critical flaws in pandemic management
Important measures have been taken within the Public Health Agency of Sweden as well, including building a stronger system for surveillance of communicable diseases. This system includes increased epidemiological and microbiological surveillance with a higher degree of automation than previously.
The Agency is also working to integrate its different surveillance systems and automate the collection of data on infectious diseases within the health policy platform. This will enable real-time data sharing between national and regional actors, gathered within a shared user interface with different authorisation levels and tools to analyse cases of illness and outbreaks.
The Agency was tasked with strengthening its capacity to discover and analyse viruses spread via wastewater. All the above will ensure that we are better equipped to manage a pandemic today than in 2020. There were critical flaws at that time, which the COVID-19 Commission has highlighted.
But the COVID-19 Commission also points out that crisis management requires more than preparedness in the form of regulatory frameworks. It also requires a capacity to act in an entirely new set of circumstances where one does not have all the answers. One needs to be able to be act proactively and with force in peacetime crisis situations as well as in wartime and when there is a risk of war. In relation to this, the Government has made changes to the instructions to the Public Health Agency of Sweden to include a clear expectation for the Agency to act.
Sweden is better equipped
A clear conclusion from the pandemic is the requirement for clear political responsibility. The Government governs the state in times of crisis as well and that responsibility cannot be handed over to public authorities. Finally, it is important to remember what was perhaps the COVID-19 Commission’s main conclusion – everything centres around our society, values and people.
Sweden made it through the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the errors in management and initial passivity. This was achieved by virtue of a strong sense of duty, particularly among health and social care staff, caring for others and a fundamental trust in society. These assets, together with all the initiatives taken by the Government and public authorities, mean that Sweden is now much better equipped should another pandemic befall our country.
Question for written answer E-000421/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Jorge Martín Frías (PfE)
The US House of Representatives recently published an investigation offering an in-depth assessment of the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its causes and the vaccination campaigns.
The investigation concludes that the measures adopted, such as quarantining and requiring masks to be worn, were arbitrary and not based on any scientific evidence, and, what is more, that they were ineffective and detrimental.
Regarding the vaccines, the investigation indicates that they did not prevent the spread of the virus as hoped for and that the decisions taken in respect of the vaccines were partly politically motivated.
In light of these conclusions:
1.Does the Commission intend to launch an investigation – one that includes the full declassification of documents between pharmaceutical companies and Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen – into what took place in the European Union?
2.Will there be an assessment of the way in which the COVID-19 passport was used to restrict the freedoms of European citizens in some Member States, despite this being contrary to the intent of the legislator?
3.Does any data exist on the cost of these measures, both economically and to mental health, in the EU?
A new case of measles has been reported in Victoria, with the total number of cases linked to travel in Vietnam since December 2024 now standing at eight. Growing outbreaks continue to be reported internationally including in Vietnam and Thailand.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread from person-to-person and potentially lead to serious health complications.
This most recent case was infectious on VietJet Air flight VJC81/ VJ81 from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne, while at Melbourne Airport, and at Sunshine Hospital and The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.
People who have attended the listed exposure sites during the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms of measles and follow the instructions below.
Healthcare professionals should be alert for measles in patients with fever and rash, particularly those who have recently returned from overseas or attended a listed exposure site during the specified period.
Suspected cases should be tested, advised to isolate, and notified to the Department of Health immediately by calling 1300 651 160.
All Victorians are eligible to receive the free measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine if born during or after 1966 and do not have documentation of having received two doses of measles-containing vaccine. Clinicians should vaccinate all individuals who are unsure of their vaccination history, regardless of Medicare status.
There is no need to check measles serology prior to vaccination.
Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations, including the MMR vaccine. This is especially important for anyone planning on travelling to South-East Asia, including Vietnam.
What is the issue?
A new case of measles has been identified in Victoria, after travel overseas to South-East Asia where there is an ongoing and large international outbreak. There have now been 17 cases of measles identified in Victoria in the last 12 months.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can lead to uncommon but serious complications, such as pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).
There is currently a large measles outbreak in Vietnam. Vietnam’s Ministry of Health reported over 38,364 suspected measles cases for 2024, including 13 deaths. At the present time, any overseas travel could lead to exposure to measles, with outbreaks also reported in areas outside of Southeast Asia including India, Africa, Europe and the UK, the Middle East, and the USA.
Active public exposures sites in Victoria for recent cases are listed in the table below.
Date
Time
Location
Monitor for onset of symptoms up to
Sunday 26 January 2025
Arrival 12:45am
VietJet Air flight VJC81/ VJ81
Departure: Ho Chi Minh City
Arrival: Melbourne
Thursday 13 February 2025
Sunday 26 January 2025
12:45am to 3:30am
Melbourne Airport, VIC 3005
Thursday 13 February 2025
Tuesday 28 January
08:15am to 10:50pm
Sunshine Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department
176 Furlong Rd, St Albans VIC 3021
Saturday 15 February 2025
Friday 31 January
9:00am to 1:50pm
Sunshine Hospital Paediatric Emergency Department
176 Furlong Rd, St Albans VIC 3021
Tuesday 18 February 2025
Monday 3 February 2025
5:55pm to 11:30pm
The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052
Friday 21 February 2025
Monday 3 February 2025
11:10pm to 00:00am (midnight)
The Royal Children’s Hospital
Sugar Glider Ward
50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052
Friday 21 February 2025
Tuesday 4 February
00:01am to 1:30pm
The Royal Children’s Hospital
Sugar Glider Ward
50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052
Saturday 22 February 2025
Wednesday 5 February
9:55am to 11:15am
The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052
Sunday 23 February 2025
Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified times above should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure. Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health immediately. There should be an especially high level of suspicion if they have travelled overseas or visited any the sites listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.
Who is at risk?
Anyone born during or since 1966 who does not have documented evidence of having received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or does not have documented evidence of immunity, is at risk of measles.
Unvaccinated infants are at particularly high risk of contracting measles.
Young infants, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of serious complications from measles.
Symptoms and transmission
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red maculopapular rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body. Symptoms can develop between 7 to 18 days after exposure.
Initial symptoms of measles may be similar to those of COVID-19 and influenza. If a symptomatic person tests negative for COVID-19 and/or influenza but develops a rash, they should be advised to continue isolating and be tested for measles.
People with measles are potentially infectious from 24 hours prior to the onset of initial symptoms until 4 days after the rash appears. Measles is highly infectious and can spread through airborne droplets or contact with nose or throat secretions, as well as contaminated surfaces and objects. The measles virus can stay in the environment for up to 2 hours.
Figures: Examples of a typical measles rash.
Recommendations
For the general public
Anyone who has attended a listed exposure site during the specified date and time should monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if symptoms develop for up to 18 days after the exposure.
Symptoms of measles can initially resemble a cold or flu and include fever, cough, sore or red eyes (conjunctivitis), runny nose, and feeling generally unwell, followed by a red rash. The rash usually starts on the face before spreading down the body.
Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Call the health service beforehand to advise that you may have been exposed to measles and wear a mask.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles. The MMR vaccine is available for free:
on the National Immunisation Program, routinely given at 12 months and 18 months of age.
for anyone born during or after 1966 who have not already received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, are unsure of their vaccination status, or do not have evidence of immunity to measles.
for young infants aged 6 to 12 months prior to overseas travel to countries where measles is endemic or where outbreaks of measles are occurring. If an infant receives an early dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel, they should still receive routine doses at 12 months and 18 months of age as per the National Immunisation Program schedule.
For further information, speak to your immunisation provider.
Anyone planning overseas travel should make sure they have received appropriate travel vaccinations.
For health professionals
Anyone who is not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive the MMR vaccine if they present within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure. Anyone who is immunocompromised or pregnant and not fully vaccinated for measles may be eligible to receive normal human immunoglobulin (NHIG) if they present up to 144 hours (6 days) after close exposure to a measles case.
Clinicians are advised to be alert for measles in patients presenting with compatible illness, particularly those with overseas travel or who attended a listed exposure site during the specified dates and times or who are not fully vaccinated against measles.
Anyone who presents with signs and symptoms compatible with measles should be tested and notified to the Department of Health immediately. There should be an especially high level of suspicion if they have travelled overseas or visited any sites listed above and are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated for measles.
Suspected cases should be tested, isolated, and notified to the Department of Health immediately by calling 1300 651 160 and connecting to the relevant Local Public Health Unit.
Discuss the need for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing using nose and throat swabs with the Local Public Health Unit (PCR testing for measles does not attract a Medicare rebate).
Take blood samples for measles serology in all suspected cases.
Minimise the risk of measles transmission within your practice/department:
avoid keeping patients with fever and rash in shared waiting areas (send to a separate room).
if measles is suspected, give the patient a single use, fitted mask and isolate under airborne precautions until a measles diagnosis can be excluded.
leave all rooms that were used to assess the suspected case vacant for at least 30 minutes after the consultation.
Offer MMR vaccine to people born during or after 1966 who do not have documented evidence of receiving two doses of a measles-containing vaccine or documented evidence of immunity. Serology is not required before vaccinating. People who are not Medicare eligible can also receive the free MMR vaccine. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook –Measles for further guidance on immunisation.
This month, Sir Collin Tukuitonga became one of two professors of Niuean descent in the world.
Professor Sir Collin says it’s an honour to join the ranks of his University of Auckland colleague, Professor of Pacific Health Vili Nosa, also from Niue – one of the smallest countries on the globe, with a population of less than 1,700 people.
“I’m not a true-blue academic. I didn’t do a PhD and stay in the university forever. I gained a lot of practical experience elsewhere, so it’s nice to be accepted by my peers in academic medicine,” says Sir Collin.
He is a director of Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health at the University, was knighted in 2022 and is a man with his own Wikipedia page. His ‘practical experience’ spans everything from being chief executive of the New Zealand Ministry of Pacific Affairs from 2007 to 2012 to developing a global strategy to improve diet and physical activity that was adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2004.
Addressing health inequities faced by Pacific and Māori people has been the motivating force behind Sir Collin’s career over the past 45 years.
“People with the means often get too much medicine and those who need it the most get the least.
“Those inequities stick out to me – Māori and Pacific people have poorer health and it’s entrenched.
“We have the resources, skills, equipment and facilities to make a change and yet we haven’t.
“It seems unfair, unacceptable to me – and that’s the key driver, why I’m involved in public health,” he says.
Growing up in Niue, seeds of caring for family and community were planted that have borne fruit during his career in public health.
“We didn’t have much, not many books. We first had the radio when I was 10, electricity wasn’t a regular thing, so it was a pretty basic existence.
“You didn’t expect much for yourself – you didn’t think about whether you had the latest flashy clothes or shoes.
“You helped in the plantation, going fishing, it was all centred around contributing to the family and helping in the village.
“I guess that’s where I got my sense of social justice – your talents are not just for yourself.”
At the age of 15, Sir Collin’s fate was shaped by gaining a scholarship to study medicine.
“I was lucky I had a decent brain and I got one of two New Zealand government scholarships to go to university in Fiji.
“I had always been interested in helping people, so medicine was a natural selection, but the availability of the scholarship was a big factor.
“My family would not have been able to send me to university – I would have been a fisherman,” he says.
Leaving behind his “charmed life” in Niue, where he had been pampered by three sisters and surrounded by cousins, was a huge step, but Fiji still offered the simple pleasures of island life.
Sir Collin graduated as a junior doctor in 1979 and worked as a “real doctor” in family medicine for about 15 years.
He returned to Niue to offer his skills to his island community, before being appointed to teach public health at the Fiji School of Medicine in 1987. A military coup later that year raised fears for the safety of his first wife and their young children, so they fled to New Zealand – a place Sir Collin has called home ever since.
In the late 1980s, he was a key figure involved in setting up a Pacific healthcare clinic in West Auckland, which is now called The Fono.
Having mainly Pasifika staff and low fees has helped make healthcare more accessible for many Pacific people.
While working as a GP in West Auckland, he saw patterns of hardship and poor health that made him determined to help change the health system.
“It was predominantly families with young children and you saw the same things over and over again – chesty coughs, skin infections, those kinds of things, which if you’re a thinking person, you have to say, ‘there has to be a better way than waiting for them to come back to the clinic with the same thing’.
“Those things were to do with cold, damp, overcrowded housing, poor nutrition and delayed access to health care.
“I thought if I was involved in public health, you could theoretically prevent those problems.”
He became Director of Public Health at the New Zealand Ministry of Health in 2001.
In this role, he contributed to programmes designed to reduce smoking harm in Pacific communities. Over the past 30 years, smoking rates have halved, though about twice as many Māori and Pacific people still smoke, compared to Pakeha New Zealanders.
“Smoking in young people in New Zealand is now 4.2 percent, compared to 27 percent of adults smoking in 1993. So that’s a significant achievement for New Zealand and I helped contribute to that.”
Sir Collin helped introduce a vaccine for meningitis B, during an epidemic of the disease in the early 2000s.
“We had high mortality rates among young Māori and Pacific people in New Zealand and the vaccine led to a significant drop in occurrence of the disease, so I was pleased to help that along.”
His overseas roles have included three years at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland, and seven years in New Caledonia, where he was director-general of the Pacific Community.
More recently, he played an important role in advising the New Zealand government and communicating with Pacific communities during the Covid pandemic.
However, in December 2023, he resigned from his role as chairperson of Te Whatu Ora Pacific Senate and spoke out regarding his concerns about the new government’s direction.
“I was really incensed when they repealed our smoke-free legislation. I know that by undoing that world-leading legislation, Māori and Pacific people are going to be the worst affected – and all for the purpose of them meeting their commitment to their friends to make tax cuts.
“I couldn’t continue on the advisory committees when clearly they were not interested in anything apart from what was on their agenda.”
The roots of Pacific people having higher rates of health problems, ranging from cancer to measles, lie in deeper disadvantages, says Sir Collin.
“Health is a symptom of underlying social conditions. It’s an extension of disparities in education, income, housing and diet.
“We can’t just deal with it in the health sector, we have to deal with those issues – and they’re difficult issues.”
Through the hard times, Sir Collin has been buoyed up by Pacific people thanking him for looking out for their wellbeing and speaking up for them.
These days, the 67-year-old father of five is enjoying mentoring and supporting young people at the University, while much of his spare time is spent developing and planting native trees on his family’s lifestyle block near Pakiri.
“There’s no set retirement age these days and I love working with my many clever colleagues at the university.
“My friends say that when you retire and you don’t use your brain, it rots. I’m terrified of that possibility,” he laughs.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is our collective responsibility: PM
The people of the country have understood, tested and supported our model of development: PM
Santushtikaran over Tushtikaran, After 2014, the country has seen a new model and this model is not of appeasement but of satisfaction: PM
The mantra of our governance is – Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas: PM
India’s progress is powered by Nari Shakti: PM
We are Prioritising the welfare of the poor and marginalised: PM
We are Empowering the tribal communities with PM-JANMAN: PM
25 crore people of the country have moved out of poverty and become part of the neo middle class, Today, their aspirations are the strongest foundation for the nation’s progress: PM
The middle class is confident and determined to drive India’s journey towards development: PM
We have focused on strengthening infrastructure across the country: PM
Today, the world recognises India’s economic potential: PM
Posted On: 06 FEB 2025 8:41PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address to Parliament in the Rajya Sabha today. Addressing the House, the Prime Minister remarked that the President’s address covered India’s achievements, global expectations from India, and the confidence of the common man in building a developed India. He remarked that the President’s speech was inspiring, impactful, and provided guidance for future work. He expressed his gratitude to the President for the address.
Shri Modi said that over 70 honorable MPs have enriched the motion of thanks with their valuable thoughts. He noted that discussions took place from both sides, with everyone explaining the President’s address based on their understanding. The Prime Minister mentioned that a lot has been said about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and he found it difficult to understand the complexities involved. He emphasized that Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is our collective responsibility, and that’s why the country has given them the opportunity to serve.
Thanking the people of India for giving them the opportunity to serve them continuously since 2014, Shri Modi said this was a testimony to our model of development which has been tested, understood and supported by the people. He added the phrase ‘Nation First’ signified their model of development and this was exemplified in the policies, schemes and actions of the Government. Noting that there was a need of alternate model of governance and administration after a long hiatus of 5 – 6 decades after independence, Shri Modi said that country has received an opportunity to witness a new model of development, since 2014, based on satisfaction (Santushtikaran) over appeasement (Tushtikaran).
“It has been our earnest effort to ensure optimum utilization of the resources in India”, said the Prime Minister. He added that to ensure that the time of India was also not wasted but utilized for the development of the nation and the welfare of the people. Therefore, he added, “We have adopted the Saturation Approach”. He remarked that the motive behind the approach was to ensure 100% benefits to the true beneficiaries of the scheme. Highlighting that the true spirit of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas” has been implemented on the ground in the past decade, Shri Modi said that it is now evident as the efforts have led to the fruition in the form of development and progress. “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas is the main mantra of our Governance”, he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government had shown its commitment by strengthening the SC, ST Act which would empower the poor and the tribals by enhancing their respect and security.
Lamenting that there is a lot of effort being made in today’s time to spread the poison of casteism, the Prime Minister reminded that for the past three decades, OBC MPs from various parties of both houses have been demanding constitutional status for the OBC Commission. He added that it was their Government that granted constitutional status to the OBC Commission. He highlighted that the respect and honour of the Backward Classes was also important for their Government as they worship 140 crore Indians.
Remarking that whenever the topic of reservation has arisen in the country, efforts to solve the problem in a robust manner have not been undertaken, Shri Modi highlighted that in every instance, methods to divide the country, create tension, and foster enmity against each other were adopted. He emphasized that similar approaches were used even after the country attained independence. The Prime Minister highlighted that for the first time, his government presented a model inspired by the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, providing nearly 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections without any tension or deprivation. He stated that this decision was welcomed by the SC, ST, and OBC communities, with no one expressing any discomfort. The Prime Minister noted that the implementation method, based on the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, was carried out in a healthy and peaceful manner, leading to nationwide acceptance of the decision.
Highlighting that Divyangs or specially-abled individuals in the country have not received the attention they deserve, the Prime Minister highlighted that under the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, his Government has extended reservation for the differently-abled and worked in mission mode to provide facilities for them. He mentioned that numerous welfare schemes have been created and implemented for the benefit of specially-abled individuals. Furthermore, Shri Modi emphasized the efforts made for the legal rights of the transgender community, highlighting the commitment to ensuring their rights through robust legal measures. He remarked that the Government’s approach to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is demonstrated through their compassionate consideration towards marginalized sections of society.
“India’s progress is powered by Nari Shakti”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He highlighted that if women are given opportunities and become part of policy-making, it can accelerate the country’s progress. He remarked that this is why the Government’s first decision in the new Parliament was dedicated to the honor of Nari Shakti. Shri Modi pointed out that the new Parliament will be remembered not just for its appearance but for its first decision, which was a tribute to the Nari Shakti. He stated that the new Parliament could have been inaugurated differently for the sake of praise, but instead, it was dedicated to the honor of women. He highlighted that the Parliament has commenced its work with the blessings of Nari Shakti.
Remarking that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was never considered worthy of the Bharat Ratna by the previous Governments, Shri Modi highlighted that despite this, the people of the country have always respected Dr. Ambedkar’s spirit and ideals. He emphasized that due to this respect from all sections of society, everyone from all parties are now compelled to say “Jai Bhim,” albeit reluctantly.
Shri Modi said that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar deeply understood the fundamental challenges faced by the SC and ST communities, having personally experienced the pain and suffering. He highlighted that Dr. Ambedkar presented a clear roadmap for the economic upliftment of these communities. Reading a quote from Dr. Ambedkar, stating that “While India is an agrarian country, agriculture cannot be the main livelihood for Dalits”, the Prime Minister noted that Dr. Ambedkar identified two reasons: first, the inability to purchase land, and second, even with money, there were no opportunities to buy land. He emphasized that Dr. Ambedkar advocated for industrialization as a solution to this injustice faced by Dalits, tribals, and marginalized groups. He highlighted that Dr. Ambedkar believed in promoting skill-based jobs and entrepreneurship for economic self-reliance. He mentioned that the vision of Dr. Ambedkar was not considered and completely dismissed for many decades after independence. He emphasized that Dr. Ambedkar aimed to eliminate the economic hardships of the SC and ST communities.
Pointing out that in 2014, his Government prioritized skill development, financial inclusion, and industrial growth, the Prime Minister highlighted the introduction of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, aimed at traditional artisans and craftsmen like blacksmiths and potters, who are essential to society’s foundation and scattered across villages. He emphasized that for the first time, there was concern for this section of society, providing them with training, technological upgrades, new tools, design assistance, financial support, and market access. He remarked that his government launched a special campaign to focus on this neglected group, acknowledging their significant role in shaping society.
“Our Government introduced the MUDRA scheme to invite and encourage first-time entrepreneurs”, said Shri Modi and highlighted the large-scale campaign of providing loans without guarantees to help a significant section of society achieve their dreams of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), which has seen great success. He also mentioned the Stand Up India scheme, aimed at providing loans of up to ₹1 (one) crore without guarantees to SC, ST, and women from any community, to support their enterprises. He noted that this year, the budget for this scheme has been doubled. The Prime Minister observed that millions of young people from marginalized communities and many women have started their businesses under the MUDRA scheme, not only securing employment for themselves but also creating jobs for others. He highlighted the empowerment of every artisan and every community, fulfilling Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s dream through the MUDRA scheme.
Emphasising his commitment to the welfare of the poor and marginalized, stating that those who were ignored are now being prioritized, Shri Modi highlighted that the current budget has touched upon various small sectors such as the leather and footwear industries, benefiting the poor and marginalized communities. Citing an example, the Prime Minister mentioned the toy industry, noting that many people from marginalized communities are involved in toy making. The Government has focused on this sector, providing various forms of assistance to poor families. The result is a significant increase in toy exports, which have tripled, benefiting the underprivileged communities that rely on this industry for their livelihood.
Highlighting the significant contribution of the fishing community in India, the Prime Minister remarked that the Government has established a separate ministry for fishermen and extended the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card to them. He noted that around ₹40,000 crore have been included in the fisheries sector. He emphasized that these efforts have doubled fish production and exports, directly benefiting the fishing community. The Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s priority to work for the welfare of the most neglected sections of society.
Remarking that there are new efforts to spread the poison of casteism, which affects our tribal communities in various levels, the Prime Minister highlighted that some groups have very small populations, spread across 200-300 places in the country, and are highly neglected. He expressed gratitude for the guidance from the President, who has close knowledge of these communities. Shri Modi noted that special efforts have been made to include these particularly vulnerable tribal groups in specific schemes. He mentioned the introduction of the PM Janman Yojana, with an allocation of ₹24,000 crore, to provide facilities and welfare measures for these communities. The goal is to elevate them to the level of other tribal communities and eventually bring them on par with the entire society.
“Our Government has also focused on different regions of the country that face significant backwardness, such as border villages”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted the psychological shift brought about by the Government, ensuring that border villagers are prioritized. He emphasized that these villages, where the first and last rays of the sun touch, have been given special status as “first villages” with specific development plans. The Prime Minister noted that ministers were sent to remote villages to stay for 24 hours, even in extreme conditions like minus 15 degrees, to understand and address the villagers’ problems. He mentioned that village leaders from these border areas are invited as guests on national celebrations like Independence Day and Republic Day. He stressed on the Government’s commitment to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and the ongoing efforts to reach every neglected community. Shri Modi highlighted the importance and utility of the Vibrant Villages program for the nation’s security, emphasizing the government’s continued focus on it.
The Prime Minister noted that the President in her address, on the occasion of 75 years of the Republic, urged everyone to take inspiration from the constitution makers. He expressed satisfaction that the Government is moving forward with respect and inspiration from the sentiments of the constitution makers. Addressing the topic of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Shri Modi remarked that those who read the debates of the Constituent Assembly would understand the efforts to bring forth those sentiments. He acknowledged that some might have political objections, but the Government is committed to fulfilling this vision with courage and dedication.
Emphasizing the importance of respecting the constitution makers and drawing inspiration from their words, the Prime Minister expressed regret that the sentiments of the constitution makers were disregarded immediately after independence. He highlighted that an interim arrangement, which was not an elected government, made amendments to the constitution without waiting for an elected Government to do so. He remarked that the freedom of speech was curbed and restrictions were imposed on the press while claiming to uphold democracy, by the then Government. He stated that this was a complete disregard for the spirit of the constitution.
Shri Modi highlighted that during the tenure of the first government of independent India, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, there were instances of suppression of freedom of speech. He mentioned that during a workers’ strike in Mumbai, renowned poet Shri Majrooh Sultanpuri sang a poem criticizing the Commonwealth, which led to his imprisonment. He also pointed out that famous actor Shri Balraj Sahni was jailed merely for participating in a protest march. He further highlighted that Lata Mangeshkar’s brother, Shri Hridaynath Mangeshkar, faced repercussions for planning to present a poem by Veer Savarkar on All India Radio. He remarked that merely for this reason, Hridaynath Mangeshkar was permanently dismissed from All India Radio.
Touching upon the experiences in the country during the period of Emergency, during which the constitution was crushed and its spirit trampled upon for the sake of power, Shri Modi emphasized that the nation remembers this. He highlighted that during the Emergency, the renowned senior actor Shri Dev Anand was requested to publicly support the Emergency. Shri Dev Anand showed courage and refused to support it, leading to a ban on all his films on Doordarshan. The Prime Minister criticized those who talk about the constitution but have kept it in their pockets for years, showing no respect for it. He highlighted that Shri Kishore Kumar refused to sing for the then ruling party and as a consequence, all of his songs were banned on All India Radio.
Remarking that he cannot forget the days of the Emergency, the Prime Minister emphasized that those who talk about democracy and human dignity are the same people who, during the Emergency, handcuffed and chained great personalities of the country, including Shri George Fernandes. He highlighted that even members of Parliament and national leaders were bound in chains and handcuffs during this period. He stated that the word “constitution” does not suit them.
Shri Modi remarked that, for the sake of power and the arrogance of a royal family, millions of families in the country were devastated, and the nation was turned into a prison. He emphasized that a long struggle ensued, forcing those who considered themselves invincible to bow down to the people’s strength. The Prime Minister noted that the Emergency was lifted due to the democratic spirit embedded in the veins of the Indian people. Remarking that he holds senior leaders in high regard and respects their long public services, the Prime Minister noted the achievements of leaders like Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and former Prime Minister Shri Deve Gowda.
Highlighting that the empowerment of the poor and their upliftment has never been as extensive as it has been during his Government’s tenure, Shri Modi remarked that the Government has designed schemes aimed at empowering the poor and enabling them to overcome poverty. He expressed his faith in the potential of the country’s poor, stating that given the opportunity, they can overcome any challenge. He emphasized that the poor have demonstrated their capability by taking advantage of these schemes and opportunities. “Through empowerment, 25 crore people have successfully risen out of poverty, which is a matter of pride for the Government”, he added. The Prime Minister noted that those who have emerged from poverty have done so through hard work, trust in the Government, and leveraging the schemes and today, they have formed a neo-middle class in the country.
Emphasising the Government’s strong commitment to the neo-middle class and middle class, the Prime Minister remarked that their aspirations are a driving force for the country’s progress, providing new energy and a solid foundation for national development. He highlighted efforts to enhance the capabilities of the middle class & neo-middle class. He noted that a significant portion of the middle class has been exempted from taxes in the current budget. In 2013, the income tax exemption limit was up to ₹2 lakh, but it has now been increased to ₹12 lakh. The Prime Minister mentioned that individuals over 70 years of age, from any class or community, are benefiting from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with significant advantages for the elderly in the middle class.
“We have built four crore houses for citizens, with over one crore houses constructed in cities”, said Shri Modi. He remarked that there used to be significant fraud affecting home buyers, making it essential to provide protection. He emphasized that the enactment of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (RERA) Act in this Parliament has become a crucial tool in overcoming obstacles to the dream of home ownership for the middle class. The Prime Minister noted that the current budget includes the SWAMIH initiative, which allocates ₹15,000 crore to complete stalled housing projects, where the middle class’s money and facilities were stuck. He highlighted that this initiative aims to fulfill the dreams of the middle class.
Pointing to the startup revolution, which has gained global recognition, the Prime Minister said that these startups are primarily driven by young people from the middle class. He remarked that the world is increasingly attracted to India, especially due to the G20 meetings held in 50-60 locations across the country. He emphasized that this has revealed the vastness of India beyond Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. He pointed out that the growing global interest in Indian tourism brings numerous business opportunities, greatly benefiting the middle class by providing various income sources.
“The middle class today is filled with confidence, which is unprecedented and greatly strengthens the nation”, said Shri Modi. He expressed his firm belief that the Indian middle class is determined and fully prepared to realize the vision of a developed India, standing strong and moving forward together.
Highlighting that the youth play a crucial role in building a developed India, the Prime Minister emphasized the demographic dividend, noting that students currently in schools and colleges will be the primary beneficiaries of a developed nation. He remarked that as the youth age, the country’s development journey will progress, making them a significant foundation for a developed India. He underscored that, over the past decade, strategic efforts have been made to strengthen the youth base in schools and colleges. He pointed out that for the past 30 years, there was little thought given to 21st-century education, and the previous attitude was to let things continue as they were. Shri Modi highlighted that the new National Education Policy (NEP) was introduced after almost three decades to address these issues. He mentioned that various initiatives under this policy, including the establishment of PM Shri Schools, aim to revolutionize education. He noted that approximately 10,000 to 12,000 PM Shri Schools have already been established, with plans to create more in the future. He also emphasized an important decision regarding the changes in the education policy which now includes provisions for education and examinations to be conducted in the mother tongue. Underlining the lingering colonial mindset regarding language in India, he stressed the injustice faced by children from poor, Dalit, tribal, and marginalized communities due to language barriers. The Prime Minister remarked on the necessity of education in one’s mother tongue, enabling students to pursue careers as doctors and engineers irrespective of their proficiency in English. He emphasized the significant reforms undertaken to ensure that children from all backgrounds can dream of becoming doctors and engineers. Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal youth, noting the increase from around 150 schools a decade ago to 470 schools today, with plans to establish over 200 more.
Further elaborating on the education reforms, Shri Modi said major reforms in Sainik Schools, introducing provisions for girls’ admission were undertaken. Emphasizing the importance and capability of these schools, he highlighted that hundreds of girls are currently studying in this patriotic environment, naturally fostering a sense of devotion to the country.
Highlighting the significant role of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in youth grooming, the Prime Minister remarked that those who have been associated with NCC know that it provides a golden opportunity for comprehensive development and exposure at a crucial age. He emphasized the unprecedented expansion of NCC in recent years, noting that the number of cadets has increased from approximately 14 lakh in 2014 to over 20 lakh today.
Emphasising the enthusiasm and eagerness of the country’s youth to achieve something new, even beyond routine tasks, Shri Modi remarked on the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, observing that youth groups in many cities continue to advance the cleanliness campaign with their self-motivation. He noted that some young individuals work towards education in slums and various other initiatives. Seeing this, the Prime Minister highlighted the need to provide organized opportunities for the youth, leading to the launch of the “MY Bharat” or Mera Yuva Bharat movement. Today, over 1.5 crore youths have registered and are actively participating in discussions on contemporary issues, raising awareness in society, and pursuing positive actions with their own capabilities, without the need for spoon-feeding, he added.
Touching upon the importance of sports in fostering sportsmanship and how a nation’s spirit flourishes where sports are widespread, the Prime Minister remarked that numerous initiatives have been launched to support sports talent, including unprecedented financial support and infrastructure development. He highlighted the transformative power of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Khelo India initiative on the sports ecosystem. He added that over the past decade, Indian athletes have showcased their prowess in various sports events, with India’s youth, including young women, demonstrating the country’s strength on the global stage.
Prime Minister emphasized the significance of infrastructure in transforming a developing nation into a developed one. He highlighted that both welfare schemes and infrastructure are crucial for a country’s growth, and underscored the need for timely completion of infrastructure projects. He noted that delays lead to wastage of taxpayers’ money and deprive the nation of benefits. Criticising the previous dispensations for its culture of delays and political interference in project execution, Shri Modi mentioned the establishment of the PRAGATI platform, which he personally reviews, for detailed monitoring of infrastructure projects, including real-time videography using drones and live interaction with stakeholders. He stated that projects worth approximately ₹19 lakh Crore were stalled due to coordination issues between the state and central governments or different departments. He highlighted a study by Oxford University that praised PRAGATI and suggested other developing countries could benefit from its experiences. Citing an example from Uttar Pradesh to illustrate past inefficiencies, the Prime Minister mentioned the Saryu Canal Project, approved in 1972, which remained stalled for five decades until it was completed in 2021. Highlighting the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister remarked that the project was approved in 1994 but remained stalled for decades. Finally, after three decades, it was completed in 2025, he added. Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the completion of the Haridaspur-Paradip railway line in Odisha. He remarked that the project was approved in 1996 but remained stalled for years which was finally completed in 2019 during the current administration’s tenure. Elaborating further, the Prime Minister highlighted the completion of the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, approved in 1998 and completed by his Government in 2018. He remarked that he could provide hundreds of examples illustrating the detrimental culture of delays prevalent in the past. He emphasized the need for a change in culture to ensure the timely completion of such vital projects and said that the significant setbacks caused by this culture during the previous dispensation, depriving the nation of its rightful progress. Underscoring the importance of proper planning and timely execution of infrastructure projects, the Prime Minister said to address this, the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan was introduced. He encouraged states to utilize the PM Gati Shakti platform, which includes 1,600 data layers, to streamline decision-making and accelerate project implementation. The platform has become a vital foundation for expediting infrastructure work in the country, he added.
Emphasising the necessity for today’s youth to understand the hardships their parents faced and the reasons behind the nation’s past condition, the Prime Minister remarked that without proactive decisions and actions over the past decade, the benefits of Digital India would have taken years to materialize. He highlighted that proactive decision-making and actions have enabled India to be timely and, in some cases, ahead of time. He further noted that 5G technology is now more widely available in India at one of the fastest rates globally.
Shri Modi drew attention to past experiences, highlighting that technologies such as computers, mobile phones, and ATMs reached many countries well before India, often taking decades to arrive. He remarked that even in the health sector, vaccines for diseases like smallpox and BCG were available globally while India lagged due to systemic inefficiencies. The Prime Minister attributed these delays to poor governance of the past, where critical knowledge and implementation were tightly controlled, resulting in a “license permit raj” that stifled progress. He emphasized to the youth the oppressive nature of this system, hindering the nation’s development.
Remarking on the early days of computer imports, highlighting that obtaining a license to import computers was a lengthy process that took years, the Prime Minister noted that this requirement significantly delayed the adoption of new technology in India.
Pointing to the bureaucratic challenges of the past, the Prime Minister said that even obtaining cement for house construction required permission and during weddings, even getting sugar for tea required a license. He emphasized that these challenges occurred in post-independence India and pointed that the youth of today can understand the implications, questioning who was responsible for the bribes and where the money went.
Highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles of the past, noting that purchasing a scooter required booking and payment, followed by a wait of 8-10 years, the Prime Minister remarked that even selling a scooter needed government permission. He emphasized the inefficiency in obtaining essential items, such as gas cylinders, which were distributed through coupons to MPs, and the long queues for gas connections. He noted the lengthy process for obtaining a telephone connection, stressing that today’s youth should be aware of these challenges. He remarked that those delivering grand speeches today should reflect on their past governance and its impact on the nation.
“The restrictive policies and license raj that pushed India into one of the slowest economic growth rates globally”, said Shri Modi. He remarked that this weak growth rate came to be known as the “Hindu rate of growth,” which was an insult to a large community. He emphasized that the failure was due to the incompetence, lack of understanding, and corruption of those in power, which led to the mislabeling of an entire society as responsible for the slow growth.
Criticizing the economic mismanagement and flawed policies of the past, which led to blaming and tarnishing an entire society, the Prime Minister remarked that historically, India’s culture and policies did not include restrictive license raj while Indians believed in openness and were among the first to engage in free trade globally. Shri Modi highlighted that Indian merchants traveled to distant lands for trade without any restrictions, which was part of India’s natural culture. He noted that the current global recognition of India’s economic potential and rapid growth brings pride to every Indian. “India is now seen as one of the fastest-growing countries, and the nation’s economy is expanding significantly”, he emphasised.
Underlining that the nation is now breathing easy and soaring high after breaking free from the clutches of restrictive license raj and flawed policies, the Prime Minister remarked on the promotion of the “Make in India” initiative, aimed at boosting manufacturing in the country. He mentioned the introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and reforms related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He emphasized that India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer, transitioning from being predominantly an importer to an exporter of mobile phones.
Emphasising India’s achievements in defense manufacturing, noting that defense product exports have increased tenfold over the past decade, the Prime Minister also highlighted the tenfold increase in solar module manufacturing. He stated “India is now the world’s second-largest steel producer” while machinery and electronic exports have seen rapid growth over the past decade. He also noted that toy exports have more than tripled, and agrochemical exports have increased significantly. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries under the “Made in India” initiative”, said Shri Modi. He highlighted the rapid growth in exports of AYUSH and herbal products as well.
Remarking on the lack of efforts by the previous Government to promote Khadi, stating that even the movement started during the freedom struggle was not advanced, the Prime Minister highlighted that the turnover of Khadi and Village Industries has surpassed ₹1.5 lakh Crore for the first time. He noted that production has quadrupled in the last decade, significantly benefiting the MSME sector and creating numerous employment opportunities across the country.
Underscoring that all elected representatives are servants of the people, Shri Modi remarked that the mission of the country and society is paramount for public representatives, and it is their duty to work with a spirit of service.
Stressing on the collective responsibility of all Indians to embrace the vision of a developed India, the Prime Minister remarked that this is not just the resolve of a government or an individual but the commitment of 140 crore citizens. He warned that those who remain indifferent to this mission will be left behind by the nation. He highlighted the unwavering determination of India’s middle class and youth to propel the country forward.
Underlining the importance of everyone’s role in the nation’s progress as it reaches new heights of development, Shri Modi remarked that opposition in Government is natural and essential in a democracy, as is opposition to policies. However, he warned that extreme negativism and attempts to diminish others instead of enhancing one’s own contributions could hinder the development of India. He stressed the need to free ourselves from such negativity and engage in continuous self-reflection and introspection. He expressed confidence that the discussions in the House would yield valuable insights that will be taken forward. He concluded by acknowledging the continuous inspiration derived from the President’s address and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President and all honorable Members of Parliament.
25 crore people of the country have moved out of poverty and become part of the neo middle class. Today, their aspirations are the strongest foundation for the nation’s progress. pic.twitter.com/0AIXj8znqC
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
February 06, 2025
After pressure, Kennedy agreed to transfer stake in anti-vaccine lawsuits to his son, but would still have influence over those cases as HHS Secretary
“Your relationships with these entities [with business before HHS] will raise serious doubts about your impartiality if you participate in decisions about cases and other particular matters that involve them.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Pensions, and Labor, wrote to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), about his continued conflicts of interest. The senators called out Mr. Kennedy’s plan to enter office with a serious ethics conflict by keeping a financial interest in anti-vaccine lawsuits within his family, asked him to recuse himself from former clients’ matters, commit to not lobbying HHS after his tenure as Secretary, and more.
Mr. Kennedy initially had an agreement with the law firm Wisner Baum that would allow him to earn 10% of any payments awarded to plaintiffs in cases he referred to the firm, including cases against the pharmaceutical company Merck’s Gardasil vaccine. As HHS Secretary, Mr. Kennedy would have the power to influence the outcome of those vaccine cases, including influencing Merck’s willingness to settle, or influencing the jury pool. Last week, Mr. Kennedy announced he would transfer his stake in those cases to his adult son, an attorney at Wisner Baum.
“This arrangement simply does not pass the smell test. Your son is not an independent third party, and ethics experts have critiqued your plan as exploiting a loophole in the law,” wrote the senators. The lawmakers called on Mr. Kennedy to divest from cases he’s referred to the firm by either forfeiting the fee or agreeing with Wisner Baum to accept an amount not dependent on the outcome of cases during his tenure.
Mr. Kennedy has also worked with an anti-vaccine advocacy group, Children’s Health Defense, which regularly sues the agencies he’d oversee as HHS Secretary, and a number of law firms with ongoing health-related matters. Mr. Kennedy has agreed to not work on his former clients’ matters for one year. However, the senators are concerned that the cooling-off period is too short to resolve the concern that he would not be impartial when handling matters involving former clients with whom he still has fresh relationships. To address such concerns, over a dozen Biden appointees voluntarily agreed to recuse themselves from former clients’ matters for four years.
Mr. Kennedy also said he would continue to hold investments in a fund invested in multiple companies regulated by HHS, and that he would seek a waiver to work on matters that impact those investments.
“You appear to be planning to make decisions that can impact your own investments in numerous health companies. We urge you to either divest these holdings before taking office or to recuse from all particular matters that could impact those holdings,” wrote the lawmakers.
During his hearing, Mr. Kennedy committed to not working for a drug company for at least four years after leaving government service. However, he did not commit to not seeking compensation from entities that sue drug companies or that he would regulate or interact with at HHS. Numerous Biden appointees agreed to a cooling-off period of at least four years before working in the industries they regulated.
“You should commit to not lobbying HHS for at least four years after leaving office, either as a formal registered lobbyist or informal shadow lobbyist — given that former high-level officials can leverage their influence not only by directly lobbying but through facilitating others to do so,” concluded the lawmakers.
The senators asked Mr. Kennedy to make these commitments to increase American’s trust in his ability to serve the public interest during his time at HHS.
Steve Bannon may no longer be in Donald Trump’s inner circle, but the newly reinstated US president appears to be adhering to a dictum the conservative disrupter-in-chief outlined back in 2018 as he reflected on his role in getting Trump elected the first time. “The Democrats don’t matter. The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit.”
It’s fair to say that for the first two weeks of Trump’s second presidency the Democrats haven’t really mattered. But Trump and his advisers have got news organisations struggling to work out which way to look.
In any normal news cycle, the appointment of vaccine-sceptic RFK Jnr. as health secretary would dominate the headlines, as would the successful installation of any of the more bizarre Trump cabinet picks. But at the same time the media has had to deal with a steady stream of other attention-grabbing announcements: the idea that the US could one way or the other acquire Greenland from Denmark, for instance, or the threats to use force to take control of the Panama Canal. We’ve had conflicting statements about how to end the war in Ukraine (more of which later) and the now you see them, now you don’t tariff threats against Mexico and Canada, not to mention the idea that the latter could be incorporated as the 51st state of the USA.
The zone has been well and truly flooded. Meanwhile, the administration’s plan to take complete control of the civil service (which appears to be straight out of the Project 2025 playbook) has proceeded apace with career public servants being dismissed in their droves to make way for true Maga (Make America Great Again) believers in key roles. This, needless to say, has struggled for attention in light of all the eye-catching news stories.
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This week’s big idea has to do with his vision for a post-conflict Gaza. Trump foreshadowed this plan last week when he announced he was talking with the leaders of Egypt and Jordan about resettling Gazans there – whether permanently or just for a period of reconstruction of Gaza was not clear, his statement was short on detail. But this week, hosting the Israeli prime minister in Washington (significantly the first foreign leader to visit since his inauguration), Trump expanded on his vision while Benjamin Netanyahu looked on approvingly.
Initially, it appeared that Trump’s plan was for the permanent relocation of all 2.2 million Gazans to other countries while the Trump administration and its allies considered the considerable real estate investment opportunities presented by turning the 360km² Gaza Strip, with its 40km Mediterranean coastline into the “Middle East Riviera”. But as Simon Mabon notes here, administration officials were later quick to insist that the relocation would only last for as long as it takes to rebuild the stricken enclave.
Mabon, professor of international relations at the University of Lancaster who specialises in Middle East politics, also notes that the proposal did what few other issues seem able to do: united the Arab nations in opposition. He also believes that while both Egypt and Jordan have signed peace deals with Israel, the relationship is often fractious and this latest announcement won’t have helped.
Most importantly, perhaps, will be the reaction of Saudi Arabia. Israel (with Washington’s encouragement) has been pursuing normalisation of relations with Riyadh for some years. But the Saudi ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has explicitly rejected “any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land as well as affirming that relations with Israel would depend on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
It’s not the first time, by any means, that the idea of clearing Gaza of Palestinians has been mooted. It’s not even the first time that the real estate investment potential of such a plan has been discussed by a senior Trump official. Back in March last year, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser who was the architect of Trump’s 2020 peace plan, talked up the idea of resettling Gazans in the Negev desert while noting that “Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable”.
Israel’s far-right settler movement, meanwhile, has long yearned to empty out the strip. In December 2023 the leader of the Nachala Israeli settlement movement, Daniella Weiss, declared that Gaza City had always been “one of the cities of Israel. We’re just going back. There was a historical mistake and now we are fixing it.”
The relocation of Palestinians outside Palestine was actually part of the founding mission of UN agency Unrwa – which, incidentally was banned by Israel last week and has been defunded by the US since allegations surfaced last year that a number of Unrwa employees had taken part in the Hamas attacks on October 2023.
Anne Irfan of University College London, a specialist in refugees and displacement, and Jo Kelcey of the Lebanese American University, whose core research area covers the politics of education in marginalised communities such as Gaza, recount here that Unrwa was set up in 1949 following the Nakba (catastrophe) when more than 700,000 Palestinians were displaced in fighting before and after the foundation of the State of Israel.
Unrwa was set up with the aim of resettling the displaced people and sponsoring projects that would create jobs and promote economic development in their new host countries: the “works” in the agency’s title.
As Irfan and Kelcey note, the staunchest opponents of this plan were Palestinians themselves. They could read between the lines of this mission, that their exile was intended to be permanent. It was a non-starter and within five years of Unrwa’s establishment the resettlement policy was shelved in favour of a focus on education, which remains to this day.
Not that Trump would be keen to associate any plan of his with Unrwa. In 2018 he fully defunded the agency, the first time a US president has done this. He has also more recently extended Joe Biden’s suspension of Unrwa funding after the allegations of Hamas infiltration and has made it clear he supports Netanyahu’s ban on the agency operating in Israel.
Meanwhile, how would the Gaza plan sit in terms of Trump’s “America First” strategy? Mark Shanahan, of the University of Surrey, believes this is all part of what he refers to here as “Trumperialism”. It’s not so much America as the light on the hill, trying to find a way to fix global problems and seek peaceful solutions to dangerous and distressing conflicts. Rather, in this case at least, it sees Gaza as “an opportunity for American business to build wealth – the classic US economic hegemony of the populist America First political theory”.
Rather than emulating the Marshall plan of what feels now like a more enlightened era, Trump’s plan for Gaza, at least as he laid it out after his meeting with Netanyahu, is more akin to the plan for the rebuilding of Iraq after the 2003 invasion, writes Shanahan. That is: US private funding for beachside condos and luxury developments while the countries to whom the displaced Palestinians are relocated would be expected to pay for the privilege.
But Trump also hinted this might mean US boots on the ground in the Middle East, cautions Shanahan, adding that “delivering Mar-a-Lago on the Med may mean thousands of American combat troops deployed to Gaza for years at daily risk of death. How do main-street Americans benefit from that?”
And if you wondered whether – like so many of Trump’s big plans and executive orders issued since his second inauguration – the Gaza Riviera scheme might fall foul of the law, it would. As Tamer Morris –
an expert in international law at the University of Sydney – explains, the US would require the consent of the Palestinian people to take control of Gaza. And this is not going to happen.
Forced relocation is forbidden under the Geneva Conventions as is helping another state forcibly relocate people. It could also be interpreted as ethnic cleansing, as defined by the Commission of Experts report on the former state of Yugoslavia to the UN Security Council in 1994.
Meanwhile, the US president has also been making noises about his ideas for bringing peace to Ukraine. The latest, aired this week, involved linking continuing US support with favourable concessions on Ukraine’s supply of rare earths and other strategic resources. Stefan Wolff, of the University of Birmingham, has been watching the diplomatic manoeuvrings around Trump, Putin, Xi and Ukraine since the war began nearly three years ago. In the past fortnight, he’s been looking at the prospect of a peace deal brokered by the US.
Wolff thinks it unlikely that anything will be resolved in the foreseeable future beyond a ceasefire and freezing of the battle lines. And that’s not even much more than a distant possibility given that neither Kyiv nor the Kremlin seem to want this for reasons of their own.
The possibility of Europe bearing the burden of maintaining support to Ukraine without the US bearing the lion’s share of the burden also looks remote. Domestic politics in many EU member states is threatening the bloc’s unity – and, in any case, the ability of Europe to make up the shortfall caused by a possible US withdrawal of aid to Ukraine is distinctly doubtful. And unlikely improve any time soon.
It appears, meanwhile, that Putin’s ally Kim Jong-un is poised to send another wave of North Koreans to help. Jennifer Mathers, of Aberystwyth University, takes a detailed look at what we know about how these troops have fared thus far. She concludes that, given the terribly heavy losses the North Korean units are reported to be suffering, it’s possible that their leader may be trading the high casualty rate for much-needed combat experience in case his army might want to fight in a conflict nearer to home.
About 5% of people who catch COVID have long-lasting symptoms. In these people, loss of smell, dizziness, fatigue and other hallmark COVID symptoms can persist for months after the initial illness. Yet even five years after the COVID pandemic began, we still don’t know why some people develop long COVID and others don’t.
But a recent study brings us a step closer to understanding who is at greatest risk of developing long COVID. The study found that women have a much higher risk of developing long COVID compared to men.
Published in Jama Network Open, the paper investigated symptoms of long COVID in 12,276 adults. Each participant had had COVID at least six months earlier. Using a questionnaire, participants gave information on their current symptoms, allowing researchers to identify those with long COVID.
While previous research has also uncovered a similarly increase long COVID risk in women, these studies had small sample sizes and didn’t consider certain factors that may have distorted the findings.
The new study took these various factors into account in their analysis, including a participant’s age, race, vaccination status and whether they had any other health conditions. This allowed them to better calculate the risks of developing long COVID for men and women.
Their results indicated that women had 31% higher chance of developing long COVID than men.
When broken down by age, this difference disappeared in people aged 18-39. However, the risk was even greater in women aged 40-54, who had a 48% higher risk of developing the condition compared with men. Women over 55 had a 34% higher risk of developing long COVID.
Interestingly, this finding is contrary to data on COVID infection severity, which shows men are more prone to developing severe symptoms. They also make up around two out of three COVID deaths.
While researchers don’t currently know why women are at greater risk of long COVID, differences in the way men’s and women’s immune systems respond to COVID could be a factor.
Immune differences
The immune system is a fascinating, complicated system with many different types of cell, each of which has a specific role in fighting infection.
For instance, B cells make antibodies that target infections, while non-classical monocytes regulate immune function and clear up dead and damaged cells. Our cytotoxic T cells kill virus-infected cells, while helper T cells help activate other immune cells and signal that there’s an issue.
But the proportion and type of immune cells that circulate in the body can differ by sex and age.
People with long COVID also have a higher number of non-classic monocytes and more activated B cells compared to those who didn’t have long COVID. Given that older women already have a higher proportion of these cell types even before an infection, it’s possible that this may explain why they were at the greatest risk of developing long COVID.
The study found peri-menopausal women and women who had reached the menopause had the greatest risk of developing long COVID. Gladskikh Tatiana/ Shutterstock
But these aren’t the only immune function differences in women that may account for their greater risk of long COVID.
In particular, the hormone oestrogen plays a vital role in controlling the immune system. Oestrogen helps contribute to the enhanced immune response that occurs when a person develops an infection. The severe drop in oestrogen that occurs during the menopause may also explain why women are more susceptible to an infection and longer lasting diseases.
In this recent Jama study, peri-menopausal women and women who had reached the menopause were at greatest risk of developing long COVID. This suggests oestrogen may be a contributing factor.
After fighting an infection, immune cells should die off – stopping prolonged, uncontrolled damage to the body. While the more intense immune response women have to an infection may be beneficial in reducing the initial severity of the COVID infection, this persistent, heightened immune response and any damage it causes to the body may increase the possibility of long COVID occurring.
Such prolonged, higher intensity immune responses are known to promote the development of autoimmune diseases – where the body’s immune system attacks itself. Women have a higher prevalence of many autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s and multiple sclerosis.
Although COVID isn’t an autoimmune disease, autoantibodies (proteins released by B cells that attack the body’s own cells and tissues) have been found in people with long COVID. These antibodies promote long COVID symptoms. Possibly women are at greater risk of long COVID for the same reasons they’re at greater risk of developing an autoimmune condition.
The findings from this recent study add to our understanding of long COVID – pointing to which groups are at greatest risk of developing the condition. More work needs to be done to explore differences in how long COVID differs based on sex and age – and the mechanisms that trigger long COVID to begin with.
Through understanding the who and why of long COVID, it might allow for new treatments to be developed.
Helen McGettrick receives funding from Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, Wellcome Leap, Helmsley Foundation and ROCHE. She is also an elected member of British Society of Immunology Congress Committee.
Jonathan Lewis receives funding from the Wellcome Trust and the British Society of Immunology (CARINA).
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nathaniel Tran, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago
Courts across the nation are debating whether LGBTQ+ people should be protected from discrimination.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
In 2024, state legislatures introduced an all-time record of 533 bills targeting LGBTQ+ populations. These policies create a patchwork of legal landscapes that vary widely between and within states, affecting aspects of everyday life ranging from how kids learn and play to where adults live and work.
All of these policies have implications for the health of not only LGBTQ+ people but also the general public.
I am a health policy researcher who studies how state and federal legislation affect public health. Research has shown that the social determinants of health – the opportunities and resources that affect how people live, learn, play, work and age – play a significant role in LGBTQ+ well-being. Newly published work from my colleagues and I show how anti-LGBTQ+ public policies can have lasting effects on everyone’s health.
Existing policies and LGBTQ+ health
Same-sex marriage provides a clear example of the direct and indirect ways public policies affect LGBTQ+ health.
Most people in the U.S. have health insurance through their employer, which usually offers coverage for employees and their family, including a spouse and children. A landmark 2015 study found that health coverage significantly increased for adults in same-sex marriages after its legalization in New York state. After same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide, a follow-up study also showed an increase in health insurance coverage among gay and lesbian couples.
Even among single LGBTQ+ people who did not get married, same-sex marriage may have also improved their health by improving social attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people overall. Researchers found that gay and bisexual men, regardless of whether they were single or married, spent less on medical visits, mental health visits and overall health care spending after Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004.
A 2020 national study of nearly 30,000 transgender and nonbinary people found that suicide attempts and mental health hospitalizations declined in states that passed policies requiring private insurers to equally cover services they already provide for cisgender people for transgender people. No other studies directly analyze how policies regulating access to care affect the health of trans and nonbinary people.
However, a large body of clinical research supports the health benefits of gender-affirming care. A randomized clinical trial and prospective study found that starting gender-affirming hormone therapy reduced depressionand suicidality in transgender and nonbinary people. Several recent systematic reviews analyzing 124 peer-reviewed studies conducted over the past 50 years also found that gender-affirming surgery and hormone therapy improved quality oflife andmental health.
Policies outside health affect LGBTQ+ well-being
Policies outside of health care – such as nondiscrimination, education and workplace protections – also affect LGBTQ+ well-being.
For example, transgender and nonbinary people living in states with policies that specifically include gender identity in hate crime and discrimination protections reported better mental health than those in states without protections. Similarly, LGBTQ+ students in schools with designated safe spaces reported lower rates of suicidal thoughts.
However, the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ policies in the U.S., initially focusing on youth, has significantly increased polarization between and within states. For example, while 17 states have implemented guidances to make schools safer and more inclusive for transgender youth, 25 states have banned transgender youth from using bathrooms and playing on sports teams that align with their gender. Meanwhile, South Dakota and Missouri have enacted laws to preempt progressive schools and districts from adding LGBTQ+ student protections and supportive resources.
The Trump administration is also actively targeting resources that support LGBTQ+ students by reducing funding to schools that offer these programs.
Inclusive spaces can help support the health of LGBTQ+ students. Jessica Hill/AP Photo
In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Bostock v. Clayton County that federal sex-based nondiscrimination protections in the workplace included discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Researchers found that LGBTQ+ older adults with co-workers supportive of their gender and sexuality experienced less workplace conflict and cognitive health problems compared with those who did not.
The Trump administration is working to restrict the scope of federal antidiscrimination protections to exclude LGBTQ+ people.
In 2025, the Supreme Court will hear Braidwood v. Becerra, a case arguing that requiring employers to cover PrEP – a once-a-day pill that is highly effective at preventing HIV infection – as part of the insurance plan they offer employees violates their religious freedom. Texas District Judge Reed O’Connor agreed that mandating PrEP coverage requires the plaintiffs to “facilitate and encourage homosexual behavior.”
O’Connor ruled in 2023 to overturn the Affordable Care Act’s requirement that insurers fully cover preventive care. He argues this can be done on the grounds that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – a group of physicians and researchers that evaluates the quality and efficacy of preventive services – is unconstitutional. This legal challenge puts free coverage of mammograms, vaccinations and other preventive services into limbo for millions of Americans.
The Trump administration has taken down CDC pages providing information about HIV.
The Trump administration has scrubbed federal web pages of resources, programs and documents that reference gender and LGBTQ+ people. This order includes removing datasets that have been continuously updated since the 1980s to track public health issues such as homelessness, bullying in schools, and smoking and drinking, likely because they include LGBTQ+ demographic information.
The administration has also ordered federal health agencies to retract scientific research that may be inclusive of LGBTQ+ people by searching for specific keywords, such as “gender.” The National Science Foundation is also screening active scientific research projects that use words like “women,” “trauma” and “disability.” Removing this data not only hamstrings public health research and programming for LGBTQ+ populations, but also restricts it for all Americans.
These decisions are in stark contrast to countries such as England, Wales, New Zealand and Australia, which have collected or are planning to collect LGBTQ+ demographic data as part of their national census. Including LGBTQ+ people in demographic data reflects best practices that were outlined in the Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity issued under the Biden administration. These guidelines have since been removed.
These policies also have far-reaching consequences for the broader public. Rigorous and long-standing research demonstrates that LGBTQ+-inclusive policies support safer communities and stronger economies for everyone, while exclusionary laws worsen and limit access to essential services.
Ongoing legal battles and policy shifts will shape the future of LGBTQ+ rights, with rippling effects on public health, workplace protections and health care access for all Americans.
Nathaniel Tran does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin today took action to secure automatic refunds for customers of Altice USA (Altice), the owner of Optimum, who have been denied access to MSG Networks (MSG) cable channels as a result of Optimum’s blackouts. In January, Attorney General James called on Optimum and MSG to quickly resolve contract negotiations so New Yorkers would not be impacted by service disruptions. As a result of a contract dispute between Altice and MSG, Optimum cable consumers have been blocked from accessing MSG stations, leaving residents in the tri-state area who paid extra for these sports channels unable to watch them. In a letter to Optimum’s owner, Altice, the attorneys general demanded automatic refunds for customers who have been denied access to the MSG channels they paid for as part of their cable plans.
“New York sports fans are being put in the penalty box, forced to shell out their hard-earned money for television channels they cannot even watch,” said Attorney General James. “Optimum customers have paid for channels to watch their home sports teams, but their cable company is not offering these channels while charging them anyway. I am determined to secure a solution for New Yorkers who have had to endure these unfair blackouts and I urge Optimum and MSG to finally reach a deal so New Yorkers can watch their home teams.”
“We urge Optimum and MSG to resolve their dispute and end the blackout so that New Jersey consumers can once again access the services they paid for to watch their favorite local teams play,” said Attorney General Platkin.
“Optimum and MSG need to stop the posturing and get back to the table. Figure it out and let us watch our sports in peace,” said Attorney General Tong. “In the meantime, consumers are paying for sports they can’t watch and they are owed immediate refunds without hassle.”
Altice removed access to MSG channels for its Optimum cable plan customers beginning in January 2025. MSG channels, which provide exclusive coverage of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres have remained blacked out since January 1. In January, Attorney General James alerted both Optimum and MSG that the Office of the Attorney General would be monitoring the ongoing contract situation closely to ensure New York customers received the services they were paying for.
In the letter to Altice, the attorneys general demand automatic refunds for impacted customers who paid for Optimum cable plans and were denied access to the channels they paid for.
This is the latest example of Attorney General James taking action to protect consumers who are unfairly charged for goods and services. In December 2024, Attorney General James secured refunds for former customers of telehealth company SmileDirectClub who were charged for services they never received after the company declared bankruptcy. In October 2024, Attorney General James secured refunds for consumers whose hotel reservations in Buffalo were canceled before the solar eclipse. In February 2024, Attorney General James secured refunds for New Yorkers who were wrongfully charged for COVID-19 vaccines.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
This bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses common in winter.
influenza (flu) activity overall decreased across most indicators and was at medium activity levels – there continues to be an increase in influenza B across some indicators
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels overall
flu activity overall decreased across most indicators and was at medium activity levels – there continues to be an increase in influenza B across some indicators
flu positivity decreased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 14%, compared to 15.6% in the previous week, this is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested
overall, flu hospitalisations decreased slightly to 6.40 per 100,000 population, compared with 7.00 per 100,000 in the previous week
in week 5, the weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) General Practice (GP) consultation rate decreased to 13.9 per 100,000 compared with 15.4 per 100,000 in the previous week
reporting of the weekly influenza vaccine uptake for the 2024 to 2025 season concluded last week
up to the end of week 4 (week ending 26 January 2025), vaccine uptake was 39.7% for those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 34.8% in all pregnant women and 74.6% for all those aged 65 years and over
uptake was 41.4% for children aged 2 years of age and 43.2% for children aged 3 years of age
COVID-19 surveillance data
In week 5:
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels
COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings remained stable with a weekly mean positivity rate of 2.5% compared with 2.4% in the previous week
COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable at 1.15 per 100,000 compared to 1.12 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained stable at 0.03 per 100,000 compared with 0.03 per 100,000 in the previous week
there were 9 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 4
the highest hospital admission rate was in the North-West, which increased to 1.79 per 100,00 compared with 1.36 per 100,000 in the previous week
those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which increased to 13.84 per 100,000 compared with 11.78 per 100,000 in the previous week
up to the end of week 5 (week ending 2 February 2025), 23.6% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 59.3% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance data
In week 5:
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels overall
emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis remained stable
RSV positivity decreased to 2.5% compared with 3.9% in the previous week
overall, hospital admissions decreased to 1.06 per 100,000 compared with 1.42 per 100,000 in the previous week
UKHSA monitors Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) detections in patients seen in GP practices or tested by hospital laboratories and reports on this in the weekly surveillance report.
hMPV is a common respiratory infection in winter and current levels are expected at this time of year. Infections are usually mild, causing symptoms of a common cold. Most people have had hMPV by the time they are five years old and catch it again throughout their lives. In week 5, hMPV laboratory test positivity increased slightly to 4.2% from 3.8% in the previous week.
Dr Alexander Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
We’re pleased to see that the downward trend in flu activity has continued into this week.
If you have already had your flu vaccine this season, you can be reassured that the vaccine offers the best defence and protects against multiple strains. The predominant circulating flu strain continues to be A H1N1 clade 5a.2a. and the flu vaccine is well matched.
If you’re eligible and haven’t yet had your flu vaccine, it’s important that you take this offer up if available through local services. This includes anyone recently pregnant or newly diagnosed as in an eligible clinical risk group.
If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, as can ensuring that indoor areas are well ventilated.
Norovirus surveillance data
In week 4:
norovirus reports in the 2-week period between 13 January 2025 to 26 January 2025 were 15% higher than the previous 2-week period
the total number of reports was 114.5% higher than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period – reporting remained highest in adults aged 65 years and over
rotavirus reporting increased in recent weeks but was within expected levels during the 2-week period of weeks 3 and 4 of 2025
the number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 15.8% higher than the 5-season average
while some of the increased reporting may be attributable to the increased use of PCR multiplex technology (capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test), it is likely that the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype, GII.17, as well as changes in the epidemiology following the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors are contributing to the observed rise
during the 2024/2025 season to date, the majority (90.7%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequently identified genotype was GII.17 (55.4%), an increase of this genotype has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored – at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness (note: it isn’t accurate to refer to GII.17 as ‘Kawasaki’ and this term is causing confusion with Kawasaki Disease, which is an unrelated disease)
laboratory reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases and it has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases
norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs
norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time
Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:
Norovirus cases are way above what we would usually see at this time of year and outbreaks in hospitals continue to rise. Just because you’ve had norovirus doesn’t mean you won’t get it again.
It’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on, including not visiting people in hospitals and care homes.
Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.
Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.
Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.
Previous
Thursday 30 January 2025
This bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses common in winter.
In week 4:
influenza activity overall decreased across most indicators and was at medium activity levels – there continues to be an increase in influenza B across some indicators
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity showed a mixed picture and was circulating at low levels overall
Flu activity overall decreased across most indicators and was at medium activity levels. There continues to be an increase in influenza B across some indicators.
Flu positivity decreased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 15.6%, compared to 27.4% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested.
Overall, flu hospitalisations decreased to 7.13 per 100,000 population, compared with 8.51 per 100,000 in the previous week.
For primary care surveillance, due to a technical issue in processing the data, the influenza-like-illness (ILI) consultations indicator has not been updated this week. In week 3, the weekly ILI General Practice (GP) consultation rate decreased to 17 per 100,000 compared with 23.1 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Up to the end of week 4 (week ending 26 January 2025), vaccine uptake was 39.7% for those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 34.8% in all pregnant women and 74.6% for all those aged 65 years and over. Uptake was 41.4% for children aged 2 years of age and 43.2% for children aged 3 years of age.
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 4
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels.
COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings remained stable with a weekly mean positivity rate of 2.4% compared with 2.4% in the previous week.
COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased to 1.13 per 100,000 compared to 1.33 per 100,000 in the previous week.
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained stable at 0.03 per 100,000 compared with 0.05 per 100,000 in the previous week.
There were 11 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 4.
The highest hospital admission rate was in the North-East, which decreased to 2.37 per 100,00 compared with 2.74 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which decreased to 11.86 per 100,000 compared with 15.14 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Up to the end of week 4 (week ending 26 January 2025), 23.6% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 59.3% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 4
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity showed a mixed picture and was circulating at low levels overall.
Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis remained stable.
RSV positivity decreased slightly to 3.8% compared with 4.2% in the previous week.
Overall, hospital admissions increased to 1.42 per 100,000 compared with 1.20 per 100,000 in the previous week.
UKHSA monitors Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) detections in patients seen in GP practices or tested by hospital laboratories and reports on this in the weekly surveillance report. hMPV is a common respiratory infection in winter and current levels are expected at this time of year. Infections are usually mild, causing symptoms of a common cold and most people have had hMPV by the time they are five years old and catch it again throughout their lives. In week 4, hMPV laboratory test positivity decreased to 3.9% from 4.5% in the previous week.
Dr Alexander Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
We’re continuing to see flu activity decrease, which is really promising at this stage in the season. People are still reminded to take protective measures to ensure we keep cases down as we have seen a recent increase in cases of influenza B amongst children, although this is to be expected at this time of year.
The vaccine offers the best defence against flu and protects against multiple flu strains, including B strains. The predominant circulating flu strain continues to be A H1N1 clade 5a.2a. Analysis by UKHSA laboratory scientists shows that the H1N1 component of the flu vaccine is well matched.
If you’re eligible and have not yet had your flu vaccine, it’s important that you take this offer up if available through local services. This includes anyone recently pregnant or newly diagnosed as in an eligible clinical risk group.
If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, as can ensuring that indoor areas are well ventilated.
Norovirus surveillance data for week 3
Norovirus reports in the 2-week period between 6 January 2025 to 19 January 2025 were 18.3% higher than the previous 2-week period. The total number of reports was 113.3% higher than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period. Reporting remained highest in adults aged 65 years and over.
Rotavirus reporting has started to increase again in recent weeks but was within expected levels during the 2-week period of weeks 2 and 3 of 2025.
The number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 14.3% higher than the 5-season average.
While some of the increased reporting may be attributable to the increased use of PCR multiplex technology (capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test), it is likely that the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype, GII.17, as well as changes in the epidemiology following the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors are contributing to the observed rise.
During the 2024/2025 season to date, the majority (90.4%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequently identified genotype was GII.17 (56.3%), an increase of this genotype has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored — at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness (note: it is not accurate to refer to GII.17 as ‘Kawasaki’ and this term is causing confusion with Kawasaki Disease, which is an unrelated disease)
Laboratory reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases and it has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:
Norovirus cases are over double what we would usually see at this time of year. This isn’t just unpleasant for those affected – it’s having a big impact on hospitals and care homes.
It’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick.
Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so do not rely on these alone.
Previous
Thursday 23 January 2025
This bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses common in winter.
In week 3:
influenza activity overall decreased across most indicators and was at medium activity levels; however, laboratory surveillance indicated an increase in influenza B
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels of activity
Flu activity overall decreased across most indicators and was at medium activity levels. However, laboratory surveillance indicated an increase in influenza B.
Flu positivity decreased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 17.5%, compared to 21.1% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested.
Overall, flu hospitalisations decreased to 8.41 per 100,000 population, compared with 9.92 per 100,000 in the previous week.
The weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) general practice (GP) consultation rate decreased to 17 per 100,000 compared with 23.1 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Up to the end of week 3 (week ending 19 January 2025), vaccine uptake was 39.5% for those aged under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 34.5% in all pregnant women and 74.4% for all those aged 65 years and over. Uptake was 41.2% for children aged 2 years of age and 43% for children aged 3 years of age.
Some indicators suggested an increase in flu activity in children over the last week, this is in line with an expected increase in respiratory virus activity in children following the post Christmas return to school.
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 3
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels.
COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings increased slightly with a weekly mean positivity rate of 2.4%, compared to 2.2% in the previous week.
COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable at 1.32 per 100,000 compared to 1.35 per 100,000 in the previous week.
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained stable at 0.04 per 100,000 compared with 0.04 per 100,000 in the previous week.
There were 10 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 3.
The highest hospital admission rate was in the North-East, which remained stable at 2.74 per 100,000, compared with 2.78 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which decreased slightly to 14.65 per 100,000 compared with 15.45 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Up to the end of week 3 (week ending 19 January 2025), 23.6% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 59.3% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 3
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels overall.
Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis increased.
RSV positivity decreased slightly to 4.2% compared with 4.7% in the previous week.
Overall, hospital admissions decreased to 1.21 per 100,000 compared with 1.57 per 100,000 in the previous week.
UKHSA monitors Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) detections in patients seen in GP practices or tested by hospital laboratories and reports on this in the weekly surveillance report. Most people have had hMPV by the time they are 5 years old and catch it again throughout their lives. In week 3, Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) laboratory test positivity increased to 4.9% from 3.5% in the previous week.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
It’s encouraging that flu activity is continuing to decrease this week and is currently circulating at medium levels. Flu positivity has decreased by 3.6% this week, but we should remember that flu season is not over yet and people should continue to take protective measures to keep us on this downward trend.
We’re monitoring a slight increase in Influenza B positivity this week, which is to be expected towards the end of winter and the vaccine protects against multiple flu strains, including B. The predominant circulating flu strain continues to be A H1N1 clade 5a.2a. Analysis by UKHSA laboratory scientists shows that the H1N1 component of the flu vaccine is well matched.
If you’re eligible and have not yet had your flu vaccine, it’s important that you take this offer up if available through local services. This includes anyone recently pregnant or newly diagnosed as in an eligible clinical risk group.
If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Norovirus surveillance data for week 2
Norovirus reports in the 2-week period between 30 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 were 12% higher than the previous 2-week period. The total number of reports was 89.8% higher than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period.
Rotavirus reporting has started to increase again in recent weeks but was within expected levels during the 2-week period of weeks 1 and 2 of 2025.
The number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 7.2% higher than the 5-season average.
During weeks 1 and 2 of 2025, reporting remained highest in adults aged 65 years and over.
While some of the increased reporting may be attributable to the increased use of PCR multiplex technology (capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test), it is likely that the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype, GII.17, as well as changes in the epidemiology following the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors are contributing to the observed rise.
During the 2024/2025 season to date, the majority (90.5%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequently identified genotype was GII.17 (58%), an increase of this genotype has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored — at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness (note: it isn’t accurate to refer to GII.17 as ‘Kawasaki’ and this term is causing confusion with Kawasaki Disease, which is an unrelated disease).
Laboratory reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases and it has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:
Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks and has started to increase again, as we expected following the post-Christmas return to school and work.
If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and do not prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so do not rely on these alone.
Previous
Thursday 16 January 2025
This bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses common in winter.
In week 2:
influenza (flu) activity showed a mixed picture with some recent decline, and was circulating at medium levels
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels of activity
Flu activity showed a mixed picture with some indicators suggesting that activity may have reached a peak, and declined in recent weeks to medium levels
Flu positivity decreased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 20.9%, compared to 28.4% in the previous week (this is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested)
Overall, flu hospitalisations decreased to medium levels of 9.47 per 100,000 population, compared with 13.43 per 100,000 in the previous week.
The weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) General Practice (GP) consultation rate increased to 23.1 per 100,000 compared with 20.6 per 100,000 in the previous week. Note that this is not considered to indicate rising activity as it follows two weeks with bank holidays, in which the number of GP appointments available was reduced
Up to the end of week 2 (week ending 12 January 2025), vaccine uptake stood at 39.1% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 34.2% in all pregnant women and 74.1% in all those aged 65 years and over, 41.1% of children aged 2 years of age and 42.7% of children aged 3 years of age have been vaccinated
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 2
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was circulating at baseline levels
COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings decreased slightly with a weekly mean positivity rate of 2.1%, compared to 2.3% in the previous week
COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable at 1.34 per 100,000 compared to 1.39 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained stable at 0.04 per 100,000 compared with 0.06 per 100,000 in the previous week
There were 8 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 2
The highest hospital admission rate was in the North-East, which remained stable at 2.74 per 100,000, compared with 2.78 per 100,000 in the previous week
Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which remained stable at 15.47 per 100,000 compared with 15.13 per 100,000 in the previous week
Up to the end of week 2 (week ending 12 January 2025), 23.6% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 59.2% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 2
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels overall
Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis decreased
RSV positivity decreased to 4.7% compared with 6.2% in the previous week
Overall, hospital admissions decreased to 1.52 per 100,000 compared with 2.10 per 100,000 in the previous week
UKHSA monitors Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) detections in patients seen in GP practices or tested by hospital laboratories and reports on this in the weekly surveillance report. Most people have had hMPV by the time they are five years old and catch it again throughout their lives. In week 2, Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) laboratory test positivity decreased to 3.5% from 4.6% in the previous week
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
Flu activity is currently heading in the right direction, falling from high to medium levels overall this week. One of our key indicators is the percentage of positive flu tests, and this has come down from 28% to 21%. This is promising but we are nowhere near out of flu season yet. Mixing increases in January as people return to workplaces and schools which increases the chances for flu viruses to spread.
We urge everyone to do their bit to keep us on this downward trend. If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
If you’re eligible and haven’t yet had your flu vaccine, it’s important that you take this offer up if available through local services. This includes anyone recently pregnant or newly diagnosed as in an eligible clinical risk group.
The vaccine protects against multiple flu strains and we are monitoring influenza type B activity closely as this can rise towards the end of winter. The predominant circulating flu strain continues to be A H1N1 clade 5a.2a. Analysis by UKHSA laboratory scientists shows that the H1N1 component of the flu vaccine is well matched.
Norovirus surveillance data for week 1
Norovirus reports in the 2-week period between 23 December to 05 January 2024 were 6.7% lower than the previous 2-week period, although have increased in week 1 of 2025.
The decrease over the festive period has also been seen in previous years should be interpreted with caution as likely reflects changes in patterns of healthcare use, social mixing and lagged reporting due to the Christmas holidays, as well as the impact of school holidays. However, the total number of reports was 70.1% higher than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period.
Rotavirus reporting has decreased in recent weeks and was within expected levels during the 2-week period of weeks 52 of 2024 and 1 of 2025.
The number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 8.7% higher than the 5-season average.
Norovirus reporting remained high across all regions of England and all age groups, with the highest number of reports in adults aged 65 years and over.
While some of the increased reporting may be attributable to the increased use of PCR multiplex technology (capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test), it is likely that the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype, GII.17, as well as changes in the epidemiology following the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors are contributing to the observed rise.
During the 2024/2025 season to date, the majority (90.4%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequently identified genotype was GII.17 (58.1%), an increase of this genotype has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored — at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness (note: it isn’t accurate to refer to GII.17 as ‘Kawasaki’ and this term is causing confusion with Kawasaki Disease, which is an unrelated disease)
Laboratory reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases and it has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at UKHSA said:
Norovirus activity remains high.
If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings. > Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.
Previous
Thursday 09 January 2025
This bulletin (formally Weekly Winter Briefing) brings together the latest surveillance data, along with the latest public health advice for flu, COVID-19, RSV and other viruses common in winter.
In week 1:
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was at baseline activity levels
influenza (flu) activity showed a mixed picture with some indicators suggesting that activity may have reached a peak, though activity remains at high levels
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels
Flu activity showed a mixed picture with some indicators suggesting that activity may have reached a peak, though activity remains at high levels
flu positivity decreased slightly with a weekly mean positivity rate of 28.1%, compared to 29.7% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive among those with symptoms tested at sentinel “spotter” laboratories, reported through the Respiratory DataMart surveillance system
overall, flu hospitalisations remained stable at 13.41 per 100,000, compared with 13.90 per 100,000 in the previous week
the weekly influenza-like illnesses (ILI) General Practice (GP) consultation rate increased to 20.6 per 100,000 compared with 13.9 per 100,000 in the previous week
up to the end of week 1, vaccine uptake stood at 38.6% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group, 33.8% in all pregnant women and 73.8% in all those aged 65 years and over. 40.9% of children aged 2 years of age and 42.5% of children aged 3 years of age have been vaccinated
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 1
COVID-19 activity remained stable across most indicators and was circulating at baseline levels
COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings decreased with a weekly mean positivity rate of 2.2%, compared to 2.5% in the previous week
COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable at 1.39 per 100,000 compared to 1.32 per 100,000 in the previous week
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained stable at 0.06 per 100,000 compared with 0.04 per 100,000 in the previous week
there were 12 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 1
the highest hospital admission rate was in the North-East at 2.78 per 100,000, increasing from 1.68 per 100,000 in the previous week
those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which increased to 15.36 per 100,000 compared with 12.64 per 100,000 in the previous week
up to the end of week 1, 23.5% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 59.1% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 1
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased across most indicators and was circulating at low levels overall
emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis decreased
RSV positivity decreased slightly to 6.2% compared with 7.2% in the previous week
overall, hospital admissions decreased to 2.14 per 100,000 compared with 2.48 per 100,000 in the previous week
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
We are continuing to see high levels of flu this week and ongoing admissions to hospitals and intensive care. Although activity has remained stable coming into the new year, influenza activity can be unpredictable as people return to work and school and opportunities for the virus to spread can increase.
The predominant circulating flu strain continues to be A H1N1 clade 5a.2a, and the World Health Organization has so far concluded that the H1 component of the flu vaccine is well matched. If you’re still offered a vaccine through local services, it’s important that you take this up, including if you are pregnant or a health and social care worker.
If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Norovirus surveillance data for week 52
Norovirus activity has decreased in recent weeks, with reports in the 2-week period between 16 to 29 December 2024 12.1% lower than the previous 2-week period. The decrease over the festive period has also been seen in previous years and should be interpreted with caution as it likely reflects changes in patterns of healthcare use, social mixing and lagged reporting due to the Christmas holidays, as well as the impact of school holidays. However, the total number of reports was 63.6% higher than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period.
Rotavirus reporting has decreased in recent weeks and was within expected levels during the 2-week period of weeks 51 and 52.
The number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2024/2025 season is 11.7% higher than the 5-season average.
Norovirus reporting remained high across all regions of England and all age groups, with the highest number of reports in adults aged 65 years and over.
While some of the increased reporting may be attributable to the increased use of PCR multiplex technology (capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test), it is likely that the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype, GII.17, as well as changes in the epidemiology following the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors are contributing to the observed high levels.
During the 2024/2025 season to date, the majority (89.5%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequently identified genotype was GII.17 (59.7%), an increase of this genotype has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored — at present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness (note: it isn’t accurate to refer to GII.17 as ‘Kawasaki’ and this term is causing confusion with Kawasaki Disease, which is an unrelated disease)
Laboratory reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases and it has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases.
Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
Although there was a decrease in reports of norovirus over the festive period, cases still remain high and we expect levels to rise further with the return to school.
If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.
VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has integrated Berachain mainnet and now supports $BERA airdrop claim. Users claiming the airdrop through Bitget Wallet will be eligible for extra $BERA rewards. This integration positions Bitget Wallet as one of the key platforms for early engagement with Berachain’s ecosystem.
Through Bitget Wallet’s Discover page, users can verify their $BERA airdrop eligibility based on previous interactions with Berachain’s testnet. Qualified participants can claim their base $BERA allocation directly within the wallet, with additional rewards available for those who interacted with Berachain ecosystem project DApps selected under the RFA Plan during the testnet phase. From February 6 to 10, users claiming the $BERA airdrop may access extra $BERA rewards from an additional reward pool.
Berachain, built on an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible framework, introduces a novel Proof of Liquidity (PoL) mechanism that dynamically adjusts validator rewards to promote security, decentralization, and liquidity across DeFi applications. This approach aims to address the limitations of the traditional Proof of Stake model by incentivizing liquidity provision alongside network security. With this integration, Bitget Wallet provides users with streamlined access to Berachain’s multi-chain DeFi opportunities and smooth asset management.
Looking ahead, Bitget Wallet plans to explore further collaboration with Berachain, focusing on potential incentive programs and cross-chain developments. Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet, stated, “Berachain’s mainnet integration represents a leap in on-chain liquidity and user empowerment. By incorporating Berachain’s capabilities, we aim to deliver a simplified user experience while driving the next wave of decentralized innovation for communities worldwide.”
Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Barbara Leckie, Professor, English and the Institute for the Comparative Study of Literature, Art, and Culture; Academic Director, Re.Climate: Centre for Climate Communication and Public Engagement, Carleton University
Last fall, hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through North Carolina and Florida.
The storms’ intensity and record-breaking fatalities, exacerbated by climate change, blindsided many inhabitants. “Never in a million years,” one nurse said, “did I think [a storm like that] would happen in my own backyard.”
As a researcher focused on how language and storytelling contribute to social cohesion and social change, I noticed people repeatedly felt they had “no words to describe” what they saw.
Their experience captured what happens when stories and words to fail describe our world.
‘Between past and future’
After the Second World War, for example, philosopher Hannah Arendt, born into a German and Jewish family, wrote about not just the impact of the war on a personal level, but also its impact on how people make meaning.
What did it mean, Arendt asked, not to have the conceptual frames through which the world had once made sense? What did it mean to live in the strange interval of time “between past and future” when old forms of understanding the world had eroded and new forms had not yet been found?
Her response was bracing and unexpected. She called for everyone — not just philosophers or scholars but the general public as a whole — to step up and contribute to the work of making meaning at a time when meaning-making was grievously fractured. Her phrase for this was amor mundi or “for love of the world.”
Now, as many people seek to understand and respond to the climate crisis, they are again experiencing a sense of personal loss and a larger sense of not having the conceptual tools to make sense of this moment. How does one love the world in difficult times?
Learning to love the world
Love is complicated and messy. Like hurricanes and fires, it often defies the categories available to describe it.
Hannah Arendt, seen here in 1958, wrote about making meaning for the love of the world. (Barbara Niggl Radloff/Wikipedia), CC BY-SA
And as Stephanie Lemenager, professor in American literature and environmental studies, illustrates, love of fossil fuel culture, and the conveniences it provides, makes it difficult to respond to the climate crisis.
Love also evades measurement, and metric-oriented value structures can’t count it. As William Shakespeare asks, tragically, in King Lear: “How does one measure love?”
Love won’t run out in 2030 or 2050. It doesn’t have a parts per million, and despite the many hot and cold words to describe it, it doesn’t have a temperature. Still, as climate emotions professor Sara Jacquette Ray notes, love of this world powers climate action.
I was talking to a friend recently, the Canadian poet Ken Victor, and he suggested “giving priority to the climate crisis as a multi-faceted relationship to be repaired rather than as a problem to be solved.” Indigenous thinkers like Leanne Betasamosake Simpson,
the renowned Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg scholar, also emphasizes “deep reciprocity” and “relationship” to resist the injustices imposed by colonialism.
Global North climate responses have much to gain from Indigenous thinking and Arendt, of course, is not alone in animating the power of collective, participatory storytelling and loving the world.
Learning to ‘restory’ the climate
The idea of “restorying” has been taken up by Indigenous writers to speak in diverse and powerful ways to dynamic and relational forms of oral storytelling, leadership and theatre.
Walter Benjamin wrote that the trauma of war weakened the stories his world relied upon for coherence. (Wikipedia)
My research on time and climate develops German Jewish philosopher Walter Benjamin’s relevance to storytelling, and what I am calling “restorying” here.
Like Arendt, Benjamin wrote that the trauma of war — in this case, the First World War — weakened the stories upon which his world relied for social coherence. Where Arendt suggests loving the world, Benjamin endorses amplified, dynamic forms of storytelling.
Here I build on the tradition from Benjamin to Arendt that invests in the collective practice of making sense of the world one inhabits through sharing, revising and building stories. For Benjamin, stories are in dialogue with other stories; they are participatory and inconclusive. They are also “effective,” meaning they produce effects and invite a response. Above all, they are meant to be repeated and passed on.
Benjamin’s account of stories, however, also includes a cautionary note: people stop telling stories, as he defines them, when the world no longer fills them with wonder or surprise; when they think they know where they stand. They stop asking questions and no longer believe they can benefit from sharing their dilemmas and concerns with others. They stop thinking, in Arendt’s sense.
When people isolate themselves in silos of like-minded others, they avoid being challenged or provoked. As Arendt notes, facts are fragile. When lies proliferate and the ability to distinguish those lies from factual truth is eroded, reality wobbles and political action becomes near impossible.
People can’t act, Arendt believes, when they stop sharing a world in common, however divided by different customs it will always be.
Relationship rebuilding
Environmental justice asks us to rethink the systems and practices that created today’s climate impacts. Addressing the climate crisis only from the perspective of a problem to be solved means that we continue on the path, and with the infrastructure, that created the problem in the first place.
Now, poised between another past and future, I’m interested in, as writer and activist Astra Taylor puts it, “coming together as things fall apart.” Coming together, as a relational practice, can animate what’s missing in the problem-solution models that dominate Global North responses to the climate crisis.
Arendt and Benjamin offer me stories that “work” and stories that “wonder.”
Stories that “work” mobilize equitable climate action. Stories that “wonder” are stories that keep open questions, conversation and thinking.
As international assemblies like COP29 fail to realize their goals, as global carbon emissions continue to rise and as extreme weather everywhere makes many people feel that the frameworks available for understanding no longer serve them, a different response is required. We could call it, following Arendt and Benjamin, restorying the climate and loving the world.
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Grand Opening of Science Day
SPbGASU held Science Day for participants of the 17th All-Russian Youth Educational Forum “Young Intellectuals of Russia”. On February 5, students of grades 5–11 of educational institutions defended projects and papers, attended master classes, and got acquainted with our university.
The forum dedicated to the Day of Russian Science is being held in St. Petersburg from February 4 to 8. Its organizers are the Interregional Multidisciplinary Center “St. Petersburg Education”, the St. Petersburg Interregional Center “Education without Borders”, higher education institutions of the Northern capital with the support of the Academy of Military Sciences, the Maritime Council under the Government of St. Petersburg, the Council of Municipalities of St. Petersburg. As Natalya Polupanova, Director of the Interregional Multidisciplinary Center “St. Petersburg Education”, said, “198 participants from 15 educational institutions of 10 cities in 6 regions of the Russian Federation arrived at the forum. This year, an unprecedented number of projects – 142, this is a record. Project defenses are traditionally held at SPbGASU.”
The events at our university were organized by the admissions committee with the participation of the Volunteer Club, the Kirpich Student Leisure and Creativity Center, the student media center and teachers.
On behalf of Evgeny Rybnov, the rector of SPbGASU, Dmitry Ulrikh, the dean of the faculty of engineering ecology and urban economy, greeted the young intellectuals. Dmitry Vladimirovich said that our university has been a forge of personnel for the construction industry since 1832. Each faculty has its own scientific schools. The university is waiting for the guys as students.
The forum participants learned about the activities of student associations at our university and watched concert numbers prepared by the teams of the Student Leisure and Creativity Center “Kirpich”.
“To convey your thoughts to others”
After the official part, the guests of our university went to the university auditoriums to defend their projects. The defenses took place within the framework of the humanitarian, natural science, historical, technical, creative and philological sections. In each section, the projects were evaluated by a jury.
The meeting of the technical section was opened by Andrey Zazykin, Dean of the Automobile and Road Faculty. Andrey Vyacheslavovich believes that the faculty he heads, which trains specialists in the field of transport and mechanical engineering, is the most technical. Transport logistics, intelligent transport systems, modeling of road traffic and interchanges, construction of roads and bridges, organization of road safety, traffic light regulation, road signs, design and operation of vehicles – all this is done at the ADF. Here they train not only specialists, but also those who know how to convey their thoughts to others, present research results, and manage a team. The Dean wished the guys not to deviate from their path and invited them to take part in the Olympiad “Transport Systems and Technologies”, for successful performance in which additional points are awarded to the Unified State Exam. Applications can be submitted until February 10.
In the project “Computer Modeling of the Movement of Material Points” Ekaterina Antipina, a 9th-grade student of Secondary School No. 3 from Kirovograd, Sverdlovsk Oblast, examined the movement of material points in various conditions, including the influence of forces, interactions, and the environment on their trajectory. The author worked in the Blender program, which allows demonstrating physical processes in a visual form. According to Ekaterina, her project helps develop an interest in physics and deepen knowledge of the subject. “I can say with confidence that the use of computer modeling has become a powerful tool for visualizing physical concepts. This project showed how modern technologies can be used in the educational sphere,” Ekaterina said.
The features of windy spaces between architectural objects were studied by Anton Goloshumov, a 10th-grade cadet at the Lyceum named after Major General V. I. Khismatulin (Surgut, Khanty-Mansiysk Okrug (Yugra)). Under the scientific supervision of Sergei Osipov, a physical education teacher, Anton created a model reflecting the location of houses on one of the streets of Surgut, and conducted an experiment to study the nature of the wind between them. The young researcher believes that in places where there is strong wind, it is advisable to plant trees or shrubs. And it is also undesirable to put playgrounds and billboards there.
After defending their projects, the forum participants took a tour of the university and attended master classes.
From quadcopter to thermal imager
Master class “Geodetic instruments”
The master class “Geodetic Instruments” was held by Dmitry Ditrikh, Deputy Secretary in Charge of the Admissions Committee for Work at the Faculty of Engineering Ecology and Urban Economy, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Geodesy, Land Management and Cadastre. The students learned that graduates of the department can become specialists of Rosreestr, surveyors or cadastral engineers, and also work in related specialties – after all, all construction companies welcome a diploma from SPbGASU. They also learned about the purpose of geodetic instruments: a quadcopter, a 3D scanner, a theodolite, a reflector. Under the guidance of the students, it was possible to try these instruments in action. And in the process of communication, ask the students any question about studying at SPbGASU.
The hydraulics laboratory held a master class on “The structure and operation of pumping stations. Assembly of pressure pipelines.” Ksenia Dmitrieva, assistant of the Department of Water Use and Ecology, and Maxim Sankov, senior laboratory assistant of the department, also began the lesson with a story about what graduates do: design, build, reconstruct water supply and sewerage networks. Then they talked about the types of pipelines and connections. As a result, the guys independently assembled a pressure section of the water supply pipeline.
Master class “Models of Operations Research”
At the “Operations Research Models” master class, they learned to apply mathematical models to solve practical problems. For example, how to transport goods from warehouses to stores, construction sites, or other places; how teams can rationally design objects. Lyudmila Moskalenko, associate professor of the Department of Information Systems and Technologies, suggested trying different solutions: calculating manually, writing a program, or using tools that are available on every computer.
Associate Professor of the Department Alexander Epishkin spoke about what is happening at the Department of Construction Physics, Electric Power Engineering and Electrical Engineering, as well as about the purpose, selection and operation of electric drives in the public utilities of urban facilities at the master class “Purpose, Selection and Operation of Electric Drives in the Public Utilities of Urban Facilities”.
Kirill Sukhanov and Ekaterina Anshukova, associate professors of the Department of Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation, held a master class “Engineering Systems of Buildings. TIM-modeling and VR-technologies”. Participants of the master class learned about the areas of training in the department, got the opportunity to work a little in software packages in which heating and ventilation systems are designed, and visualize the obtained result using virtual reality glasses. They also studied a thermal imager and a heating device.
Feedback from participants
Alena Fadeeva, a 10th-grade student at Secondary School No. 24 in Krymsk, Krasnodar Krai, enjoyed defending her project the most: “I enjoyed performing the most. I defended the “Molecular Cuisine” project in the natural science section for 10th–11th graders. The jury members were friendly and asked interesting questions. And I really like the appearance of the university.”
Irina Koroleva, a biology teacher at Secondary School No. 2 in Solnechnogorsk, Moscow Region, attended such a large-scale event for the first time: “The children are captivated! As a teacher, I like that they can immerse themselves in their future profession and see how the equipment works. For children, this is practice that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Their parents are also very pleased that the children were able to visit such a wonderful place.”
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