NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why carrying spuds and playing sudoku could be good measures of your overall health

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Catherine Norton, Associate Professor Sport & Exercise Nutrition, University of Limerick

    simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock

    While ageing is inevitable, ageing well is something we can influence. It’s not just about the number of candles on your birthday cake – it’s whether you’ve got the puff to blow them out, the balance to carry the cake and the memory to remember why you’re celebrating.

    As we age, our bodies change. Muscle mass shrinks, bones weaken, reaction times slow. But that doesn’t mean we’re all destined for a future of walking frames and daytime TV.

    Ageing well isn’t about staying wrinkle-free – it’s about staying independent, mobile, mentally sharp and socially connected. In gerontology, there’s a saying: we want to add life to years, not just years to life. That means focusing on quality – being able to do what you love, move freely, think clearly and enjoy time with others.

    There’s no one-size-fits-all definition, but some simple home tests can give you a good idea. No fancy lab required – just a toothbrush, a stopwatch and a sense of humour.

    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.

    Balance

    One fun (and surprisingly useful) way to test your balance is to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. If you can do this for 30 seconds or more (eyes open), that’s a great sign of lower-body strength, coordination, and postural stability.

    A 2022 study found that people who couldn’t balance on one leg for ten seconds had an 84% higher risk of death over a median follow-up of seven years compared than those who could. As such, balance is like a superpower for healthy ageing — it reduces falls, supports mobility, and can be improved at any age.

    Grip

    Grip strength is more than just opening jars. It’s a powerful indicator of overall health, predicting heart health, cognitive function and even mortality risk.

    Research shows that for every 5kg decrease in grip strength, the risk of death from all causes rose by 16%.

    You can test grip strength using a hand-dynamometer (many gyms or clinics have them), or simply take note of everyday tasks – is opening bottles, carrying groceries, or using tools becoming harder?

    Floor-to-feet feat

    Can you sit on the floor and stand up without using your hands? This test is a true measure of your lower-body strength and flexibility, which are essential for daily activities and reducing the risk of falls. If you can do it, you’re in great shape.



    Read more:
    Why sitting down – and getting back up – might be the most important health test you do today

    If it’s too tough, try the sit-to-stand test. Using a chair (no arms),see how many sit-to-stand transitions you can do in 30 seconds. This task is a good measure of lower limb function, balance and muscle strength, it can also predict people at risk of falls and cardiovascular issues.

    Mental sharpness

    Cognitive function can be measured in all sorts of complex ways, but some basic home tests are surprisingly telling. Try naming as many animals as you can in 30 seconds. Fewer than 12 might indicate concern; more than 18 is a good sign.

    Try spelling “world” backwards or recalling a short list of three items after a few minutes. This skill is an important strategy to enhance memory in older adults. Challenge yourself with puzzles, Sudoku, or learning a new skill. These kinds of “verbal fluency” and memory recall tests are simple ways to spot early changes in brain health – but don’t panic if you blank occasionally. Everyone forgets where they left their keys sometimes.

    Lifestyle matters

    There’s no magic bullet to ageing well – but, if one existed, it would probably be a combination of exercise, diet, sleep and social connections.

    Some of the best-studied strategies include:

    Daily movement: walking, resistance training, swimming or tai chi keep your muscles and bones strong and support balance and heart health.

    Healthy eating: a Mediterranean-style diet — rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts – is linked to better brain and heart health.

    Sleep: seven to nine hours of quality sleep support memory, immunity and mood.

    Connection: some research suggests that loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Stay engaged, join a club, volunteer, or just pick up the phone to a friend.

    If you can balance on one leg while brushing your teeth, carry a bag of potatoes up the stairs, and name 20 animals under pressure, then you’re doing very well. If not (yet), that’s OK, these are skills you can build over time. Ageing well means taking a proactive approach to health: making small, consistent choices that lead to better mobility, clearer thinking and richer social connections down the line.

    So tonight, give the one-leg toothbrush challenge a go. Your future self might thank you, especially if they still have all their teeth.

    Catherine Norton has received funding from external organisations for related research.

    Grainne Hayes 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. Why carrying spuds and playing sudoku could be good measures of your overall health – https://theconversation.com/why-carrying-spuds-and-playing-sudoku-could-be-good-measures-of-your-overall-health-256380

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trying for a baby? Here’s why the father’s health is just as important as the mother’s

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aleksander Giwercman, Professor of Reproductive Medicine, Lund University

    A man’s health and lifestyle in the preconception period can be important. Ground Picture/ Shutterstock

    Many mothers-to-be understand how it important it is to look after their health — even before becoming pregnant. A mother’s health and lifestyle during the preconception period (the time before becoming pregnant) is not only linked with her health during pregnancy, but also how healthy the baby will be throughout their life.

    But a recent viral TikTok claims a father-to-be’s health in the preconception period is just as important when it comes to both the baby’s wellbeing and the mother’s pregnancy outcomes.

    In the video, the young man states that he thinks men should have to spend the nine months before trying for a baby getting into the “best physical shape of their lives”. He asserts that pre-eclampsia and morning sickness are both linked to men. He also claims that 50-60% of the baby’s epigenetic makeup comes from the father.

    While there was plenty of scepticism in the video’s comment section, this is actually a rare instance where most of the influencer’s health claims are backed by scientific evidence.

    Research shows us that a man’s lifestyle during the preconception period is clearly associated with the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes in their partner – as well as with the health of their children.

    For instance, research has found a link between a father’s health and lifestyle during the preconception period and a woman’s risk of pre-eclampsia. This is a common and serious medical condition that can occur around midway through pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia causes high blood pressure, swelling, headaches and blurred vision.

    The study found that there was a significant association between fathers who had a chronic disease during the preconception period (particularly metabolic disorders, such as obesity, high blood pressure and high blood sugar) and their partner’s subsequent risk of experiencing pre-eclampsia during her pregnancy.

    Research has also found lower risk of birth defects in the children of men who regularly exercised prior to their conception. But fathers who smoked or were overweight during the preconception period were more likely to have children born with a birth defect. The children of fathers who smoked in the months before their conception were also found to have an increased risk of cancer.

    Age also plays a role here, just as it does for mothers. Babies born to fathers who were aged 45 and older during the preconception period had a greater risk of being born prematurely or with a low birth weight.

    Lifestyle and epigenetics

    The concept of epigenetics is key to understanding how a man’s health during the preconception period is related to pregnancy outcomes and their child’s health.

    CAPTION.
    Oteera/ Shutterstock

    Epigenetics means “on top of genetics.” It’s about modifications of the genome that do not change the genetic code. Epigenetic modifications are instead about how the genes are read and which genes are turned on or off – and when.

    Epigenetics represents a link between genetics and environment. Various environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as diseases and even prescription drugs, can induce epigenetic changes. These changes can all lead to the function of certain genes being enhanced – and other genes being completely or partially switched off.

    Although only a very small portion of the epigenetic alterations in the fetus are directly derived from the mother or the father, these can still have a significant impact on the baby’s development and their health. But it’s worth noting here that the TikTok creator’s claim that 50-60% of the baby’s epigenetic makeup comes from the father is not true.



    Read more:
    Four ways men and women can improve their health before trying to conceive

    There’s now solid evidence indicating that lifestyle-related factors (such as smoking, chronic stress and high blood sugar) and diseases (such as obesity) can lead to epigenetic alterations in sperm that affect how the placenta functions. These epigenetic alterations of placental function have subsequently been linked with pre-eclampsia risk and a child’s health and development

    My own research has also shown that sperm which have a chromosome break (which is related to epigenetics) can double the risk of pre-eclampsia and low birth weight in the child. Many of the same lifestyle factors which induce the same epigenetic alterations in sperm that affect placental function have also been linked with higher likelihood of chromosome breaks occurring. Measuring chromosome breaks in sperm could provide an easy and rapid way of identifying high-risk pregnancies.

    So what can we do about this?

    Unfortunately, despite the clear connection between the father’s health in the preconception period with both pregnancy outcomes and their future child’s health, we lack studies that clearly demonstrate changing lifestyle or better managing chronic diseases has a positive influence on these outcomes.

    Still, even if such things have not yet been demonstrated, I believe that we can agree with the TikTok’s message. Quitting smoking, reducing excessive alcohol consumption, exercising and taking control of any metabolic diseases will not only leave would-be fathers in better health for their partner and child, but also a greater chance of succeeding in getting pregnant.

    Aleksander Giwercman receives funding from EU-Interreg program and from Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

    – ref. Trying for a baby? Here’s why the father’s health is just as important as the mother’s – https://theconversation.com/trying-for-a-baby-heres-why-the-fathers-health-is-just-as-important-as-the-mothers-249546

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 May 2025 Departmental update The Department of Digital Health and Innovation participates in the 13th Youth Pre-World Health Assembly

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Organized by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) and hosted at Campus Biotech of the University of Geneva, the 13th Youth Pre-World Health Assembly session titled “What next after expiration? Global strategy on digital health 2020–2025 “brought together more than 60 IFMSA members (mostly medical students) in-person and online. The event featured presentations by the Head of the Capacity Building and Policy Unit (CBP) and the Technical Lead of the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) from the Department of Digital Health and Innovation in WHO Headquarters and the Research and Policy Coordinator from DTH Lab in Geneva, Switzerland. 

    Discussions included the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 which through its four strategic objectives, seeks to align countries and stakeholders through collaboration and knowledge exchange, advance the implementation of national digital health strategies, strengthen governance for digital health and global, regional and national level, and advocate for people-centered health systems. In its 156th Session the WHO Executive Board approved as agenda items for a decision by the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, the extension of the strategy’s timeline to 2027 as well as a renewal from 2028 – 2033, ensuring continuity of the Strategy beyond 2030. Despite progress, significant barriers persist. The lack of digital competencies among health workers remains a critical bottleneck, often leaving them behind in rapidly evolving digital ecosystems. Additionally, the proliferation of digital technologies has led to fragmented systems, with regulatory frameworks struggling to keep pace.  

    To address these challenges, WHO launched GIDH, a WHO Managed Network, to foster alignment of resources towards country-led and standards based digital health transformation. GIDH aims to strengthen resource alignment to match country needs with global support, foster knowledge exchange across regions and provide tools that support countries to steward their national digital health transformation and provide visibility into national progress (e.g. Digital Health Atlas (DHA), Global Digital Health Monitor (GDHM)).  

    Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping digital health, the event highlighted tools from the Transformation Toolbox such as the forthcoming Global Digital Health Competency Framework, set for release at the UN General Assembly in September 2025. This framework will define essential digital health competencies for health workers, policymakers, planners and even citizens, acting as a reference guide for example training and continuous education to ensure consistency in digital health competencies around the world. Resources were also shared to the WHO Academy, which is expanding its digital health training programs, with free courses currently available in English, French, Portuguese. Participants were encouraged to engage with GIDH, either through application for institutional membership or nomination to its Steering Committee, ensuring youth perspectives influence the activities and priorities of GIDH. 

    Other opportunities to engage that were raised include the World Summit on the Information Society+ 20 High Level Event 7-11 July 2025, the 2nd Global GIDH Convening 14-18 July 2025 – virtual, and the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025.  

    Speakers and participants reinforced the need for collaboration, governance, and inclusive capacity-building. The insights from this Pre-WHA assembly will help inform IFMSA’s and WHO’s continued engagement —working towards ensuring that the implementation of digital health technologies is equitable, safe, and effective for all. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 May 2025 Departmental update World Health Assembly re-commits to global nutrition targets and marketing regulations

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Countries at the seventy-eighth World Health Assembly have agreed on two resolutions to extend the comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and child nutrition to 2030 and to regulate the digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes.

    The extended comprehensive implementation plan, first adopted at the Sixty-Fifth World Health Assembly in 2012, builds on progress made to-date while acknowledging shortfalls and adopting new process indicators to monitor progress on areas like dietary diversity and breastfeeding. In addition, more ambitious goals were set for targets that have nearly been achieved, such as exclusive breastfeeding rates and the proportion of children who are overweight.

    The 2030 targets are:

    • 40% reduction in the number of children under 5 years of age who are stunted, compared to the 2012 baseline;
    • 50% reduction in anaemia in women of reproductive age, compared to the 2012 baseline;
    • 30% reduction in low birth weight, compared to the 2012 baseline;
    • reduce and maintain overweight in children under 5 years of age to less than 5%;
    • increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months up to at least 60%; and
    • reduce and maintain wasting in children under 5 years of age to less than 5%.

    Rather than simply extending the targets, this resolution calls for the scaled-up integration of essential nutrition action across all sectors along with capacity-building of health-care workers and fiscal policies such as the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages. In addition, the new 2030 deadline aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals agenda while allowing for countries to respond to emerging threats such as climate change, economic crises, rising food prices and internal displacement, all of which impact nutrition. 

    “Globally in 2024, an estimated 148 million children under 5 experienced stunting, 45 million were estimated to be wasted, and 37 million children were overweight or living with obesity,” said the representative of Ireland, which proposed the resolution together with Ethiopia. “That is almost 240 million children who are being denied the chance to thrive and meet their full potential.”

    Complementing this resolution, countries also agreed to extend the provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (the Code) aimed at combatting the digital marketing of formula milk and baby foods. The Code – a landmark public health agreement passed at the World Health Assembly in 1981 – aims to protect caregivers and new mothers from aggressive marketing practices by the baby food industry, which often makes misleading claims or promotes unhealthy baby foods. In recent years, new digital marketing tactics have proliferated, particularly through the use of influencers and social media channels.

    The 2025 resolution calls for more robust efforts to develop, strengthen and coordinate the regulation of digital marketing to protect infant and child health during the first 1000 days of life. It also calls on countries to invest in effective systems for monitoring and enforcement.

    “Optimal breastfeeding provides critical nutrition and limits free sugar exposure, making it a powerful [and] cost-effective intervention to reduce the lifelong risk of NCDs,” noted the representative of FDI World Dental Federation, a non-State actor in official relations with WHO. “We applaud the new operational targets, especially early breastfeeding initiation, access to counselling on infant and young child feeding, and tracking sugary drink consumption in children.”

    Malnutrition in every form presents a significant threat to human health, particularly for infants, young children and adolescents – all stages of life at which nutrition can have a lifelong impact. Together these agreements send a strong message that maternal, infant and young child nutrition must be incorporated into national health policies and plans as a top priority, and that the digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes must be regulated, monitored and enforced.

    Children are the foundation of our shared future, and these resolutions reflect a commitment to giving every child the best possible chance of realizing their full potential.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Leads Multistate Effort to Protect Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care Providers from Dangerous Certification Requirements

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 19 other attorneys general in urging the American Medical Association (AMA) to take stronger action to protect health care providers from potentially dangerous medical board certification requirements. In testimony submitted to AMA, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that requiring abortion and gender-affirming care providers to travel to states that restrict those forms of care in order to get board-certified puts them at legal and physical risk. The attorneys general warn that mandating in-person testing in states that have aggressively criminalized or penalized reproductive and gender-affirming health care endangers providers, especially those who are pregnant or transgender, and threatens access to essential care nationwide.

    “As states weaponize their legal systems to punish doctors for providing essential health care, the American Medical Association must stand strong in defense of providers,” said Attorney General James. “Reproductive health care and gender-affirming care providers should not have to risk their safety or freedom just to advance in their medical careers. Forcing providers to travel to states that have declared war on reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights is as unnecessary as it is dangerous. I urge AMA to act swiftly to prevent these requirements from becoming a tool for harassment and intimidation.”

    Earlier this year, AMA acknowledged the risks posed to health care providers by state laws that restrict abortion and gender-affirming care, adopting a policy encouraging medical boards to provide alternative testing options in states with such restrictions. However, Attorney General James and the coalition assert that AMA’s current stance does not go far enough to protect examinees because it lacks sufficient urgency and fails to provide policy guidance to the specialty boards on concrete steps they should take to protect candidates. The attorneys general call for AMA to go further by recommending such steps, including:

    • Relocating testing sites to non-restrictive states;
    • Shifting to remote testing to eliminate the need for travel to hostile environments; or
    • Granting individual exemptions from in-person exams in restrictive states for those facing heightened legal or physical risks.

    The attorneys general’s testimony highlights the increasingly hostile legal landscape for health care providers in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Following the decision, several states implemented draconian restrictions on abortion and have since taken steps to criminalize patients and providers. Many of the same states have followed by passing a wave of restrictions on gender-affirming care. The attorneys general argue that officials in these anti-choice states have made it clear their goal is to intimidate and punish reproductive health and gender-affirming care providers, no matter where the care was provided.

    Attorney General James and the coalition warn that mandating in-person board certification testing in states that penalize these forms of health care could have far-reaching and harmful consequences. In particular, the attorneys general highlight the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ABOG), which requires OB/GYNs seeking board certification to travel to Texas for in-person testing. Texas has implemented some of the most severe anti-abortion legislation in the country – criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy, classifying it as a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment, and allowing private citizens to sue providers for up to $10,000 per abortion performed after six weeks into the pregnancy.

    Despite these restrictions, ABOG – which oversees all gynecologists and obstetricians, and even evaluates doctors’ ability to perform abortions as part of the certification process – continues to require in-person certification exams in Texas. The attorneys general assert that ABOG’s refusal to provide accommodations for candidates who fear prosecution or physical harm in Texas places providers at needless risk and endangers access to essential care nationwide. Attorney General James and the coalition note that their offices have engaged with ABOG to identify safer testing alternatives, but ABOG has refused to grant exemptions for candidates who are pregnant or who provide reproductive health care to patients from hostile states, including for the upcoming testing cycle beginning in October.

    Attorney General James and the coalition warn that anti-abortion state officials have publicly stated their intent to prosecute providers who assist patients from Texas in obtaining abortion care in other states. Additionally, Texas recently classified gender-affirming care as “child abuse,” opening the door to additional investigations and potential criminal charges against providers. The attorneys general assert that requiring reproductive health providers to travel to anti-abortion states for certification could result in them being targeted under these laws, even if they are legally providing care in other states.

    The attorneys general emphasize that ensuring the safety of health care providers is essential to maintaining access to reproductive and gender-affirming care in states like New York. The attorneys general are urging AMA to act urgently and forcefully to ensure medical specialty boards adopt concrete, actionable policies that protect providers, warning that failure to act could exacerbate the national health care crisis.

    Joining Attorney General James in submitting this testimony are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    Attorney General James has been a leading voice in defending reproductive rights and opposing efforts to restrict abortion care. Earlier this month, Attorney General James and 20 other attorneys general called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to immediately reinstate tens of millions of dollars in federal reproductive health funds. In March 2025, Attorney General James won a lawsuit against an anti-abortion group, Red Rose Rescue, for invading reproductive health care clinics and interfering with access to care. Also in March, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to defend Medicaid recipients’ right to choose their own health care providers, including reproductive health care clinics like Planned Parenthood. In October 2024, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief urging a federal court to maintain access to emergency abortion care. Also in October, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general filed an amicus brief in support of access to mifepristone. In May 2024, Attorney General James sued an anti-abortion group and 11 crisis pregnancy centers for promoting unproven abortion reversal treatment. In April 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general in urging Congress to expand access to reproductive health services and pass the Access to Family Building Act. In January 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of 24 attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Record Low Gun Violence for NYS

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that reported gun violence across New York State has continued to decline, reaching the lowest level since the state began tracking this data in 2006. New statistics released by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services show a 15 percent decline in shooting victims and a 9 percent drop in shooting incidents with injury from January 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025, compared to the same period last year, in communities participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative.

    “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority. Since taking office, my administration has been laser focused on eliminating gun violence and reducing the number of gun-related injuries and fatalities across the State,” Governor Hochul said. “Our efforts are working, and I am committed to continuing our record level support for gun violence prevention initiatives in our most impacted communities to ensure all New Yorkers are safe.”

    Newly released data comes from the 28 police departments outside of New York City participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. These police departments report roughly 90 percent of violent crimes involving firearms and 85 percent of violent crime reported outside New York City. Since 2021 when Governor Hochul took office, shootings in New York are down by more than 50 percent and murders are down 30 percent.

    Between January and April 2025, these departments reported 156 shooting victims, down from 183 during the same period in 2024; and 139 shooting incidents with injury, down from 153 in 2024 — data that are the result of a coordinated, data-driven effort to reduce gun violence in the State’s most impacted communities.

    New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “New York’s strategy is working because it’s grounded in data, backed by funding, and built on strong partnerships. We are proud to support our law enforcement and community partners with the tools they need to make every neighborhood safer.”

    Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said “Monroe County and New York State are committed to working together to keep our community and neighborhoods safe through sustained investments in gun violence prevention programs. Governor Hochul’s continued support for the GIVE initiative demonstrates a clear understanding that addressing gun violence requires data-driven and community-focused strategies. GIVE empowers local law enforcement and community partners with the tools and resources they need to prevent gun violence before it occurs. By prioritizing prevention and intervention, Governor Hochul and New York State are helping to build safe and more resilient communities across the state,”

    Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said “The ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence across the state are making a difference. Collaboration and support amongst many different law enforcement agencies and key community partners will help our continued efforts to promote public safety and to make neighborhoods safer. I thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues at other levels in government for continuing to work on reducing gun violence rates as we reinforce trusted safety measures and prevention methods to make every community safer, especially those disproportionately impacted by crime violent crimes that involve guns. Together we will achieve peace and stability throughout the state.”

    According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) the murder rate in New York declined by 8 percent from 2023 to 2024. Mortality data shows that New York has the second lowest homicide rate of the top 15 most populous states and the lowest homicide rate of the top 10 states. CDC data also shows that New York has the third lowest firearm-related mortality rate, including firearm-related homicides, accidental discharges, and suicides, in the nation behind only Massachusetts and New Jersey.

    Preliminary full year crime data from DCJS shows a 4 percent decline in overall index crime statewide in 2024 compared to 2023. The 57 counties outside New York City reported an 8 percent drop in crimes with 5 percent fewer violent crimes and 9 percent fewer property crimes.

    In the 57 counties outside of New York City, the following categories of crime declined significantly from 2023 to 2024, with robbery and burglary at the lowest levels on record:

    • Motor vehicle theft (-27 percent)
    • Robbery (-11 percent)
    • Burglary (-8 percent)
    • Larceny (-6 percent)

    To build on this progress, Governor Hochul’s recently enacted FY26 Enacted Budget strengthens New York’s public safety efforts, including:

    • $347 million in gun violence prevention programs that have helped drive gun violence down by more than 50 percent when compared to pandemic-era peaks;
    • Reforms to the discovery process aimed at reducing recidivism and ensuring timely justice;
    • Increased support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence;
    • Enhanced protections for transit workers and passengers; and
    • $77 million to partner with NYPD to increase police presence on platforms and trains by temporarily surging patrol levels for six months, among other key safety initiatives.

    The Budget also includes continued funding for DCJS initiatives that support local law enforcement, community-based violence prevention, and victim services. DCJS also recently notified law enforcement and victim service professionals of their first round of funding through its Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Violence (STRIVE) initiative, which directs resources to police, prosecutors and victim assistance providers so they can better address intimate partner violence in high-need communities.

    Detailed data on shooting incidents, victims and homicides by department is available on the DCJS statistics page.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Karen Hofman, Professor and Programme Director, SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

    By 2030, non-communicable diseases will account for 75% of all deaths annually. Eight percent of these will be in the global south. Most of these diseases are what we call silent killers: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as certain types of cancer at increasingly younger ages.

    The consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats is fuelling these pandemics. And increasingly advertising is being seen as the means by which the consumption of unhealthy products is promoted. This translates into the growth of non-communicable diseases in populations across the globe. This rising threat is driven largely by the way in which markets and industries are organised, which, in turn, shapes social norms towards consumption of tobacco, alcohol, food and sugary beverages.

    This process is what’s known as commercial determinants of health.

    Products that top the list in terms of their risk to health are tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra processed food and alcohol.

    These products are heavily advertised. For example, in South Africa from 2013 to 2019, sugary beverage manufacturers spent US$191 million (R3.7 billion) to advertise their products. Many of the TV advertisements for sugary drinks were placed during child and family viewing time, between 3pm and 7pm.

    Over the past decade a number of countries have introduced policies in a bid to limit the use and intake of harmful food and beverages. These have ranged from taxes on certain products, such as sugar, alcohol and tobacco, to bans on advertising. Many have proved effective. But there are still big gaps in policies to control these harmful products.

    As academics who have researched this field for three decades we believe that the G20 can play a significant role in plugging these gaps. The countries under the G20 umbrella, which represent two thirds of the world’s population, have reason to act: all are experiencing a mounting burden of obesity-related illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer at ever-younger ages.

    One of South Africa’s G20 presidency health priorities is “stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases”. In our view this is an invitation for the G20 to pledge to combat the drivers of non-communicable diseases.

    The G20 can acknowledge that these diseases are part of a pathological system in which commercial actors are causing ill health. And G20 leaders can acknowledge that progress enacting health taxes has stagnated in most countries.

    By galvanising attention in this way, the G20 can give impetus to a high level United Nations meeting in 2025 at which a new vision for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases is due to be set. Health taxes and bans on marketing are focus areas.

    What stands in the way of progress

    Efforts by various countries to curb consumption of these harmful products have shown one thing clearly: there’s no silver bullet.

    Nevertheless, evidence shows that consumers are responsive to price. This points to the fact that taxes are a key tool for decreasing demand, especially for young consumers.

    Read more: Sugary drinks are a killer: a 20% tax would save lives and rands in South Africa

    There is also mounting evidence that health taxes are progressive for health at a population level – in other words they lead to better health outcomes. Research also shows that they scarcely affect overall employment, if at all.

    But advances on alcohol and tobacco taxes are slow. And there has been little progress on taxes on sugary beverages.

    These taxes remain far too low because health promotion taxes face tough resistance from industry. When any health promotion taxes are proposed, industries deny harms, promote doubt, divert attention, spread disinformation, create front organisations, and varnish their reputations through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

    When taxes do proceed through the legislative or regulatory process, industries influence proposals to make them less effective. They also offer to replace legislation with voluntary commitments. Evidence shows that voluntary commitments do not work.

    What would be gained

    In 2024, a report by a panel of experts showed that US$3.7 trillion in additional revenue could be generated over five years if all countries increased prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages by 50%.

    This money is sorely needed to boost healthcare. Non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect the most poor and vulnerable and healthcare systems are increasingly unable to cope. Screening, diagnosis, medications and treatment are very expensive for both ministries of finance and at the household level, where health needs can result in catastrophic expenditure.

    And taxes that generate a 50% increase in real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages would save 50 million lives globally over 50 years.

    Where to begin

    We believe the G20 platform is a sound one on which to champion efforts to curb the consumption of harmful products. This is because half of the countries in the group have one or two policies for food such as taxes on sweetened beverages. Their experiences can therefore inform debates about how to protect the public from the fatal effects of diet-influenced diseases.

    But building a solid foundation won’t be easy. What’s needed is for the G20 to put its weight behind these key points:

    • Promoting good health before people get sick should be an imperative because the cost of inaction in financial and human terms is just too high.

    • Promoting the case for raising tobacco taxes, because tobacco continues to cause the most death and illness. But taxation has stalled. Approximately 90% of smokers live in countries where cigarettes were equally or more affordable in 2022 than they were five years earlier.

    • A renewed focus on alcohol taxes, which have shown little improvement in the last decade. Alcohol excise taxes are not being used effectively.

    • Fresh impetus behind increasing the level of taxes as a percentage of the cost of sugar sweetened beverages. Evidence suggests that to be effective, taxes on sugar sweetened beverages should increase product prices by at least 20%.

    • Champion nutrition regulation when navigating the trade and nutrition policy environment. Trade policies can be inconsistent with health policies.

    • Lastly, push for stronger global monitoring frameworks to track corporate accountability in health. This should include clear conflict of interest policies, information management, and exposing when corporations try to shape their own evidence-base or discredit research that would be supportive of public health policies.

    – Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes
    – https://theconversation.com/sugary-drinks-processed-foods-alcohol-and-tobacco-are-big-killers-why-the-g20-should-add-its-weight-to-health-taxes-256024

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Karen Hofman, Professor and Programme Director, SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand

    By 2030, non-communicable diseases will account for 75% of all deaths annually. Eight percent of these will be in the global south. Most of these diseases are what we call silent killers: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as certain types of cancer at increasingly younger ages.

    The consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fats is fuelling these pandemics. And increasingly advertising is being seen as the means by which the consumption of unhealthy products is promoted. This translates into the growth of non-communicable diseases in populations across the globe. This rising threat is driven largely by the way in which markets and industries are organised, which, in turn, shapes social norms towards consumption of tobacco, alcohol, food and sugary beverages.

    This process is what’s known as commercial determinants of health.

    Products that top the list in terms of their risk to health are tobacco, sugary beverages, ultra processed food and alcohol.

    These products are heavily advertised. For example, in South Africa from 2013 to 2019, sugary beverage manufacturers spent US$191 million (R3.7 billion) to advertise their products. Many of the TV advertisements for sugary drinks were placed during child and family viewing time, between 3pm and 7pm.

    Over the past decade a number of countries have introduced policies in a bid to limit the use and intake of harmful food and beverages. These have ranged from taxes on certain products, such as sugar, alcohol and tobacco, to bans on advertising. Many have proved effective. But there are still big gaps in policies to control these harmful products.

    As academics who have researched this field for three decades we believe that the G20 can play a significant role in plugging these gaps. The countries under the G20 umbrella, which represent two thirds of the world’s population, have reason to act: all are experiencing a mounting burden of obesity-related illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer at ever-younger ages.

    One of South Africa’s G20 presidency health priorities is “stemming the tide of non-communicable diseases”. In our view this is an invitation for the G20 to pledge to combat the drivers of non-communicable diseases.

    The G20 can acknowledge that these diseases are part of a pathological system in which commercial actors are causing ill health. And G20 leaders can acknowledge that progress enacting health taxes has stagnated in most countries.

    By galvanising attention in this way, the G20 can give impetus to a high level United Nations meeting in 2025 at which a new vision for the control and prevention of non-communicable diseases is due to be set. Health taxes and bans on marketing are focus areas.

    What stands in the way of progress

    Efforts by various countries to curb consumption of these harmful products have shown one thing clearly: there’s no silver bullet.

    Nevertheless, evidence shows that consumers are responsive to price. This points to the fact that taxes are a key tool for decreasing demand, especially for young consumers.



    Read more:
    Sugary drinks are a killer: a 20% tax would save lives and rands in South Africa

    There is also mounting evidence that health taxes are progressive for health at a population level – in other words they lead to better health outcomes. Research also shows that they scarcely affect overall employment, if at all.

    But advances on alcohol and tobacco taxes are slow. And there has been little progress on taxes on sugary beverages.

    These taxes remain far too low because health promotion taxes face tough resistance from industry. When any health promotion taxes are proposed, industries deny harms, promote doubt, divert attention, spread disinformation, create front organisations, and varnish their reputations through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

    When taxes do proceed through the legislative or regulatory process, industries influence proposals to make them less effective. They also offer to replace legislation with voluntary commitments. Evidence shows that voluntary commitments do not work.

    What would be gained

    In 2024, a report by a panel of experts showed that US$3.7 trillion in additional revenue could be generated over five years if all countries increased prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages by 50%.

    This money is sorely needed to boost healthcare. Non-communicable diseases disproportionately affect the most poor and vulnerable and healthcare systems are increasingly unable to cope. Screening, diagnosis, medications and treatment are very expensive for both ministries of finance and at the household level, where health needs can result in catastrophic expenditure.

    And taxes that generate a 50% increase in real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages would save 50 million lives globally over 50 years.

    Where to begin

    We believe the G20 platform is a sound one on which to champion efforts to curb the consumption of harmful products. This is because half of the countries in the group have one or two policies for food such as taxes on sweetened beverages. Their experiences can therefore inform debates about how to protect the public from the fatal effects of diet-influenced diseases.

    But building a solid foundation won’t be easy. What’s needed is for the G20 to put its weight behind these key points:

    • Promoting good health before people get sick should be an imperative because the cost of inaction in financial and human terms is just too high.

    • Promoting the case for raising tobacco taxes, because tobacco continues to cause the most death and illness. But taxation has stalled. Approximately 90% of smokers live in countries where cigarettes were equally or more affordable in 2022 than they were five years earlier.

    • A renewed focus on alcohol taxes, which have shown little improvement in the last decade. Alcohol excise taxes are not being used effectively.

    • Fresh impetus behind increasing the level of taxes as a percentage of the cost of sugar sweetened beverages. Evidence suggests that to be effective, taxes on sugar sweetened beverages should increase product prices by at least 20%.

    • Champion nutrition regulation when navigating the trade and nutrition policy environment. Trade policies can be inconsistent with health policies.

    • Lastly, push for stronger global monitoring frameworks to track corporate accountability in health. This should include clear conflict of interest policies, information management, and exposing when corporations try to shape their own evidence-base or discredit research that would be supportive of public health policies.

    Susan Goldstein receives funding from the SAMRC, the NIHR and UNICEF. She is a Board Member of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance: South Africa,

    Karen Hofman 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. Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes – https://theconversation.com/sugary-drinks-processed-foods-alcohol-and-tobacco-are-big-killers-why-the-g20-should-add-its-weight-to-health-taxes-256024

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 May 2025 Departmental update Membership of the Guideline Development Group for Recommendations on Expanding Contraception Options

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN’s Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP) is publishing the proposed membership of the Guideline Development Group for WHO’s upcoming Recommendations on Expanding Contraception Options.

    The Guideline Development Group is a group of experts external to WHO that will provide scientific advice and guidance to WHO on the technical content, organization, presentation and dissemination of these Recommendations. Members have been identified by the WHO Guideline Steering Group in collaboration with Regional Advisors for Sexual and Reproductive Health, and is composed of experts with extensive and diverse experience in family planning, contraception, public health, epidemiology, pharmacology, health systems, innovations and technology, nursing and midwifery, guideline development, research, etc.

    The guideline development group will meet from 17–19 June 2025 at WHO’s headquarters in Geneva to:

    • appraise the evidence that will inform the development of the recommendations and formulate recommendations using a consensus-based approach;
    • propose any outstanding research gaps; and
    • highlight any implementation considerations.

    The proposed group will provide recommendations on the efficacy, safety and acceptability of selected contraceptive methods that are registered and used in various countries, but not currently in the WHO Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. It will also assess some contraceptive options that are used differently from the WHO Selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use.

    The WHO normative meeting is by invitation only. In keeping with the requirements of the WHO Guidelines Review Committee and the WHO Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics Office, we are posting online short biographies of the guideline development group members. The listed candidates have also submitted a declaration of interest form stating any conflict of interests. WHO has applied its internal processes to ensure that the performance of the above tasks by members of this group will be transparent and without any significant conflict of interests (academic, financial or other) that could affect the credibility of the guideline.

    In line with WHO policy on conflict of interest, the public and interested organizations can access the biographies of the guideline development group members and inform WHO of any concerns around individual member’s participation in the expanding contraceptive options guideline development group. The list comprises 19 members. All comments should be sent by email to srhcfc@who.int by 6 June 2025.

    Note:

    Members of the guideline development group (GDG) participate in the guideline development process and at meetings in their individual capacity and not as representatives of the institutions or organizations with which they are affiliated. Members of the GDG will not receive an honorarium, remuneration or compensation for their participation. The participation of experts in a WHO meeting does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the WHO nor does it create a binding relationship between the experts and WHO.

    The biographies have been provided by the experts themselves and are the sole responsibility of the individuals concerned. WHO is not responsible for the accuracy, veracity and completeness of the information provided. In accordance with WHO conflict of interest assessment policy, expert’s biographies are published for transparency purposes.

    Comments sent to WHO are treated confidentially and their receipt will be acknowledged through a generic email notification to the sender. WHO reserves the right to discuss information received through this process with the relevant expert with no attribution to the provider of such information. Upon review and assessment of the information received through this process, WHO, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate management of conflicts of interests in accordance with its policies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lo Chung-mau meets WHO official

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today met World Health Organization Representative to China Martin Taylor to exchange views on various healthcare issues and explore the strengthening of related healthcare co-operation.

    During the meeting, Prof Lo introduced Mr Taylor to the comprehensive tobacco control strategies in Hong Kong, and the new-phase measures formulated around the four directions of regulating supply, banning promotion, expanding no smoking areas, and enhancing education.

    Both parties agreed that sustained international co-operation is particularly important to further strengthening global tobacco control efforts and safeguarding public health.

    Meanwhile, Prof Lo continued to meet the visiting Mainland delegations attending the Hospital Authority Convention 2025.

    In the morning, he met the delegation led by Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Deputy Director General Prof Hu Hongyi, to discuss healthcare talent exchanges between Hong Kong and Shanghai, and the internationalisation of Chinese medicine standards.

    At the afternoon meeting with the delegation led by Vice Chairman of the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region Luo Mei, Prof Lo introduced the structure of the healthcare system in Hong Kong and shared relevant management experience. Both sides also discussed the development of traditional medicine.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: John Snow Labs Acquires WiseCube to Refine and Safeguard Medical AI Models with Knowledge Graphs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWES, Del., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, today announced the acquisition of WiseCube, a pioneer in biomedical knowledge graphs and AI-powered literature analysis. The acquisition strengthens the company’s mission to deliver responsible, accurate, and explainable healthcare AI solutions enhanced by WiseCube’s billion-scale knowledge platform.

    WiseCube unifies and analyzes disjointed biomedical datasets to provide fast, literature-backed answers to complex medical questions. Its integration of cutting-edge biomedical ontologies and documents ensures access to the most current and comprehensive medical knowledge. This capability has proven indispensable, uncovering new use cases and solutions John Snow Labs can support, such as drug discovery and precision medicine within the Medical Chatbot Platform.

    The WiseCube acquisition will enable John Snow Labs to:

    • Enhance Biomedical Literature Review: Unique algorithms enable holistic analysis of unstructured data and medical ontologies to generate new scientific hypotheses.
    • Accelerate Drug Discovery: Surfacing hidden relationships among drugs, genes, and diseases, WiseCube shortens the path from discovery to clinical trials.
    • Improve Hallucination Detection for Medical LLMs: WiseCube’s Pythia service includes a hallucination detection tool that can monitor AI-generated responses alignment with verified medical knowledge, enhancing compliance and safety of medical AI applications.

    “With John Snow Labs’ leadership in healthcare AI, our combined teams can now bring safe and effective AI solutions to the market at scale,” said Vishnu Vettrivel, CEO, WiseCube. “We look forward to improving research productivity, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes together.”

    “The integration of WiseCube’s knowledge graph technology into our healthcare AI solutions enables a new level of accuracy and reliability for our customers,” said David Talby, CEO, John Snow Labs. “We’re excited to accelerate the ability to deliver real-world, production-ready solutions that clinicians and researchers can trust.”

    About John Snow Labs
    John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, provides state-of-the-art software, models, and data to help healthcare and life science organizations put AI to good use. Developer of Medical LLMs, Healthcare NLP, Spark NLP, the Generative AI Lab No-Code Platform, and the Medical Chatbot, John Snow Labs’ award-winning medical AI software powers the world’s leading pharmaceuticals, academic medical centers, and health technology companies. Creator and host of The NLP Summit, the company is committed to further educating and advancing the global AI community.

    Contact
    Gina Devine
    Head of Communications
    John Snow Labs
    gina@johnsnowlabs.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Parched Hospitality Group Puts the Guest Experience First with New Paytronix Rewards App

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Loyalty with an Australian Vibe — Parched launches a tiered rewards program to engage and reward guests digitally, across its unique dining & cocktail brands

    NEWTON, Mass. and NEW YORK, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paytronix, the leader in guest engagement for restaurants and convenience stores, and Australian culture inspired Parched Hospitality Group have launched “Parched Locals,” a powerful new rewards program and mobile app to engage with guests across all four of its iconic restaurant brands: Daintree; Hole in the Wall; Isla & Co.; and Wallflower. Guests can sign up for membership to become a Local with any store in the Parched family to get rewards and bonus perks across all the brands.

    Parched operates nine unique restaurants in New York and Florida, featuring multiple concepts that take inspiration from Australia where much of the executive team was born. Stop by Hole in the Wall or Isla and Co. for an Australian street corner vibe to enjoy a cup of specialty coffee and hearty breakfast, or dinner and date night out. Swing by Wallflower for cocktails and a bite, where vinyl records are found spinning throughout the night. Or experience the Australian forest environment at Daintree to enjoy the lush greenery and rooftop view, under the watchful eye of the New York skyline.

    “We’ve got such a fantastic group of loyal customers, we wanted to give back to them and make sure they feel as much a part of our family as we feel about them,” said Tom Rowse, Chief Strategy Officer, Parched, “The Parched Locals program and mobile app will help expand and grow our family while thanking them. Paytronix brings so many ways to surprise and reward guests, engaging with them through a program that’s true to each brand’s unique needs and style.”

    Become a Mate Today
    By downloading the Parched mobile app new mates will automatically get a free cocktail, coffee or fries just for signing up!

    The mobile app is designed to be a one-stop shop to explore all the Parched venues. There, guests can reserve a table, explore the menu, manage their account and earn/redeem rewards. When on the go, they can order online – with app exclusive pricing just for members! Earn and redeem rewards at any restaurant in the Parched family. Sign up online, or at any local Parched location during checkout.

    Members earn points for every purchase they make and also gain first access to special offers and limited-time rewards. Frequent guests can move up tiers in the program to unlock additional perks and extra rewards.

    “Parched designed their digital brand intentionally to ensure guests feel at home and experience Australian hospitality however they engage, across the Parched brands”, said Andrea Mulligan, Chief Customer Officer, Paytronix. “The guest experience has been at the center of the brand since its conceptualization. Parched is giving back to its regular customers and making it convenient for people to engage with them whether in person or remotely.”

    Parched deployed the full Paytronix guest engagement platform, which also provides powerful tools for online ordering, rewards, email/messaging/SMS and marketing, and gift card solutions. Rollout was easy, with Paytronix integrating directly with the Toast POS system used by Parched. Paytronix even supported specialized integration needs, like direct integration of Sunday QR code payments.

    About Parched Hospitality Group
    Parched Hospitality Group (PHG) began in 2014 with the opening of a boutique New York City coffee shop, Hole in the Wall. This humble establishment quickly became an iconic café brand, laying the foundation for PHG’s expansion into a multi-concept hospitality group. Drawing inspiration from Australian, Southeast Asian, and European cultures, PHG delivers exceptional customer experiences and innovative concepts–a third place for guests in each local community it operates in.

    Today, PHG’s portfolio includes renowned establishments such as Hole in the Wall, Isla & Co., Daintree, and Wallflower, each venue offering unique dining experiences, from modern Australian cuisine to innovative cocktails. Parched operates nine restaurants across New York and Florida as well as a direct-to-consumer coffee brand, all connected by a shared mission that puts community, customer experience, and creativity at the heart of everything they do. Learn more at https://parchedhg.com/.

    About Paytronix
    Paytronix, an Access Group company, is a cloud-based digital guest engagement platform for the hospitality industry. Our innovative, unified platform provides loyalty programs, online ordering, gift cards, branded mobile applications, and strategic insights to more than 1,800 leading restaurant and convenience store brands. Our valued clients leverage the power of Paytronix across 50,000 sites globally to create seamless, personalized, and brand-authentic experiences that foster lasting relationships with their customers. For more than 20 years, Paytronix has been a trusted partner helping brands maximize the lifetime value of their guests and grow more profitable businesses. For more information, visit www.paytronix.com.

    Media Contact:
    Calen McGee
    Paytronix Systems, Inc.
    Calen.McGee@theaccessgroup.com 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5188c284-8a8e-457a-ab04-d356fd629588

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: For opioid addiction, treatment underdosing can lead to fentanyl overdosing – a physician explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lucinda Grande, Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine, University of Washington

    Buprenorphine is most effective when doctors and patients find the right dose together. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

    Imagine a patient named Rosa tells you she wakes up night after night in a drenching sweat after having very realistic dreams of smoking fentanyl.

    The dreams seem crazy to her. Three months ago, newly pregnant, Rosa began visualizing being a good parent. She realized it was finally time to give up her self-destructive use of street fentanyl. With tremendous effort, she started treatment with buprenorphine for her opioid use disorder.

    As hoped, she was intensely relieved to be free from the distressing withdrawal symptoms – restless legs, anxiety, bone pain, nausea and chills – and from the guilt, shame and hardship of living with addiction. But even so, Rosa found herself musing throughout the day about the rewarding rush of fentanyl, which seemed ever more appealing. And she couldn’t escape those dreams at night.

    Rosa asks you, her doctor, for a higher dose of buprenorphine. You consider her request carefully. Your clinic follows the Food and Drug Administration prescribing guideline that has changed very little in over 20 years. It recommends her current prescription – 16 milligrams – as the “target” dose. You are aware of the prevailing view among medical providers that most patients don’t need a dose higher than that. Many believe that patients or others would use the extra pills to get high.

    But after many visits, you feel that you know Rosa well. You believe in her sincerity. She is a responsible 25-year-old with a full-time job who never misses appointments. She now has stable housing with her parents after years of couch surfing. You reluctantly agree and raise her daily dose by one additional 8-milligram pill, totaling 24 milligrams.

    At her next visit, Rosa tells you that the higher dose solved her daytime fentanyl craving, but the nightmares have continued. She would like to try an even higher dose.

    How should you respond? The FDA guideline clearly states there is no evidence to support any benefit above her new dose. You begin to doubt Rosa’s sincerity and your own judgment.

    Harms of low doses

    This hypothetical scenario has played out countless times in the U.S. since 2002, when buprenorphine was first approved as a treatment for opioid use disorder. As a family physician specializing in addiction medicine, I have frequently encountered patients who still experience withdrawal symptoms at the “target dose” and even at the suggested maximum dose of 24 milligrams.

    People like Rosa, plagued by uncontrolled fentanyl craving – either awake or in dreams – are at high risk of leaving treatment and returning to addiction. Yet from 2019 to 2020, only 2% of buprenorphine prescriptions were written for over 24 milligrams.

    Withdrawal symptoms and cravings make staying in recovery difficult.
    iStock/Getty Images Plus

    I was able to help some of those people in my work as co-founder and medical director of a low-barrier clinic, which is a clinic that makes it easier for people to get started with buprenorphine. I asked our clinicians to offer a higher dose when they believed the current one wasn’t meeting the patient’s needs.

    The dose choice may be a life-or-death decision. Increasing it by one more pill – to 32 milligrams – often makes the difference between a patient staying in or leaving treatment. The risk of leaving treatment is particularly significant for the patients we typically see at low-barrier clinics, many of whom face severe life challenges. While patients do sometimes give away or sell extra pills, research consistently shows that illegally obtained pills are most commonly used for self-treatment – to control withdrawal and help quit opioids when treatment is unavailable.

    Medicaid in my state of Washington began paying for prescriptions up to 32 milligrams in 2019. But clinicians may still encounter constraints from other health insurers and at pharmacies. Some states, such as Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio, have dose restrictions cemented in law.

    Finding the right dose

    The challenge of finding the right treatment dose became more acute for clinicians and patients as fentanyl swept across the country starting in 2013. Fentanyl now dominates the unregulated opioid supply. Fifty times stronger than heroin, fentanyl overwhelms the ability of low doses of buprenorphine to counter its effects.

    Buprenorphine – also known by the brand name Suboxone, which contains a mix of buprenorphine and naloxone – is an opioid medication with the quirk of both activating the brain’s opioid receptors and partially blocking them. It provides just enough opioid effects to prevent withdrawal symptoms and craving while also blocking the reward of euphoria. It relieves pain like other opioids but doesn’t cause breathing to stop. It can dramatically reduce the risk of overdose death by as much as 70%.

    In medicine, there is a general concern that too high a dose may have toxic effects. However, as many clinicians and researchers have observed, using too low a dose of some treatments can also lead to harm, including death from patients going back to fentanyl.

    After observing so many patients responding well to higher doses, my colleagues and I looked in the medical literature for more information. We discovered over a dozen reports as far back as 1999 providing evidence that buprenorphine’s benefits steadily increase up to at least 32 milligrams.

    At higher doses, patients stay on treatment longer, use illicit opioids less often, have fewer complications such as hepatitis C, have fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and suffer less from chronic pain. Brain scans show that buprenorphine at 32 milligrams occupies more opioid receptors – over 90% of receptors in some brain regions – compared with lower doses. One study even showed that a high enough dose of buprenorphine can directly prevent fentanyl overdose.

    As illicit opioids become more potent, addiction becomes more deadly – and more urgent to treat.

    Patients with some health conditions may especially benefit from higher doses. During pregnancy, as in Rosa’s case, withdrawal symptoms can grow more intense because of metabolism changes that reduce the blood concentration of most medications. A higher dose may be needed to maintain the level of effects they had before pregnancy. Additionally, I found that the patients in my clinic with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder or longtime opioid use were most likely to find relief at a dose above 24 milligrams.

    The American Society of Addiction Medicine recommends
    four goals of treatment: suppressing opioid withdrawal, blocking the effects of illicit opioids, stopping opioid cravings and reducing the use of illicit opioids, and promoting recovery-oriented activities.

    Similarly, patients seek a comfortable and effective dose – that is, one that avoids withdrawal symptoms and craving, and allows them to avoid illicit drug use and the associated worry and stress. Many patients also yearn to feel trusted, accepted and understood by their clinician. Achieving that goal requires shared decision-making.

    A clinician can never be sure a patient is meeting all the goals of treatment. But a patient who reports positive life changes – such as stable housing and improved relationships – and reports low or no craving while awake or dreaming will likely be satisfied with the current dose. For a patient who does not make progress with a dose increase to 32 milligrams, the clinician might consider a different treatment plan, such as a 30-day buprenorphine injection, which can provide an even higher dose, or transition to methadone, the other highly effective FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder.

    The FDA guideline change

    In August 2022, a team of addiction physicians attempted to move the FDA to change dosing guidelines for buprenorphine. They submitted a petition asking for a modernized guideline that based dosing on how a patient responds to buprenorphine – including symptom relief and reduced illicit drug use – rather than a fixed “target” dose. They asked to remove language that incorrectly denied evidence that patients benefited from doses above 24 milligrams.

    The FDA listened. In December 2023, it convened a public meeting with leading addiction clinicians, researchers and policymakers to review the evidence on buprenorphine dosing. The group came to an overwhelming consensus that there was extensive research showing benefit at doses above 24 milligrams. Moreover, they doubted whether the guideline’s dosing conclusions, made before fentanyl infiltrated the drug supply, applied today.

    Treatment is most effective when patients feel their needs are understood.
    Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    Then, the FDA responded. In December 2024, it announced a new buprenorphine recommendation that would not mention a target dose and would not deny the existence of evidence of benefits above 24 milligrams. Only time will tell whether and when the FDA’s new guideline will meaningfully alter prescribing patterns, insurance and pharmacy restrictions, and state laws.

    To maintain the national trend toward lower overdose deaths, the best possible use of each effective treatment is critical. Yet the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to Medicaid – which covers nearly half of all buprenorphine prescriptions – put access seriously at risk. Most people with untreated addiction would be blocked from accessing treatment altogether, let alone at an effective dose or with the behavioral health, social work and recovery support services needed for the best outcomes. Research shows that a sharp reduction in buprenorphine prescriptions occurred following 2023 Medicaid coverage restrictions.

    Opioid use disorder is treatable. Buprenorphine works well and saves lives when given at the right dose. An inadequate dose can directly harm patients who are simply trying to survive and improve their lives.

    Lucinda Grande is a physician and partner at Pioneer Family Practice in Lacey, Washington.

    – ref. For opioid addiction, treatment underdosing can lead to fentanyl overdosing – a physician explains – https://theconversation.com/for-opioid-addiction-treatment-underdosing-can-lead-to-fentanyl-overdosing-a-physician-explains-250588

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Has Record-Breaking Cohort for Gilman Scholars

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A record-breaking 31 UConn students have been awarded a Gilman Scholarship in the latest cohort of the prestigious academic award. The award is congressionally funded through the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs at the State Department.

    The funding supports expanding student participation in study abroad programs and encourages travel to diverse locations around the globe, along with intensive language study and internship experiences.

    The 31 UConn students, who will study in 14 different countries, will receive a total of nearly $94,000 in scholarship funds through the Gilman program. A total of 40 UConn students have earned Gilman awards in the last two cohorts, this one and October 2024, for a total of more than $121,500 in scholarship funding.

    Students applying for Gilman Scholarships work with advisors in UConn’s Office of National Scholarships & Fellowships (ONSF) and Experiential Global Learning (EGL). Rachel Gleicher, an advisor in EGL, and Michael Cunningham, assistant director of ONSF and UConn’s Fulbright program advisor, are UConn’s two Gilman certifying advisors.

    “We are very excited that the Gilman program has selected so many UConn students this cycle,” says Cunningham. “It’s a testament to the quality of our students and to the hard work that they put into their applications.”

    Upon their return from studying abroad, each Gilman Scholar is required to complete a service project in their campus or home community with the goal of sharing the value of participation in study abroad and promoting the scholarship to prospective students. Applications are reviewed with consideration for the proposed follow-up service project.

    “We are so proud of these students for staying determined and focused on their study abroad goals,” says Gleicher. “Amid uncertain times, with federal funding freezes and broader uncertainty, they remained committed to their aspirations. Now more than ever, it is crucial to ensure students are aware of the funding opportunities available to them.”

    Eligibility for the Gilman Scholarship requires undergraduate students to be Pell Grant-eligible United States citizens who plan to study abroad for academic credit through a program approved by their home institution. Supporting students with high financial need provides access to students who are historically underrepresented in study abroad, including first-generation college students, STEM majors, ethnic and racial minority students, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and others who experience barriers to participation.

    Students from underrepresented areas of the U.S. are also considered during the application process and this year there are recipients from all 50 states.

    The following UConn students were selected as Gilman Scholars in this cycle, and they are listed with the location of where they will study as part of the program:

    Carina Adams-Szabo ’27 (CLAS), a psychology and political science major from Greenwich, who will be studying neuroscience this summer in Salamanca, Spain.

    Ashley Barragan ’27 (NUR), a nursing major who will be studying at the University of Dublin Summer Applied Research for Nursing Practice in Dublin, Ireland.

    Rhys Brauer ’27 (CLAS), a psychological sciences major, who will be studying neuroscience this summer in Salamanca.

    Brooke Catellier ’26 (CAHNR), an allied health major, who will be studying the Mediterranean diet and Tuscan cuisine in Florence, Italy, this summer.

    Kylene Chino ’26 (CLAS), a human rights and political science major, who will be studying in the fall at the Pusan National University in Shanghai, China.

    Jaiyliah Cochran ’25 (CLAS), a microbiology major, who will be studying field ecology this summer in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

    Mia Dansby ’26 (BUS), a management major, who will be studying this summer at ISI in Florence.

    Andrea D’Oleo ’27 (NUR), a nursing major from East Hartford, who will be studying in the Dublin Summer Applied Research Program for Nursing Practice in Ireland.

    Danyelix Echevarria Figueroa ’28 (ACES), a pre-teaching major from New Britain, who will study next spring at the University of Grenda in Grenda, Spain.

    Dahiana Fernandez-Ramirez ’26 (CLAS), a psychological sciences major, who will be studying this fall at ISI Florence.

    Adiriana Garcia Vazquez ’25 (CLAS), a cognitive science major from Bridgeport, who will be studying this fall at the Interdisciplinary Ethnography Field School in Mauritius.

    Hannah Ginste ’26 (CLAS), a communications major, who will be doing a summer internship in London.

    Jessica Glowacki ’25 (CLAS), a biological sciences major who will be studying field ecology this summer in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

    Emma Hazard ’27 (CAHNR), a diagnostic genetic sciences major, who will be studying the Mediterranean diet and Tuscan cuisine in Florence this summer.

    Danecia Henry ’28 (BUS), a management major from New Haven, will be studying in the summer at Camino de Santiago in Spain.

    Ty’Laisha Huff ’27 (NUR), a nursing major from Hartford, will be studying at the Dublin Summer Applied Research Program for Nursing Practice in Ireland.

    Layan Jahaf ’28 (CLAS), a political science and Arabic and Islam civics major, who will be studying this fall in London.

    Dee Jerome ’26 (CAHNR), an allied health sciences major from Bridgeport, who will be studying this summer in Accra, Ghana.

    Evelyn Pazan ’27 (CLAS), a finance and German major, who will be studying during the 2025-26 academic year at the University of Mannheim in Germany.

    Danielle Phillips ’27 (CLAS), an individualized major in industrial and labor relations from Bridgeport, who will be studying this summer at the Intercultural Leadership Program in Strasbourg, France.

    Jocelyn Ramirez ’26 (BUS), a management major from New Haven, who will be studying this summer at ISI.

    Jamie Ross ’27 (CLAS), a physiology and neurobiology major, who will be studying next winter in Barcelona, Spain.

    Ellie Sanders ’27 (CAHNR), a nutritional sciences major from West Cornwall, who will be studying the Mediterranean diet and Tuscan cuisine in Florence this summer.

    Fabio Silveira ’26 (CLAS), a pathobiology major, who will be studying neuroscience this summer in Salamanca, Spain.

    Amber Szymanski ’26 (CLAS), a political science and human rights major, who will be studying this fall at the Pusan National University in Busan, South Korea.

    Angel Uchupailla ’26 (CAHNR), an allied health major from Stamford, who will be studying this winter in Rome.

    Lyric Vargas ’27 (CLAS), a political science and psychological science major, who will be studying this fall at the University of Lisbon in Portugal.

    Erica Wong ’26 (CLAS), a political science and urban and community studies major, who will be studying this fall at Fudan University in Shanghai, China.

    Morgan Xu ’26 (ENG), a materials science and engineering major from Chesire, who will be studying this fall at the National University of Singapore.

    Ada Yeung ’27 (CLAS), an individualized major, who will be studying next spring at Fudan University.

    Maggie Zheng ’27 (BUS), an accounting major, who will be studying next spring at Fudan University.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rudd Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary at UConn

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In the fall of 2014, researchers, advocates, and community members gathered in the garden at an East Hartford elementary school for an exciting announcement from President Susan Herbst: The Rudd Center was moving to UConn.  

    Founded in 2005 by Kelly Brownell, the Rudd Center enjoyed 10 successful years at Yale University before officially joining UConn’s Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) in 2015. Now, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary at UConn, members of the Rudd Center team are reflecting on the past decade and looking forward to what comes next for the Center. 

    Marlene Schwartz, director of the Rudd Center, speaks at an event announcing the move of the Rudd Center to UConn. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

    “UConn’s commitment to multidisciplinary research has made it the perfect home for the Rudd Center,” says Marlene Schwartz, director of the Rudd Center and a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. “Connecting with research partners across the University has been a crucial part of our work for the past 10 years, and we look forward to continuing to foster these collaborations.” 

    At the heart of the Rudd Center’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to eat healthfully. While the Center’s areas of research have evolved over the years, its work centers around five core domains:  

    • Charitable food system research led by Caitlin Caspi from the Department of Allied Health Sciences, Maria Gombi-Vaca, and Schwartz
    • Economics of food assistance programs and fiscal policy research led by Tatiana Andreyeva from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
    • Food marketing research led by Fran Fleming-Milici
    • Healthy school environments (including school meals) research led by Schwartz
    • Weight bias research led by Rebecca Puhl from the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences

    “To help further our mission, we focus on translating research into action,” says Puhl, deputy director of the Rudd Center. “This ranges from testifying about legislation at the state and federal levels, sharing our research findings with the media, and creating evidence-based resources to help diverse audiences.” 

    Among the popular tools developed by the Rudd Center are an online assessment to help school districts around the country assess their wellness policies and practices, a training course to help clinicians reduce weight stigma in health care, a cultural food guide to help the charitable food system meet the needs of their neighbors, an image gallery to help content creators find respectful imagery of people in larger bodies, and a calculator to help policymakers assess the potential impact of sugary drink taxes.  

    “As we look back on the past 10 years, I’m so grateful that the Rudd Center has been given the opportunity to grow and thrive at UConn,” says Schwartz. “The many researchers, staff, students, and affiliates who have been a part of our journey are what makes the Rudd Center so special.” 

    For more information about the Rudd Center’s work, visit its website, subscribe to its monthly newsletter, and connect with the Center on LinkedIn and Bluesky.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: New Study Reveals Agriculture as Largest, Most Resource-Intensive Industry on Earth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RA Capital Management’s Planetary Health Team and The Nature Conservancy have released a groundbreaking analysis that exposes agriculture as the most resource-intensive industry on Earth: it’s the leading contributor to methane emissions, a key driver of water pollution, and it uses roughly half of viable land on Earth. As agriculture is often viewed in silos, its $15T scale and opportunity are often overlooked. The just-released Agriculture Map by RA Capital Management’s Planetary Health team and The Nature Conservancy calls for a systems-level approach to address the urgent risks and transformative opportunities within agriculture through innovation, incentives to change, and direct investment.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link.

    The Agricultural Map highlights:

    • Agriculture’s massive footprint means high ROI for broader adoption of best practices: optimizing global yields of staple grains, fruits, and vegetables would allow the world to produce the same amount of food with much less land – freeing up a land area the size of Mexico (~3x the size of Texas).
    • Agriculture produces more methane (a potent greenhouse gas) than any other human activity: Cattle alone produce as much methane as oil, coal, and bioenergy; rice paddies produce more methane than the natural gas industry.
    • Agriculture consumes more water than any other human activity and also causes the most water pollution. Investment in on-field and edge-of-field systems can significantly improve water quality and use. 
    • Fertilizer is important for optimizing crop yields, but fertilizer runoff causes hundreds of billions of dollars worth of losses each year, mostly due to impacts on commercial fishing, tourism, and property values, and creates aquatic dead zones the size of the United Kingdom.

    “Agriculture is the backbone of our global economy, but it’s also the most resource-intensive and environmentally demanding industry on Earth. If we are serious about tackling climate change, water pollution, and food security, we must rethink how we grow, produce, and manage our resources. Sustainable solutions are not just an option – they are a necessity to transform agriculture into a cleaner, more efficient, and resilient industry that can feed the world for generations to come,” noted Kyle Teamey, managing partner, RA Capital Planetary Health.

    Details within the Agriculture Map provide decision-makers with the knowledge they need to navigate the future of agriculture, from sustainable investment strategies to policy reform and innovation in farming technologies. The findings challenge conventional wisdom and call for urgent and coordinated attention from businesses, investors, governments, and philanthropic organizations. The map is a culmination of extensive research led by RA Capital and The Nature Conservancy. It combines proprietary data analysis with a systems-level approach to visualize and communicate the scale and interconnectedness of global agriculture’s planetary impacts while highlighting a range of potential solutions for select problems.

    “The environmental and human health challenges posed by the food system are well-understood in some circles but making this information material and actionable to stakeholders can be a real challenge,” said Stephen Wood, Senior Scientist of Agriculture and Food Systems at The Nature Conservancy. “This map makes it possible for non-experts to quickly understand the scope and scale of the problem, as well as the solutions.”

    The full map is available for download at Agriculture: Hiding in Plain Sight. 

    About RA Capital Management 

    Founded in 2004, RA Capital Management is a multi-stage investment manager dedicated to evidence-based investing in public and private healthcare, life sciences, and planetary health companies. RA Capital creates and funds innovative companies, from private seed rounds to public follow-on financings, allowing management teams to drive value creation from inception through commercialization and beyond. RA Capital’s knowledge engine is guided by its TechAtlas internal research division, and Raven, RA Capital’s healthcare incubator, offers entrepreneurs and innovators a collaborative and comprehensive platform to explore the novel and the re-imagined. RA Capital has more than 150 employees and over $10 billion in assets under management. 

    RA Capital’s Planetary Health team focuses on creating and funding companies that commercialize scalable, profitable solutions to reduce emissions, increase resource availability, and restore environmental quality, because solutions that heal the planet will yield both healthy people and healthy profits. 

    About The Nature Conservancy

    The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

    Media Contact:

    Alex Banat for RA Capital

    racapital@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Fifty years later: 1975 road workers graduates meet at SPbGASU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – LISI Graduates of 1975

    A meeting of graduates of the road construction faculty of the Leningrad Civil Engineering Institute (LISI, as our university was then called) of 1975 in the specialty “Motorways” was held at SPbGASU.

    The main organizer of the anniversary meeting was the former head of the group, and now professor of the Department of Transport Systems and Road and Bridge Construction of our university, Alexander Solodkiy.

    “Many of my classmates have achieved great professional success: they worked in leading construction and design organizations in the road industry and in executive authorities managing the road sector, became founders and heads of companies, were awarded the title of “Honorary Road Builder of Russia” and other awards. Thus, Vladimir Valentinovich Kalinin heads the ABZ-1 group of companies, Igor Anatolyevich Pichugov heads the Dorservis group of enterprises. I headed the Department of Transport Systems at SPbGASU for nine years, and I have a Doctor of Science degree. Another Doctor of Science was Evgeny Nikolaevich Barinov, who worked at the Department of Highways at LISI. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us,” said Alexander Solodkiy.

    Aleksandr Ivanovich emphasized that graduates do not lose touch with their alma mater. Thus, Vladimir Kalinin has been the chairman of the state examination commission for the training profile “Motorways” for many years. The small innovative enterprise OOO “SPbGASU-Dorservis” is successfully operating.

    The graduates were happy to see their home university and communicate with each other. The meeting began with a photo session on the balustrade and continued in the board of trustees’ meeting room, where the guests were greeted on behalf of the management by the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy Marina Malyutina. Marina Viktorovna spoke about the modern development vectors of SPbGASU. In order to instill an entrepreneurial spirit in young people, the university is implementing the Startup as a Diploma project. To increase practical orientation, it is planned to launch an elective next year, within the framework of which students will work on project tasks together with professionals. Marina Viktorovna noted that the university expects tasks for project-based learning from industry practitioners, and called on graduates to convey this information to enterprises.

    The guests viewed the exposition of the university history museum. LISI graduate Lyudmila Nikolaevna Yakovleva presented the museum with the newspaper “For Construction Personnel” from March 17, 1971. The conversation continued at the Automobile and Road Engineering Faculty.

    We asked graduates to tell us about their professional paths.

    “I consider myself a professionally accomplished person”

    In 1970, Nadezhda Fedosova entered the Leningrad Civil Engineering Institute, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Highways, to study in the specialty of “Motorways”. She completed her studies at the Faculty of Road Construction, which was created as a result of the reform of education. Five years of study alternated with industrial practices in Leningrad and trips to student construction teams. In 1972, the student summer was spent in a construction team in the Komi ASSR in the city of Mikun, on the route of the Siyanie Severa gas pipeline, and in 1973 – at the All-Union shock construction site of the Phosphorit nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer plant. During the time spent in student construction teams and during practice, we had to do all types of road work. In addition, everyone worked on clean-up days during the major repairs of the main building of the institute.

    After graduation, Nadezhda Vasilyevna worked at the Vsevolozhsk DRSU “Lenavtodor”, which she is very happy about, because there she received professional skills in both construction issues and road maintenance.

    Since 2001, Nadezhda Vasilyevna has been working at JSC VAD as an expert in design and estimate documentation and has been assisting students of SPbGASU who come for practical training in preparing their diploma theses. Nadezhda Fedosova has been awarded certificates of honor, the medal “In Memory of the 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg”, and the title of “Honorary Road Builder of Russia”.

    “I am grateful to fate that I did not make a mistake in choosing my profession. I am proud of it, I consider myself a professionally accomplished person thanks to our teachers, whose lecture notes I looked at even after my studies,” said Nadezhda Vasilyevna.

    “The knowledge I gained at the institute helped me to realize myself as an engineer”

    Evgeny Medres entered LISI following in the footsteps of his older brother, who worked fruitfully at Lenavtodor and advised him to enter here. Evgeny Petrovich never regretted following this advice for a minute in his life. His student life was active: Evgeny Medres played in a basketball team and a musical ensemble. He remembered his work in construction teams: in 1972, at the construction of the Siyanie Severa gas pipeline, and in 1973, at the construction site of the Phosphorit nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer plant. After graduating from LISI, Evgeny Medres worked as a foreman in Construction Department No. 5 of the Lendorstroy trust. He was a foreman, site manager, and built street and road network facilities. From 1979 to 1993, he worked at the Leningrad branch of GiprodorNII. Since 1993 – First Deputy General Director and Chief Engineer of JSC Petersburg-Dorservice.

    Under his leadership, projects for the construction, reconstruction and major repairs of more than 700 transport infrastructure facilities in various regions of Russia were developed, including the St. Petersburg ring road, the M-11 “Neva” Moscow – St. Petersburg highway, and the Kurortny Prospekt understudy in Sochi. Evgeny Petrovich was awarded the titles of “Honored Worker of Transport of Russia”, “Honored Road Builder of Russia”, and was awarded the medal of the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” of the 2nd degree.

    Together with SPbGASU, Evgeny Petrovich is actively involved in research work, is the chairman of the State Examination Commission in the direction of “Ground Transport and Technological Means”, and heads the basic department of the automobile and road faculty at JSC “Petersburg-Dorservis”. “The knowledge I received at the institute helped me realize myself as an engineer,” he is sure.

    “Loyalty to the cause”

    Aleksandr Petrov was involved in road cycling in his senior years. “I saw and felt the condition of the roads. I thought that studying at LISI on the “roads” was an opportunity to change the situation for the better. Our coach also graduated from LISI and supported my choice. There were about five of us cyclists who applied in 1970. We could have put together a full-fledged sports team, but I was the only one who got in,” Aleksandr Vasilyevich said.

    Alexander Vasilyevich remembered the following internships: geodetic at the base in Peterhof, hydrological in Daimishche, geological in the Sablinsky caves, as well as competition evenings of faculties, a construction team in Kingisepp at Phosphorite.

    After graduating from the institute, Aleksandr Petrov worked as a foreman at DSU-6 of the Lenavtodor association for the reconstruction and major repairs of highways, rising from a foreman to the director of the Russian-American enterprise. Then he worked at the Leningrad Region Road Committee, where he rose to the rank of department head. He was awarded the titles of Honorary Transport Worker and Honorary Road Builder of Russia.

    “I am proud of my classmates who, from their first working days until their well-deserved rest (but many continue to work!), dedicated themselves to the profession they received at LISI. Deep knowledge, an excellent faculty, and a kind attitude towards students instilled in us loyalty to the cause we dedicated ourselves to in our youth. Over 50 years in the road industry, we can trace the positive changes in this area that have occurred thanks to our activities and education,” noted Alexander Vasilyevich.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • INDIA’S SANITATION REVOLUTION

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Sitting beneath a neem tree, right outside his house in Dhamnar village of Madhya Pradesh, Lakhan Singh (age – 35) told me about one of his happiest memories – the birth of his son Sachin in September of 2014. However, a little further into this conversation, Lakhan’s smile quickly gave way to a tense expression. This change in mood was triggered by his memories of his son experiencing frequent cases of diarrhoea since he started walking in early 2016. He recounted days when both he and his wife used to make rounds to the local hospital. The first few instances of illness were handled by the family without any major distress. However, when they realised that these cases were repeating frequently, that was when they started to get worried. According to Lakhan, during the monsoon season of 2016, his son suffered five episodes of diarrhoea within a span of two and a half months. This prompted Lakhan to go to a doctor, begging for answers. The answer that the doctor gave Lakhan is still crystal clear in his mind even after several years. The doctor, from the conversation with the family, suspected that Sachin’s frequent episodes of diarrhoea might have primarily been caused by his coming into contact with faecal matter during their visits to a local field for defecation. However, the solution to this problem, according to the doctor, was simple – construction of a toilet in his house. However, being a daily wage earner and the sole breadwinner of his family, Lakhan did not possess the financial means to construct a toilet all by himself. He was, however, advised by his neighbour to reach out to his gram Pradhan to recommend his name for financial incentives for the construction of a toilet in his house. Once his application was filed, within 2 weeks Lakhan received a sum of ₹12,000 in his bank account.  With joy once again in his voice, Lakhan said that he vividly remembers 17th November 2016, the day when the construction of the toilet in his house was finally completed. The biggest beneficiary in this case has been Sachin, who has never experienced such frequent cases of diarrhoea since.

    The story of Sachin is one of hope. However, lakhs of children were not as fortunate as him. Until recently, millions of Indian children were at daily risk from diseases caused by poor sanitation. Until recently majority of the households in our villages did not have personal toilets. This meant people engaged in open defecation which resulted in outbreaks of diarrhoea due to a direct exposure of faecal matter or indirect exposure from contamination of soil and water. Frequent cases of diarrhoea also led to chronic malnutrition in many cases, a fact highlighted in the data from NFHS – 4 (2015-16) which suggested that roughly 38% of children under-fives were stunted in part due to poor sanitation and infections[1]. A grimmer reality according to UNICEF was that nearly 1,00,000 children under five died each year in India from diarrhoea caused by unsafe water and improper sanitation[2]. Sachin was fortunate to be born at a time where India was making major progress towards becoming open-defecation-free, sparing him from these hazards. In fact, studies show that India’s sanitation revolution has already saved countless young lives.

    Swachh Bharat Mission – Origins and Nationwide Rollout 

    The inception of this revolution can be linked to 2nd October 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) aiming for an open-defecation-free (ODF) India by 2019. He not only encouraged the public to view sanitation as a national responsibility but also demonstrated this by using a broom in public and calling on citizens in speeches to participate in a “Jan Andolan” for hygiene. The SBM adopted a two-pronged strategy for improving the state of sanitation. On the demand front, it launched extensive awareness initiatives – ranging from school events to television commercials – to encourage changes in behaviour. Officials and volunteers (called as Swachhagrahis) visited homes, raising awareness among villagers about toilet usage, cleanliness, and the health dangers associated with open defecation. From the supply side, the government provided financial aid of ₹12,000 to ensure that even the most impoverished families could construct a toilet. This blend of community-based learning and financial motivation demonstrated significant strength. Residents who previously accepted open defecation as normal started requesting toilets. Further, an innovative use of technology in the provision to track applications by an individual on an online portal or mobile app, transfer of funds for toilet construction using DBTs and verifying the status of toilet construction using geo-tagged images, ensured that the mission remained effective and efficient hence, avoiding the failure of the previous sanitation programs.   

    During the duration of Phase I of SBM (2014-2019), India underwent an unparalleled transformation. Over 100 million toilets for rural households were constructed nationwide, with women and children frequently, taking the lead in the inauguration events for their new latrines. Rural sanitation access surged from about 40% of households in 2014 to near universal coverage by 2019. The Swachh Bharat Mission’s success owed much to political will – with Prime Minister Modi’s constant encouragement – and its blending of patriotism, community pride, and practical support with sanitation.

    Broader Benefits: From Health Gains to Women’s Safety 

    The impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission extends far beyond the convenience of having a toilet. First and foremost, by eliminating open defecation has meant far fewer harmful germs in the environment leading to a sharp decline in occurrences of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea. By 2019, the World Health Organization estimated that improved sanitation under SBM had averted over 300,000 deaths (especially from diarrheal illness and malnutrition) compared to the baseline scenario[3]. Community health workers report seeing far fewer cases of children wracked by dehydration from diarrhoea, and hospitals note declines in water-borne disease outbreaks during monsoon season. Childhood nutrition has improved as well – with kids falling sick less often, they can absorb nutrients better. India’s child stunting rates, while still high, have been dropping faster in areas that eliminated open defecation. In economic terms, sanitation is paying dividends for rural families and the nation. When illnesses decrease, households save on medical bills and parents miss fewer work days. A UNICEF analysis found that a typical family in an ODF (open defecation free) village saved about ₹50,000 per year in health costs and productivity, thanks to better sanitation[4]. This is a huge relief for poor families – money that might otherwise be spent treating recurrent diarrhoea or lost due to sick days can now go towards food, education, and improving livelihoods. Further, the study also highlights that every rupee invested in building toilets is yielding over four rupees in social and economic benefits – a remarkable 430% return on investment according to one independent cost-benefit study.

    Perhaps the most profound change has been brought in the lives of our women and girls. For decades, the lack of a household toilet meant that women had to wait until darkness (either before sunrise or after sunset) to relieve themselves in fields or behind bushes. This was not only uncomfortable and unhealthy, but also dangerous. Countless women often faced embarrassment, harassment and even threats of sexual assault when they went out to defecate in the open. The Swachh Bharat Mission has brought a massive improvement in this aspect of daily life. With nearly every home now equipped with a latrine, women can use a toilet with privacy and security. A survey by the government found that 93% of women reported feeling safer after getting a toilet at home[5]. No longer must they trek to isolated areas late at night, or fear for their safety and dignity while attending to a basic bodily need. Privacy has improved as well – teenage girls, for instance, no longer dread the lack of sanitation during menstruation, and older women speak of a newfound sense of self-respect. Apart from safety, having a toilet has indirect benefits for women’s empowerment: it reduces school absenteeism among girls (who previously might avoid school if no toilets were available). All these changes translate into greater dignity and quality of life.

    The Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen has been much more than a construction spree; it has been a transformative public health campaign and a social revolution. It has saved lives by the lakhs, cut medical expenses, and improved children’s growth and development. It has given rural women a sense of security and pride that was long denied to them. By coupling data-driven strategy with a people-powered movement, SBM managed to achieve what many once thought impossible – eliminate open defecation across most of rural India – and in doing so, unlocked a cascade of benefits for health, economic development, and human dignity. What began as one leader’s vision quickly became a nationwide celebration of cleanliness. India’s villages are cleaner, safer, and healthier today, and future generations like young Sachin are reaping the rewards of this cleanliness revolution.

     

    (Ishan Singh is a dedicated public policy professional with hands-on experience in urban governance, policy analysis, and stakeholder mapping. He has worked as a research associate at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Hyderabad, and led the “Making of a Cyberabad” project, examining urban growth dynamics by mapping stakeholder linkages, analyzing land-use changes through satellite imagery, and studying institutional frameworks driving urban development.

    Ishan Singh holds an M.A. in Public Policy and Governance from TISS. He completed his undergraduate studies in Economics, Political Science, and Sociology at St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. With his robust academic background, Ishan contributed to analyzing Delhi’s budget, designing surveys, and leading comprehensive data collection across households while working at the National Institute of Urban Affairs. During his internship at the Public Policy and Good Governance Lab in Jalandhar, he developed actionable reports on MGNREGA policy reforms, optimizing District Mineral Funds, and improving vaccination coverage for persons with disabilities. Ishan has co-authored research on NFHS-5 health indicators and digital democracy during COVID-19. Proficient in policy research qualitative and quantitative analysis. He is passionate about inclusive cities, social equity, regulatory frameworks, and climate change.)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work begins at River Park Pavilion

    Source: City of Winchester


    Following Winchester City Council’s decision last year to approve a total investment of £2.3M to deliver the project, the pavilion is now being rebuilt for the benefit of communities across the district.

    Councillor Kathleen Becker, Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, said: “It is great to see work begin at this site. The old facility was well used but was no longer fit for purpose. It has been a long road to get here, so seeing the building team on site today is a very welcome sight.

    “The new community pavilion is going to welcome so many users. Cricket players, rugby players and our local ParkRunners will benefit from the new pavilion, making this space a hub of activity – in an accessible, contemporary and well-designed building.

    “This redevelopment reaffirms this council’s commitment to support our residents to live active and healthier lives, whilst helping remove barriers for women in sport and those living with disabilities. It also offers a new community space in the heart of our beautiful River Park.”

    Management & Construction Services (MCS), the council’s building contractor, is fully committed to deliver the project for users of River Park.

    Justin Whiteman, Managing Director of MCS, said: “We are delighted to be entrusted to deliver this new pavilion which will serve as a vital asset for the local community. Our team is passionate about creating high-quality spaces that will stand the test of time, and we are proud to be part of a project that will have such a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing.

    “We understand how important River Park is to residents, and we are committed to working closely with the council and local stakeholders to ensure a smooth construction journey.”

    This project reflects a total investment of £2.3 million which includes capital funding from the city council, £1.5 million from district Community Infrastructure Levy and contributions from the Town Forum, The Pavilion Project and grant funding from Hampshire County Council.

    Stride Treglown, a national practice working from offices on the outskirts of Winchester, are the design architects for the project appointed by Winchester City Council.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from European Parliament

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai hosts state banquet for President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau
    On the evening of May 20, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office in honor of President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife. In remarks, President Lai said that he looks forward to working closely with President Whipps to promote tourism exchanges and sports cooperation so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to host this banquet tonight at the Presidential Office for President Whipps, First Lady Valerie Whipps, and the esteemed members of their delegation. Welcome to Taiwan. During my trips to Palau in 2022 and last year, President and First Lady Whipps received me with great hospitality. Wearing my island shirt, I enjoyed a very friendly reception from the people of Palau. It felt warm and friendly, just like being welcomed back home. The first time I visited Palau, President Whipps and I piloted a boat to the Milky Way lagoon. We both tried volcanic mud facial masks. We also fished together and enjoyed the breeze as we walked on the beach. Last year, on my second visit to Palau, I was honored to be invited to address the National Congress. I also observed the results of the close bilateral cooperation between our two nations. Due to its world-famous ocean scenery, Palau is sometimes referred to as “God’s aquarium.” And it is even possible to snorkel with sharks. It leaves a deep impression. Nothing compares to seeing Palau firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and Palau launched a travel bubble that created a safe means of travel. Now, with the pandemic behind us, I hope that even more Taiwanese can tour Palau and gain a greater understanding of our diplomatic ally. In addition to tourism exchanges, I mentioned on my visit to Palau last year that I hoped Taiwan and Palau could promote sports cooperation by providing training away from home. Next month, Palau will be holding the Pacific Mini Games. And right now, Palau’s national baseball and table tennis teams are holding training sessions here in Taiwan. We will do our utmost to support Palau’s national players and we hope they stand out and achieve outstanding results in the events. I look forward to working closely with President Whipps so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. Thank you! Mesulang! President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is truly an honor to be here once again one year after President Lai’s inauguration. Mentioning that this is his first state visit after being reelected to a second term, he said that it is important to be here among friends, and that we are more than friends, we are family. He thanked President Lai for the generous words and, most importantly, Taiwan’s enduring support. He remarked that our relationship continues to get stronger in each passing year. President Whipps said that President Lai’s diplomacy initiative, leadership, and vision deeply resonate with them. Diplomacy must be rooted in our shared values, he said, and an unwavering support for our allies and a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive development are all deeply appreciated by their people. President Whipps emphasized that, as we look into the future and the challenges that we face, from security to climate change, it is so important that we are united. He added that it is important for the world, and especially important for them in Palau, that they stand up for Taiwan, so that Taiwan can participate on international fora that address climate change, security, and health, because they know the world is better when Taiwan has a seat at the table. Mentioning that Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum next year, President Whipps said that Palau remains committed to working closely with Taiwan to ensure a successful event, and that they will continue to speak up for Taiwan’s indispensable contributions as we stand together against any efforts to silence or isolate democratic partners. President Whipps said that our nations have navigated challenges and emerged stronger, bound by a partnership that is built on trust, respect, and hope for a better world. Whether it is in clean energy, education, smart medicine, or tourism, our shared journey is just beginning, he said, and we are stronger together.  Also in attendance at the banquet were Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau hold bilateral talks and witness signing of cooperation agreements  
    On the afternoon of May 20, following a welcome ceremony with military honors for President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Whipps at the Presidential Office. The two leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation. In remarks, President Lai thanked Palau for standing firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region. He added that he looks forward to the cooperative ties between Taiwan and Palau continuing to expand into even broader areas, allowing our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome our guests to Taiwan once again. Last year on May 20, President Whipps led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Hsiao. I am delighted, on the anniversary of my first year in office, to meet with old friends of Taiwan again, as President Whipps returns for this visit. Taiwan-Palau relations have grown even closer in recent years thanks to the strong support of President Whipps. In 2022, during my term as vice president, I led a delegation to Palau as a demonstration of how our nations were together boosting tourism development as we jointly faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every time I visit Palau, and every time I meet with President Whipps, I feel very deeply that Taiwan and Palau are like family. We are both maritime nations and share a common Austronesian heritage and culture. We are also staunch partners in upholding such values as freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Last December, when I went on my first overseas trip since taking office, one of the nations I visited was Palau. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence and 25 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring our friendly ties. Taiwan and Palau enjoy close exchanges and cooperation in a range of areas, including climate change, education, agriculture and fisheries, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, sports, and culture. After this meeting, President Whipps and I will witness the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation, demonstrating once again our diverse collaboration and strong friendship. I believe that by working together, Taiwan and Palau can contribute to each other’s development and overcome the regional and global challenges we currently face. In particular, as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region, Palau has wisely and courageously upheld democratic values and stood firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation. Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan, including at the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, and the UN Ocean Conference. We have been deeply moved by this support. I thank President Whipps again for his high regard and support for Taiwan. I look forward to the cooperative ties between our nations continuing to expand into even broader areas. This will allow our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor for him to be here, standing in this historic place – a symbol of strength, resilience, and the democratic spirit of the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the government of Palau, President Whipps extended heartfelt gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality toward him and his delegation. President Whipps then extended sincere thanks for President Lai’s visit to Palau in December – his second visit to Palau – and for having Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attend his inauguration as a special envoy. He added that this also marks his third visit to Taiwan since President Lai took office, saying that this demonstrates the strength of our growing relationship. President Whipps indicated that the increased engagements and numerous entrepreneurs that President Lai has brought from Taiwan to Palau have resulted in fruitful visits, and that President Lai’s leadership represents hope, unity, and continued advancement of democracy and freedom, not only for Taiwan, but for the broader Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps went on to say that this visit to Taiwan reaffirms our deep friendship and shared values between our two nations. He emphasized that Palau and Taiwan are bound not by proximity, but by purpose, in that both are island nations and believe in human dignity, the rule of law, and the right of our people to determine their own futures. President Whipps stated that although we are celebrating 26 years of diplomatic relations, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner of Palau for decades, and that one of the MOUs they are signing further extends the relationship that began in December of 1984. From healthcare and medical missions, to education, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, the private sector, tourism development, and climate resilience, he said, our cooperation has improved lives and strengthened our communities. The president also indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan stood with Palau, noting that both sides began the tourism bubble, and that President Lai came to Palau to reopen the two weekly direct flights that have now been increased to four. That solidarity will never be forgotten, he said. As the world faces growing uncertainty and complex challenges from climate change to global tensions, President Whipps said, this friendship becomes even more vital. The president concluded his remarks by expressing hope that both nations continue to stand together, work together, and advocate together for peace, prosperity, and for the right of small nations to be seen, heard, and respected. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Whipps witnessed the signing of the technical cooperation agreement and the agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation by Minister Lin and Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro. The delegation also included Palauan Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    Details
    2025-05-13
    President Lai interviewed by Japan’s Nikkei  
    In a recent interview with Japan’s Nikkei, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions regarding Taiwan-Japan and Taiwan-United States relations, cross-strait relations, the semiconductor industry, and the international economic and trade landscape. The interview was published by Nikkei on May 13. President Lai indicated that Nikkei, Inc. is a global news organization that has received significant recognition both domestically and internationally, and that he is deeply honored to be interviewed by Nikkei and grateful for their invitation. The president said that he would like to take this rare opportunity to thank Japan’s government, National Diet, society, and public for their longstanding support for Taiwan. Noting that current Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio have all strongly supported Taiwan, he said that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan also have a deep mutual affection, and that through the interview, he hopes to enhance the bilateral relationship between Taiwan and Japan, deepen the affection between our peoples, and foster more future cooperation to promote prosperity and development in both countries. In response to questions raised on the free trade system and the recent tariff war, President Lai indicated that over the past few decades, the free economy headed by the Western world and led by the US has brought economic prosperity and political stability to Taiwan and Japan. At the same time, he said, we have also learned or followed many Western values. The president said he believes that Taiwan and Japan are exemplary students, but some countries are not. Therefore, he said, the biggest crisis right now is China, which exploits the free trade system to engage in plagiarism and counterfeiting, infringe on intellectual property rights, and even provide massive government subsidies that facilitate the dumping of low-priced goods worldwide, which has a major impact on many countries including Japan and Taiwan. If this kind of unfair trade is not resolved, he said, the stable societies and economic prosperity we have painstakingly built over decades, as well as some of the values we pursue, could be destroyed. Therefore, President Lai said he thinks it is worthwhile for us to observe the recent willingness of the US to address unfair trade, and if necessary, offer assistance. President Lai emphasized that the national strategic plan for Taiwanese industries is for them to be rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. Therefore, he said, while the 32 percent tariff increase imposed by the US on Taiwan is indeed a major challenge, we are willing to address it seriously and find opportunities within that challenge, making Taiwan’s strategic plan for industry even more comprehensive. When asked about Taiwan’s trade arrangements, President Lai indicated that in 2010 China accounted for 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment, but last year it accounted for only 7.5 percent. In 2020, he went on, 43.9 percent of Taiwan’s exports went to China, but that figure dropped to 31.7 percent in 2024. The president said that we have systematically transferred investments from Taiwanese enterprises to Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US. Therefore, he said, last year Taiwan’s largest outbound investment was in the US, accounting for roughly 40 percent of the total. Nevertheless, only 23.4 percent of Taiwanese products were sold to the US, with 76.6 percent sold to places other than the US, he said.  The president emphasized that we don’t want to put all our eggs in one basket, and hope to establish a global presence. Under these circumstances, he said, Taiwan is very eager to cooperate with Japan. President Lai stated that at this moment, the Indo-Pacific and international community really need Japan’s leadership, especially to make the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) excel in its functions, and also requested Japan to support Taiwan’s CPTPP accession. The president said that Taiwan hopes to sign an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan to build closer ties in economic trade and promote further investment, and that we also hope to strengthen relations with the European Union, and even other regions. Currently, he said, we are proposing an initiative on global semiconductor supply chain partnerships for democracies, because the semiconductor industry is an ecosystem. The president raised the example that Japan has materials, equipment, and technology; the US has IC design and marketing; Taiwan has production and manufacturing; and the Netherlands excels in equipment, saying we therefore hope to leverage Taiwan’s advantages in production and manufacturing to connect the democratic community and establish a global non-red supply chain for semiconductors, ensuring further world prosperity and development in the future, and ensuring that free trade can continue to function without being affected by dumping, which would undermine future prosperity and development. The president stated that as we want industries to expand their global presence and market internationally while staying rooted here in Taiwan, having industries rooted in Taiwan involves promoting pay raises for employees, tax cuts, and deregulation, as well as promoting enterprise investment tax credits. He said that we have also proposed Three Major Programs for Investing in Taiwan for Taiwanese enterprises and are actively resolving issues regarding access to water, electricity, land, human resources, and professional talent so that the business community can return to Taiwan to invest, or enterprises in Taiwan can increase their investments. He went on to say that we are also actively signing bilateral investment agreements with friends and allies so that when our companies invest and expand their presence abroad, their rights and interests as investors are ensured.  President Lai mentioned that Taiwan hopes to sign an EPA with Japan, similar to the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade and the Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue, or the Enhanced Trade Partnership arrangement with the United Kingdom, or similar agreements or memorandums of understanding with Canada and Australia that allow Taiwanese products to be marketed worldwide, concluding that those are our overall arrangements. Looking at the history of Taiwan’s industrial development, President Lai indicated, of course it began in Taiwan, and then moved west to China and south to Southeast Asia. He said that we hope to take this opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Japan to the north, across the Pacific Ocean to the east, and develop the North American market, making Taiwan’s industries even stronger. In other words, he said, while Taiwan sees the current reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US as a kind of challenge, it also views these changes positively. On the topic of pressure from China affecting Taiwan’s participation in international frameworks such as the CPTPP or its signing of an EPA with Japan, President Lai responded that the key point is what kind of attitude we should adopt in viewing China’s acts of oppression. If we act based on our belief in free trade, he said, or on the universal values we pursue – democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights – and also on the understanding that a bilateral trade agreement between Taiwan and Japan would contribute to the economic prosperity and development of both countries, or that Taiwan’s accession to the CPTPP would benefit progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, then he hopes that friends and allies will strongly support us. On the Trump administration’s intentions regarding the reciprocal tariff policy and the possibility of taxing semiconductors, as well as how Taiwan plans to respond, President Lai said that since President Trump took office, he has paid close attention to interviews with both him and his staff. The president said that several of President Trump’s main intentions are: First, he wants to address the US fiscal situation. For example, President Lai said, while the US GDP is about US$29 trillion annually, its national debt stands at US$36 trillion, which is roughly 124 percent of GDP. Second, he went on, annual government spending exceeds US$6.5 trillion, but revenues are only around US$4.5 trillion, resulting in a nearly US$2 trillion deficit each year, about 7 percent of GDP. Third, he said, the US pays nearly US$1.2 trillion in interest annually, which exceeds the US$1 trillion defense budget and accounts for more than 3 percent of GDP. Fourth, President Trump still wants to implement tax cuts, aiming to reduce taxes for 85 percent of Americans, he said, noting that this would cost between US$500 billion and US$1 trillion. These points, President Lai said, illustrate his first goal: solving the fiscal problem. President Lai went on to say that second, the US feels the threat of China and believes that reindustrialization is essential; without reindustrialization, the US risks a growing gap in industrial capacity compared to China. Third, he said, in this era of global smart technology, President Trump wants to lead the nation to become a world center of AI. Fourth, he aims to ensure world peace and prevent future wars, President Lai said. In regard to what the US seeks to achieve, he said he believes these four areas form the core of the Trump administration’s intentions, and that is why President Trump has raised tariffs, demanded that trading partners purchase more American goods, and encouraged friendly and allied nations to invest in the US, all in order to achieve these goals. President Lai indicated that the 32 percent reciprocal tariff poses a critical challenge for Taiwan, and we must treat it seriously. He said that our approach is not confrontation, but negotiation to reduce tariffs, and that we have also agreed to measures such as procurement, investment, resolving non-tariff trade barriers, and addressing origin washing in order to effectively reduce the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US. Of course, he said, through this negotiation process, we also hope to turn challenges into opportunities. The president said that first, we aim to start negotiations from the proposal of zero tariffs and seek to establish a bilateral trade agreement with the US. Second, he went on, we hope to support US reindustrialization and its aim to become a world AI hub through investment, while simultaneously upgrading and transforming Taiwan’s industries, which would help further integrate Taiwan’s industries into the US economic structure, ensuring Taiwan’s long-term development.  President Lai emphasized again that Taiwan’s national industrial strategy is for industries to stay firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. He repeated that we have gone from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer northward with Japan, and now the time is ripe for us to expand eastward by investing in North America. In other words, he said, while we take this challenge seriously to protect national interests and ensure that no industry is sacrificed, we also hope these negotiations will lead to deeper Taiwan-US trade relations through Taiwanese investment in the US, concluding that these are our expectations. The president stated that naturally, the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US will have an impact on Taiwanese industries, so in response, the Taiwanese government has already proposed support measures for affected industries totaling NT$93 billion. In addition, he said, we have outlined broader needs for Taiwan’s long-term development, which will be covered by a special budget proposal of NT$410 billion, noting that this has already been approved by the Executive Yuan and will be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review. He said that this special budget proposal addresses four main areas: supporting industries, stabilizing employment, protecting people’s livelihoods, and enhancing resilience. As for tariffs on semiconductors, President Lai said, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has committed to investing in the US at the request of its customers. He said he believes that TSMC’s industry chain will follow suit, and that these are concrete actions that are unrelated to tariffs. However, he said, if the US were to invoke Section 232 and impose tariffs on semiconductors or related industries, it would discourage Taiwanese semiconductor and ICT investments in the US, and that we will make this position clear to the US going forward. President Lai indicated that among Taiwan’s exports to the US, there are two main categories: ICT products and electronic components, which together account for 65.4 percent. These are essential to the US, he said, unlike final goods such as cups, tables, or mattresses. He went on to say that what Taiwan sells to the US are the technological products required by AI designers like NVIDIA, AMD, Amazon, Google, and Apple, and that therefore, we will make sure the US understands clearly that we are not exporting end products, but the high-tech components necessary for the US to reindustrialize and become a global AI center. Furthermore, the president said, Taiwan is also willing to increase its defense budget and military procurement. He stated that Taiwan is committed to defending itself and is strongly willing to cooperate with friends and allies to ensure regional peace and stability, and that this is also something President Trump hopes to see. Asked whether TSMC’s fabs overseas could weaken Taiwan’s strategic position as a key hub for semiconductor manufacturing, and whether that could then give other countries fewer incentives to protect Taiwan, President Lai responded by saying that political leaders around the world including Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba and former Prime Ministers Abe, Suga, and Kishida have emphasized, at the G7 and other major international fora, that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential for global security and prosperity. In other words, he explained, the international community cares about Taiwan and supports peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait because Taiwan is located in the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, directly facing China. He pointed out that if Taiwan is not protected, China’s expansionist ambitions will certainly grow, which would impact the current rules-based international order. Thus, he said, the international community willingly cares about Taiwan and supports stability in the Taiwan Strait – that is the reason, and it has no direct connection with TSMC. He noted that after all, TSMC has not made investments in that many countries, stressing that, on that point, it is clear. President Lai said that TSMC’s investments in Japan, Europe, and the US are all natural, normal economic and investment activities. He said that Taiwan is a democratic country whose society is based on the rule of law, so when Taiwanese companies need to invest around the world for business needs, the government will support those investments in principle so long as they do not harm national interests. President Lai said that after TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) held a press conference with President Trump to announce the investment in the US, Chairman Wei returned to Taiwan to hold a press conference with him at the Presidential Office, where the chairman explained to the Taiwanese public that TSMC’s R&D center will remain in Taiwan and that the facilities it has already committed to investing in here will not change and will not be affected. So, the president explained, to put it another way, TSMC will not be weakened by its investment in the US. He further emphasized that Taiwan has strengths in semiconductor manufacturing and is very willing to work alongside other democratic countries to promote the next stage of global prosperity and development. A question was raised about which side should be chosen between the US and China, under the current perception of a return to the Cold War, with East and West facing off as two opposing blocs. President Lai responded by saying that some experts and scholars describe the current situation as entering a new Cold War era between democratic and authoritarian camps; others assert that the war has already begun, including information warfare, economic and trade wars, and the ongoing wars in Europe – the Russo-Ukrainian War – and the Middle East, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The president said that these are all matters experts have cautioned about, noting that he is not a historian and so will not attempt to define today’s political situation from an academic standpoint. However, he said, he believes that every country has a choice, which is to say, Taiwan, Japan, or any other nation does not necessarily have to choose between the US and China. What we are deciding, he said, is whether our country will maintain a democratic constitutional system or regress into an authoritarian regime, and this is essentially a choice of values – not merely a choice between two major powers. President Lai said that Taiwan’s situation is different from other countries because we face a direct threat from China. He pointed out that we have experienced military conflicts such as the August 23 Artillery Battle and the Battle of Guningtou – actual wars between the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China. He said that China’s ambition to annex Taiwan has never wavered, and that today, China’s political and military intimidation, as well as internal united front infiltration, are growing increasingly intense. Therefore, he underlined, to defend democracy and sovereignty, protect our free and democratic system, and ensure the safety of our people’s lives and property, Taiwan’s choice is clear. President Lai said that China’s military exercises are not limited to the Taiwan Strait, and include the East China Sea, South China Sea, and even the Sea of Japan, as well as areas around Korea and Australia. Emphasizing that Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines are all democratic nations, the president said that Taiwan’s choice is clear, and that he believes Japan also has no other choice. We are all democratic countries, he said, whose people have long pursued the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, and that is what is most important. Regarding the intensifying tensions between the US and China, the president was asked what roles Taiwan and Japan can play. President Lai responded that in his view, Japan is a powerful nation, and he sincerely hopes that Japan can take a leading role amid these changes in the international landscape. He said he believes that countries in the Indo-Pacific region are also willing to respond. He suggested several areas where we can work together: first, democracy and peace; second, innovation and prosperity; and third, justice and sustainability. President Lai stated that in the face of authoritarian threats, we should let peace be our beacon and democracy our compass as we respond to the challenges posed by authoritarian states. Second, he added, as the world enters an era characterized by the comprehensive adoption of smart technologies, Japan and Taiwan should collaborate in the field of innovation to further drive regional prosperity and development. Third, he continued, is justice and sustainability. He explained that because international society still has many issues that need to be resolved, Taiwan and Japan can cooperate for the public good, helping countries in need around the world, and cooperating to address climate change and achieve net-zero transition by 2050. Asked whether he hopes that the US will continue to be a leader in the liberal democratic system, President Lai responded by saying that although the US severed diplomatic ties with the Republic of China, for the past few decades it has assisted Taiwan in various areas such as national defense, security, and countering threats from China, based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. He pointed out that Taiwan has also benefited, directly and indirectly, in terms of politics, democracy, and economic prosperity thanks to the US, and so Taiwan naturally hopes that the US remains strong and continues to lead the world. President Lai said that when the US encounters difficulties, whether financial difficulties, reindustrialization issues, or becoming a global center for AI, and hopes to receive support from its friends and allies to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability, Taiwan is willing to stand together for a common cause. If the US remains strong, he said, that helps Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world as a whole. Noting that while the vital role of the US on the global stage has not changed, the president said that after decades of shouldering global responsibilities, it has encountered some issues. Now, it has to make adjustments, he said, stating his firm belief that it will do so swiftly, and quickly resume its leadership role in the world. Asked to comment on remarks he made during his election campaign that he would like to invite China’s President Xi Jinping for bubble tea, President Lai responded that Taiwan is a peace-loving country, and Taiwanese society is inherently kind, and therefore we hope to get along peacefully with China, living in peace and mutual prosperity. So, during his term as vice president, he said, he was expressing the goodwill of Taiwanese society. Noting that while he of course understands that China’s President Xi would have certain difficulties in accepting this, he emphasized that the goodwill of Taiwanese society has always existed. If China reflects on the past two or three decades, he said, it will see that its economy was able to develop with Taiwan as its largest foreign investor. The president explained that every year, 1 to 2 million Taiwanese were starting businesses or investing in China, creating numerous job opportunities and stabilizing Chinese society. While many Taiwanese businesses have profited, he said, Chinese society has benefited even more. He added that every time a natural disaster occurs, if China is in need, Taiwanese always offer donations. Therefore, the president said, he hopes that China can face the reality of the Republic of China’s existence and understand that the people of Taiwan hope to continue living free and democratic lives with respect for human rights. He also expressed hope that China can pay attention to the goodwill of Taiwanese society. He underlined that we have not abandoned the notion that as long as there is parity, dignity, exchange, and cooperation, the goodwill of choosing dialogue over confrontation and exchange over containment will always exist. Asked for his view on the national security reforms in response to China’s espionage activities and infiltration attempts, President Lai said that China’s united front infiltration activities in Taiwan are indeed very serious. He said that China’s ambitions to annex Taiwan rely not only on the use of political and military intimidation, but also on its long-term united front and infiltration activities in Taiwanese society. Recently, he pointed out, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office of the Ministry of Justice prosecuted 64 spies, which is three times the number in 2021, and in addition to active-duty military personnel, many retired military personnel were also indicted. Moreover, he added, Taiwan also has the Chinese Unification Promotion Party, which has a background in organized crime, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, which was established by retired military personnel, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government, which is also composed of retired generals. He explained that these are all China’s front organizations, and they plan one day to engage in collaboration within Taiwan, which shows the seriousness of China’s infiltration in Taiwan. Therefore, the president said, in the recent past he convened a high-level national security meeting and proposed 17 response strategies across five areas. He then enumerated the five areas: first, to address China’s threat to Taiwan’s sovereignty; second, to respond to the threat of China’s obscuring the Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity; third, to respond to the threat of China’s infiltrating and recruiting members of the ROC Armed Forces as spies; fourth, to respond to the threat of China’s infiltration of Taiwanese society through societal exchanges and united front work; and fifth, to respond to the threat of China using “integration plans” to draw Taiwan’s young people and Taiwanese businesses into its united front activities. In response to these five major threats, he said, he has proposed 17 response strategies, one of which being to restore the military trial system. He explained that if active-duty military personnel commit military crimes, they must be subject to military trials, and said that this expresses the Taiwanese government’s determination to respond to China’s united front infiltration and the subversion of Taiwan. Responding to the question of which actions Taiwan can take to guard against China’s threats to regional security, President Lai said that many people are worried that the increasingly tense situation may lead to accidental conflict and the outbreak of war. He stated his own view that Taiwan is committed to facing China’s various threats with caution. Taiwan is never the source of these problems, he emphasized, and if there is an accidental conflict and it turns into a full-scale war, it will certainly be a deliberate act by China using an accidental conflict as a pretext. He said that when China expanded its military presence in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the international community did not stop it; when China conducted exercises in the Taiwan Strait, the international community did not take strong measures to prevent this from happening. Now, he continued, China is conducting gray-zone exercises, which are aggressions against not only the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea, but also extending to the Sea of Japan and waters near South Korea. He said that at this moment, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and even the US should face these developments candidly and seriously, and we must exhibit unity and cooperation to prevent China’s gray-zone aggression from continuing to expand and prevent China from shifting from a military exercise to combat. If no action is taken now, the president said, the situation may become increasingly serious. Asked about the view of some US analysts who point out that China will have the ability to invade Taiwan around 2027, President Lai responded that Taiwan, as the country on the receiving end of threats and aggression, must plan for the worst and make the best preparations. He recalled a famous saying from the armed forces: “Do not count on the enemy not showing up; count on being ready should it strike.” This is why, he said, he proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, he said, we must strengthen our national defense. Second, he added, we must strengthen economic resilience, adding that not only must our economy remain strong, but it must also be resilient, and that we cannot put all our eggs in the same basket, in China, as we have done in the past. Third, he continued, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with friends and allies such as Japan and the US, as well as the democratic community, and we must demonstrate the strength of deterrence to prevent China from making the wrong judgment. Fourth, he emphasized, as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China and seek cross-strait peace and mutual prosperity through exchanges and cooperation. Regarding intensifying US-China confrontation, the president was asked in which areas he thinks Taiwan and Japan should strengthen cooperation; with Japan’s Ishiba administration also being a minority government, the president was asked for his expectations for the Ishiba administration. President Lai said that in the face of rapid and tremendous changes in the political situation, every government faces considerable challenges, especially for minority governments, but the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Ishiba has quite adequately responded with various strategies. Furthermore, he said, Japan is different from Taiwan, explaining that although Japan’s ruling party lacks a majority, political parties in Japan engage in competition domestically while exhibiting unity externally. He said that Taiwan’s situation is more challenging, because the ruling and opposition parties hold different views on the direction of the country, due to differences in national identity. The president expressed his hope that in the future Taiwan and Japan will enjoy even more comprehensive cooperation. He stated that he has always believed that deep historical bonds connect Taiwan and Japan. Over the past several decades, he said, when encountering natural disasters and tragedies, our two nations have assisted each other with mutual care and support. He said that the affection between the people of Taiwan and Japan is like that of a family. Pointing out that both countries face the threat of authoritarianism, he said that we share a mission to safeguard universal values such as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. The president said that our two countries should be more open to cooperation in various areas to maintain regional peace and stability as well as to strengthen cooperation in economic and industrial development, such as for semiconductor industry chains and everyday applications of AI, including robots and drones, adding that we can also cooperate on climate change response, such as in hydrogen energy and other strategies. He said our two countries should also continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges. He then took the opportunity to once again invite our good friends from Japan to visit Taiwan for tourism and learn more about Taiwan, saying that the Taiwanese people wholeheartedly welcome our Japanese friends.  

    Details
    2025-05-09
    President Lai extends congratulations on election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV  
    Following the successful election of the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, on May 8, President Lai Ching-te extended sincere congratulations on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, including its Catholic community. The president stated that he looks forward to working with Pope Leo XIV to continue deepening cooperation in the area of humanitarian aid and jointly defend the universal value of religious freedom, expanding and strengthening the alliance between Taiwan and the Vatican. Upon learning of the election results, President Lai directed the Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy to the Holy See to convey a message of congratulations. In the message, President Lai extended sincere congratulations to Pope Leo XIV on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, including its Catholic community, expressing confidence that His Holiness will lead the Catholic Church and its 1.4 billion followers worldwide with profound wisdom. President Lai also emphasized that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to work alongside the Holy See in the shared pursuit of peace, justice, religious freedom, solidarity, friendship, and human dignity. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Vatican. Enjoying a strong alliance, Taiwan and the Vatican share such universal values as freedom of religion, respect for human rights, peace, and benevolence, and conduct close exchanges. Taiwan will continue to engage in exchanges and cooperation with the Holy See, further strengthen bilateral relations, and work alongside the Holy See to contribute even more to the world.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 10 years ago Kenya set out to fix gender gaps in education – what’s working and what still needs to be done

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Benta A. Abuya, Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center

    The Kenyan government launched a big attempt in 2015 to promote gender equality in and through the education sector. This was guided by principles of equal participation and inclusion of women and men, and girls and boys in national development.

    The Education and Training Sector Gender Policy aligned with national, regional and global commitments. This included the constitution, and Sustainable Development Goals 4 on quality education and 5 on gender equality.

    Years later, however, it became clear that the government wasn’t achieving some policy’s objectives. Gaps remained in reducing gender inequalities in access, participation and achievement at all levels of education.

    The government decided to review the causes of these challenges and what could be done differently.

    This led to a two-year joint study in partnership with the African Population and Health Research Center. The study began in 2022. Its overall objective was to provide evidence for action on mainstreaming gender issues in basic education in Kenya. Gender mainstreaming generally refers to being sensitive to gender when developing policies and curricula, governing schools, teaching and using learning materials.

    The study specifically aimed to:

    1. examine how the teacher-training curriculum prepares teachers to implement gender mainstreaming strategies within the basic education sector

    2. examine how gender mainstreaming is practised in classrooms during teaching and learning

    3. assess the relationship between teaching practices and students’ attendance, choice of subjects and academic performance

    4. evaluate the availability of institutional policies, practices and guidelines to mainstream gender issues and the extent to which they influence gender mainstreaming in education.

    I’m a gender and education researcher and was part of the team from the African Population and Health Research Center that collected data for the policy review. This data came from 10 counties with high child poverty rates and urban informal settlements. These indicators highlight an inability to access one or more basic needs or services.

    The study involved teacher trainers and trainees. We also spoke to education officials, and learners in primary and secondary schools. We carried out classroom observations, knowledge and attitude surveys, questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.



    Read more:
    6 priorities to get Kenya’s curriculum back on track – or risk excluding many children from education

    The data showed gaps in teacher training, as well as institutional and teaching practices at the basic education level. Policy wasn’t being carried through in practice.

    The gaps

    Our study found that Kenya needs to review its teacher education curriculum to make it more gender responsive.

    Teachers also need more training to follow practices that are gender responsive. These practices include extending positive reinforcement to girls and boys, maintaining eye contact and allowing learners to speak without interruption.

    Deliberate steps should be taken to ensure that schools and teacher training colleges are gender inclusive in their practices, guidelines and programmes.

    More specifically, our study found:

    • Teacher trainees had a relatively good understanding of gender-equitable teaching and learning practices. But there was a need to place greater importance on this in lesson planning and in supporting girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

    • Gender mainstreaming is not built into the teacher training curriculum. It isn’t taught as a standalone unit. Teacher trainees learnt about it mainly from general courses, such as child development and psychology, or private training. And teacher trainees were unaware that they were being tested on this.

    • There were no significant gender differences in how teachers in pre-primary and primary school taught boys and girls. At the secondary level, however, teachers engaged boys more than girls during during literacy and STEM lessons.

    • At both primary and secondary levels, gender-equitable practices positively influenced learning outcomes in English and STEM subjects. These practices improved academic performances in English at the primary level. They led to improvements in biology, English, mathematics and physics at the secondary level.

    • The odds of school attendance increased if teachers treated boys and girls in equitable ways.

    • The odds of boys selecting chemistry and physics at the secondary level increased if the teacher of the subject was approachable and if the subject was considered applicable to future careers.

    • More than 40% of primary and secondary schools didn’t have guidelines on sexual harassment and gender-based violence for teachers and students. And most of the schools that said they had these guidelines couldn’t provide them to the research team. These guidelines help mainstream gender issues in schools and communities.

    What next

    To advance gender equality, Kenya must move beyond policy awareness. It must be more responsive to gender in teacher training, classroom practices and institutional leadership.

    Our study recommends:

    • creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where both boys and girls feel valued, capable, and motivated to learn

    • teaching gender mainstreaming as a standalone unit, or integrating it into the teaching methodology

    • coaching, mentorship and modelling of best practices to trainee teachers

    • financial support for gender mainstreaming in all areas of teacher education

    • encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers at an early age through formal mentorship programmes

    • encouraging and empowering women teachers and parents to take up leadership positions in schools to provide role models for students.



    Read more:
    Kenya’s decision to make maths optional in high school is a bad idea – what should happen instead

    Our findings offer a critical evidence base for the education ministry and other stakeholders. They should put accountability mechanisms in place.

    Only through sustained, data-driven action can Kenya achieve a truly inclusive and equitable education system.

    Benta A. Abuya 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. 10 years ago Kenya set out to fix gender gaps in education – what’s working and what still needs to be done – https://theconversation.com/10-years-ago-kenya-set-out-to-fix-gender-gaps-in-education-whats-working-and-what-still-needs-to-be-done-255400

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Invergowrie Primary School nursery class scores trio of digital learning awards

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    he class has received the Digital Learning Through Play Award in Early Learning, Equitable Creative Coding Award and Digital Wellbeing Award, and are the first setting in Perth and Kinross to gain all three awards together.  

    The Digital Learning Through Play Award in Early Learning recognises and celebrates the impressive digital journey that the setting has been on. In the award report for Invergowrie, it was highlighted that digital learning is embedded throughout the setting and is very much co-led with the children. Unplugged learning and digital technology are being used to support quality learning through play, helping to inspire children and families to access the benefits of digital learning.  The use of technology helps instil a sense of community and is part of the nursery culture.   

    The Equitable Creative Coding Award (ECCo), recognises the innovative and inclusive approaches to computational thinking and coding.  Invergowrie Nursery have invested in digital technologies to motivate and inspire, equipping children with essential skills for life and work, and encouraging them to be curious and explore different things.  The award report also noted a clear desire to lead in the embedding of film and screen across early level and support Education Scotland’s commitment to this part of the expressive arts curriculum.   

    The Digital Wellbeing Award highlights that digital wellbeing is integrated into the vision and development work of the setting.  The nursery inspires safe and responsible behaviour and shares helpful advice and support for parents and carers on e-safety.  There is a strong engagement with parents and carers and this work helps parents feel empowered to support their children in safe online practices at home.  

    Linda McGavin, Senior Early Childhood Practitioner at Invergowrie Nursery Class said: “We are delighted to have achieved all three digital awards.  This recognition holds significant importance for our Nursery and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in digital learning. We aim to empower children to explore, create, and innovate in an increasingly digital world”. 

    “We are grateful for the support of initiatives like the Digital Schools Awards in promoting digital learning in our settings.” 

    Convener of Learning and Families, Councillor John Rebbeck said: “Congratulations to Invergowrie Primary School nursery class for this fantastic achievement. It’s important that our children and young people can use digital technology to improve their learning and prepare them for later life and the working world where computers are for many of us a key element of day-to-day activities. I also welcome the focus on digital wellbeing where the nursery has engaged with parents and families to help them feel confident about online learning and activity at home.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Annexus and North American Expand Partnership With the Launch of Secure Horizon Indexed Universal Life Insurance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Annexus, a leading retirement product design company, has announced its continued collaboration with North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, one of the largest issuers of life insurance and annuity products in the United States. The two companies launched Secure HorizonSM Indexed Universal Life Insurance (Secure Horizon IUL), a breakthrough life insurance product designed to provide death benefit protection alongside a suite of supplemental retirement benefits and strong accumulation potential.

    “The launch of Secure Horizon IUL represents the next evolution of our partnership with Annexus and our shared commitment to innovation,” said Jerry Blair, president of Sammons Life Insurance Group. “Together with Annexus, we are reimagining the untapped possibilities in life insurance product design.”

    Secure Horizon IUL features strong death benefit protection and accumulation potential through index options including the S&P PRISM®Index, the best-performing live smart beta index in the IUL industry since 2018,1 and the Research Affiliates®Global Multi-Asset Index, which provides diversified exposure to global stocks, bonds and commodities while using a proprietary risk management process to manage volatility. Both indices are available in 1-, 2- and 3-year strategy terms with participation rates as high as 410%. In addition, Secure Horizon IUL will feature an S&P 500®Index Trigger strategy and a Dual Trigger Strategy that provides the opportunity to credit interest in up, flat and even some down markets.

    “We are excited to launch Secure Horizon IUL, a new product that includes some truly innovative benefits designed to help protect against major risks in retirement,” said Ron Shurts, co-founder and CEO of Annexus. “This is the first time an IUL will offer a Longevity Benefit Base that can be used to provide guaranteed lifetime income, a benefit if social security is reduced, and an enhanced death benefit that could be greater than the policy’s death benefit.”

    The SecureStage Supplemental Benefits EndorsementSM (SecureStage) is automatically included on all Secure Horizon IUL policies. SecureStage is powered by an industry-first Longevity Benefit Base that grows by 150% of the net credited interest.2 The Longevity Benefit Base can be used for any of the following three benefits:

    • LifePay Income Benefit: provides a stream of guaranteed lifetime income clients cannot outlive
    • PlanGap®Benefit: the first solution within an IUL designed to help offset a potential future reduction in social security benefits3
    • Enhanced Death Benefit: a legacy benefit that may be greater than the death benefit offered under the policy payable over five years

    Secure Horizon IUL also offers living benefits through the Accelerated Death Benefit Endorsement, which enables policyowners to use a portion of the death benefit if diagnosed with a qualifying critical, chronic or terminal illness.4, 5 Together these supplemental benefits can help address six of the major risks clients face in retirement.

    Advisors, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), and insurance professionals seeking access to this product should contact their Annexus-affiliated Independent Distribution Company. If you are a consumer interested in learning about Secure Horizon IUL, ask your financial professional for more information.

    About Annexus

    For nearly two decades, Annexus has developed market-leading fixed indexed annuities, registered indexed-linked annuities, and indexed universal life insurance products that help Americans grow and protect their retirement savings. The company has built strategic relationships with the industry’s top insurance carriers and some of the world’s largest investment banks. For more information, visit Annexus.

    About North American Company for Life and Health Insurance
    North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® is a member of Sammons® Financial Group, Inc. They offer a comprehensive portfolio of term and indexed universal life insurance products, as well as a wide variety of traditional fixed and fixed index annuities. Learn more about North American.

    1 Based on all 5% volatility control smart beta live performance indices in the Indexed Universal Life market as of 4/15/25. Index performance from 12/31/2017 – 12/31/2024.

    2 Net credited interest is any index credit and interest credit minus Index Credit and interest credit attributed to interest bonus on fixed interest participating loans.

    3 The PlanGap® Benefit is known as the Income Gap Benefit in the contract. The PlanGap® Benefit is not a replacement for Social Security benefits but provides a benefit designed to mitigate a reduction. For purposes of this Endorsement, reduction means a reduction in Social Security benefits due to a change implemented by the Social Security Administration or other federal law or regulation. It does not include reductions in your Social Security benefits based upon your actions (including any elections under Social Security or changes to your Social Security elections) or change in circumstances. PlanGap® is a registered trademark of PlanGap, LLC and is used pursuant to a license. The Benefit can be elected if the Income Gap Benefit Index is reduced by more than 3%. Limited to the insured’s policy age being between age 62 and 85 and waiting period of 10 years for issue ages 0-59, and 5 years for issue ages 60+.

    North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® is not affiliated with PlanGap® or the Social Security Administration. North American’s product(s) are not sponsored, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Social Security Administration, and they make no representation regarding the advisability of purchasing of the product(s).

    4 Payment of accelerated death benefits paid under the endorsement is intended for favorable tax treatment under Section 101(g) of the Internal Revenue Code.

    5 Accelerated death benefits subject to eligibility requirements. An administrative fee may be required at the time of election. The death benefit will be reduced by the amount of the death benefit accelerated. Since benefits are paid prior to death, a discount will be applied to the death benefit accelerated. As a result, the actual amount received will be less than the amount of the death benefit accelerated.

    The “S&P 500®” and “S&P PRISM” (“the Indices”) are products of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and have been licensed for use by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® (“the Company”). S&P®, S&P 500®, US 500, The 500, iBoxx®, iTraxx® and CDX® are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”); Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). It is not possible to invest directly in an index. The Company’s Product is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, or any of their respective affiliates (collectively, “S&P Dow Jones Indices”). S&P Dow Jones Indices does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the Company’s Product or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the Company’s Product particularly or the ability of the Indices to track general market performance. Past performance of an index is not an indication or guarantee of future results. S&P Dow Jones Indices’ only relationship to the Company with respect to the Indices is the licensing of the Index and certain trademarks, service marks and/or trade names of S&P Dow Jones Indices and/or its licensors. The Indices are determined, composed and calculated by S&P Dow Jones Indices without regard to the Company or the Company’s Product. S&P Dow Jones Indices has no obligation to take the needs of the Company or the owners of the Company’s Product into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Indices. S&P Dow Jones Indices has no obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Company’s Product. There is no assurance that investment products based on the Indices will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is not an investment adviser, commodity trading advisory, commodity pool operator, broker dealer, fiduciary, “promoter” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended), “expert” as enumerated within 15 U.S.C. § 77k(a) or tax advisor. Inclusion of a security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset within an index is not a recommendation by S&P Dow Jones Indices to buy, sell, or hold such security, commodity, crypto currency or other asset, nor is it considered to be investment advice or commodity trading advice.

    S&P DOW JONES INDICES DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ADEQUACY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO OR ANY COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ORAL OR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS) WITH RESPECT THERETO. S&P DOW JONES INDICES SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY DAMAGES OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR DELAYS THEREIN. S&P DOW JONES INDICES MAKES NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE OR AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE COMPANY, OWNERS OF THE COMPANY’S PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDICES OR WITH RESPECT TO ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT WHATSOEVER SHALL S&P DOW JONES INDICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, TRADING LOSSES, LOST TIME OR GOODWILL, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAS NOT REVIEWED, PREPARED AND/OR CERTIFIED ANY PORTION OF, NOR DOES S&P DOW JONES INDICES HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER, THE COMPANY’S PRODUCT REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS OR OTHER OFFERING MATERIALS. THERE ARE NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES OF ANY AGREEMENTS OR ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN S&P DOW JONES INDICES AND THE COMPANY, OTHER THAN THE LICENSORS OF S&P DOWJONES INDICES.

    The Research Affiliates® Global Multi-Asset Index (the “Index”) is a service mark of RAFI Indices, LLC or its affiliates (collectively, “RAFI”) and has been licensed for certain use by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance® (“the Company”). The intellectual and other property rights to the Index are owned by or licensed to RAFI. Use and distribution of the Index or any included data and RAFI’s service marks requires RAFI’s written permission. This IUL (the “Product”) is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by RAFI or any of its third-party service providers or suppliers including data licensors and index calculators (“RAFI and its suppliers”).

    The Index is an excess return index and does not allocate to any interest-bearing cash rate allocations. Because of this, an excess return version of an index will have lower performance than a total return version of the same index would, especially in high interest rate environments.

    Past performance of an index is not an indicator of or a guarantee of future results. Hypothetical and simulated examples have inherent limitations and are generally prepared with the benefit of hindsight. There are often differences between simulated results and the actual results. There are numerous factors related to the markets in general or the implementation of any specific investment strategy, which cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of simulated results and all of which can adversely affect actual results. RAFI and its suppliers make no representations or warranties regarding the advisability of investing in the Product or the ability of the Index to provide any particular market performance. RAFI is not acting as an investment adviser to you and has no fiduciary duties to you in connection with the Index or the Product. RAFI and its suppliers are not responsible for and have not participated in the (i) development, marketing, issuance or management of the Product, (ii) the determination of the timing of, prices, at or quantities of the Product to be issued, or (iii) calculation of the equation by which the Product is redeemable.

    RAFI and its suppliers have no obligation or liability to the owners of the Product and any decision to purchase or invest in the Product is at your own risk. RAFI and its suppliers obtain information from sources they consider reliable but do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or completeness of the Index or any data included therein, all of which are provided on an “as is” basis.

    RAFI and its suppliers make no warranty as to the results that may be obtained by the Company, the Company’s customers and counterparties, owners of the Product or anyone else from the use of the Index or included data as licensed or for any other use. RAFI and its suppliers disclaim all warranties and representations, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use, with respect to the Index or any included data. In no event will RAFI or its suppliers be liable for any damages, including direct, indirect, special, punitive and consequential damages (including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

    The term financial professional is not intended to imply engagement in an advisory business in which compensation is not related to sales. Financial professionals that are insurance licensed will be paid a commission on the sale of an insurance product.

    Secure Horizon IUL is issued on form P100/ICC22P100 (policy), E100/ICC22E100, E101/ICC22E101, E103/ICC22E103, E104/ICC22E104, E105/ICC22E105, E109/ICC22E109, E110/ICC22E110, E111/ICC22E111, E115/ICC24E115, E117, R100/ICC23R100, R101/ICC23R101, R102/ICC23R102, R103/ICC23R103, R106/ICC22R106, (riders/endorsements) or appropriate state variation by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®, West Des Moines, IA. Products, features, endorsements, riders or issue ages may not be available in all states. Limitations or restrictions may apply.

    Sammons Financial® is the marketing name for Sammons® Financial Group, Inc.’s member companies, including North American Company for Life and Health Insurance®. Annuities and life insurance are issued by, and product guarantees are solely the responsibility of, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The training of forensic experts and the production of forensic examinations were discussed at SPbGASU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Dmitry Ivanov (behind the podium), Andrey Kokin, Oksana Dyakonova and Petr Kozin

    The National (All-Russian) scientific and practical conference “Improving the training of forensic experts and the production of forensic examinations in modern conditions” was held at SPbGASU. Current issues of professional training of forensic experts, modern technical and scientific-methodological support for the production of forensic examinations, as well as issues of legal, informational, financial and organizational support for forensic activities were discussed at a plenary session, two sections and at the podium of young scientists. In total, about 90 specialists and students from different regions of the country spoke.

    Opening the plenary session, Dmitry Ivanov, Chairman of the Organizing and Scientific Committees of the conference, Dean of the Faculty of Forensic Expertise and Law in Construction and Transport at SPbGASU, noted that the scientific community and the industry need to gather at one site, exchange experiences, discuss current problems and consider their possible solutions. He read out an address from the Rector of SPbGASU Evgeny Rybnov, who emphasized the importance of the presence at the conference of representatives of both the professional community, leading scientists, and students, whose ideas and initiatives will contribute to expanding the potential of the conference and successfully solving its tasks. “The conference is intended to become an effective platform for constructive dialogue on issues, including improving the quality of education,” the address said.

    So that there is no subjective opinion

    In his speech, Professor of the Department of Weapons Science and Trace Science of the Educational and Scientific Complex of Forensic Examinations of the Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia named after V. Ya. Kikot, Chief State Forensic Expert of the Department of Trace and Ballistic Examinations of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Russian Federal State Center of Forensic Examinations named after Professor A. R. Shlyakhov under the Ministry of Justice of Russia” Andrey Kokin emphasized the factors of subjectivity in forensic examination.

    “Prejudice, that is, a biased or negative attitude, personal opinion or assessment based on stereotypes rather than specific experience or knowledge, has its own reasons in forensic examination. Among them are providing the expert with case materials that are not necessary, violation of the sequence of methodological actions, subordination of forensic units to law enforcement agencies. At the same time, there are ways to minimize the influence of subjectivity on forensic examination. The first is to increase the transparency of all stages of a detailed study, without ignoring points that seem insignificant at first glance. The second involves analyzing the expert’s conclusion by specialists with experience in a specific examination. This analysis must comply with certain principles: the specialist must record the entire course of the study and document his comments in one form or another, for example, in diagrams, graphs, displaying the most important and critical points on the basis of which conclusions can be drawn. In general, the conclusion must be understandable to all participants in the proceedings,” explained Andrey Kokin.

    Professor of the Department of Legal Regulation of Urban Development and Transport at SPbGASU Ivan Ivanov recalled that, according to statistics, 334 people were convicted of false expert opinions under various articles in 2023, and 317 in 2024.

    “Forensic and investigative practice with enviable consistency identifies and examines cases of false expert opinions, prepared intentionally. The scientific community believes that the responsibility of experts for knowingly false opinions is clearly insufficient and needs to be improved. Foreign criminal legislation is much stricter. For example, in France, for a knowingly false expert opinion, they sentence to five years in prison with a fine of 500 thousand euros. We propose introducing into the legislation a punishment in the form of a ban on holding a position and engaging in expert activity for up to three years. I think that in this case, all current legislative measures will be strengthened,” concluded Ivan Ivanov.

    How to improve the quality of education

    Oksana Dyakonova, professor of the forensic examination department at the Moscow State Law University named after O. E. Kutafin, voiced proposals for improving the quality of education in the specialty “Forensic examination”.

    “Firstly, it is necessary to increase the number of hours for fundamental disciplines – forensic science and forensic expertology, while introducing a reasonable combination of lectures and practical classes in different forms: laboratory work, field practical classes at forensic organizations. Secondly, it is necessary to exclude from the educational program disciplines that are not aimed at developing the much-needed competence of a future forensic expert, but are generalized and duplicate the main legal disciplines in content. Thirdly, it is necessary to increase students’ interest in participating in research projects, including under the joint supervision of a university teacher and a practicing expert,” Oksana Dyakonova believes.

    She also proposed to expand the training of forensic experts in master’s programs and programs of additional professional education in certain types and kinds of forensic examinations for persons with basic legal education. The expert doubted that graduates of a bachelor’s degree with a specialized education far removed from expertise would be able to become highly professional experts after completing a master’s degree.

    Professor, senior expert of RMS-OTSENKA LLC Petr Kozin refuted this opinion with his own example: by basic education he is a civil engineer, and he underwent retraining in expert activity. His colleague is a graduate of LISI (now SPbGASU), also an engineer Dmitry Kuznetsov. Based on extensive experience in conducting forensic examinations, the company’s representatives developed a draft of methodological recommendations for forensic cost (appraisal) examination.

    “In our methodology, we defined the type and kind of cost and appraisal expertise, which has not yet been done at the legislative level. Accordingly, there are no methodological recommendations, although in practice, disputes about cost arise most often. However, if conducting a forensic examination is prescribed by law, then conducting an appraisal study is not. Due to the absence of any legal acts, during the research we rely on information from various reference books. In addition, for this reason, we cannot examine a number of objects. Our methodology streamlines this process and assumes a broader approach that the appraiser uses. At the same time, it does not contradict the current legislation,” explained Petr Kozin.

    He proposed a number of recommendations included in the methodology. Thus, in the case of a lack of information for a comparative approach, analogs of relations or properties should be used, including from the practice of past years.

    Neural networks and drones

    In addition to knowledge of forensic expertise itself, a modern specialist needs knowledge in the field of digital technologies, noted Oksana Dyakonova. She recalled that already now in many examinations objects are presented in digital form.

    Professor of the Department of Forensic Science at SPbGASU Valery Kharchenko spoke about the department’s scientific research, which helps to teach students advanced digital competencies, and also allows the use of high-tech research methods in engineering and technical forensic science. Based on experience, the professor explained that, for example, the use of neural networks speeds up the research period, increases their accuracy and accessibility so much that they can be carried out using a regular phone. Professor of the Department of Forensic Technology of the Educational and Scientific Complex of Forensic Science and Research at the Volgograd Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia Olga Dronova told how an unmanned technical vehicle became a tool for technical and forensic support and an object of expert research. The efficiency is similar: accuracy, accessibility, speed.

    Legal Gaps

    Irina Vishnevskaya, Director of the State Autonomous Healthcare Institution “Republican Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan”, touched upon the problems of legal regulation of forensic medical activities and ways to solve them in Tatarstan.

    Vadim Epshteyn, Director of Development of the ChEU “City Institution of Forensic Expertise” (St. Petersburg), explained current issues of collecting funds for forensic examinations conducted in civil proceedings.

    “Today, one of the significant problems has become the colossal debts for completed examinations in civil proceedings. For many years, legislative norms were simply ignored, and the problem acquired unimaginable proportions: by the end of 2023, the debt for such examinations to the expert system of the Ministry of Justice reached about 750 million rubles. Obviously, the debt to experts of the non-governmental sector, taking into account their number, is even greater. In 2023, the Constitutional Court identified the existing problem and ordered the legislative authorities to develop recommendations for their elimination. In 2024, amendments were made to the Civil Procedure Code, where a number of norms that contributed to the emergence of these debts were eliminated. For example, now the code clearly states: payment for the examination is made based on the results of the meeting at which the examination was considered,” said Vadim Epshtein.

    Despite all the positive expectations, the problem is getting worse, the expert added. And it is due to the specifics of the work of the courts and the judicial department: in many cases, the parties who are responsible for paying for the examination initially deposit a minimum amount into the account. When it will be possible to receive the remaining amount is a question, since the courts take into account the very fact of depositing funds. There are only a few courts that are engaged in further adjustment of amounts, since the legislation does not oblige them to do so, and therefore the remaining payment is delayed for a long time.

    Tribune of young scientists

    The “Young Scientists’ Tribune” section attracted the largest number of speakers. The fifth-year student of SPbGASU Yulia Sedykh was interested in the conference due to the large amount of information on modern technologies of engineering and technical expertise, and current problems of the industry. The topic of her speech concerned the logical foundations of expert research from the point of view of algorithmization.

    “My work is dedicated to the creation and implementation of algorithms that work with the help of modern technologies, such as CAD – construction design systems, unmanned aerial vehicles with built-in machine vision, neural networks, into traditional methods of expert examination. I offer mechanisms and specific software products for writing modern methods of certain types of forensic examinations,” Yulia explained.

    Third-year student of SPbGASU Anastasia Savintseva in her research examined complex ethical issues – the lack of specificity regarding the essence of expert ethics and its proper consolidation. “I propose to solve this problem by expanding the list of principles presented in Federal Law No. 73, adding such as responsibility, integrity, organization, incorruptibility. Another option is to form such a general principle as the ethics of the activities of a forensic expert. It would allow us to unite all the moral principles that forensic experts should be guided by,” Anastasia said.

    Anastasia noted that the conference allowed her to broaden her horizons both in expertology and in related disciplines, to understand that each study is unique, and to pay attention to some aspects of expert activity that she had not thought about before.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces 30 measures to be implemented by Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government announces 30 measures to be implemented by Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy 
         Mr Cheuk said, “Population ageing is becoming an increasingly serious issue around the world, and the situation in Hong Kong is of particular concern. The Census and Statistics Department predicts that by 2043, more than one in every three Hong Kong residents will be an elderly person. In light of this demographic shift, we must actively address the various challenges brought about by an ageing population. At the same time, we should seize development opportunities amid the challenges, explore new industries and new businesses, and break new ground for Hong Kong in a time of change.
     
         “The elderly account for a large proportion of Hong Kong’s population. With favourable financial conditions and purchasing power, they are a huge consumer group that cannot be overlooked, as they create a huge demand for silver economy related products and services. Boosting the silver economy will inject vitality into the local economy and promote overall economic development, as well as spurring the cultivation of high-quality silver products and service modes, so that the elderly can share the fruits of development.”  
     
         The Working Group has proposed 30 measures in five areas, namely: boosting “silver consumption”, developing “silver industry”, promoting “quality assurance of silver products”, enhancing “silver financial and security arrangements”, and unleashing “silver productivity”. This plentiful and practical series of measures involves collaboration across different bureaux and sectors. Jointly promoted by different policy bureaux and multiple organisations from different sectors, the measures aim to boost consumption among the elderly, develop silver products and services, and enhance the recognition of products and services through accreditation to drive sales, make good use of and safeguard the financial resources of the elderly, and attract the elderly to join the labour market, with a view to enhancing social productivity and building a silver-friendly society together. 
     
     (I) Boosting “silver consumption”
     
         Owing to their health conditions and lifestyle practices, the elderly’s consumption needs are different from those of other consumers, with great consumption potential in areas including catering, personal hygiene and healthcare. The Government aims to boost “silver consumption” through various means, including exhibitions and retail concessions, electronic commerce, the Silver Summit, developing catering initiatives for the elderly, and protecting elderly consumers’ rights and interests.
     
         The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) will take the lead in boosting “silver consumption”, and the 11 measures include:
      (II) Developing “silver industry”

         The health and daily needs of the silver-haired group have led to a huge demand for products and services. Silver products (including gerontechnology products) have hence come into being.
     
         The work of developing the “silver industry” is led by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. The four measures are:
     (III) Promoting “quality assurance of silver products”
     
         Quality assurance for products and services can enhance their acceptance and attractiveness, helping to establish brand value and expand sales network.
     
         The work of promoting “quality assurance of silver products” is led by the CEDB. The four measures are:
     (IV) Enhancing “silver financial and security arrangements”
     
         Elderly people in Hong Kong possess a certain degree of wealth, which provides the prerequisite for developing silver finance. The Government’s objective is to assist the elderly to best utilise their financial resources and financial management tools, and to protect their financial resources through a comprehensive package of measures.
     
         There will be seven measures for enhancing the “silver financial and security arrangements”, which will be led by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau:
     (V) Unleashing “silver productivity”
     
         The Government will encourage and assist more elderly persons to join the labour market through employment support and training, as well as the promotion of elderly-friendly employment practices, in a bid to unleash the labour force.
     
         The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) will take the lead in driving the measures for unleashing “silver productivity”, including:
    Mr Cheuk said, “The silver economy holds tremendous business opportunities. With the joint efforts of the Government and various sectors, we can certainly expand the scale and industrial chain of the silver economy, enhance the quality of life for the elderly in all aspects, and increase their sense of contentment and happiness.”
     
         The Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address 2024 the setting up of a Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy, led by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, to implement measures in five areas, namely: boosting “silver consumption”, developing “silver industry”, promoting “quality assurance of silver products”, enhancing “silver financial and security arrangements” and unleashing “silver productivity”. Other members of the Working Group include the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Deputy Leader); the Secretary for Labour and Welfare; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; and the Secretary for Health.
    Issued at HKT 18:08

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority meets with Mainland health officials and delegations (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hospital Authority meets with Mainland health officials and delegations  
         The HA participated in meetings between the Health Bureau (HHB) and different delegations, including a delegation led by the Director-General of the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, Mr Liu Liqun. Both parties exchanged views on further strengthening healthcare co-operation and talent exchanges in the Greater Bay Area.
     
         The Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan, said, “The depth and breadth of the Greater Bay Area Healthcare Talents Visiting Programmes, jointly launched by both sides, has been progressively expanding and receiving widespread positive feedback. Moving forward, in alignment with the implementation of the Supplementary Medical Professions (Amendment) Bill 2025, the HA hopes to continue receiving support from the Health Commission of Guangdong Province to explore limited registration arrangements for radiographers to fully participate in clinical work and exchange experiences in Hong Kong.”
     
         In addition to meeting with the Health Commission of Guangdong Province delegation, the HA also participated in other exchange sessions co-ordinated by the HHB. These included meetings with delegations of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, the People’s Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Health Commission of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
     
         During the Convention period, the HA also held separate meetings with delegations of the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, the Tianjin Municipal Health Commission, the Health Commission of Zhejiang Province and the Shanghai Hospital Development Centre. These meetings facilitated experience sharing in hospital management, financial management and talent exchanges, etc, deepening co-operation between both sides.
     
         Furthermore, the HA arranged visits for several Mainland delegations to various public hospitals, including Queen Mary Hospital and Kwong Wah Hospital, to understand hospital operations and management, as well as the application of AI and the HA Go mobile application, etc.
     
         The HA also took the opportunity during the visit of the Mainland delegations to hold a welcome ceremony for the doctors and nurses who came to Hong Kong for exchanges, aiming to enhance healthcare standards and expand the healthcare talent pool in both places through mutual learning and complementary strengths. 
    Issued at HKT 17:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 10 years ago Kenya set out to fix gender gaps in education – what’s working and what still needs to be done

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Benta A. Abuya, Research Scientist, African Population and Health Research Center

    The Kenyan government launched a big attempt in 2015 to promote gender equality in and through the education sector. This was guided by principles of equal participation and inclusion of women and men, and girls and boys in national development.

    The Education and Training Sector Gender Policy aligned with national, regional and global commitments. This included the constitution, and Sustainable Development Goals 4 on quality education and 5 on gender equality.

    Years later, however, it became clear that the government wasn’t achieving some policy’s objectives. Gaps remained in reducing gender inequalities in access, participation and achievement at all levels of education.

    The government decided to review the causes of these challenges and what could be done differently.

    This led to a two-year joint study in partnership with the African Population and Health Research Center. The study began in 2022. Its overall objective was to provide evidence for action on mainstreaming gender issues in basic education in Kenya. Gender mainstreaming generally refers to being sensitive to gender when developing policies and curricula, governing schools, teaching and using learning materials.

    The study specifically aimed to:

    1. examine how the teacher-training curriculum prepares teachers to implement gender mainstreaming strategies within the basic education sector

    2. examine how gender mainstreaming is practised in classrooms during teaching and learning

    3. assess the relationship between teaching practices and students’ attendance, choice of subjects and academic performance

    4. evaluate the availability of institutional policies, practices and guidelines to mainstream gender issues and the extent to which they influence gender mainstreaming in education.

    I’m a gender and education researcher and was part of the team from the African Population and Health Research Center that collected data for the policy review. This data came from 10 counties with high child poverty rates and urban informal settlements. These indicators highlight an inability to access one or more basic needs or services.

    The study involved teacher trainers and trainees. We also spoke to education officials, and learners in primary and secondary schools. We carried out classroom observations, knowledge and attitude surveys, questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions.

    Read more: 6 priorities to get Kenya’s curriculum back on track – or risk excluding many children from education

    The data showed gaps in teacher training, as well as institutional and teaching practices at the basic education level. Policy wasn’t being carried through in practice.

    The gaps

    Our study found that Kenya needs to review its teacher education curriculum to make it more gender responsive.

    Teachers also need more training to follow practices that are gender responsive. These practices include extending positive reinforcement to girls and boys, maintaining eye contact and allowing learners to speak without interruption.

    Deliberate steps should be taken to ensure that schools and teacher training colleges are gender inclusive in their practices, guidelines and programmes.

    More specifically, our study found:

    • Teacher trainees had a relatively good understanding of gender-equitable teaching and learning practices. But there was a need to place greater importance on this in lesson planning and in supporting girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

    • Gender mainstreaming is not built into the teacher training curriculum. It isn’t taught as a standalone unit. Teacher trainees learnt about it mainly from general courses, such as child development and psychology, or private training. And teacher trainees were unaware that they were being tested on this.

    • There were no significant gender differences in how teachers in pre-primary and primary school taught boys and girls. At the secondary level, however, teachers engaged boys more than girls during during literacy and STEM lessons.

    • At both primary and secondary levels, gender-equitable practices positively influenced learning outcomes in English and STEM subjects. These practices improved academic performances in English at the primary level. They led to improvements in biology, English, mathematics and physics at the secondary level.

    • The odds of school attendance increased if teachers treated boys and girls in equitable ways.

    • The odds of boys selecting chemistry and physics at the secondary level increased if the teacher of the subject was approachable and if the subject was considered applicable to future careers.

    • More than 40% of primary and secondary schools didn’t have guidelines on sexual harassment and gender-based violence for teachers and students. And most of the schools that said they had these guidelines couldn’t provide them to the research team. These guidelines help mainstream gender issues in schools and communities.

    What next

    To advance gender equality, Kenya must move beyond policy awareness. It must be more responsive to gender in teacher training, classroom practices and institutional leadership.

    Our study recommends:

    • creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where both boys and girls feel valued, capable, and motivated to learn

    • teaching gender mainstreaming as a standalone unit, or integrating it into the teaching methodology

    • coaching, mentorship and modelling of best practices to trainee teachers

    • financial support for gender mainstreaming in all areas of teacher education

    • encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers at an early age through formal mentorship programmes

    • encouraging and empowering women teachers and parents to take up leadership positions in schools to provide role models for students.

    Read more: Kenya’s decision to make maths optional in high school is a bad idea – what should happen instead

    Our findings offer a critical evidence base for the education ministry and other stakeholders. They should put accountability mechanisms in place.

    Only through sustained, data-driven action can Kenya achieve a truly inclusive and equitable education system.

    – 10 years ago Kenya set out to fix gender gaps in education – what’s working and what still needs to be done
    – https://theconversation.com/10-years-ago-kenya-set-out-to-fix-gender-gaps-in-education-whats-working-and-what-still-needs-to-be-done-255400

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: No. 3 alarm fire in Tin Shui Wai

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     A fire broke out at a warehouse in Ha Tsuen, Tin Shui Wai at 12.40pm today (May 27) and was upgraded to No. 3 alarm at 1.33pm.

    Firemen are using two jets and mobilising two breathing apparatus teams to fight the blaze.

    ​One person felt unwell and was being sent to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment.

    Ends/Tuesday, May 27, 2025
    Issued at HKT 13:51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EoV on Ukraine mental health initiative ‘How are you?’ – Committee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    Ukraine © Image used under the license of AdobeStock

    On the 2nd of June, SANT Members will hold an exchange of views on Ukraine mental health initiative ‘How are you?’ with Oksana Zbitneva, Head of Mental Health Coordination Center of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

    Taking care of mental health should become a daily habit for Ukrainians. The communication campaign launched as part of the All-Ukrainian mental health program initiated by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska is intended to be a guide on this path. The purpose of the campaign is to promote the formation of a culture of caring for mental health in society, to provide understanding and to show tools that will help Ukrainians take care of their inner state.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: France: Treefrog Therapeutics secures €30 million from EIB marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey to accelerate the field of cell therapy

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • €30 million financing with mix of dilutive and venture debt financing
    • Funds to advance Parkinson’s disease cell therapy program to the clinic and further develop their internal pipeline of cell therapies
    • Deal benefits from guarantee under European Commission’s Invest EU program

    TreeFrog Therapeutics, a French biotech specializing in cell therapy has secured a €30 million financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The financing will support the advancement of their lead cell therapy program in Parkinson’s Disease to the clinic. Funds will also be used to reinforce their internal pipeline in other disease areas with large unmet needs.

    Regenerative medicine holds immense potential to revolutionize healthcare to treat or cure some of the world’s unmet needs in diseases of the major organs, such as the heart, lungs, pancreas and brain. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the fastest growing with more than 10 million people worldwide suffering from the disease. Prevalence doubled in the last 25 years and is expected to double again before 2050. Current solutions treat symptoms only. The cell therapy in development at TreeFrog has the potential to be a best-in-class treatment due to its unique 3D format microtissues, developed from induced pluripotent cells (iPSC). The program is on track to be ready for a first-in-human trial in 2027. 

    The €30 million financing will be available in 3 tranches of €10 million each, with TreeFrog benefiting from a new vehicle from the EIB, mixing dilutive financing, hence no principal repayment required for the initial two tranches and venture debt for the last tranche. The initial €10 million will be withdrawn during the second quarter of 2025. EIB’s investment aligns with the InvestEU objective of fostering research, development and innovation.

    Ambroise Fayolle, vice-president of the EIB, said: “Regenerative medicine is a field that has growing importance as life expectancy rises and some diseases are still untreated. This EIB is keen to support young, dynamic European and French companies that focus on research, development and product innovation. Support from InvestEU is testimony of a wider European interest in TreeFrog’s business model and new solutions for the health sector”.

    Jaime Arango, Chief Finance Officer, TreeFrog Therapeutics, said: “We are delighted to receive this support from EIB which bolsters our cash visibility trajectory and enables us to bring our Parkinson’s cell therapy to the clinic, while also reinforcing our internal pipeline of cell therapies in other disease areas.”

    TreeFrog’s success in attracting investment and partners to date is based on their proprietary technology platform, C-Stem . This platform addresses some of the major challenges by producing high quality cells, efficiently, at commercial scale. C-Stem combines microfluidics and stem cell biology to mimic the natural environment for cells. The cells are encapsulated in alginate capsules seeded with iPSCs. These capsules protect the cells, allowing them to do what they do naturally – self-organise and grow. The protected cells are nurtured and nourished, expand exponentially and can be turned into any type of cell in large-scale bioreactors without damage and stress. This results in 3D microtissues that have unique benefits in terms of quality and functionality and integrate well after transplant.

    Background information

    About EIB

    The European Investment Bank (EIB), whose shareholders are the Member States of the European Union (EU), is the EU’s long-term financing institution. Across eight major priorities, we support investments in climate action and the environment, digital transition and technological innovation, security and defense, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. In 2024, the EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing in support of more than 900 projects in Europe and worldwide. In France, the EIB Group signed over a hundred operations in 2024 for a total amount of €12.6 billion. Nearly 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the creation of a healthier environment.

    About TreeFrog Therapeutics

    TreeFrog Therapeutics is a French-based regenerative medicine biotech set to unlock access to cell therapies for millions of patients. TreeFrog is unique in its approach to cell therapy development, bringing together biophysicists, cell biologists and bioproduction engineers to address the challenges of the industry – producing and differentiating cells of quality at unprecedented scale, cost-effectively. To succeed in their mission of Cell Therapy for all, TreeFrog operates a business model that includes its own therapeutic programs and partnerships with leading biotech and industry players. Since 2021, the company has raised $82 million to advance a pipeline of stem cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –