NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the heels of a heat advisory issued this week and extreme heat conditions rising across Wisconsin, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in introducing the Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act, legislation to protect the safety and health of workers who are exposed to dangerous heat conditions in the workplace.

    “Far too many of our workers are being pushed to the brink in dangerous heat conditions – it’s wrong, and they deserve the dignity to be protected,” said Senator Baldwin. “As we continue to face record-breaking heat waves, we have to stand up for these workers and give them the protections that they need and deserve – and I am proud to work with my colleagues to introduce this bill that will do just that.”

    The legislation would protect workers against occupational exposure to excessive heat by requiring the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish an enforceable federal standard to protect workers in high-heat environments with commonsense measures like paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, limitations on time exposed to heat, and emergency response for workers with heat-related illness. The bill also directs employers to provide training for their employees on the risk factors that can lead to heat illness and guidance on the proper procedures for responding to symptoms.

    The legislation is named in honor of Asunción Valdivia, who died in 2004 after picking grapes for 10 hours straight in 105-degree temperatures. Mr. Valdivia fell unconscious, but instead of calling an ambulance, his employer told Mr. Valdivia’s son to drive his father home. On his way home, he died of heat stroke at the age of 53.

    According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was the warmest year on record for the United States. The past decade, including 2024, was the hottest on record, marking a decade of extreme heat that will only get worse. Heat-related illnesses can cause heat cramps, organ damage, heat exhaustion, stroke, and even death. Between 1992 and 2017, heat stress injuries killed 815 U.S. workers and seriously injured more than 70,000. The Washington Center for Equitable Growth estimates hot temperatures caused at least 360,000 workplace injuries in California from 2001 to 2018, or about 20,000 injuries a year. The failure to implement simple heat safety measures costs U.S. employers nearly $100 billion every year in lost productivity.

    From 2011-2020, heat exposure killed at least 400 workers and caused nearly 34,000 injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work; both are likely vast underestimates. Farm workers and construction workers suffer the highest incidence of heat illness. And no matter what the weather is outside, workers in factories, commercial kitchens, and other workplaces, including ones where workers must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), can face dangerously high heat conditions all year round.

    A new analysis by the nonprofit group Climate Central finds extreme heat streaks are becoming more common across the state. In Wisconsin, the city of Milwaukee has warmed 3.4 degrees in the last 55 years and other cities like Wausau, Green Bay, Madison, La Crosse and Eau Claire have seen temperatures increase between 1.6 to 2.8 degrees during the same timeframe.

    The Asunción Valdivia Heat Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act has the support of a broad coalition of over 250 groups, including: Rural Coalition, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO, UNITE HERE!, Communication Workers of America, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Sierra Club, United Farm Workers, Farmworker Justice, Public Citizen, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, Union of Concerned Scientists, United Steelworkers, National Resources Defense Council, American Lung Association, and Health Partnerships.

    “Every worker safety rule in America is written in blood,” said UFW President Teresa Romero. “The UFW has been fighting for heat safety protections for decades. Over 20 years later, Asuncion Valdivia’s death still hurts. There are so many other farm workers — many whose names we do not know — who have also been killed by extreme heat on the job in the years since. Enough is enough. Every farm worker deserves access to water, shade, and paid rest breaks — it’s past time for Congress get this done.”

    “For the Steelworkers Union, we represent workers in manufacturing settings and in a host of other areas where not only is it hot outside, but the areas that they work around are as hot as up to 3,000 degrees and they must wear protective equipment. The Asunción Valdivia Heat, Illness, Injury, and Fatality Prevention Act is important because it will provide a basic standard for not just outdoor, but indoor workplaces as well to ensure that there is proper rest breaks and the ability to stay cool. The Steelworkers are absolutely supportive of this bill and are going to work with Republicans and Democrats to ensure that heat illness is the last thing a worker should worry about,” said Roy Houseman, Legislative Director of United Steelworkers.

    “Everyone deserves safe working conditions, but powerful corporations have not done enough to protect their workers from hot working environments, exacerbated by the climate crisis,” said Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO. “Extreme heat is increasingly causing indoor and outdoor workers to collapse or even die on the job, and our union family has already lost too many members to preventable, work-related heat illness. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must issue a strong heat rule, not a weak one, to ensure workers have specific protections they need and to be able to raise unsafe working conditions without fear of retaliation.”

    “It’s long past time for meaningful legislation to protect Teamsters and other workers from the effects of prolonged heat exposure and dangerous heat levels while at work,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water, and limitations on time exposed to heat are simple common sense steps that should be mandated immediately. Waiting to implement these measures is unacceptable and will result in the further loss of lives.”

    The legislation is led by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and co-sponsored by 21 of their Senate colleagues.

    Full text of the legislation is here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Evers, Moore, and Pocan Release Joint Statement on SNAP Cuts and UW Layoffs from Republican Budget Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Governor Tony Evers, and Representatives Gwen Moore (D-WI-04) and Mark Pocan (D-WI-02) released the following statement after the University of Wisconsin (UW) announced they were forced to lay off 91 staff members who implement a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) initiative because of Congressional Republicans’ budget bill:

    “Sadly, we are watching vital resources that Wisconsin families rely on to stay healthy and help put food on the table being stripped away – all so Republicans in Congress and President Trump could give out tax breaks for the wealthy. FoodWIse, and the dedicated staff behind it, have proven to be a good investment that helps tens of thousands of Wisconsinites stay well fed and live a healthy life. But today’s news means their work will be practically wiped out, and families will be left out to dry. While we hope Wisconsin’s Congressional Republicans who voted for this are prepared to answer to impacted families, we will continue to fight every way we can to make sure Wisconsinites have the food and tools they need to stay healthy.”

    UW today announced that due to the elimination of SNAP-Ed funding in Republicans’ budget bill, UW-Madison’s Division of Extension laid off 91 employees who run FoodWIse, which implements important nutrition education programming across Wisconsin. FoodWIse supports direct education for over 35,000 participants annually, as well as broader community initiatives that reach more than 98,000 people across the state. Other affected Wisconsin grantees include: FoodRight, Inc., Hunger Task Force, Inc., Ho-Chunk Nation Health Center – ITO, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) – ITO, and Wisconsin Fit Families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Re-Establish Federal Program to Help Working Families Afford Clean Drinking Water

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Representatives Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced their bipartisan Low-Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Establishment Act. The legislation would re-establish LIHWAP, the first-ever federal water assistance program, after funding for the program expired in 2022.

    “The number one issue worrying my neighbors in Central and Northwestern Illinois is affordability – whether it’s putting food on the table for their kids or covering their high-water bill,” said Congressman Sorensen. “Here in Washington, we have the power to help families in Illinois-17 and across the country who are feeling the squeeze from higher prices by ensuring they have access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water. The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program was an incredibly successful program that supported tens of thousands of families in Illinois at-risk of having their access to drinking water cut-off. My bipartisan legislation will help make it a permanent lifeline for those who need a helping hand.”

    “Access to clean, safe water is not a luxury, it is a basic necessity,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “With water bills rising faster than inflation, more than 33% of Americans are struggling to pay their water bills. We have seen great success with energy assistance through LIHEAP, and it only makes sense to adapt it to water assistance for our most vulnerable. The LIHWAP Establishment Act will keep low-income households connected to clear water, ensure local utilities have the resources to maintain critical infrastructure, and invest in the long-term strength of our communities.”

    “Every family, regardless of financial status, should have reliable access to clean water,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provided vital support to hardworking families in the Eighth District and across the country. That’s why I’m happy to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to restore LIHWAP assistance and help lower the cost of water and wastewater utility bills for those in need.”

    “In the richest country in the world, every hardworking family should have access to clean drinking water,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “Too many families in Illinois and across the country, though, have to choose between higher grocery prices, higher rent and higher utility bills. I’m proud to help alleviate the burden of water costs and introduce a bill that would reestablish the successful Low-Income Assistance Program.”

    “No one should have to choose between paying for water and putting food on the table,” said Congresswoman Davids. “I’m proud to support this legislation to help Kansas families stay safe and financially stable — because when folks can count on basic utilities, it makes it easier to care for their families and contribute to their communities. Simply, reliable access to water shouldn’t depend on your income or ZIP code.”

    “Drinking water service is an essential lifeline, regardless of a person’s income,” said Tom Dobbins, CEO of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). “Just as the federal government has long-established programs to support nutrition assistance and home heating and cooling service for households in need, the LIHWAP Establishment Act would appropriately provide water assistance to low-income families nationwide. AMWA appreciates the leadership of Reps. Sorensen and Bresnahan to advance water affordability, and looks forward to building additional support for this critical legislation.”

    “LIHWAP proved to be an essential lifeline, serving more than 1.6 million households who could not afford clean and safe water services,” said Adam Krantz, CEO of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). “NACWA applauds the leadership of Representatives Sorensen and Bresnahan in recognizing the need for a permanent federal water assistance program. This investment would help public clean water agencies make necessary infrastructure investments for their communities while protecting households in need. We look forward to working with these Congressional water champions to get this critical program enacted.”

    LIHWAP supported more than 1.5 million households, preventing nearly 1 million disconnections of water service and reducing over 1.1 million water bills before it was shuttered. In Illinois, the program served 84,759 households, prevented 19,233 water disconnections, and helped 4,889 families have their water restored.

    This bill would re-establish LIHWAP to continue helping working families afford clean drinking water and other wastewater services by subsidizing their utility bills. Funding will go from the state to the utility and be deducted from the household’s bill. The program will originate with the Department of Health and Human Services and then transition to the Environmental Protection Agency.

    States may also use up to fifteen percent of funds to offset the cost of administering, determining eligibility of, and conducting outreach to low-income households.

    In addition to the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the bill is supported by the American Water Works Association,  National Association of Counties, National Association of Water, National League of Cities, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Water Environment Federation. 

    You can read the full text of the bill HERE and additional background HERE. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Reed, Durbin, Shaheen, Warner, and Schatz Call on Trump Administration to Engage Netanyahu to Immediately Change Course in Gaza

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Ranking Defense Appropriator Chris Coons (D-DE), Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ranking State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriator Brian Schatz (D-HI) released the following statement urging the Trump Administration to press Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to immediately change course in its war in Gaza:

    “Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are appalling and unconscionable. This week, more than 100 NGOs—including Mercy Corps, Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children, and Oxfam—warned of mass starvation spreading across Gaza. Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s nearly 3-month blockade of humanitarian assistance, three-quarters of the population is facing emergency or catastrophic levels of hunger.

    “The handful of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites are wholly inadequate to meet the needs of this starving population. Widespread problems have made GHF aid delivery chaotic and dangerous, leading to the deaths of an estimated 700 people. Yet the Trump Administration recently approved $30 million for GHF, overriding established procedures and waiving consultation with Congress.

    “While some established humanitarian organizations have been allowed to resume very limited operations, a number of restrictions and security challenges prevent them from fully functioning. To make matters worse, this week’s expansion of Israel’s military operation into central Gaza for the first time in the conflict has put at risk these few remaining operations. Moreover, the UN estimates that nearly 88 percent of Gaza is no longer accessible to civilians, leaving approximately two million people confined to a troublingly small remaining area.

    “Meanwhile, hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, including American citizens, and three out of four Israelis are calling for an end to this war. Last September, the IDF assessed that Hamas had been largely defeated militarily from its peak strength when it heinously attacked Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 and is now effectively a “guerilla terror group.” As we know from our own experience following the attacks of September 11, 2001, there is no solely military solution to defeating a terrorist group. Continuing this war with no discernable end is not in Israel’s national security interest, and the lack of a viable “day after” plan has been a glaring mistake.

    “We call on the Trump Administration to use its considerable leverage to press Prime Minister Netanyahu to:

    • Reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that releases the hostages as soon as possible.
    • Support a surge in humanitarian assistance that provides both a sufficient amount of humanitarian aid and credible mechanisms for effective distribution, including the verification and monitoring of assistance to ensure equitable distribution and to prevent Hamas from diverting assistance. Established humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme have the experience and ability to renew their delivery of assistance without civil unrest. We must allow them to do their jobs.
    • Dramatically reform or shut down the Gaza Humanitarian Fund and resume support for the existing UN-led aid coordination mechanisms in Gaza with enhanced oversight to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.
    • Establish a “day after” plan for Gaza where Hamas does not retain power, Israel disavows annexation of the West Bank and further integrates into the region, a reformed Palestinian Authority is fostered and empowered, and regional partners are included in rebuilding.
    • Create a framework for a viable path back to a two-state solution that will allow the Israeli and Palestinian people to live side by side in security, dignity, and prosperity.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom celebrates four years of connecting education and workforce insights thanks to Cradle-to-Career

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jul 25, 2025

    What you need to know: California is celebrating the fourth anniversary of the California Cradle-to-Career Data System, which connects datasets from multiple state entities to deliver information on education and workforce outcomes and help students reach their life and career goals. 

    Sacramento, California – In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to establish the California Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System within the Government Operations Agency. In the four years since, C2C has achieved exciting milestones, launching a first-of-its-kind informational tool to help students better understand their options for education and career planning in April 2025. 

    “Over the last four years, Cradle-to-Career has made massive strides in their work to connect available data and existing information to the students who can use it to leverage their careers. I look forward to what comes next and the achievements California’s future leaders will accomplish.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “In just four years, California’s official data system became a model for inclusive decision-making, meaningful community engagement, and unprecedented collaboration,” said Mary Ann Bates, Executive Director at the California Cradle-to-Career Data System. “Californians deserve tools for their education and career planning that reflect their experiences. We started by listening first, and then building a dashboard based on what people said they needed. We continue to learn from the input people are sharing as they explore the Student Pathways data dashboard.” 

    Cradle-to-Career

    The system is overseen by a 21-member governing board representing perspectives across the state, along with processes that ensure substantial public representation. The Cradle-to-Career Data System links existing education, workforce, financial aid and social service information to better equip policy makers, educators and the public to close opportunity gaps and improve outcomes for all students throughout the state. Public dashboards and other tools provide transparency into how students are educated and enter the workforce, along with corresponding insights into how policies and programs can better serve more students and families. 

    What comes next

    Cradle-to-Career is providing timely, accurate, and reliable information on education and workforce outcomes. Hearing from researchers who are eager to dive deeper into the dashboard, C2C will launch the first phase of its Query Builder tool by the end of 2025. The Query Builder complements the Student Pathways Dashboard by providing users with the ability to explore the information powering the dashboard. The Query Builder rollout will occur in phases, with new features building on previous releases. You can learn more about that work HERE.

    How we got here

    Over the course of 2020 and the first half of 2021, more than 200 people from 15 state agencies and many educational institutions, research and policy organizations, and community groups worked together to design a blueprint for the California Cradle-to-Career Data System. You can learn more about their work HERE. 

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    What they’re saying: 

    • Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, original author of the Mental Health Services Act: “Twenty years ago, I never could have dreamed that we would have the strong leadership we have today, committing billions and making courageous policy changes that question the conventional wisdom on mental health. Now, with the passage of Proposition 1. California is delivering on decades old promises to help people living with brain-based illnesses, to live better lives, to live independently and to live with dignity in our communities. This is a historic moment and the hard work is ahead of us.“
    • Senator Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), author of Senate Bill 326: “Today marks a day of hope for thousands of Californians who are struggling with mental illness – many of whom are living unhoused. I am tremendously grateful to my fellow Californian’s for passing this important measure.  And I am very appreciative of this Governor’s leadership to transform our behavioral health care system!”
    • Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), author of Assembly Bill 531: “This started as an audacious proposal to address the root cause of homelessness and today, Californians can be proud to know that they did the right thing by passing Proposition 1. Now, it’s time for all of us to get to work, and make sure these reforms are implemented and that we see results.”

    Bigger picture: Transforming the Mental Health Services Act into the Behavioral Health Services Act and building more community mental health treatment sites and supportive housing is the last main pillar of Governor Newsom’s Mental Health Movement – pulling together significant recent reforms like 988 crisis line, CalHOPE, CARE Court, conservatorship reform, CalAIM behavioral health expansion (including mobile crisis care and telehealth), Medi-Cal expansion to all low-income Californians, Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (including expanding services in schools and on-line), Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative, Veterans Mental Health Initiative, Behavioral Health Community Infrastructure Program, Behavioral Health Bridge Housing, Health Care Workforce for All and more.

    More details on next step here

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 24, 2025

    News Governor Newsom praises the State Water Board for incorporating the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program into the Bay-Delta Plan What you need to know: The Newsom Administration’s innovative Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, which improves environmental…

    Jul 24, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit striking down California’s ammunition background check law, which was passed by voters in 2016: Strong…

    Jul 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: Through Governor Newsom’s support of local government efforts and state investments, California is reversing decades of inaction on homelessness. Last year’s 2024 point-in-time count showed California had outperformed the nation by slowing…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 25, 2025 Rep. Mullin’s Statement on the Closure of Two Planned Parenthood Clinics in CA-15 “I am outraged that two Planned Parenthood clinics in my district have been forced to close due to President Trump and Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid. Their Big Ugly Bill cuts Medicaid reimbursements to health care organizations like Planned Parenthood. Now,… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    “I am outraged that two Planned Parenthood clinics in my district have been forced to close due to President Trump and Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid. Their Big Ugly Bill cuts Medicaid reimbursements to health care organizations like Planned Parenthood. Now, we’re witnessing the real-world ramifications of the shameful extremism embodied by the Republican House majority.

    The San Mateo and South San Francisco Planned Parenthood clinics have long served as a lifeline for thousands of patients in our community, many of whom are low-income, uninsured, or unable to access quality health care elsewhere. Without these clinics, vulnerable populations are left without access to critical health care, such as cancer screenings, contraception, and general health services.

    These closures represent a coordinated effort to erode the right to reproductive health care in every state, red or blue. All to bankroll tax cuts for billionaires, who are the primary beneficiaries of these inhumane health care cuts.

    This is a dark day for our district and the country. I demand that Republican leadership bring the Restoring Essential Health Care Act to the House floor immediately, which would repeal these devastating cuts. I stand with Planned Parenthood, today and always, and I will continue to fight to protect reproductive health care despite these despicable attacks from the far-right. “

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Summer in Plymouth

    Source: City of Plymouth

    School’s out for summer! As uniforms are folded away and school shoes tucked neatly into the cupboard, parents across Plymouth are beginning to wonder: what will the next six weeks look like?  

    If you are looking for inspiration for things to keep the kids occupied and entertained over the holidays, we can help. We’ve pulled together a list of activities to keep children of all ages and interests entertained all summer long. From bouncy castles for the younger kids, to e-sports for teens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

    Here’s what on this week : 

    Plymouth Libraries 

    Saturday 26 July – Children’s author visit 

    Central Library – 10.30am to midday – Free 

    Central Library will be welcoming former Plymouth Laureate, Thom Boulton to deliver an interactive session based on his exciting new book, Wild Children – a magical adventure about finding the courage to confront our fears and throwing off the masks we wear. 

    Suitable for children 7 years and over and their families. No booking required. 

    Monday 28 July – Story Garden: Craft activity  

    Crownhill Library – 11am to midday – Free 

    Efford Library – 11.30am to 12.30pm – Free 

    Join in every Monday for garden themed craft activities. Suitable to children aged 5 to 11 years and their families. This session is part of a series of activities supporting this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. 

    Wednesday 30 July – Story Garden: Bird mosaic hangers 

    Central library – 2pm to 3pm – Free 

    Garden themed craft activity – create a colourful bird mosaic hanger! Suitable to children aged 5 years and over and their families This session is part of a series of activities supporting this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. 

    Friday 1 August – Story Garden: Lego, craft and colouring 

    Estover library – 11.30am to 4pm – Free 

    Lego, craft activities and colouring every Friday in August at Estover Library. Suitable for children 5 years and over and their families. This session is part of a series of activities supporting this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. 

    Libraries across Plymouth host regular activities for children, including Lego clubs, Rhymetime and storytelling sessions.  

    Find out more about all the events and activities in Plymouth Libraries. 

    Tinside Lido 

    Monday 28 July – Capfest youth night 

    Tinside Lido – 6pm to 8.30pm – Free 

    Tinside said: We’ve joined forces with Community Alcohol Partnerships for one unforgettable evening: CAPFEST. Created by young people, for young people, CAPFEST is a free event for 11–17 year olds packed with summer vibes – think music, swimming, mocktails and a BBQ, all by the sea. There’ll be live music, a DJ set, food and drinks (non-alcoholic, of course), and full access to the lido – all completely free. 

    More information: Facebook 

    Book here: Activity Search – Book | GladstoneGo 

    The Hub at Foulston Park 

    Every Monday during the school holidays – Tech club 

    9:30 to 3:30pm – £24 per day  

    Is your child a tech enthusiast? Our Tech Club provides young minds with esports gaming, augmented reality HADO, and hands-on STEM challenges using Sphero robots. 

    Tuesday to Friday – Football roadshow 

    9.30am to 3.30pm – £24 per day 

    Our Football Roadshows bring high-energy training, games, and match play to young boys and girls of all abilities – right on your doorstep. Our roadshows teach skills, drills, and teamwork led by qualified Argyle coaches. 5 to 15 years. 

    Tuesday to Friday – Multi-Activity Clubs 

    9.30am to 3.30pm – £24 per day 

    For young people who love variety, a lively mix of sports, gaming, and soft play to keep children active, entertained, and socialising. From active games and soft play, to console time and sports – all in one place. 

    Find out more information here: Get ready for a summer of adventure at The Hub at Foulston Park – Argyle Community Trust 

    The Box Plymouth 

    Tuesday 29 July to Thursday 31 July – Craft sessions – Free 

    10:30am to 12.30pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm (Last entries at 12.15pm and 3.15pm) 

    Try the drop-in craft sessions, ideal for children aged 4 to 11 years old and their adults.  

    Wednesday 30 July – Bugs at The Box 

    The Box/ Tavistock Place – 12.45pm to 1.30pm – Free 

    You can see a 6m high biomechanical insect sculpture on Tavistock Place with a special performance with a live soundtrack from 12.45-1.30pm – plus, they’ll have live big bug handing with the University of Plymouth. Come and see stick insects, giant snails, giant cockroaches, katydid, beetles, spiders! 

    Friday 1 August – Tell me a story – Free 

    Join The Box Plymouth every Friday morning for half an hour of storytelling – perfect for under 5s and their grownups.  

    Why not look around the exhibitions whilst you’re there and see Mildred the woolly mammoth?  The Box is free to visit with lots of amazing artwork and fascinating objects to explore, so there’s something for the whole family. It’s open 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday and there’s no need to book. 

    Poole Farm 

    Wednesday 30 July – Animal hour at Poole Farm 

    9.30am to 10.30am – Free 

    Looking for a fun family activity this summer? Come and join us for Animal Hour at Poole Farm – every Wednesday during the summer holidays, starting this week (excluding the week of Wild & Well). Meet at: The Derriford Community Park sign near the cow field. Meet our friendly farm animals – say hello to our cheeky chickens and come and see our beautiful cows up close! Please wear sensible shoes – it can get a little muddy on the farmyard. 

    Community fun day 

    Wednesday 30 July – The Barn Family Hub  

    11am to 3pm – Free 

    Enjoy a bouncy castle, football, hockey, karate, pizza making, arts & crafts, and our popular Bike Space – Doctor Bike. That’s just the start – there’s plenty more to discover! We’ll have refreshments, community group stalls, and information stands, so you can connect, learn, and enjoy a great day out with your neighbours. 

    More information here: The Pioneers Project CIC 

    On Course South West 

    Wednesday 30 July – Game On, Together  

    12:30pm to 2pm 

    “Game on, Together!” is a dynamic family workshop designed to build teamwork, communication, and trust through high-energy cooperative games and creative challenges. This is aimed at Parents and Children aged 6+ up to 18. Parents/carers can bring a maximum of 2 children with them to each class.   

    Thursday 31 July – Family poetry workshop 

    1pm to 3pm 

    Unleash creativity and explore the joy of poetry together in this engaging 2-hour workshop suitable for all ages and backgrounds. This is aimed at Parents and Children aged 6+ up to 18. Parents/carers can bring a maximum of 2 children with them to each class.   

    More information here: OCSW Course List 

    Saltram  

    Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August – Crafting sessions 

    11am to 3pm 

    Get your craft on this summer and take home a beautiful piece of art inspired by the movies at Saltram.  

    Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August – Summer of play at Saltram 

    Saltram said: ‘This summer, join us for our Summer of Play – Saltram on screen family trail and activities. Saltram’s garden will be transformed into a playful celebration of all things performance, imagination and adventure – perfect for young creatives, budding films stars or movie makers, and families ready to make magical memories in the summer sunshine.’ 

    Event details: Things to do with the family, South West | National Trust 

    YMCA Plymouth – SEND activities  

    Free SEND activities throughout the summer  

    YMCA said: Enjoy a range of free, inclusive activities for children and young people with SEND, aged 0–16 at YMCA Plymouth. Sessions are led by trained, friendly staff in a safe and supportive environment, offering fun, sensory, and creative experiences for all abilities. 

    Find out more: Free SEND Activities @ YMCA – YMCA Plymouth 

    Plymouth Sound National Marine Park 

    This area right on Plymouth’s doorstep have some fantastic activities all summer long! Here’s what’s in store: 

    • Swimming Sessions: Try Swim Safe and Safe and Sound sessions at Tinside Lido.  
    • Rockpool Safaris: Join expert guides as you explore the hidden world of rockpools.  
    • Shark Month: Head to Royal William Yard during July for a month packed with shark-themed fun. 
    • Water Sports: Fancy kayaking or paddleboarding? The Mount Batten Centre have sessions for beginners and pros alike, all set against the stunning backdrop of Plymouth Sound. 
    • Walks, Talks and Art: Tag along for history walks and talks around Royal William Yard, for a foraging workshop around Ernesettle Creek/Devil’s Point. 

    Find out more on their website: Your Summer Your Sound – Plymouth Sound National Marine Park 

    Mount Wise Swimming Pools 

    Mount Wise Swimming Pools are a great place to spend a summer day swimming, sunbathing and enjoying fantastic views. The best things is, it’s free entry! 

    Find out more information here: Mount Wise Swimming Pools – Plymouth Active 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Beefing Up’ Nebraska’s Ranching Industry

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    ‘Beefing Up’ Nebraska’s Ranching Industry

    Governor Jim Pillen

     

    Built by generations of hard work and innovation, Nebraska’s ranchers are known worldwide for raising the highest quality, most nutritious, safest, and best tasting protein in the world.

    Blessed by God to be home of the most productive farms and ranches in history thanks to our people, land, and water – our calling is to feed the world. It’s a big job, but we love answering the call. Frankly, it’s part of what makes Nebraska the best place to live and raise a family.

    That’s a good life, and it’s worth defending.

    Government doesn’t have many answers, but it can do the important work of protecting consumers by prohibiting unproven, blatantly dishonest products that are marketed as something they aren’t. That’s why I am proud we signed LB 246 into law, which bans ‘bioreactor,’ lab-grown fake meat from being made here in Nebraska or put on our grocery shelves. Recently, we celebrated the victory during a ceremonial bill signing at Shamrock Locker in O’Neill.

    Other than not sounding appetizing, what is lab-grown meat? It’s a product created in a lab to mimic the attributes of real meat. We’re talking about companies taking cells from an animal, nourishing them with a “cocktail” of nutrients, and “coaxing” them into growing into a product that resembles protein.

    That’s not meat. That’s a science experiment. It’s unproven, dishonestly labeled, and it won’t be for sale here in Nebraska.

    I’m grateful to have partnered with Senator Barry DeKay, a farmer and rancher from north-central Nebraska, to get this legislation across the finish line. This is a big, big win for Nebraska producers – and a common sense, straightforward action that is good for our state.

    Having spent my career raising pigs – and as the first Nebraska Governor to come from agriculture in over 100 years – this stuff hits close to my heart. We aren’t going to let the people of our state be duped into putting this junk meat onto our plates or into our stores. As one of the first states to lead this charge, we’re also showing the rest of the country what can be done to help protect consumers and our farming and ranching families.

    This isn’t about limiting choices or sticking it to vegans. In fact, we aren’t at all talking about alternatives like patties made out of black beans or other plants. And we aren’t talking about products like almond ‘milk.’ While we know that these products aren’t the real deal, at least we know where they come from and how they’re made.

    Simply, the age of ‘Making America Healthy Again’ doesn’t start with fake meat – it’s getting back to basics and starts by incorporating a balanced diet mainly of protein, fruits, and vegetables.

    We can’t let our kids – in any part of the state – starve in the midst of plenty. Data show how important a healthy diet is for our youth to boost immunity, support brain development, and promote overall well-being.

    On her visit to Nebraska, President Trump’s Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins approved a first-in-the-nation Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waiver to remove pop and energy drinks from government-funded food programs. This is common sense stuff. 

    Research and technology have both changed a lot about how we eat and the way agriculture operates. That’s good news. But we must be proactive – and careful – about new products, especially foods, that haven’t stood the test of time.

    Our agriculture industry supports countless families, jobs, and communities – both rural and urban. By signing LB 246 into law, we took a step to help defend our way of life here in Nebraska and are making sure we keep playing to our strengths. 

    We aren’t going to let lab work and misleading marketing undermine the legacy or the future of our state. We have been battling fringe ideas and groups that want a vegan society and claim all Nebraska agriculture is destroying our future. Truth is, we’re doing the exact opposite. 

    We feed the world – and save the planet. It’s time we stand up, defend our work, and keep buying the best meat that Nebraska – and the world – has to offer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Skyward Specialty Announces Change for Second Quarter Earnings Call to Thursday, July 31 at 12 PM EDT

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.™ (NASDAQ: SKWD) (“Skyward Specialty” or “the Company”) today announced a change of its previously announced second quarter earnings call. The conference call and webcast will now be held on Thursday, July 31 at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

    Skyward Specialty will issue its second quarter 2025 earnings results after the market closes on Wednesday, July 30. The earnings results will be available on the Company website at investors.skywardinsurance.com/ under Quarterly Results.

    Investors may access the live audio webcast via the link on the Company’s investor site at investors.skywardinsurance.com/ under Events & Presentations. Additionally, investors can access the earnings call via conference call by registering via the conference link. Users will receive dial-in information and a unique PIN to join the call upon registering.

    A webcast replay will be available two hours following the call in the same location on the Company’s investor website.

    About Skyward Specialty

    Skyward Specialty is a rapidly growing and innovative specialty insurance company, delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions on a non-admitted and admitted basis. The Company operates through nine underwriting divisions – Accident & Health, Agriculture and Credit (Re)insurance, Captives, Construction & Energy Solutions, Global Property, Professional Lines, Specialty Programs, Surety and Transactional E&S. SKWD stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which represents the top fourth of all Nasdaq listed companies.

    Skyward Specialty’s subsidiary insurance companies consist of Great Midwest Insurance Company, Houston Specialty Insurance Company, Imperium Insurance Company, and Oklahoma Specialty Insurance Company. These insurance companies are rated A (Excellent) with stable outlook by A.M. Best Company. Additional information about Skyward Specialty can be found on our website at www.skywardinsurance.com.

    For investor relations information contact:

    Natalie Schoolcraft
    nschoolcraft@skywardinsurance.com
    614-494-4988

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Unlocking nature’s toolkit: how plant compounds may support cancer therapy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ahmed Elbediwy, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Biochemistry / Cancer Biology, Kingston University

    Michel Arnaud/Shutterstock.com

    Green tea and red wine may seem like simple dietary choices – but beneath the surface, they harbour compounds with remarkable medical potential. Scientists are uncovering how these everyday drinks might support cancer treatment, not by replacing conventional therapies like chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but by enhancing their effectiveness and reducing their side-effects.

    The humble cup of green tea, first enjoyed in first-century China, has long been valued for its cultural significance and traditional health benefits. Tea has historically been used to combat ageing, protect the brain and heart, and aid weight loss. Today, researchers are uncovering a more profound capability – its potential to fight cancer.

    The key lies in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant found in this kind of tea. Antioxidants are protective molecules that help shield cells from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stress, but EGCG appears to do much more.

    Cancer cells are notoriously disruptive, hijacking the body’s normal energy-systems to fuel their rapid growth. EGCG targets this very process, disrupting how cancer cells generate energy, and attacking the proteins that help tumours grow and divide. By targeting these proteins, it prevents cancer from multiplying, ultimately leading to cell death.

    Even more promising is EGCG’s ability to enhance conventional treatments. Early studies suggest it could make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, potentially reducing the need for high doses and their severe side-effects.

    For those who prefer their green tea in powdered form, matcha offers even greater protection, as it’s made from whole ground tea leaves and contains significantly more EGCG than regular green tea.

    Red wine’s protective power

    Red wine, too, offers compelling potential, thanks to a substance called resveratrol. This compound is found in red grapes, blueberries and peanuts, and has been shown to support the heart, liver and brain. Interestingly, resveratrol works through mechanisms distinct from EGCG.

    Rather than targeting cancer cells directly, resveratrol focuses on the tumour’s environment. Cancer cells cleverly surround themselves with blood vessels and supportive tissue, creating a protective fortress that aids growth and spread. Resveratrol disrupts this structure, making tumours vulnerable to conventional treatments.

    The compound also enhances the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. Perhaps most significantly, resveratrol prevents tumours from forming new blood vessels – the lifelines they need to obtain nutrients for growth. Without this blood supply, tumours become starved and eventually die.

    The cancer-fighting compound resveratrol can be found in red wine. It is especially high in tannat wines.
    Nikolaj Sribyanik/Shutterstock.com

    Beyond the glass

    The potential of natural cancer-fighting compounds extends far beyond our favourite beverages. Apigenin, found in parsley, can slow tumour growth, while turmeric contains curcumin, which disrupts cancer-cell survival. And emodin, found in aloe vera and rhubarb, reduces inflammation and inhibits cancer growth.

    However, scientists face a significant challenge: many of these natural substances are poorly absorbed by the body. Research in this area is currently focused on developing enhanced delivery systems, such as wrapping the compounds in tiny lipids called nanoparticles. This approach protects the substances and increases their effectiveness against tumours.

    The absorption of natural substances are further improved by mixing compounds with each other such as piperine with curcumin. Piperine is found in black pepper and helps curcumin based nanoparticles to have better bioavailabilty in cancer therapy.

    While the research remains in its early stages, the possibility that everyday foods and drinks could one day support cancer treatment represents a fascinating frontier in medical science.

    So the next time you reach for a cup of green tea or a glass of red wine, consider this: you may be doing more than relaxing – you could be reinforcing your body’s natural defences against cancer.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Ahmed Elbediwy does 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.

    Nadine Wehida 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.

    – ref. Unlocking nature’s toolkit: how plant compounds may support cancer therapy – https://theconversation.com/unlocking-natures-toolkit-how-plant-compounds-may-support-cancer-therapy-260225

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • 6 MoUs signed, ₹4,850 crore credit announced in PM Modi and President Muizzu bilateral talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office in Male on Friday, marking a diplomatic milestone during his visit to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence and six decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    Reflecting on the partnership, the two leaders reviewed progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ that was adopted during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to deepening engagement with Maldives in line with the “Neighbourhood First” and “Vision MAHASAGAR” doctrines.

    President Muizzu, in turn, acknowledged India’s consistent support as the “first responder” in times of crisis, and both leaders discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation across infrastructure development, capacity building, health, climate action, and disaster preparedness. They also reviewed maritime security collaboration under the Colombo Security Conclave framework.

    On the economic front, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of concluding a proposed Free Trade Agreement and a Bilateral Investment Treaty to unlock new trade and investment opportunities. He also welcomed recent steps toward digital integration, including agreements for the use of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), RuPay card acceptance, and local currency trade mechanisms, with a view to boosting tourism and digital commerce.

    Six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged across key areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, pharmacopoeia, and a concessional Line of Credit. A new Line of Credit, amounting to approximately ₹4,850 crore (about USD 550 million), was announced for infrastructure and other developmental activities in Maldives. An amended agreement on existing lines of credit was also signed, bringing down Maldives’s annual debt repayment by 40%, from USD 51 million to USD 29 million.

    The leaders jointly inaugurated a roads and drainage project in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects across various cities. Modi also handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles intended for the Maldives National Defence Force and immigration authorities.

    In a gesture of medical diplomacy, India gifted two units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes (BHISHM) to the Maldives. These mobile health units, equipped with modern medical devices, can support 200 casualties and sustain six personnel for up to 72 hours.

    Further underlining shared environmental goals, Modi and Muizzu planted mango saplings, symbolising India’s “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” campaign and the Maldives’ “Pledge of 5 Million Trees” initiative.

    Prime Minister Modi also thanked President Muizzu for his condemnation of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and for expressing solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Announces Appointment of Deborah Tillman as Mobile County District Judge

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced the appointment of Deborah Denise Tillman as Mobile County District Judge.

    “Deborah Tillman possesses a tremendous background in the law spanning 35 years, beginning with her service as a Staff Judge Advocate in the United States Air Force to subsequent decades of experience in the Mobile County District Attorney’s office,” said Governor Ivey. “As a former state, federal and military prosecutor, her legal knowledge will serve the Court and the people of Mobile County well.”

    “I am extremely honored, humbled and grateful to Governor Ivey for appointing me to be the next District Court Judge in Mobile County,” said Tillman. “While my role will change in the courtroom, my commitment to the rule of law and to serve the great people of Mobile County with honor and integrity will not. I look forward to joining the distinguished group of Judges who comprise the 13th Judicial Circuit of Mobile County.”

    Tillman will fill the vacancy on the Court left after the resignation of District Judge Spiro Cheriogotis.

    Tillman began her legal career in the U.S. Air Force rising to the rank of Captain and was Honorably Discharged in 1995. Afterward, she devoted several decades as Assistant District Attorney and Chief District Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Mobile County. She also held the position of Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Florida. Over her extensive career, she prosecuted thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases in state and federal courts. Additionally, she taught criminal law, contracts and civil procedure as an adjunct professor in the paralegal studies division at the University of South Alabama.

    A Mobile native, Tillman is a 1985 graduate of Spring Hill College. She received her Juris Doctorate from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Georgia in 1989.

    Tillman’s appointment is effective immediately.

    Tillman’s official photo is attached.

    Governor Ivey made 36 other appointments. A list of those appointments is attached.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: No Credit Check Bad Credit Guaranteed Approval Loan Scams Exposed and Debunked While GreendayOnline Proves There’s a Better Way

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dallas, TX , July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As millions of Americans continue seeking loans for bad credit, a comprehensive analysis reveals concerning trends in the no credit check loans space while highlighting how responsible lenders like GreendayOnline are providing genuine alternatives. This educational initiative aims to help consumers understand personal loans for bad credit while making informed borrowing decisions about bad credit loans guaranteed approval options.

    Chapter 1: The “No Credit Check” Deception – What Bad Credit Borrowers Really Face in 2025

    The promise of “guaranteed approval” has become increasingly common in online advertising for example phrases such as “personal loans for bad credit guaranteed approval”. However, consumers researching urgent loans for bad credit often discover that these marketing claims can be misleading, according to industry experts and consumer advocates studying the loans with bad credit marketplace.

    GreendayOnline, a transparent lending platform specializing in online loans for bad credit, reports that many borrowers seeking “no credit check loans guaranteed approval direct lender”options encounter unexpected terms once they begin the application process.

     “We’ve seen too many consumers disappointed by the gap between advertising promises and actual loan terms,” explains Tarquin Nemec, GreendayOnline’s representative. “That’s precisely why we focus on clear, upfront communication for example in California about all aspects of our online $255 payday loans on the same day. We go into explaining the same day is only possible if you apply early enough.

    Common Pricing Structure Challenges in No Credit Check Loans:

    • Misleading flat-fee advertising – While some lenders advertise loans for people with bad credit using attractive structures like “$15 per $100 borrowed,” the actual APR can reach 300-400%

    • Hidden calculations for payday loans online same day – True costs often remain unclear until after application submission

    • Delayed disclosure in bad credit loans- Many lenders reveal actual terms only during final approval stages

    • Complex fee structures that make installment loans for bad credit difficult to compare accurately because of obfustication.

    GreendayOnline addresses these challenges in the loans with no credit check market by providing clear APR disclosures from the initial application stage, ensuring borrowers understand exactly what they’re agreeing to before signing any documentation. This transparency stands in contrast to some industry practices where the true cost of emergency loans becomes apparent only after approval.

    The term “direct lender” has also evolved in meaning across the bad credit personal loans space. While consumers searching for quick loans for bad credit often prefer working directly with the actual lender, some companies marketing themselves as loans “no credit check direct lenders” actually operate through complex networks. GreendayOnline maintains a straightforward model for no credit check loans with not always granting “guaranteed approval” , eliminating confusion about who provides the funds and services.

    Chapter 2: Bad Credit Borrowers – The Perfect Target for Financial Predators

    The small loan and  bad credit market serves consumers who often cannot access traditional banking products due to credit challenges. Research indicates that borrowers seeking best loans for bad credit typically include individuals recovering from financial setbacks, those with limited credit history, and consumers facing temporary cash flow issues in the bad credit loan marketplace.

    Marketing strategies in this space often focus on speed and accessibility, emphasizing terms like “hardship loans for bad credit” and “payday loans no credit check.”

    While speed can be valuable during financial emergencies, GreendayOnline emphasizes that borrowers benefit most when they can quickly access both funding and comprehensive information about their bad credit loan approval terms.

    Diverse Customer Demographics Seeking Payday Loans for Bad Credit:

    Industry data shows that consumers searching for “no denial installment loans direct lenders” or loans for people with poor credit often come from diverse backgrounds:

    • Working professionals experiencing temporary cash flow gaps
    • Students managing educational expenses through best online loans instant approval
    • Retirees on fixed incomes facing unexpected costs via instant payday loans online guaranteed approval
    • Small business owners handling seasonal revenue fluctuations
    • Military families dealing with deployment-related financial challenges
    • Single parents managing childcare emergencies
    • Healthcare workers covering certification or continuing education costs

    GreendayOnline has observed that effective lending with customers looking for “no denial payday loans” involves understanding each customer’s unique situation rather than assuming that the borrower is broke.

     Their approach focuses on providing same day emergency loans for borrowers across different income levels and credit situations, recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely meet individual needs

    The concentration of best online payday loans in certain communities has drawn regulatory attention in some states. However, many industry participants, including GreendayOnline, view this as an opportunity to demonstrate responsible lending practices.

    Chapter 3: Guaranteed to Fail – Why Bad Credit Loan Defaults Are Built Into the Predatory System

    Industry statistics reveal that default rates for loans for bad credit vary significantly based on loan structure, borrower screening, and customer support practices. While some segments of the bad credit market experience default rates exceeding 40%, responsible lenders like GreendayOnline report significantly lower default rates through careful underwriting and customer support for personal loans.

    Some urgent bad credit loans are structured with balloon payments or compressed repayment schedules that can challenge borrowers’ ability to repay “guaranteed approval loans” successfully. GreendayOnline addresses this by offering flexible repayment structures designed to work with borrowers’ actual financial situations.

    Critical Factors Contributing to Loan Success in Online Loans for Bad Credit:

    • Appropriate loan sizing – Matching for example $255 payday loans online same day amounts to realistic repayment capacity
    • Income-aligned payment schedules for no credit check loan lender products
    • Transparent communication about all payday loans online and

    Consumer advocates note that sustainable lending practices benefit both borrowers and lenders over time in the bad credit loans online marketplace. When borrowers successfully repay installment loans without experiencing financial strain, they’re more likely to become repeat customers and recommend services to others. GreendayOnline has built its business model around this principle with focusing on long-term customer relationships rather than short-term transaction volume.

    The industry continues evolving toward more sophisticated underwriting models that consider factors beyond traditional credit scores for emergency loans for bad credit. This evolution benefits consumers seeking bad credit personal loans up to $5,000 by enabling lenders to make more accurate assessments of repayment ability while expanding access to credit.

    Chapter 4: Hidden Costs and Buried Terms That Destroy Bad Credit Borrowers

    Transparency in pricing represents one of the most significant differentiators among lenders offering quick loans for bad credit. Industry practices vary widely, with some lenders disclosing all costs upfront while others reveal additional fees only during the final stages of the loans no credit check application process.

    Common Fee Categories in No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval:

    • Origination fees – Processing charges for small loans
    • Administrative costs – Account setup fees
    • Processing charges – Application review costs
    • Late payment penalties – Additional costs for missed hardship loans for bad credit payments
    • Prepayment charges – Early repayment fees for payday loans(where applicable)
    • Document fees – Charges for loan agreement preparation
    • Funding fees – Costs associated with bad credit loan disbursement

    GreendayOnline maintains a policy of full fee disclosure before borrowers commit to any payday loan agreement, ensuring no surprises during the funding process. The company’s transparent approach helps borrowers accurately compare options when researching from multiple sources.

    The complexity of loan documents can sometimes obscure true borrowing costs. While regulatory requirements mandate certain disclosures, the presentation and timing of this information can vary significantly between lenders offering best instant approval.

    For consumers comparing multiple direct payday lenders, creating a standardized comparison becomes essential. Industry experts recommend focusing on the APR as the most comprehensive measure of same day emergency loans cost, as it incorporates both interest rates and fees into a single, annualized figure for instant loans online guaranteed approval products.

    Chapter 5: The Bad Credit Debt Trap – Rollover Loans and Endless Fee Cycles

    The topic of loan renewals and extensions generates significant discussion with the best online payday loans. Some states have implemented regulations limiting the number of times borrowers can renew or extend certain types of online loans with no credit check, while others allow more flexibility.

    GreendayOnline approaches loan extensions in the bad credit loan space with a focus on borrower benefit rather than fee generation. When customers face temporary difficulties meeting their original loan repayment schedule, the company works to find solutions that avoid additional financial strain while fulfilling obligations.

    Strategic Approach to Loan Extensions for No Credit Check Loans:

    • Root cause analysis – Understanding why payment difficulties arose with the urgent loan with bad credit
    • Alternative solution exploration beyond simple term extension for bad credit loans guaranteed approval
    • Complete fee transparency for any personal loan modifications
    • Realistic payment plan development based on actual borrower circumstances

    Industry best practices suggest that loan renewals should address underlying financial challenges rather than simply postponing payment obligation.

    This approach requires lenders to invest in customer service and financial counseling capabilities beyond basic transaction processing

    For borrowers understanding renewal policies becomes particularly important. Some lenders structure their no credit check loans products specifically to generate renewal fees, while others, like GreendayOnline, design their loans for people with bad credit to minimize the need for extensions through appropriate initial term selection.

    Chapter 6: When Bad Credit Loans Turn Criminal – Illegal Collection Tactics

    Debt collection practices in the bad credit installment loan  industry operate under strict federal and state regulations designed to protect consumer rights. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state-specific regulations establish clear boundaries for legitimate collection activities in the loans with no credit check space.

    GreendayOnline emphasizes respectful, helpful communication throughout the entire customer relationship for emergency loans, including any necessary collection conversations. Their approach focuses on problem-solving and payment plan development rather than aggressive collection tactics for poor credit loans of up to $5000

    Essential Consumer Rights in Debt Collection for Quick loans for Bad Credit:

    • Debt verification rights – Requesting written confirmation of details
    • Communication restrictions – Limits on when collectors can contact borrowers
    • Dispute procedures for challenging incorrect small loan claims
    • Privacy protections regarding credit information sharing

    Consumers should understand that legitimate lenders cannot threaten criminal prosecution for unpaid loans, as these represent civil debts rather than criminal matters. While some states maintain criminal penalties for writing bad checks, these laws typically require proof of intent to defraud, which doesn’t apply to good-faith hardship loans for bad credit arrangements.

    The distinction between criminal and civil debt matters becomes particularly important for borrowers seeking payday loans or similar short-term products. Legitimate lenders like GreendayOnline ensure their collection practices comply with all applicable regulations while maintaining respectful customer relationships

    Chapter 7: Guaranteed Approval Scams That Specifically Target Bad Credit Customers

    The growth of online lending has created opportunities for both legitimate businesses and fraudulent operators. Consumers researching no denial installment loans direct lenders only benefit from understanding key indicators that distinguish reputable lenders from potential scams.

    Legitimacy Indicators for Loans for People with Poor Credit:

    • Valid state licensing for best online loans instant approval operations
    • Transparent physical addresses and accessible customer service for instant payday loans online guaranteed approval
    • Upfront cost disclosure for all no denial payday loans direct lenders only no credit check products
    • Standard application procedures rather than unusual upfront payments

    Critical Warning Signs in Same Day Emergency Loans Marketing:

    • Upfront fee demands before instant loans online guaranteed approval or funding
    • Artificial urgency creation to prevent careful consideration of best online payday loans terms
    • Vague cost information about online loans no credit check products
    • Universal approval promises regardless of financial circumstances for easy loans for bad credit

    GreendayOnline addresses these concerns by maintaining transparent communication throughout the loans for bad credit application process and providing comprehensive information about personal loans for bad credit terms before requiring any commitment from borrowers seeking no credit check loans.

    Verification of lender credentials provides another layer of consumer protection. State banking departments and attorney general offices often maintain databases of licensed lenders and known fraudulent operators in the bad credit loans guaranteed approval space.

    Chapter 8: Red Flags Every Bad Credit Borrower Must Recognize Before Applying

    Educated consumers make better borrowing decisions across all credit categories, including personal loans for bad credit guaranteed approval products. Understanding common warning signs and protection strategies helps borrowers avoid problematic lending relationships before they begin in the loans with bad credit marketplace.

    Critical Warning Signs for Online Loans for Bad Credit:

    • No creditworthiness evaluation – Lenders who don’t assess ability to repay $255 payday loans online same day
    • Asset requirement demands – Requiring access to bank accounts for no credit check loans guaranteed approval direct lender products
    • Documentation refusal – Unwillingness to provide written agreements for loans for people with bad credit
    • Unrealistic marketing claims – Guarantees that seem too good to be true for payday loans online same day

    Consumer Protection Strategies for Bad Credit Loans Online:

    • Thorough lender research with state regulators for installment loans for bad credit
    • Comprehensive cost comparison across multiple loans with no credit check options
    • Complete document retention for all emergency loans for bad credit communications
    • Alternative exploration of all available bad credit personal loans guaranteed approval $5,000 options

    GreendayOnline addresses these concerns through comprehensive application processes and clear documentation practices for quick loans, ensuring borrowers have adequate information and time to make informed decisions about their no credit check loan needs.

    Consumers should also be cautious of marketing that seems too good to be true, such as universal approval claims for “no credit check loans guaranteed approval” regardless of financial circumstances. Responsible lenders like GreendayOnline evaluate each application individually while maintaining realistic approval standards for small loans for bad credit.

    Chapter 9: GreendayOnline’s Promise to Bad Credit Customers – Real Help, Not Exploitation

    GreendayOnline has built its reputation on providing genuine transparency in the best loans for bad credit space. Unlike some competitors who reveal important terms only after application submission, GreendayOnline provides comprehensive cost information and loan terms upfront for loans for bad credit online, allowing consumers to make informed decisions before committing to the application process.

    GreendayOnline’s Transparency Commitments for Hardship Loans for Bad Credit:

    • Complete upfront cost disclosure for all payday loans no credit check products
    • Plain-language term explanations for loans bad credit guaranteed approval
    • Realistic approval standards rather than false payday loans for bad credit guarantees
    • Comprehensive lifecycle support for no denial installment loans direct lenders only

    The company’s approach to loans for people with poor credit reflects their commitment to realistic underwriting standards. Rather than promising universal approval for best online loans instant approval, GreendayOnline evaluates each application based on the borrower’s actual ability to repay, resulting in higher success rates for approved instant payday loans online guaranteed approval borrowers.

    Customer service represents a core differentiator for GreendayOnline in the competitive landscape of no denial payday loans direct lenders only no credit check. The company maintains accessible customer support throughout the entire loan lifecycle, from initial inquiry through final payment, ensuring borrowers have access to assistance when needed for same day emergency loans.

    GreendayOnline’s technology platform streamlines the application and approval process while maintaining security and privacy standards that protect customer information for instant loans online guaranteed approval. This approach enables quick processing of best online payday loans requests while safeguarding sensitive financial data.

    Chapter 10: The GreendayOnline Difference – The Right Way to Serve Bad Credit Borrowers

    Modern lending technology enables better customer experiences while improving risk assessment and customer service capabilities for online loans no credit check. GreendayOnline leverages advanced systems to provide fast processing of easy loans for bad credit applications while maintaining thorough evaluation of each borrower’s situation.

    Technology Benefits in Modern Loans for Bad Credit:

    • Rapid automated processing for personal loans for bad credit applications
    • Bank-level security protection for sensitive no credit check loans information
    • Mobile-optimized accessibility for urgent loans for bad credit applications
    • Real-time status updates throughout the bad credit loans guaranteed approval process
    • Integrated customer support for personal loans for bad credit guaranteed approval management
    • Secure document storage for all loans with bad credit agreements
    • 24/7 account access for online loans for bad credit customers

    Automated underwriting systems can process applications for $255 payday loans online on the same day within minutes, but GreendayOnline combines automation with human oversight to ensure appropriate lending decisions. This hybrid approach provides speed while maintaining the flexibility to consider unique customer circumstances for no credit check loans guaranteed approval direct lender products.

    Mobile accessibility has become essential for consumers seeking loans for people with bad credit options. GreendayOnline’s mobile-optimized platform enables customers to apply, monitor applications, manage accounts, and access customer support from any device with internet connectivity for payday loans online same day needs.

    Innovation in the bad credit loans online industry continues focusing on improving customer outcomes rather than simply increasing transaction volume. GreendayOnline participates in industry developments that enhance borrower success rates and overall customer satisfaction with the installment loans for bad credit experience.

    Chapter 11: Breaking the Cycle – GreendayOnline’s Hope for Bad Credit Borrowers in 2025

    The ultimate goal of responsible alternative lending extends beyond individual transactions to supporting borrowers’ long-term financial stability in the loans with no credit check space. GreendayOnline recognizes that successful lending relationships contribute to customer financial resilience rather than creating additional challenges for emergency loans for bad credit borrowers.

    Components of Financial Resilience Support for Bad Credit Personal Loans Guaranteed Approval $5,000:

    • Educational resources about money management and credit building for quick loans for bad credit borrowers
    • Flexible loan structures designed to work with loans no credit check borrower circumstances
    • Ongoing customer support beyond initial no credit check loans guaranteed approval transactions

    Education and financial literacy support represent key components of effective lending relationships in the small loans for bad credit market. While immediate funding addresses urgent financial needs, helping borrowers understand money management and credit building creates lasting value. GreendayOnline provides educational resources alongside best loans for bad credit services to support customer financial development.

    Community impact considerations influence responsible lending practices across the loans for bad credit online industry. When lenders like GreendayOnline operate transparently and ethically, they contribute to positive economic outcomes in the communities they serve, creating sustainable business models that benefit all stakeholders in the hardship loans for bad credit space.

    The future of alternative lending depends on demonstrating genuine value to consumers and communities seeking payday loans no credit check options. GreendayOnline’s approach focuses on building long-term customer relationships based on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit rather than short-term profit maximization in the loans bad credit guaranteed approval marketplace.

    Chapter 12: Final Thoughts & Contact Information – GreendayOnline’s Long-Term Commitment

    GreendayOnline maintains its commitment to serving consumers seeking reliable access to credit, regardless of their credit history or current financial circumstances in the payday loans for bad credit space. The company’s customer-first approach continues evolving to meet changing consumer needs while maintaining the highest standards of ethical lending practices for no denial installment loans direct lenders only.

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    GreendayOnline encourages consumers to compare lending options carefully and choose providers that demonstrate genuine commitment to customer success and transparent business practices in the loans for bad credit marketplace. The alternative lending industry serves an important role in providing financial access, and responsible lenders help ensure this access benefits consumers and communities seeking personal loans for bad credit solutions.

    About GreendayOnline

    GreendayOnline provides transparent, customer-focused lending services for consumers across the credit spectrum, specializing in no credit check loans and urgent loans for bad credit. The company’s commitment to ethical lending practices and customer education has established it as a trusted resource in the bad credit loans guaranteed approval industry. For more information about personal loans for bad credit guaranteed approval options, visit greendayonline.com.

    Compliance Statement:
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Military helicopter disappears from radar in Almaty region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ALMATY, July 25 (Xinhua) — An EC-145 helicopter of the Air Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan disappeared from radars on Friday during a scheduled flight in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, the Kazinform news agency reported, citing the Defense Ministry.

    According to preliminary data, there were three crew members on board.

    On the instructions of the Minister of Defense, a special commission was dispatched to the scene to clarify all the circumstances of the incident.

    The forces and resources of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan and two Kazaviaspas helicopters were also immediately sent to carry out search and rescue operations.

    The operation involves units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Center for Disaster Medicine, the Republican Operational Rescue Squad and the Ministry of Emergency Situations aviation. In total, more than 100 people and about 15 units of equipment, including aviation and drones, are involved.

    Search and rescue operations continue. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Speaks with Nominees about Supporting Vets at SVAC Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville

    WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke with John Bartrum, President Trump’s nominee to be Under Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Jeremiah Workman, President Trump’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Training at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) during a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) hearing. Sen. Tuberville spoke with the nominees about their plans to improve care for veterans, especially those living in rural areas. Some of the ways discussed included streamlining communication across agencies and expanding Community Care access.

    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    ON IMPROVING COMMUNICATION WITH VETERANS IN RURAL AREAS:

    TUBERVILLE: “[Thank you,] Mr. Chairman. Thank you both for being here. I look forward to supporting you both. 

    Mr. Bartrum, one of the biggest complaints I hear about the VA healthcare services is communication. In my state of Alabama, we are very rural, and it’s a huge problem. If confirmed, how will you work with the Secretary in utilizing the new technology that we have for community service?”

    BARTRUM: “Thank you, sir. As you know—we talked a little bit about this when I met with you—rural veterans who live in the rural area are somewhere between 60-66% of our veterans. So, reaching out, and reaching to our veterans, and partnering with not only the VSOs and our service organizations that are out there, but using our technology that we have with our communication strategy, websites, and reaching out to folks with our provider network […] and community care partners is something that I wanna look into and work with you [to] partner on, and look at the strategies. I’m not steeped into what strategies VHA is using since I’m not in the role. But once I’m in the role, I would love to partner with you and bring back what we’re doing specifically and figure out how we can best reach out to our rural networks.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

    ON PLACING VETERANS IN LONG-TERM, QUALITY JOBS:

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Workman, in your testimony, you highlighted the need for DOL vets to focus on outcomes and performances. If confirmed, how will you ensure veterans are not just a number, but instead placed in long-term, quality jobs?”

    WORKMAN: “Thank you for the question, Senator. I think when it comes to our veterans and when they’re transitioning from that [active veteran status], it is important for us to capture them as they’re leaving the door in what we call the Transition Systems Program (TAP). I believe a lot of folks are falling through the cracks, and for whatever reason, not attending TAP or just not soaking it in. I think that’s where it starts is that last six months to a year before they leave active duty or reserve status. Once out into small, wherever they go in America, that’s generally where we start to see issues. They lose that support network. That’s where our American job centers come into play. We need to make sure that the folks out there are properly trained and doing what they need to do to take care of our transitioning veterans and their family members.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.”

    ON INCREASED COMMUNITY CARE:

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Bartrum, in May, the VA announced the policy change that would make it easier for veterans to access Community Care when a VA doctor determines it is in their best medical interest. What’s your opinion on this announcement?”

    BARTRUM: “I thought it was the right announcement, and it should have been done years ago. I believe that when a veteran and their doctor says they need to go to a referral on the outside and they both agree that that is enough to send them to the outside to get preferred.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you.

    ON IMPROVING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DOD & VA:

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Workman, as you know, the federal government is very siloed, and agencies often do not communicate with each other. [It] seems like we can’t get information from the DOD to the VA coordinated, because all the systems are different. It’s been a disaster since I’ve been here. We spent billions of dollars. We can’t seem to do it. But if confirmed, how will you improve coordination across agencies to veterans and put them first?”

    WORKMAN: “Thank you for the question, Senator. If confirmed, […] you’re 100% correct—we need to tighten up communications across the different departments and agencies. I feel like sometimes vets, [DOL vets], sometimes do not always have a seat at the table, and if confirmed, I can assure you that we will have a seat at the table with the DOD and also the VA, so it can better serve our veterans and their family members.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Are you aware of the problems that we’ve had [about all the information going from DOD to the veterans]?”

    WORKMAN: “Yes, Senator. I spent 10-11 years working at the VA. I’ve also worked for DOD in a civilian capacity, and I do know that it is a challenge. Like I said, if confirmed, we will have a seat at the table and we look forward to working with our counterparts.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Mr. Bartrum, you and I talked about this—but coinciding information—you cannot get something done unless you get both sides working together. What’s your thoughts on that?”

    BARTRUM: “I think we need to re-energize the sharing agreements of data and get data across the system. I also think we have to do a better job of coordinating data [within] VHA and VBA, because that data needs to flow smoother. So, I think there are lots of opportunities to do data sharing within the department and within intergovernmental agencies.”

    TUBERVILLE: “Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chariman.”

    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Merck Foundation marks World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025 by providing 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Reproductive care in 41 countries in Africa and Asia

    Source: APO – Report:

    • Merck Foundation has made history by training the first local Embryologists and Reproductive & Fertility Experts in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia,  Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Congo. Moreover, supported training for the staff of First Public IVF Centers in Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Niger, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
    • Merck Foundation launched “More Than a Mother Animation Film” that raises awareness about breaking infertility stigma, infertility prevention and male infertility, watch here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) Day 2025’ together with African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign, by building and advancing fertility care capacity in Africa and Asia.

    Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than  a Mother” emphasized, “At Merck Foundation we mark World Assisted Reproductive Technology Day by building Fertility and Reproductive Care capacity and empowering infertile women by improving their access to information, change of mindset and quality & equitable fertility care across Africa & Asia as part of our “More than a Mother” campaign.

    I am very proud to share that we have provided till today 716 scholarships of Embryology, Fertility and Sexual & Reproductive care to young doctors from 41 countries in Africa and Asia to be the local Embryologists, Fertility & Reproductive care experts in their countries. Moreover, many of our Alumni were trained to be the first local experts in their countries where they never had even a single local embryologist or fertility specialist before our program such as; The Gambia, Burundi, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Congo , Mozambique and more.

    Together with African First Ladies, and other important partners, we are making history and reshaping the landscape of fertility & Reproductive care across Africa and beyond”, added Dr. Kelej.

    Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” is a powerful campaign that defines interventions to build quality and equitable Reproductive and Fertility Care Capacity, Break Infertility Stigma and Raise Awareness about Infertility Prevention and Male Infertility.

    Merck Foundation has provided 2280 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.

    “To give an overview, out of our total 716 scholarships for Fertility and Reproductive care, we have provided more than 324 Scholarships for clinical and practical training to Fertility Specialists and Embryologists, and more than 392 Scholarships for PG Diploma and Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills and Family Medicine to doctors from 41 countries across Africa and Asia. We are proud of this achievement”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    According to WHO data, more than 180 million couples in developing countries – that is 1 in every 4 couple, suffer from infertility. In many cultures in Africa, infertility is a huge stigma. Women are solely blamed for failing to conceive and the social stigma of childlessness, especially for women leads to isolation and stigmatization and results in discrimination and ostracism. This mostly also leads to divorce or physical or psychological violence. As a part of “More Than a  Mother” Campaign, Merck Foundation has launched many initiatives to break this stigma and create a culture shift.

    Merck Foundation has also been empowering childless and infertile women through their “Empowering Berna” initiative under their “More Than a Mother” movement. This initiative helps women who cannot be treated for infertility anymore by helping them get trained to establish small businesses so that they can be independent and rebuild their lives. Through ‘Empowering Berna’, the lives of many infertile women have been transformed in many African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Niger, Malawi, and many more.

    “It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child,” added Dr. Kelej.

    Moreover, Merck Foundation has trained more than 3700 media representatives from more than 35 countries to raise community awareness and break the stigma around infertility and infertile and childless women.

    Merck Foundation in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, has also launched ‘More Than Mother’ Children’s storybook to emphasize strong family values of love and respect from a young age which will reflect on eliminating the stigma of infertility and the resulted domestic violence in the future. The storybooks have been localized for each country and in three languages, English, French and Portuguese to better connect with the young readers. The book has also been adapted to an animation film.

    Watch More Than a Mother Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/44PGUEB

    Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa, has many episodes dedicated to raise awareness about infertility and breaking infertility stigma.

    Watch the episodes here:

    Episode 3: https://apo-opa.co/44OQc3I

    Episode 5: https://apo-opa.co/4f6JZDz

    Episode 10: https://apo-opa.co/4lgc7Wx

    Merck Foundation has also released about 30 songs, many of these songs have been created with the aim to break the infertility stigma, as a part of their “More Than a Mother” campaign. Listen to some of the songs here:

    1. Watch, share & subscribe to the ‘Plus qu’une MERE’ composed and sung by Ms. Lucky-Lou, the daughter of The President and The First Lady of Burundi: https://apo-opa.co/46YM2aD
    2. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Cwesi Oteng and Adina from Ghana: https://apo-opa.co/3H5X2bP
    3. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Zambian Soul Singer Wezi: https://apo-opa.co/4f3DIIM
    4. Watch, share & subscribe to the “More Than a Mother” song by Sunita Daffeh from the Gambia: https://apo-opa.co/471MBAx

    Listen to all “More than a Mother” songs here:

    https://apo-opa.co/4mai2wX

    “To address this important issue of breaking infertility stigma and also a wide range of other social issues, we annually launch Merck Foundation ‘More Than a Mother’ Awards in partnership with African First Ladies. I would also like to invite the African Community of Media, Fashion, Filmmaking, and Musicians, students, and potential talents in these fields to apply for the awards this year by sharing their creative work on submit@merck-foundation.com”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

    – on behalf of Merck Foundation.

    Addtional Images: 
    https://apo-opa.co/4f3DDEY

    Contact:
    Mehak Handa
    Community Awareness Program Manager 
    Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
    Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

    Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ
    X: https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV
    YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD
    Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ
    Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL
    Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l
    Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
    Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3GR2fEp

    About Merck Foundation:
    The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4f6SOgJ), X (https://apo-opa.co/4f9yYRV), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgf4XZ), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrMyD), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3IEKOaL) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4lIrQ1l).

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 25th, 2025 Heinrich Announces Committee Passage of Over $69 Million for New Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    Investments Heinrich championed support homeownership & homebuilding, rental & homelessness assistance, Tribal health & education, Southwest Border Regional Commission, & more

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced the bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Interior, Environment and Related Agencies; and Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Bills. With Committee approval of these bills, Heinrich secured support for over $65 million for New Mexico, including $52 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for 39 local projects between these bills and their House-companions.

    “While these Appropriations bills aren’t perfect, they include resources and investments I negotiated for New Mexico that will fund Tribal health care and education, help Tribal law enforcement officers solve and reduce violent crime, and continue funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts for the 2026-2027 school year,” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “This legislation will help over 11,000 families in New Mexico afford rent, build new housing, and invest in border communities through the Southwest Border Regional Commission. Additionally, the bill protects the Amtrak Southwest Chief train service in New Mexico, restores waterfowl habitat, and builds on my work to clean up abandoned hardrock mines. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will always fight for investments that put New Mexico first.”

    Additionally, Heinrich offered an amendment to require the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to hire and maintain a minimum number of Full Time Employees in order to manage wildfire preparedness, suppression, and other mission-critical support, in the FY26 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Heinrich’s amendment would have also required the National Park Service to hire and maintain a minimum number of Full Time Employees for the operation of national park units, including administrative services. Despite Heinrich’s attempt to include the amendment in the Appropriations bill, the amendment was rejected by Republicans on the Committee.

    Heinrich is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.

    Next, the two bills passed out of the Appropriations Committee will be considered by the full United States Senate.

    Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Key Points and Highlights

    Congressionally Directed Spending

    Heinrich successfully included $7.1 million in investments for the following ten local projects in the bill:

    • $1,075,000 for the City of Truth or Consequences to replace aged and damaged waterlines.
    • $1,000,000 for Zuni Pueblo to make improvements to their drinking water system.
    • $1,000,000 for Pueblo of Tesuque to remove Siberian elm trees to restore the Rio Tesuque bosque to its natural vegetation.
    • $1,000,000 for the Village of Questa to construct a well house to prevent contamination of their municipal well.
    • $1,000,000 for Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority to conduct wastewater system improvements in Carnuel.
    • $700,000 for the Mescalero Apache Tribe to restore coniferous forest and promote aspen stand growth along the Rio Ruidoso to prepare for the reintroduction of beavers, a culturally significant species.
    • $525,000 for Taos Pueblo to purchase wildfire preparedness equipment.
    • $500,000 for Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council for a Caja del Rio Ethnographic Study.
    • $150,000 for the Desert Tortoise Council to work on Bolson tortoise recovery efforts.
    • $150,000 for the Bureau of Land Management to work with existing partners to replace barbed-wire fences with wildlife-friendly fences on the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

    Heinrich and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) successfully included $3.39 million for the following three projects:

    • $2,090,000 for the City of Rio Rancho to expand their aquifer reinjection system.
    • $800,000 for the Enchanted Forest Mutual Domestic Water Consumers Association to develop a new water source pump house and appurtenances and to replace distribution lines.
    • $500,000 for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs to make water system improvements at the Fort Selden Historic Site.

    Heinrich also successfully worked with his colleagues in the N.M. Delegation to include $2.18 million for the following two projects in the House-companion bill:

    • $1,092,000 for the Town of Bernalillo will rehabilitate their current wastewater facilities.
    • $1,092,000 for the City of Belen to rehabilitate their wastewater treatment plant.

    Heinrich also successfully included three amendments into the Manager’s Package. These include:

    1. An amendment for a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study comparing the per-patient funding levels for health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS). Additionally, the study would analyze potential recruitment and retainment strategies utilized by the VA that could be extended to IHS.
    2. An amendment ensuring that the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is included in reference to the reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund to address deferred maintenance.
    3. An amendment for a Fish and Wildlife Service report on staffing levels and positions at National Wildlife Refuge System units and complexes.

    Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act Implementation: Heinrich successfully included $500,000 to implement the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act, a bipartisan law that Heinrich championed and passed in 2022 to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking Tribal cultural patrimony. Representing the first dedicated funding for this program, it would be used to halt the trade of culturally significant items and repatriate stolen pieces to the Tribal communities where they belong. Heinrich first introduced the STOP Act in 2016 after he helped halt the auction of a shield, stolen from the Pueblo of Acoma. Heinrich played a role in the effort to bring the shield home to Acoma by working with Governors Kurt Riley and Brian Vallo to call for its return.

    Tribal Programs: Heinrich fought for and successfully included $13,482,000 to the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development (IAIA). After the administration threatened to withhold IAIA’s funding earlier this year, Heinrich secured the release of FY 2025 funds earlier this month. This bill will ensure continued investment for IAIA through FY26, supporting its mission to advance Indigenous arts, culture, and education for future generations.

    Heinrich also successfully included funding to protect several Tribal programs, including $23,750,000 for Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, $2,658,289,000 for Indian Health Services (IHS) Hospitals and Health Clinics, and funding for IHS Facilities and Construction. He also protected funding for Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Law Enforcement and included report language to ensure the continuation of the Tribal law enforcement training program in New Mexico.

    Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Program: Heinrich successfully included continued funding for the Abandoned Hardrock Mine Reclamation Program, after championing the creation of the program in the Infrastructure Law. Hardrock mines and mining features are related to the extraction of metals like copper, gold, silver, and uranium. When not reclaimed, many hardrock mines pose a hazard to public health and the environment. This funding will be used to clean up federal, state, Tribal, and private land and water resources affected by abandoned hardrock mines.

    Southwest Ecological Research Institutes: Heinrich fought for and successfully maintained funding for the Southwest Ecological Research Institutes (SWERIs). Last month Heinrich pressed the U.S. Forest Chief on the Administration’s plan entirely to cut funding for the program in FY26. SWERIs offer unique opportunities for dedicated research in forest science and watershed health and represent the future of science in forest management. New Mexico Highlands University houses one center along with Colorado State University and Northern Arizona University. This funding would ensure the continuation of valuable research in southwestern forest and fire management.

    Conservation: Heinrich successfully protected funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, which leverages private dollars to restore waterfowl habitat across the country. Senator Heinrich led the reauthorization of this fund last congress. He also protected core wildlife management and science capabilities at the Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey from the steep cuts proposed by the Trump administration.

    Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Key Points and Highlights

    Congressionally Directed Spending

    Heinrich successfully included $17.1 million in investments for the following 11 local projects in the bill:

    • $4,000,000 for Homewise to help moderate-income, first-time homebuyers purchase entry-level homes.
    • $2,300,000 for the City of Socorro to replace aged and damaged waterlines.
    • $2,073,000 for the City of Raton to upgrade its municipal airport infrastructure.
    • $1,500,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of San Juan County to renovate a community center.
    • $1,500,000 for DreamTree Project to complete the final phase of renovations to the Navigating Emergency Support Together (NEST) building and purchase land for on-site permanent supportive housing.
    • $1,000,000 Serenity Mesa Youth Recovery Center to expand their facilities to support increased substance use crisis stabilization, treatment, and housing for adolescents and young adults.
    • $850,000 for the Albuquerque Housing Authority will invest in necessary upgrades at public housing properties.
    • $692,000 for the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area to conduct an affordable housing pilot project.
    • $440,000 for Deming Silver Linings to provide emergency temporary housing for unhoused individuals.
    • $200,000 for Mesilla Valley Community of Hope to support individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness by providing affordable housing and wraparound services.

    Heinrich and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) successfully included $16.3 million for the following nine projects:

    • $3,000,000 for Youth Development, Inc. for an early childhood development center.
    • $3,000,000 for the Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network and La Cosecha Community Supported Agriculture to create a Food Hub at the Sacred Roots farm site to create economic development opportunity in the local food system, provide education to students and community members, and increase access to healthy foods.
    • $2,500,000 for Santa Fe County to develop a Permanent Supportive Housing project designed to meet the urgent needs of the region’s unhoused population.
    • $1,800,000 for the Town of Mountainair to rebuild, repave, and upgrade approximately two miles of downtown Mountainair’s roadways.
    • $1,600,000 for the City of Raton to conduct an interchange alignment study as part of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor Interstate Planning process.
    • $1,500,000 for Tierra Del Sol Housing Corporation to complete the first phase of construction for an affordable housing project in Vado, New Mexico.
    • $1,210,000 for the City of Bloomfield to plan, design, and construct the expansion of East Blanco Boulevard in Bloomfield.
    • $1,000,000 for the Pueblo of Acoma to construct new single-family homes for low-to-moderate income families on the Housing Authority’s waiting list.
    • $700,000 for Cuidando Los Niños of Albuquerque to expand its facility to house early childhood education and family wraparound services.

    Heinrich also successfully worked with his colleagues in the N.M. Delegation to include $8.4 million for the following four projects in the House-companion bill:

    • $2,900,000 for the Pueblo of Acoma to repair housing for senior community members and provide ADA accommodations.
    • $2,000,000 for the City of Albuquerque Health, Housing and Homelessness Department to improve security and accessibility at the city’s largest homeless shelter.
    • $2,000,000 for the City of Albuquerque to establish a modular Shelter Stability site for seniors.
    • $1,512,000 for Jemez Pueblo to demolish hazardous buildings within the Pueblo.

    Rental Assistance: Heinrich successfully secured increased funding for the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (Housing Choice Vouchers) and Project-Based Rental Assistance, despite the administration’s attempts to completely defund both programs. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program helps over 11,000 families in New Mexico afford rent. Heinrich also secured language urging HUD to expand resources to train public housing staff on how to use housing choice vouchers to make homeownership an attainable goal for residents of public housing.

    Tribal Programs: Heinrich successfully included a $25 million investment for Tribal Transportation Program High Priority Projects, a set-aside that provides funds to Tribes or a governmental subdivision of a Tribe whose annual allocation of funding received under the Tribal Transportation Program is insufficient to complete the highest priority project of the Tribe. Heinrich secured an increase in funding for Tribal housing programs. Heinrich also secured a legislative proposal that would make certain home loans on Tribal lands easier to keep if homeowners are delinquent on payments.

    Southwest Border Regional Commission: Heinrich successfully included a $5 million investment in the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) for transportation infrastructure planning to support supply chain connectivity and economic development in southern New Mexico and along the southern border.

    Homelessness Assistance: Heinrich successfully secured an increase in funding for grant programs that address homelessness through emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing, rapid re-housing, rental assistance and prevention, and supportive services. Heinrich successfully pushed back against the Trump administration’s attempts to curtail homelessness assistance funding by making grant match requirements overly burdensome for New Mexican service providers.

    Homebuilding and Homeownership: Heinrich secured funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), a critical program that helps New Mexicans purchase or rehabilitate homes. The Trump administration also sought to cut all funding for this program. In New Mexico, HOME also provides gap funding for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects, which increases the supply of affordable rental units.

    Amtrak Southwest Chief: Heinrich secured language that protects existing Amtrak Southwest Chief train service in New Mexico from cuts and closure.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House GOP Passes 50 Trump Executive Orders

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — Six months into the Trump Administration, Republicans in the 119th Congress are delivering on President Trump’s America First agenda. With the historic passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and many more separate pieces of legislation, House Republicans have already voted to codify 50 of President Trump’s executive actions. 

    “The American people gave President Trump a clear mandate to enact his America First agenda – and House Republicans are answering that call. To date, we’ve voted to codify 50 of the President’s Executive Orders into law, from reining in waste, fraud, and abuse, to cutting bureaucratic red tape that has strangled America’s innovators, job creators, and entrepreneurs,” said Speaker Johnson. “The last four years under President Joe Biden made painfully clear how quickly progress can be undone unless Congress steps in. That’s why House Republicans are working around the clock to codify President Trump’s executive actions and enshrine his historic agenda into law.”

    Executive Actions Passed by the House in the 119th Congress listed below and can be found here:

    1.      Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections

    2.      Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

    3.      Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation

    4.      Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court

    5.      Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production

    6.      Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness

    7.      Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens

    8.      Small Business Administration Overhaul of the Reckless Biden-era Lending Program

    9.      Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders

    10.  Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful

    11.  Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies: Advancing United States Interests When Funding Nongovernmental Organizations

    12.  Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements

    13.  Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending

    14.  Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization

    15.  Withdrawing the U.S. from and Ending Funding to Certain U.N. Organizations and Reviewing U.S. Support to All International Organizations

    16.  Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid

    17.  Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship

    18.  Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing

    19.  Securing Our Borders

    20.  Protecting Children from Surgical Mutilation

    21.  Expanding Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Full Capacity

    22.  Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization

    23.  Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance

    24.  Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the U.S.

    25.  Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry

    26.  Unleashing American Energy

    27.  Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential

    28.  Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with the Garden of Heroes

    29.  Declaring a National Energy Emergency

    30.  Enforcing the Hyde Amendment

    31.  Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production

    32.  Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats

    33.  The Iron Dome for America

    34.  Clarifying The Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States

    35.  Keeping Americans Safe in Aviation

    36.  Unleashing American Drone Dominance

    37.  Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Cost Efficiency Initiative

    38.  Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities

    39.  Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education

    40.  Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy

    41.  Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission

    42.  Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports

    43.  The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Tax Deal (Global Tax Deal)

    44.  Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

    45.  Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos

    46.  Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology

    47.  Honoring Jocelyn Nungaray

    48.  Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media

    49.  Restoring America’s Fighting Force

    50.  Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Six months into Congo’s war, cholera is killing more than four people every day

    Source: Oxfam –

    • Aid cuts and humanitarian deadlock are fuelling a full-blown public health disaster. 

    • In Sake and Minova, 500 people are sharing a single water tap.   

    Six months since the renewed war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a full-blown public health emergency is accelerating, Oxfam warned today.  

    Since January, more than 35,000 suspected cholera cases and at least 852 related deaths have been reported – an average of more than four deaths every day and a 62 percent increase compared to 2024.  

    After M23 fighters seized Goma in January civilians were ordered to return to their villages within 72 hours. More than 3.16 million people have since returned back only to find their homes reduced to rubble, and aid system on the verge of collapse. 

    Water networks, including storage facilities have been obliterated, leaving families to drink from contaminated streams and stagnant lakes. Basic health services have crumbled, with hospitals out of medicine and sanitation systems in ruins. In some of the hardest-hit areas, like Sake and Minova, 500 people are now sharing a single water tap.  

    Dr. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam’s Director in DRC said: 

    “This is a full-blown public health emergency. Families are returning to ruins—no shelters, no toilets, no clean water. In many areas, latrines have been flooded or stripped for firewood, forcing people to defecate in the open and contaminate the only water available. The air reeks of sewage. Hospitals are out of medicine, and we can’t reach cut-off communities with even the most basic aid.” 

    In South Kivu’s Uvira region, cholera is surging with 100 new cases being reported each day. Floodwaters from Lake Tanganyika routinely inundate homes and latrines overflow into the lake, even as families are forced to drink lake water.  

    The forced closure and destruction of more than 20 displacement sites in Goma alone has left 700,000 people without safe shelter, clean water or basic sanitation In Rusayo, Lushagal, and Bhimba —where Oxfam had been supporting over 100,000 people—entire sites have been razed or abandoned, including more than $700,000 worth of water and sanitation infrastructure, such as pipelines, latrines, and tanks. 

    “This is a full-blown public health emergency. Families are returning to ruins—no shelters, no toilets, no clean water. In many areas, latrines have been flooded or stripped for firewood, forcing people to defecate in the open and contaminate the only water available. The air reeks of sewage. Hospitals are out of medicine, and we can’t reach cut-off communities with even the most basic aid.” 

    Dr. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam’s Director in DRC

    Oxfam

    Despite a US-brokered ceasefire, insecurity, roadblocks, and ongoing clashes have severed vital supply routes, cutting off communities from lifesaving food, clean water, and medicine. Aid agencies like Oxfam are now being forced to detour through Rwanda, severely hampering relief efforts. Cross-border access through Burundi has been entirely blocked, while illegal taxes and bureaucratic obstruction are further choking humanitarian deliveries.  

    Deep aid cuts since the start of 2025 have pushed the humanitarian response to the brink of failure. Only a fraction of the $2.54 billion needed this year as humanitarian aid in DRC has been received to date—forcing agencies like Oxfam to scale back or suspend life-saving operations. Even a UN investigation into possible war crimes has been frozen for lack of funding. 

    “People are suffering because we cannot reach them,” said Balume Loutre, Oxfam’s Public Health Engineering Team Leader in Eastern DRC. “They’re drinking from contaminated water sources, and we lack the resources to deliver even basic aid. In some villages, 15,000 families need help, but we can only support 500. We’re forced to make impossible choices, leaving thousands behind.”  

    The situation is particularly alarming for women and girls. Since the cuts to USAID funding, more than 8,200 people living with HIV have lost access to antiretroviral treatment. Emergency post-rape care kits are vanishing, even as a child is reported raped every half an hour in eastern DRC, according to UNICEF. 

    Despite the collapse of the aid system, Oxfam and its partners continue to deliver lifesaving assistance – constructing water systems, building latrines and distributing soap and hygiene kits, food and seed. But urgent funding is needed to reach 400,000 people in high-risk cholera zones.  

    “We need an immediate injection of funds, and all warring parties to commit to a permanent ceasefire and allow aid to flow freely. After six months of chaos, people need dignity and respite from relentless violence. The world cannot look away,” said Mangundu. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Committee on Agriculture Commends Improved Performance of Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) in the Fourth Quarter of 2024/25

    Source: APO


    .

    The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture welcomed the briefings it received yesterday from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) on their performance in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year and commended their notable performance.

    In welcoming the briefings from the three entities of the Department of Agriculture, the Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Dina Pule, said the committee was happy about the progress that the entities reported to the committee. She said the committee notes the hard work the entities have demonstrated and called for more improvement in all the areas of work that included implementation of the Auditor General’s recommendations on their last audit outcomes.

    The ARC reported that funding for building of the new Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Facility is still a challenge and that, efforts to obtain the required funding for the new facility remains a priority. The entity reported that field assessment of the FMD vaccine in Mpumalanga and Limpopo is ongoing and the study on vaccine safety in pregnant cows and young calves has been initiated.

    In appreciating the performance of the NAMC, the committee called on the entity to do more on finding market access for the small-scale farmers as markets are alfa and omega for their growth, survival and meaningful contribution to the South African economy and for national food security.

    The Chairperson told the Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Ms Zoleka Capa, who led the departmental delegation, that the committee notes with appreciation the accountability of both the Minister and his Deputy that they demonstrate to the committee.

    The Chairperson also said that accountability is a critical starting point for the success of the department. “We deeply appreciate your availability to our meetings with the department. Your presence solidifies the accountability of the department to the committee and the oversight responsibility of the committee over the department,” emphasised the Chairperson.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Why is France recognising Palestinian statehood and who else has?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will recognise Palestinian statehood, drawing angry rebukes from Israel and the United States and opening the door for other major nations to potentially like Britain and Canada to perhaps follow suit.

    Below are some details about Macron’s announcement, driven by a rising global outcry over starvation and devastation in Gaza amid Israel’s war against Hamas militants, as well as other nations’ position on having Palestinian statehood recognised.

    WHAT DID MACRON SAY?

    Macron published a letter sent to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas confirming France’s intention to press ahead with recognition and work to convince other partners to do the same. He said he would make a formal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly next month.

    France is now the first major Western country to shift its diplomatic stance on a Palestinian state, after Spain, Ireland and Norway officially recognised one last year.

    WHY IS THIS SIGNIFICANT?

    The decision to recognise Palestinian statehood is mostly symbolic, with Israel occupying the territories where the Palestinians have long aimed to establish that state in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip with East Jerusalem as its capital.

    But the move by France, which is home to Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities, could fuel a movement so far dominated by smaller nations generally more critical of Israel.

    It also makes Israel appear more isolated on the international stage over the war in Gaza, which is suffering from a wave of hunger that the World Health Organization’s chief said this week amounts to man-made mass starvation.

    Israel says it is committed to allowing aid into Gaza but must control it to prevent it being diverted by militants. It says it has let enough food into Gaza during the war and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza’s 2.2 million people.

    WHY DID MACRON DO THIS?

    Macron had been leaning towards the move for months as part of a bid to keep the idea of a two-state solution alive, despite the pressure not to do so. He decided to do it ahead of a U.N. conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia on the matter next week to try to sway other countries considering that step, or those that are wavering.

    WHAT IMPACT COULD IT HAVE ON FRENCH TIES WITH ISRAEL

    Ahead of Macron’s announcement, Israeli officials had spent months lobbying to prevent what some had called “a nuclear bomb” for bilateral relations.

    Sources familiar with the matter say Israel’s warnings to France had ranged from scaling back intelligence-sharing to complicating Paris’ regional initiatives – even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank.

    WHO COULD BE NEXT?

    France’s decision may put pressure on major countries like Britain, Germany, Australia, Canada and Japan to take the same path. In the immediate term, Malta and Belgium could be the next countries within the European Union to do so.

    A British cabinet minister said on Friday that Britain supports eventual recognition of a Palestinian state, but the immediate priority should be alleviating the suffering in Gaza and securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

    Germany said on Friday it was not planning to recognise Palestinian statehood in the short term, rather its priority waas to make “long-overdue progress” towards a two-state solution – Israel and a Palestinian state co-existing in peace.

    WHO ELSE HAS RECOGNISED PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD?

    Last year, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised a Palestinian state with its borders to be demarcated as they were prior to the 1967 Middle East war, when Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

    However, they also recognised that those borders may change in any eventual talks to reach a final settlement, and that their decisions did not diminish their belief in Israel’s fundamental right to exist in peace and security.

    About 144 of the 193 member states of the United Nations recognise Palestine as a state, including most of the global south as well as Russia, China and India. But only a handful of the 27 European Union members do so, mostly former Communist countries as well as Sweden and Cyprus.

    The U.N. General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to “non-member state” from “entity.”

    HOW DID THE UNITED STATES, ISRAEL, AND PALESTINIANS REACT?

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the decision by France, one of Israel’s closest allies and a G7 member, saying such a move “rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy”.

    Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described it as “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism”. He added that Israel would not allow the establishment of a “Palestinian entity that would harm our security, endanger our existence”.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States “strongly rejects (Macron’s) plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly.”

    “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace,” Rubio posted on X. “It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th” – a reference to Hamas’ 2023 cross-border attack on Israel that set off the Gaza war.

    Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority’s Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said Macron’s decision reflected “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state”.

    The Palestine Liberation Organization recognised Israel’s right to exist in peace at the start of the U.S.-backed peace process in 1993 that set up the Palestinian Authority in what Palestinians hoped would be a stepping stone towards statehood.

    But Hamas and other Palestinian Islamist militants who have long dominated Gaza and frequently clash with Israeli forces in the West Bank reject recognition of Israel.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sign Up for Free Community College With SUNY Reconnect

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul visited Suffolk County Community College as part of her efforts to highlight the SUNY Reconnect program to provide free community college for adult learners, ages 25-55, who don’t already have a college degree and who are pursuing an associate degree in a high-demand field. The SUNY Reconnect program, which will begin in fall 2025, is part of Governor Hochul’s ongoing efforts to empower New Yorkers to pursue good jobs, and to ensure employers have access to a well-educated workforce to help the state’s economy thrive.

    “In every corner of our state, adult New Yorkers will have access to free community college so they will be able to realize their dreams of better jobs in high-demand industries,” Governor Hochul said. “Through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges like Suffolk County Community College will offer a world-class education to New Yorkers, for free, and will help empower these future leaders to turbo-charge our state economy and pursue paths to upward mobility.”

    Launched in mid-May following passage of the 2025-26 State Budget, SUNY Reconnect will make it possible for eligible adult students, ages 25-55, to pursue degrees in high-demand fields for free at SUNY community colleges throughout the state. To help prospective students learn more, SUNY community colleges are holding informational sessions and recruitment events. An updated listing can be found at: https://www.suny.edu/communitycollege/free-cc/sessions/.

    Governor Hochul was joined by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. as they visited Suffolk County Community College where they highlighted the school’s Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program, which is an eligible associate degree program under the free community college initiative. To support adult learner success through SUNY Reconnect, Suffolk County Community College will utilize online and hybrid options for students that need to work while attending classes. Students will also have access to personal support specifically for adult learners, including on-campus childcare centers.

    SUNY Chancellor King said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, SUNY is on the move and our community colleges are stepping up to help New Yorkers around the state earn a degree in high-need fields. SUNY community colleges are pathways to upward mobility, and with the support of Governor Hochul and state leaders, Suffolk County Community College and all SUNY community colleges are ensuring that every eligible New Yorker interested in a degree in a high-need field will be able to unleash their full potential.”

    The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “SUNY has been New Yorkers’ engine of upward mobility and access to a world-class, affordable higher education for 77 years, and with the support of Governor Hochul SUNY Reconnect represents a bold new chapter in our history of service. By offering a community college education free of charge for adult learners seeking degrees in high-need fields, Governor Hochul and state leaders made a bold investment in the future of our state economy and workforce.”

    New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Free community college for adult learners opens new doors for New Yorkers and ensures skilled and knowledgeable workers in sectors that communities statewide rely on, including education, healthcare, and technology. I thank Governor Hochul for advancing workforce development initiatives through SUNY programs that not only set up adult students for success but also help make the state an affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.”

    State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “Everyone’s educational journey is different. Sometimes the path has hurdles and challenges. This initiative will enable students between the ages of 25 to 55 to complete their journey. It also expands workforce development in high demand fields. As a result, everyone benefits.”

    To support the launch of SUNY Reconnect, SUNY has:

    • Allocated $4 million to community colleges to support SUNY Reconnect programmatic implementation through advising, enrollment, outreach, award of credit for prior learning, and other student services, supports, and campus operations.
    • Provided an additional $1 million to cover equipment, materials, supplies, and other one-time needs to increase student enrollment capacity in high-demand programs that are part of SUNY Reconnect.
    • Announced $1.1 million in grant funding for the SUNY Adult Learner Leadership Initiative to help community colleges increase access and ensure degree completion for adult learners.

    SUNY Reconnect will fund degrees in high-demand fields including:

    • Advanced manufacturing
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity
    • Engineering
    • Technology
    • Nursing and allied health fields
    • Green and renewable energy
    • Pathways to teaching in shortage areas

    In addition to SUNY Reconnect, the FY25-26 Enacted State Budget provides $8 million in increased operating aid to community colleges – the first back-to-back operating aid increases in decades for these institutions – and maintains the 100% community college funding floor, which protects community colleges from $75 million lost direct state tax support.

    The budget also provides significant funding toward New York’s longstanding Educational Opportunity Program, which has served more than 85,000 students, and increased support for ASAP|ACE, which will make these proven retention and completion programs permanent at SUNY and allow for a significant expansion.

    Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, “As an educator for 30 years, I know firsthand how transformative access to higher education can be for individuals and entire communities. Governor Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect initiative will open doors for thousands of adult learners across New York, giving them the opportunity to build careers in high-demand fields while strengthening our state’s workforce and economy. I am proud to support this bold investment in New Yorkers’ futures.”

    Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Edward Bonahue said, “Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to the value of lifelong learning, and SUNY Reconnect is a major step forward in helping us fulfill that mission. With this support from the state, we are proud to welcome adult learners preparing for careers in the high-demand fields critical to growing Long Island’s workforce.”

    New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person said, “From Niagara to Suffolk and every community in between, SUNY Reconnect is an historic step toward making higher education truly accessible. By removing financial barriers, it gives thousands of adult learners the chance to return to school, build new careers in high-demand fields, and strengthen their families. NYSUT is proud to stand with Gov. Hochul and Chancellor King to support a future where every New Yorker has the opportunity to thrive.”

    New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen Acquario said, “Community colleges are at the heart of local communities across New York State, offering accessible and affordable education while also serving as critical engines of workforce development. By removing financial barriers for adults to return to college and pursue degrees in high-demand fields, this initiative will help employers fill job openings and enable more New Yorkers to build fulfilling careers right in their communities. We commend Governor Hochul for her leadership in expanding educational access and creating meaningful opportunities for working-age adults across the state.”

    New York Community College Association of Presidents and SUNY Orange President Dr. Kristine Young said, “Access and affordability have long been the hallmarks of New York’s community colleges. Governor Hochul’s support of SUNY Reconnect brings degrees in high-demand fields into reach for adult learners by further removing costs as a barrier. Students will gain access on our campuses to academic excellence and robust support systems, while being able to take advantage of the meaningful connections we’ve built with local and state employers in these critical sectors where skilled employees are needed. My colleagues at each of our 30 SUNY community colleges are more than ready to welcome new and returning adult learners throughout the state and to help them achieve their academic, career and personal goals.”

    About The State University of New York
    The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Fears that falling birth rates in US could lead to population collapse are based on faulty assumptions

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Leslie Root, Assistant Professor of Research, Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder

    Unfortunately for demographers, birth rates are hard to predict far into the future. gremlin/E+ via Getty Images

    Pronatalism – the belief that low birth rates are a problem that must be reversed – is having a moment in the U.S.

    As birth rates decline in the U.S. and throughout the world, voices from Silicon Valley to the White House are raising concerns about what they say could be the calamitous effects of steep population decline on the economy. The Trump administration has said it is seeking ideas on how to encourage Americans to have more children as the U.S. experiences its lowest total fertility rate in history, down about 25% since 2007.

    As demographers who study fertility, family behaviors and childbearing intentions, we can say with certainty that population decline is not imminent, inevitable or necessarily catastrophic.

    The population collapse narrative hinges on three key misunderstandings. First, it misrepresents what standard fertility measures tell us about childbearing and makes unrealistic assumptions that fertility rates will follow predictable patterns far into the future. Second, it overstates the impact of low birth rates on future population growth and size. Third, it ignores the role of economic policies and labor market shifts in assessing the impacts of low birth rates.

    Fertility fluctuations

    Demographers generally gauge births in a population with a measure called the total fertility rate. The total fertility rate for a given year is an estimate of the average number of children that women would have in their lifetime if they experienced current birth rates throughout their childbearing years.

    Fertility rates are not fixed – in fact, they have changed considerably over the past century. In the U.S., the total fertility rate rose from about 2 births per woman in the 1930s to a high of 3.7 births per woman around 1960. The rate then dipped below 2 births per woman in the late 1970s and 1980s before returning to 2 births in the 1990s and early 2000s.

    Since the Great Recession that lasted from late 2007 until mid-2009, the U.S. total fertility rate has declined almost every year, with the exception of very small post-COVID-19 pandemic increases in 2021 and 2022. In 2024, it hit a record low, falling to 1.6. This drop is primarily driven by declines in births to people in their teens and early 20s – births that are often unintended.

    But while the total fertility rate offers a snapshot of the fertility landscape, it is not a perfect indicator of how many children a woman will eventually have if fertility patterns are in flux – for example, if people are delaying having children.

    Picture a 20-year-old woman today, in 2025. The total fertility rate assumes she will have the same birth rate as today’s 40-year-olds when she reaches 40. That’s not likely to be the case, because birth rates 20 years from now for 40-year-olds will almost certainly be higher than they are today, as more births occur at older ages and more people are able to overcome infertility through medically assisted reproduction.

    A more nuanced picture of childbearing

    These problems with the total fertility rate are why demographers also measure how many total births women have had by the end of their reproductive years. In contrast to the total fertility rate, the average number of children ever born to women ages 40 to 44 has remained fairly stable over time, hovering around two.

    Americans continue to express favorable views toward childbearing. Ideal family size remains at two or more children, and 9 in 10 adults either have, or would like to have, children. However, many Americans are unable to reach their childbearing goals. This seems to be related to the high cost of raising children and growing uncertainty about the future.

    In other words, it doesn’t seem to be the case that birth rates are low because people are uninterested in having children; rather, it’s because they don’t feel it’s feasible for them to become parents or to have as many children as they would like.

    The challenge of predicting future population size

    Standard demographic projections do not support the idea that population size is set to shrink dramatically.

    One billion people lived on Earth 250 years ago. Today there are over 8 billion, and by 2100 the United Nations predicts there will be over 10 billion. That’s 2 billion more, not fewer, people in the foreseeable future. Admittedly, that projection is plus or minus 4 billion. But this range highlights another key point: Population projections get more uncertain the further into the future they extend.

    Predicting the population level five years from now is far more reliable than 50 years from now – and beyond 100 years, forget about it. Most population scientists avoid making such long-term projections, for the simple reason that they are usually wrong. That’s because fertility and mortality rates change over time in unpredictable ways.

    The U.S. population size is also not declining. Currently, despite fertility below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman, there are still more births than deaths. The U.S. population is expected to grow by 22.6 million by 2050 and by 27.5 million by 2100, with immigration playing an important role.

    Despite a drop in fertility rates, there are still more births than deaths in the U.S.
    andresr/E+ via Getty Images

    Will low fertility cause an economic crisis?

    A common rationale for concern about low fertility is that it leads to a host of economic and labor market problems. Specifically, pronatalists argue that there will be too few workers to sustain the economy and too many older people for those workers to support. However, that is not necessarily true – and even if it were, increasing birth rates wouldn’t fix the problem.

    As fertility rates fall, the age structure of the population shifts. But a higher proportion of older adults does not necessarily mean the proportion of workers to nonworkers falls.

    For one thing, the proportion of children under age 18 in the population also declines, so the number of working-age adults – usually defined as ages 18 to 64 – often changes relatively little. And as older adults stay healthier and more active, a growing number of them are contributing to the economy. Labor force participation among Americans ages 65 to 74 increased from 21.4% in 2003 to 26.9% in 2023 — and is expected to increase to 30.4% by 2033. Modest changes in the average age of retirement or in how Social Security is funded would further reduce strains on support programs for older adults.

    What’s more, pronatalists’ core argument that a higher birth rate would increase the size of the labor force overlooks some short-term consequences. More babies means more dependents, at least until those children become old enough to enter the labor force. Children not only require expensive services such as education, but also reduce labor force participation, particularly for women. As fertility rates have fallen, women’s labor force participation rates have risen dramatically – from 34% in 1950 to 58% in 2024. Pronatalist policies that discourage women’s employment are at odds with concerns about a diminishing number of workers.

    Research shows that economic policies and labor market conditions, not demographic age structures, play the most important role in determining economic growth in advanced economies. And with rapidly changing technologies like automation and artificial intelligence, it is unclear what demand there will be for workers in the future. Moreover, immigration is a powerful – and immediate – tool for addressing labor market needs and concerns over the proportion of workers.

    Overall, there’s no evidence for Elon Musk’s assertion that “humanity is dying.” While the changes in population structure that accompany low birth rates are real, in our view the impact of these changes has been dramatically overstated. Strong investments in education and sensible economic policies can help countries successfully adapt to a new demographic reality.

    Leslie Root receives funding from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) for work on fertility rates.

    Karen Benjamin Guzzo has received funding from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in the United States.

    Shelley Clark receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Fears that falling birth rates in US could lead to population collapse are based on faulty assumptions – https://theconversation.com/fears-that-falling-birth-rates-in-us-could-lead-to-population-collapse-are-based-on-faulty-assumptions-261031

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The World Health Organization (WHO) mobilizes digital influencers to combat diseases in Angola

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The World Health Organization (WHO) is betting on an innovative approach to stop preventable diseases: engaging digital influencers to directly convey prevention messages to the public through social media.

    This strategy comes in the context of the cholera outbreak that has been affecting the country since January 2025, with 27,609 cases and 769 deaths recorded in 18 provinces. In addition to containment actions on the ground, the WHO has recognized the importance of occupying the digital space with life-saving content, especially among young people, where incorrect information often circulates.

    Between May 15 and July 22, the WHO launched the digital campaign “Together Against Cholera,” which featured six Angolan influencers: Dr. Aurea de Carvalho, Carla Morais, Xofela, Leocádia Tamara, Maria Correia, and Stela de Carvalho. Six educational videos were produced and shared on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with content focused on hygiene, sanitation, and public health.

    Monitoring data from the WHO’s social media pages show that the impact was significant: the videos exceeded 600,000 views, with an average of 3,353 likes, 100 shares, and 70 comments per post, totaling more than 20,000 interactions. 

    Television presenter Stela de Carvalho, who supported the initiative, highlighted its importance, stating: “Participating in this campaign was a way to use my voice to save lives.” For her part, influencer Xofela reinforced the social role of social media, emphasizing: “Campaigns like this show that social media can be used for the common good.”

    According to João Carlos Domingos, WHO communications assistant in Angola, this approach is increasingly necessary: “Digital has become the main channel of information for many young people, but it is also where a lot of misinformation circulates. We need to fill that space with content that saves lives.”

    With the encouraging results of this campaign, the WHO in Angola intends to extend this strategy to other areas of public health, namely the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and hepatitis.

    The influencers involved have already expressed interest in continuing to collaborate, reinforcing the idea that digital communication, when well guided, can be a powerful ally of public health.

    – on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) concludes El Nino Emergency Drought Relief Response through the global humanitarian fund in Namibia

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with partner organisations, has successfully wrapped up a critical a nine-month emergency response in support of the Government of Namibia’s Emergency Drought Response Plan to the El Niño-induced drought.

    With a contribution of US$3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN-CERF), WFP supported the government in delivering life-saving food and nutrition assistance to over 63,000 vulnerable people across Kavango East, Kavango West, and Omaheke regions between October 2024 and June 2025.

    In addition to food assistance, the project served as a platform for integrated service delivery. At food distribution sites, UNICEF provided outreach and basic health screenings for more than 83,500 people and facilitated referrals for malnourished children. UNFPA reached more than 22,400 people with Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services through daily mobile outreach in schools and communities. A community feedback mechanism system was also established, enabling affected populations to share their needs, concerns and suggestions to help shape and improve the response. 

    “This emergency response was about more than just delivering food, it was about restoring dignity and hope to communities hit hardest by the drought,” said Naouar Labidi, WFP Country Representative in Namibia. “Thanks to the generous support from UN-CERF and our collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and UN partners, namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), we reached tens of thousands of people with vital humanitarian assistance. But we also used this moment to invest in local capacity, strengthen partnerships, and helping communities build the resilience they need to face climate shocks.”

    The contribution from CERF allowed over 41,000 people (nearly 7000 households) to receive three rounds of food vouchers, enabling them to purchase essential items such as maize meal, canned fish and cooking oil from 25 participating retailers. This not only supported immediate needs, but also helped boost the local economy, laying the groundwork for longer-term resilience by supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening local supply chains. At the same time, 22,000 children received hot and nutritious meals from 155 conveniently located soup kitchens.

    WFP remains committed to working closely with the Government of Namibia, UN agencies and partners to strengthen food systems, build community resilience and enhance emergency preparedness to future climate shocks.

    – on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rainy season increases cholera threat in South Sudan

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The ongoing rainy season in South Sudan is slowing cholera response efforts in some locations, raising concerns about further transmission and undermining progress the country has made so far in combating the outbreak.

    South Sudan experiences heavy rainfall between mid-July and October. The States of Jonglei, Unity, Upper Nile, Northern Bhar el Ghazal, Warrap, parts of Central Equatoria, and others experience seasonal flooding, resulting in massive displacement, and affecting the delivery of basic health services. The rainy season worsens access and sanitation, disrupts the shipment of medical supplies, hinders deployment of rapid response teams, and vaccination impedes efforts, making it difficult to protect communities and save lives.

    The country declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024, since then, the Ministry of Health with support from World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, has mounted a comprehensive response, including deployment of rapid response teams, prepositioning medical supplies and coordination efforts across all levels to protect communities and safe lives. This is the longest cholera outbreak in the country’s history, since independent in September 2011.

    As of 30 June 2025, South Sudan has reported a cumulative total of 77 555 suspected cases and 1 401 deaths these cases have been reported from 55 counties, across 9 States and all 3 Administrative areas. A cumulative total of 11 554 tested positive using the rapid diagnostic test kits (RDT), and an additional 424 cases had laboratory isolation of Vibrio Cholera.

    In response, the country has successfully conducted an oral cholera vaccination campaign, reaching over 6.9 million people in 40 Counties. affected counties, these campaigns have significantly slowed the spread of the outbreak and is estimated to have saved hundreds of lives with a total of 19,987 deaths averted.

    To support vaccination efforts, South Sudan secured over 8.7 million doses of oral cholera vaccines from the International Coordination Group (ICG) to protect communities, and deployment. the country has applied for additional doses.

    WHO has played a critical role by training over 2000 health workers and community members on various aspects of the response including case management, risk communication and community engagement, IPC/WASH, vaccination and surveillance. The organization has also supported establishment of 102 oral rehydration points (ORPs), 88 cholera treatment units. (CTUs) and 19 cholera treatment centers (CTCs) through implementing partners, which have significantly reduced fatalities. Over 175 Metric Tons of medical supplies have been distributed across the affected Counties. Additionally, WHO has conducted extensive water quality testing and provided treatment to the affected communities.

    Several factors have contributed to the outbreak, including high population density, population movement, limited access to water and sanitation facilities, open defecation, and poor hygiene practices, created a highly vulnerable situation that led to imported cases and local transmission.

    Mr Kereni Gong, Acting Director General, Unity State Ministry of Health highlighted the urgent need for interventions in response to the ongoing flooding, emphasizing the importance of immediate action to save lives of the flooding and call for urgent interventions to save lives

    ‘Unity state is the epicentre of the current cholera outbreak. With support from WHO and other partners The State Ministry of Health managed to bring down the number of cases, but we need more support as we enter the rainy season, during which cases have already begun to rise. We are also aware that floods are coming from the southern part of Unity State which will further worsen the situation” he said

    Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan, underscored the gravity of the situation and express gratitude on the effectiveness of the ongoing cholera response efforts: “The scale of the current outbreak is unprecedented, the onset of the rainy season poses significant challenge in addition to the prevailing humanitarian crises” said Dr Karamagi “Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health we have been able to protect the communities by mounting effective response including vaccinating over 7 million people, now Is the time to up our game in strengthening case management, surveillance and coordination to save lives.”

    Additional funding is required to contain the outbreak, as the rainfall poses the risk of transmission., WHO requires additional funding to bolster current operations by deploying swift response teams to newly identified hotspots, maintaining essential health services for affected communities, and procuring, shipping, and distributing more emergency supplies to support the ongoing response.

    – on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California advances Bay-Delta Plan Update to restore ecosystem health and improve water supply reliability

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 24, 2025

    Governor Newsom praises the State Water Board for incorporating the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program into the Bay-Delta Plan

    What you need to know: The Newsom Administration’s innovative Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, which improves environmental conditions and provides more water supply certainty for California’s communities, farms, and businesses, is moving forward for consideration in the Bay-Delta Plan. This comes alongside a recent legislative proposal to streamline the adoption of water quality plans through new CEQA exemptions.

    SACRAMENTO – Today, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) proposed an update to its Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan that will help protect the Sacramento River, the Delta and associated tributaries (Sacramento/Delta) for generations to come and safeguard water supplies for millions of Californians. The new plan update will help maintain a strong balance between protecting precious ecosystems and ensuring the state can meet the needs of Californians. If adopted, the plan will update environmental science, restore tens of thousands of acres of habitat, and incorporate a groundbreaking program developed by the Newsom administration, creating voluntary agreements with water users, including municipal water agencies, agriculture, and other water rights holders. Advancing California’s Abundance Agenda, the Governor is also introducing a legislative proposal through a separate trailer bill to create new CEQA exemptions for water quality plans. 

    “I am proud to see the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program represented in this plan update — it’s a testament to California’s commitment to a collaborative, science-driven approach to managing our water for the benefit of our communities, economy, and fish and wildlife. However, our work is not yet done — I have proposed legislation to create a CEQA exemption for all Water Quality Control Plans that would accelerate the time it takes to get these critical plans done by removing unnecessary and redundant process requirements. We’re done with barriers and obstacles to our state’s success. We must work together to protect our natural resources for the benefit of the habitats and people of our state.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The Newsom Administration, along with state, federal, and local leaders, developed the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes (HRL) Program as an innovative alternate approach to traditional regulatory requirements to improve environmental conditions while providing more water supply certainty to communities, farms, and businesses throughout California. Now, the program has advanced to the State Water Board for consideration as an implementation pathway in the Bay-Delta Plan.

    “The State Water Board’s draft plan update marks a crucial step toward safeguarding the Bay Delta’s water quality,” said California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Yana Garcia. “By embracing collaborative, science-driven solutions, the board is actively ensuring a more sustainable water future for communities, ecosystems, and generations to come.” 

    The Bay-Delta Plan update now includes two regulatory pathways for water users:

    • A comprehensive Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, which would produce ecosystem benefits through a combination of flow and habitat projects.
    • A flow-only approach for those who are not parties to the HRL program. 

    Following a public comment period, the plan will advance before the State Water Board for final consideration.  The plan, developed with extensive public input, including public water agencies, environmental nonprofits, tribal partners, and local governments, is a win for all Californians.

    Streamlining Government to Work Better 

    The Bay-Delta Plan for the Sacramento/Delta has not been meaningfully updated since 1995. Continuing to operate under a plan that does not reflect the most current science, a growing population, or a changing climate is a disservice to California’s communities and ecosystems. In 2022, Governor Newsom brought together local, state, and federal partners to submit an actionable framework for the Voluntary Agreements, later named the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, to the State Water Board.

    If adopted by the State Water Board, the HRL program would dedicate a large quantity of water to the environment and restore more than 45,000 acres of aquatic habitat for fish and other animals. In addition, Governor Newsom secured funding commitments totalling $2.9 billion to implement the HRL program over the next 8 years.

    “This program will improve the health of our rivers by both restoring river flows and revitalizing habitat,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “After all, fish and wildlife need both to thrive. It also improves coordination and collaboration among public agencies charged with improving river conditions and will enable real-time, science-based decision making that we desperately need to better manage our river systems.”

    “The Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program will allow for a more collaborative and scientifically sound way to balance conflicting demands for water in an extremely complex watershed. We’re grateful to the State Water Board for embracing this approach as a potential pathway within their regulatory framework,” said California Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth. “Working together, we will find new solutions to the old problem of balancing the needs of ecosystems and economies.”

    “The inclusion of voluntary agreements in the development of this plan will be a big win for California, and will help provide more opportunities for our partners across the state to support California’s irreplaceable fish populations and habitats,” said California Department Fish and Wildlife Director Charlton H. Bonham. “By focusing on the science of restoration, and prioritizing additional flows to support healthy habitats, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for California’s precious natural resources, now and in years to come.”

    Furthering the administration’s agenda to reduce barriers to progress and move projects that Californians need forward, Governor Newsom has also introduced trailer bill language to streamline the adoption of water quality control plans and create new exemptions for water projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This would expedite the potential adoption of the Bay-Delta Plan and the ecosystem benefits it would provide, while still allowing for vital public process and input.

    More information about the proposed Bay-Delta Plan update is available on the State Water Board’s website. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

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    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today on a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit striking down California’s ammunition background check law, which was passed by voters in 2016: Strong…

    Jul 23, 2025

    News What you need to know: Through Governor Newsom’s support of local government efforts and state investments, California is reversing decades of inaction on homelessness. Last year’s 2024 point-in-time count showed California had outperformed the nation by slowing…

    Jul 23, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today approved the predeployment of firefighting resources in Nevada, Sierra, and Plumas counties in response to critical fire weather conditions forecasted to impact Northern California starting Wednesday, July 23, through…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The European Investment Bank is investing €20 million in Greek foodtech company STIQ to support innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food delivery solutions.
    • The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will help STIQ scale up its technology platform, reduce food waste, and expand into new European markets.
    • The project promotes digital transformation and economic cohesion, by supporting a Greece-based start-up bringing cutting-edge innovation to the traditional food services sector.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing €20 million in STIQ, a fast-growing Greek foodtech company pioneering AI-powered cloud kitchen technology. The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will support the company’s R&D, digital innovation and international expansion, helping transform the future of food delivery in Europe through smarter, more sustainable and scalable operations.

    The investment is part of the EIB’s strategic focus on digital transformation, innovation and cohesion, and reflects its continued support for high-potential technology ventures in Southern and Eastern Europe. Structured as venture debt with quasi-equity features, the financing will enable STIQ to accelerate the development of its proprietary platform, deploy advanced AI features, and expand its operational footprint beyond Greece into new EU markets.

    EIB Vice-President Yiannis Tsakiris, said: “This investment reflects the EIB’s firm commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship across Europe. STIQ is reshaping the food delivery model through technology, and we are proud to support a Greek company that is building scalable, sustainable solutions with European reach.”

    Strategic impact and EU policy alignment

    The EIB financing is backed by the InvestEU programme under the “Future Technologies” window and addresses key market gaps in access to growth capital for early-stage European tech companies. It reflects the EU’s broader commitment to:

    • Accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced digital services
    • Enhancing food system resilience through innovation and data
    • Reducing environmental impact in urban logistics and delivery networks

    ·        Supporting economic cohesion by investing in regions with high growth potential but limited access to venture financing.

    Scaling foodtech innovation from Greece to Europe

    Founded in Athens in 2022, STIQ has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the virtual restaurant (cloud kitchen) space. Its model integrates software, logistics and food operations into a single platform that allows multiple digital restaurant brands to be prepared and delivered efficiently from a network of culinary hubs.

    Key features of the platform include:

    • AI-powered demand forecasting, dynamic menu engineering and inventory optimisation
    • Smart routing and grouped order delivery, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivery time
    • Data-driven operations that enhance consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.

    With five live kitchen hubs in Athens, serving over 20 brands to a potential market of 3 million residents, STIQ currently employs 200 staff and plans to reach 30 hubs across Europe by 2029. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, including zero-waste targets and the adoption of electric delivery fleets.

    Konstantinos Davaris, Founder & CEO of STIQ said: “We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Bank as a strategic partner in our mission to redefine fast-casual dining. At StiQ, we’re leading a new era of healthy eating by blending cutting-edge technology and AI with culinary excellence. Through our diverse portfolio of brands, including Protein Garden, Dinas, Healthy Concept, and more, we deliver

    delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals that make healthy dining accessible to everyone. With EIB’s support, we’re ready to scale our vision, fostering a more sustainable, health-conscious future for communities worldwide.”

    Background information

    EIB  

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average. 

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About InvestEU

    The InvestEU programme brings together EU financial tools to support investment, innovation and job creation. Through an EU budget guarantee and cooperation with partners such as the EIB, it aims to mobilise more than €372 billion in investment during 2021–2027 across strategic sectors and regions.

    About STIQ

    STIQ is an AI-driven foodtech company operating a digital platform of cloud kitchens and virtual restaurant brands. Headquartered in Cyprus and founded in Athens, it combines technology, culinary expertise and logistics to deliver smarter, faster and more sustainable food services. The company has raised over €10 million to date and is now entering its European growth phase.

    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
    Download original
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The European Investment Bank is investing €20 million in Greek foodtech company STIQ to support innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable food delivery solutions.
    • The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will help STIQ scale up its technology platform, reduce food waste, and expand into new European markets.
    • The project promotes digital transformation and economic cohesion, by supporting a Greece-based start-up bringing cutting-edge innovation to the traditional food services sector.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing €20 million in STIQ, a fast-growing Greek foodtech company pioneering AI-powered cloud kitchen technology. The financing, backed by the InvestEU programme, will support the company’s R&D, digital innovation and international expansion, helping transform the future of food delivery in Europe through smarter, more sustainable and scalable operations.

    The investment is part of the EIB’s strategic focus on digital transformation, innovation and cohesion, and reflects its continued support for high-potential technology ventures in Southern and Eastern Europe. Structured as venture debt with quasi-equity features, the financing will enable STIQ to accelerate the development of its proprietary platform, deploy advanced AI features, and expand its operational footprint beyond Greece into new EU markets.

    EIB Vice-President Yiannis Tsakiris, said: “This investment reflects the EIB’s firm commitment to supporting innovation, digital transformation and entrepreneurship across Europe. STIQ is reshaping the food delivery model through technology, and we are proud to support a Greek company that is building scalable, sustainable solutions with European reach.”

    Strategic impact and EU policy alignment

    The EIB financing is backed by the InvestEU programme under the “Future Technologies” window and addresses key market gaps in access to growth capital for early-stage European tech companies. It reflects the EU’s broader commitment to:

    • Accelerating the deployment of artificial intelligence and advanced digital services
    • Enhancing food system resilience through innovation and data
    • Reducing environmental impact in urban logistics and delivery networks

    ·        Supporting economic cohesion by investing in regions with high growth potential but limited access to venture financing.

    Scaling foodtech innovation from Greece to Europe

    Founded in Athens in 2022, STIQ has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the virtual restaurant (cloud kitchen) space. Its model integrates software, logistics and food operations into a single platform that allows multiple digital restaurant brands to be prepared and delivered efficiently from a network of culinary hubs.

    Key features of the platform include:

    • AI-powered demand forecasting, dynamic menu engineering and inventory optimisation
    • Smart routing and grouped order delivery, reducing CO₂ emissions and delivery time
    • Data-driven operations that enhance consistency, food safety, and customer satisfaction.

    With five live kitchen hubs in Athens, serving over 20 brands to a potential market of 3 million residents, STIQ currently employs 200 staff and plans to reach 30 hubs across Europe by 2029. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on food quality, operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, including zero-waste targets and the adoption of electric delivery fleets.

    Konstantinos Davaris, Founder & CEO of STIQ said: “We are thrilled to welcome the European Investment Bank as a strategic partner in our mission to redefine fast-casual dining. At StiQ, we’re leading a new era of healthy eating by blending cutting-edge technology and AI with culinary excellence. Through our diverse portfolio of brands, including Protein Garden, Dinas, Healthy Concept, and more, we deliver

    delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals that make healthy dining accessible to everyone. With EIB’s support, we’re ready to scale our vision, fostering a more sustainable, health-conscious future for communities worldwide.”

    Background information

    EIB  

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average. 

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About InvestEU

    The InvestEU programme brings together EU financial tools to support investment, innovation and job creation. Through an EU budget guarantee and cooperation with partners such as the EIB, it aims to mobilise more than €372 billion in investment during 2021–2027 across strategic sectors and regions.

    About STIQ

    STIQ is an AI-driven foodtech company operating a digital platform of cloud kitchens and virtual restaurant brands. Headquartered in Cyprus and founded in Athens, it combines technology, culinary expertise and logistics to deliver smarter, faster and more sustainable food services. The company has raised over €10 million to date and is now entering its European growth phase.

    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
    Download original
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    EIB supports Greek foodtech innovator STIQ with €20 million under InvestEU to scale up AI-powered cloud kitchen platform
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: G20 Development Meeting: Baroness Chapman’s speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    G20 Development Meeting: Baroness Chapman’s speech

    Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman, gave a speech on the UK’s new approach to development at the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting in South Africa .

    Congratulations to the Presidency on hosting the first G20 in Africa.

    It has taken 20 years to meet in Africa. There is no world in which this should have taken so long. From the UK’s perspective, we should not wait another 20 years to do this again.

    This is at the core of what I want to use my intervention to say. That we in the UK believe we have to do development differently now.

    We cannot start from the idea that ‘we know best’. We must not just pay lip service to what our partners tell us. When we say partnership and not paternalism – we have to mean it.

    The solutions of 2005 are not the solutions of 2025. And with environmental shocks, health crises, and more conflicts than at any time since the middle of the last century, all hitting the poorest hardest, we have to face up to reality.

    This is the only way to rise to the global challenge that Mandela gave us – to Make Poverty History.

    There are three specific ways in which we are transforming the UK’s approach.

    One – we are listening. Our new approach is already informing our new strategy. But there is a long way to go.

    New leadership from across the globe is changing what is possible, again. Powerful voices like President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina. The new Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchwey. Nigerian Health Minister, Muhammad Ali Pate.

    These are just a few of the 47 African governments and multilateral bodies, and over 200 businesses and communities that the UK has consulted – following our Foreign Secretary’s visit to Cape Town last year.

    Two – we are thinking like investors, not donors, and bringing all the UK’s strengths to the table.

    In partnership, we can share everything from world-class health and tech know-how, to new ways of getting finance flowing into emerging and developing markets – from the world’s green finance hub in London.

    I saw some of this yesterday at an agri-business in this region, with British International Investment helping to create 400 local jobs. Critical for the economy and for supporting South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership.

    We’re making headway on getting money in place before disasters hit, and unlocking private capital – as we discussed together in Seville, at FFD4 two weeks ago.

    The private sector is vital – which is why we matched private funding for Gavi, so we can get new ideas and fresh thinking into how we keep our populations healthy.

    And third – this is all part of our shared mission for economic growth and opportunity. That is how we get countries on a journey out of development and aid – and help millions more people out of poverty.

    So, I want to thank the Presidency for choosing themes that go to the heart of how we can work together.

    On illicit finance – my friend the Foreign Secretary is leading the UK’s efforts to tackle this shared challenge, and he will host a global conference.

    There is more though for us all to do – to give people confidence that they can trust governments to use their money well, and combat criminals laundering money through the world’s financial centres.

    And on social protection – together, we are developing systems every government needs, to reach the most vulnerable people facing hunger and poverty.

    That includes the work my colleague Lord Collins is co-leading, alongside Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister – to make sure this can be felt in the most fragile places on earth.

    Finally, these auspicious occasions, as I am sure you all know, can happen with such frequency that we show up and we repeat positions we have been stuck on for years. But instead, I want to use every occasion we come together as an opportunity to leave ‘business as usual’ behind – and push for the change we all know is needed.

    So we are going to work together, harder – to secure reform at the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.

    To improve and expand the G20’s approach to debt, ahead of the leaders summit.

    To back Brazil’s work to make the next climate summit count.

    And to champion ambition and innovation at the African Development Bank – as well as the replenishment of the Global Fund, that we are proud to co-host alongside South Africa.

    This is how we remake development for the next 20 years. Making sure we don’t wait decades to meet in Africa again.

    Starting with the idea that we need to learn from one another – and drop the old idea that ‘we know best’.

    And facing up to reality. So we listen to our partners. Think like investors. And bringing all our strengths to bear, in pursuit of the economic growth and opportunity that we need – to help millions more people put poverty behind them.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –