NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun, Research associate, University of the Western Cape

    Vaccines have proved to be one of the most effective tools in fighting infectious diseases, but convincing people to get vaccinated can be tough. Especially young people.

    During the global COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020, many countries reported high levels of vaccine hesitancy among younger population groups. Negative healthcare experiences and general distrust of government have cultivated vaccine hesitancy across Africa. Misleading information about vaccine side-effects on social media adds to this challenge.

    This hesitancy continues today. A 2024 study on adolescents and young adults (aged 10 to 35) in sub-Saharan Africa found a vaccine acceptance rate of just 38.7%.

    These concerns were echoed in a recent study we carried out among 165 young adults in Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, looking at attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. We wanted to know what could be done to help improve future vaccine acceptance, inform campaigns and prepare for future public health responses.

    Participants were hesitant to be vaccinated, for various reasons, and suggested what policymakers could do to improve vaccine uptake.

    Understanding young people’s perspectives on vaccine hesitancy and what can be done to address this is crucial for improving vaccine acceptance in the future.

    What young adults told us

    Our research gathered data through focus groups and interviews.

    The participants described a fear of injections, uncertainty about side effects, distrust in healthcare systems and rude healthcare workers.

    Some participants were worried about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly how it might affect those with pre-existing health conditions.

    Many believed that the vaccine was developed too quickly without sufficient testing and a lack of accessible information.

    Many expressed a strong fear of needles. A young South African woman aged 19 commented:

    I am afraid of injections, so for me, it would be better if there was something that could be taken orally, something you can drink.

    Getting over the hurdle

    We found young people often felt left out of vaccine conversations. They wanted to be part of the solution and make informed choices but needed the right tools and support to do so.

    Participants suggested practical ideas to help boost vaccine acceptance among their peers.

    Several highlighted the importance of assessing individual health status before administering vaccines, to avoid adverse interactions with existing medical conditions and treatments. They believed that situations where vaccines were mistakenly blamed for pre-existing illnesses or ongoing treatments could be avoided.

    Participants suggested innovative strategies to make vaccines more accessibile. Mobile vaccination sites and community-based outreach programmes were some of the suggestions.

    They must introduce mobile clinics, so that people don’t find themselves having to travel long distances to vaccinate. – 18-year-old male, South Africa

    Young people also suggested household visits to people who were immobile because of age, illness or disability.

    Many advocated for non-injectable vaccine options, such as oral medications or microneedle patches, which could improve accessibility and reduce anxiety.

    The oral polio vaccine, which has been widely used in global polio eradication efforts, is an example of a non-injectable vaccine.

    COVID-19 microneedle patch prototypes are being explored for clinical testing.

    The youth urged public figures, including politicians, celebrities and influencers, to publicly endorse the vaccine.

    It would be nice if the president could be shown on television receiving a vaccine so that we can see for ourselves whether he is given the same thing that everyone else receives. – 20-year-old male, South Africa

    More engaging videos, interactive interviews and testimonials from vaccinated individuals could be shared across social media platforms.

    The young people also emphasised the importance of comprehensive training for healthcare providers. They highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to provide respectful and empathetic care. They suggested that, by fostering respectful communication, healthcare providers could create a more welcoming and comfortable environment for their clients.

    In addition, providing vaccine education in schools could educate pupils so that they could make decisions on their own.

    Way forward

    Engaging young people as active participants in shaping public health strategies can help increase vaccine acceptance and ensure a healthier future for all.

    We believe that our findings can be applied in two ways.

    First, to inform the design of tailored interventions that better resonate with young people’s desires and needs, paving the way for increased vaccine uptake and acceptability.

    Second, to highlight areas where young people may need further information and engagement, to better understand some of the broader issues and why some of their recommendations might not be feasible in the short or longer term.

    – Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds
    – https://theconversation.com/vaccines-why-these-young-africans-are-hesitant-about-them-and-what-might-change-their-minds-249629

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Cosponsors Bill to Help Lower Drug Costs for Maine People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) is cosponsoring legislation to expand Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices and lower the costs of prescription medication nationwide. The Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act would also reduce federal spending by reaching lower-price agreements, and give the Department of Health and Human Services stronger tools to negotiate lower drug prices in Medicare Part B and Part D. 
    According to preliminary estimates from a model by West Health and Verdant Research, if the SMART Prices Act was enacted in 2026, it would save 33 percent more by 2030 than current law. It would also allow Medicare to begin negotiations earlier and bring down the price of more expensive drugs. 
    “Lifesaving prescription medications shouldn’t break the bank,” said Senator King. “Expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices will go a long way toward helping Maine people get the medication they need at a price they can afford. The SMART Prices Act is a commonsense step that will help Maine people save money and stay healthy, and I thank my colleagues for putting Maine people first.”
    In addition to Senator King, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Ray Luján, Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
    Senator King has been a leader in working to reduce prescription drug costs throughout his time in the United States Senate. He also recently cosponsored bipartisan legislation which would require price disclosures on advertisements for prescription drugs in order to inform patients who are considering certain medications after seeing television commercials. He previously introduced legislation to prohibit pharmaceutical drug manufacturers from claiming tax deductions for consumer advertising expenses. Most recently, Senator King cosponsored the Safe and Affordable Drugs From Canada Act would give Maine people the ability to purchase their prescriptions directly from pharmacies across the northern border at the market rate of a less expensive marketplace. Additionally, Senator King introduced the Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act, which would prohibit direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising of a new drug in the first three years after the drug receives Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
    He has also supported a number of commonsense bills to drive down the costs of prescription medication in the United States including the historic Inflation Reduction Act. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, insulin fees are capped at $35 per month, Medicare is able to negotiate drug prices, and a $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket expenses has been instituted for Medicare recipients.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Marathon runners rely on family and experts to succeed, while races rely on passionate volunteers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Julia Yarkoni, Fellow in Global Journalism, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

    This past April, the Boston Marathon attracted more than 32,000 runners and approximately half a million spectators. With such a huge crowd on hand, it’s easy to think that the athletes’ major source of support comes from fans of the sport. More than a million people annually run marathon races, and most of them have a team of people behind them.

    Marathoners rely on the strengths of a community of people. Families, coaches, marathon volunteers, race directors and health professionals dedicate time and energy to the runners’ dreams. And each group protects the health of the athletes in a different way. These unsung heroes make the impossible possible and they do it because the sport of long-distance running is a community endeavour.

    Families lay the foundation; research found that partners are “strikingly co-operative” as the non-running partner often picks up chores and child care uncomplainingly because they believe in the end goal. And a [2023 New York Times] article reported that athletes reciprocate by giving their partner recreational time.

    Running is a lifestyle

    When a family member is training to complete a marathon, families recognize there is safety in sticking together. Registered dietitian Kristy Baumann, owner of Marathon Nutritionist in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn., has run 13 marathons. She describes how her mother would accompany her when she trained for hours.

    “My mom would bike with me on my long runs,” she says.

    In a 2015 article for Runner’s World, runner Courtney Crandell described how her family made sure she ate, maintained her health insurance and had a ride home after the race.

    Long-distance running draws people together who are not family. Coaches get to know their runners intimately and can prevent racers from ending up in dangerous situations. For example, Molly Monk, an athlete with unpredictable blood pressure, relied on her coach to help her train so that she avoided passing out during the marathon.

    Preparing physically and mentally

    Andy Jones-Wilkins, an American endurance running coach and writer, takes pride in being able to train marathon racers for four to six months because he values his relationships with runners. Jones-Wilkins, 57, is currently coaching 24 athletes scattered across the U.S.

    “My job as a coach is to give them not just the physical but also the mental and emotional tools to not just prepare for the race but to execute and to finish,” he says.

    Jones-Wilkins stays in contact with his athletes to debrief and to discuss with them the next step forward, particularly if they were disappointed on race day.

    Thirty-four years of long-distance running has taught Jones-Wilkins who the true unsung heroes are: “The people who put on these events (race directors) are the heart and soul of this sport.”

    Supporting runners

    Jones-Wilkins’ admiration for race directors led him to write “The Race Director Chronicles,” an online series profiling different race directors. He says they are often unpaid, deal with thousands of race details and invariably face negative feedback. He particularly admires the talent these individuals have for networking.

    Long-distance running brings together introverts and extroverts. Tim Bradley is one of those extroverts. A volunteer co-ordinator specializing in running events in Los Angeles, he works 11 races a year and also created a volunteer registration platform to help other volunteer co-ordinators: “I can’t think of other sports that recruit so many volunteers and are so dependent on them.”

    He typically starts recruitment four months before a race and registers 4,000 volunteers in preparation for race day. Volunteer responsibilities include raising funds, registering runners, building spectator stands, operating refreshment stations, regulating traffic, offering first aid, tracking and publishing results and cleaning up.

    Volunteers at major races go beyond first aid, and prepare volunteers to treat dehydration, heat stroke, low sodium levels and orthopedic injuries. They also provide a sweep medical bus to pick up runners who cannot finish the race.

    More than the run

    Sometimes the most important role a person can play in a marathon runner’s life is to tell them when there’s a higher priority requiring attention than the marathon itself. As a dietitian, Baumann says she encounters young women who struggle with nutrition issues that come to light when they start to train.

    “My job is twofold: helping people fuel for performance, feel their best and finish their race strong but also a lot that comes with it for many people is healing their relationship with food,” she says.

    Marathons get their name from the Greek legend of the messenger Pheidippides, who ran 40 kilometres from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce Greece’s victory over Persia in a battle on the plain of Marathon.

    Today a marathon runner’s successful finish is celebrated by many people who love the sport of long-distance running because its message is that solidarity wins.

    Julia Yarkoni 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. Marathon runners rely on family and experts to succeed, while races rely on passionate volunteers – https://theconversation.com/marathon-runners-rely-on-family-and-experts-to-succeed-while-races-rely-on-passionate-volunteers-252581

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Bean Votes to Deliver Relief and Prosperity for Hardworking Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean spoke on the House floor early this morning in support of the One Big Beautiful Bill, landmark legislation that would provide tax relief for American families and businesses.

    Congressman Bean: Mr. Speaker, it’s a scary time to be a taxpayer in the United States or those that own a small business. Both are facing a tsunami of tax increases, the largest in U.S. history.

    But Mr. Speaker, I’ve got good news…help is on the way! The One Big Beautiful Bill is real tax relief for real Americans. It’s for those that are paid in tips, hourly workers that are working overtime, for families, and seniors who have been struggling under the weight of inflation. And it is for the 91% of Americans who use the standard deduction. The bill expands the Child Tax Credit, it secures our border, enhances education and health savings options, it unleashes American energy, it will encourage production on U.S. soil. Made In America will mean something once more.

    So, buckle up America, and put your seat in the upright position because with the passage of this bill, the Golden Age of America is ready for takeoff. I yield back. 

    Congressman Bean’s floor speech may be found here.

    BACKGROUND

    Several of Congressman Bean’s bills were included in the tax relief package: 

    Puts American families in control of their health care: The bill expands upon Congressman Bean’s Flexible Savings Arrangements for Healthy Robust America (FSA-HRA) Act, to give Americans the flexibility to plan, save, and take charge of health care decisions for their families. 

    Cutting wasteful spending: The bill incorporates several key provisions included in Congressman Bean’s Cutting Unobligated Tumultuous Spending Act to slash wasteful Green New Deal initiatives and claw back unspent Covid funds, saving tens of billions of dollars.

    Work Requirements for Medicaid: The bill includes H.R. 1279, authored by Congressman Bean, to reform work requirements for able-bodied adults. The requirements apply to adults receiving Medicaid benefits who are not in school and have no dependents. 

    For an overview of the One Big Beautiful Bill, click here. 

    The bill passed 215 to 214.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Doctor Who Falsely Diagnosed Patients Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment in Connection with $118 Million in Fraudulent Health Care Claims

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    A Texas rheumatologist was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for perpetrating a health care fraud scheme involving over $118 million in false claims and the payment of over $28 million by insurers as a result of him falsely diagnosing patients with chronic illnesses to bill for tests and treatments that the patients did not need. Jorge Zamora-Quezada M.D., 68, of Mission, also falsified patient records to support the false diagnoses after receiving a federal grand jury subpoena. Following a 25-day trial, Zamora-Quezada was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, seven counts of health care fraud, and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. In addition to his prison term, Zamora-Quezada was ordered to forfeit $28,245,454, including 13 real estate properties, a jet, and a Maserati GranTurismo.

    According to the evidence presented at trial, Zamora-Quezada falsely diagnosed his patients with rheumatoid arthritis and administered toxic medications in order to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The fraudulent diagnoses made the defendant’s patients believe that they had a life-long, incurable condition that required regular treatment at his offices. After falsely diagnosing his patients, Zamora-Quezada administered unnecessary treatments and ordered unnecessary testing on them, including a variety of injections, infusions, x-rays, MRIs, and other procedures—all with potentially harmful and even deadly side effects. To receive payment for these expensive services, Zamora-Quezada fabricated medical records and lied about the patients’ condition to insurers.

    “Dr. Zamora-Quezada funded his luxurious lifestyle for two decades by traumatizing his patients, abusing his employees, lying to insurers, and stealing taxpayer money,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “His depraved conduct represents a profound betrayal of trust toward vulnerable patients who depend on care and integrity from their doctors. Today’s sentence is not just a punishment—it’s a warning. Medical professionals who harm Americans for personal enrichment will be aggressively pursued and held accountable to protect our citizens and the public fisc.”

    “Through the false diagnoses and excessive false billing, Dr. Zamora-Quezada abused both patient trust and public resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “It is imperative to investigate and address this form of fraud — not only to protect vulnerable individuals from harm but to uphold the integrity of the federal health care system and safeguard the use of public funds.”

    “The FBI is dedicated to working with all of our partners to address health care fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “This case was not only a concern to us because of the financial loss — the physical and emotional harm suffered by the patients and their families was alarming and profound. We hope this significant sentence will help bring closure to the many victims in this case.”

    Evidence at trial established that Dr. Zamora-Quezada falsely diagnosed patients in order to defraud insurers and enrich himself. Other rheumatologists in the Rio Grande Valley testified at trial that they saw hundreds of patients previously diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by Zamora-Quezada who did not have the condition, prompting one physician to explain that for “most” it was “obvious that the patient did not have rheumatoid arthritis.” Zamora-Quezada’s false diagnoses and powerful medications caused debilitating side effects on his patients, including strokes, necrosis of the jawbone, hair loss, liver damage, and pain so severe that basic tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, cooking, and driving, became difficult. As one patient testified, “Constantly being in bed and being unable to get up from bed alone, and being pumped with medication, I didn’t feel like my life had any meaning.” One mother described how she felt that her child served as a “lab rat,” and others described abandoning plans for college or feeling like they were “living a life in the body of an elderly person.”

    Former employees detailed how Zamora-Quezada imposed strict quotas for procedures, leading to a climate of fear. Zamora-Quezada referred to himself as the “eminencia” — or eminence, threw a paperweight at an employee who failed to generate enough unnecessary procedures, hired employees he could manipulate because they were on J-1 visas and their immigration status could be jeopardized if they lost their jobs, and fired those who challenged him. Testimony also revealed Zamora-Quezada’s obstruction of insurer audits by fabricating missing patient files, including by taking ultrasounds of employees and using those images as documentation in the patient records. Testimony at trial established that Zamora-Quezada told employees to “aparecer” the missing records — “to make them appear.” Former employees also recounted being sent to a dilapidated barn to attempt to retrieve records. There, files were saturated with feces and urine, rodents, and termites that infested not only the records but also the structure.

    Zamora-Quezada’s patient file storage facility

    Zamora-Quezada used proceeds from his crimes to fund a lavish lifestyle, replete with real estate properties across the country and in Mexico, a jet, and a Maserati.

    One of Zamora-Quezada’s luxury properties

    Zamora-Quezada’s jet

    FBI, HHS-OIG, Texas HHS-OIG, and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case, with assistance from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.

    Principal Assistant Chief Jacob Foster and Assistant Chiefs Rebecca Yuan and Emily Gurskis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristine Rollinson handled asset forfeiture. Fraud Section Assistant Chief Kevin Lowell initially handled the prosecution. The prosecution team thanks the Fraud Section’s Data Analytics Team, whose work initiated the investigation, Victim Witness Specialist Olga De La Rosa of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, and the Texas Department of Insurance.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Baldwin, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Ensure More Americans Can Access Lifesaving Cancer Screenings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME) re-introduced their bipartisan Screening for Communities to Receive Early and Equitable Needed Services (SCREENS) for Cancer Act to reauthorize the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a lifesaving program that provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for women who are low-income, uninsured, and underinsured who do not qualify for Medicaid.
    “Nearly every American’s life has been touched by a devastating cancer diagnosis, and early detection is one of the best tools we have to save lives. No Wisconsinite should miss regular screenings because of cost,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I’m proud to lead this legislation with my Republican colleague to help detect cancers earlier, save lives, and ensure more Americans get the care they need at a price they can afford.”
    “Cancer prevention and screening programs are vital because the earlier the disease is caught, the better the prognosis,” said Senator Collins. “The NBCCEDP provides thousands of uninsured and underinsured Mainers with breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services each year. Our bipartisan legislation would reauthorize and strengthen this critical program, which has helped nearly 4,000 women in Maine receive a total of 8,198 screening tests over the past five years.”
    An estimated 319,750 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 43,000 will die from the disease this year alone. Since 1991, the NBCCEDP, a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state departments of health, has provided lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to more than six million women who are low-income, uninsured and underinsured who do not qualify for Medicaid.
    NBCCEDP has a proven record of cancer detection, detecting nearly 80,000 breast cancers and over 25,000 premalignant breast lesions. The program also provides public education, outreach, patient navigation, and care coordination to increase breast and cervical cancer screening rates and reach underserved populations. Without access to early detection programs, many people who are uninsured are forced to delay or forgo screenings, which could lead to late-stage breast cancer diagnoses.
    The SCREENS for Cancer Act would reauthorize the NBCCEDP for the first time in more than a decade to help ensure that the program reaches more eligible women. This reauthorization would provide flexibility to NBCCEDP grantees, allowing for a greater emphasis on implementing innovative evidence-based interventions and aggressive outreach to underserved communities through media, peer educators, and patient navigators. The bill authorizes $235 million per year for FY26 through FY30.
    This legislation is co-sponsored by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
    The SCREENS for Cancer Act is endorsed by the Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Indian Cancer Foundation, Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer, Cancer Support Community, Check for a Lump, FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Men Supporting Women with Cancer, NAACP, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Consortium of Breast Centers, Oncology Nursing Society, Prevent Cancer Foundation, SHARE Cancer Support, Society of Breast Imaging, Susan G. Komen, Tigerlily Foundation, Triage Cancer, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, and Young Survival Coalition.
    “Everyone should be able to get the breast health care they need when they need it, but barriers remain for far too many—the SCREENS for Cancer Act can change that,” said Molly Guthrie, VP of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “To support healthier communities across the country, we must make high-quality screening and diagnosis more readily available to those who need it. This bill will provide access to vital services so that cancers can be caught earlier.”
    “Reducing the cancer burden for everyone requires improving access to cancer early detection and prevention services,” said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “By reauthorizing the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the SCREENS for Cancer Act will ensure that program grantees can continue to receive critical resources and maintain the flexibility needed to provide access to lifesaving screening, diagnostic and treatment services to those who need them most.”
    A one-pager on this legislation is available here. Full text of this bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillor Teresa Heritage elected as new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Councillor Teresa Heritage has been elected the new Mayor of the City and District of St Albans and will support two charities during her year in office.

    She was made Mayor for 2025/26 at the Annual Meeting of the Council on Wednesday 21 May with Councillor Sue Griffiths becoming Deputy Mayor.

    Mayor Heritage, who succeeds Cllr Jamie Day, will raise money for Community First Responders and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

    She has also decided that the themes of her civic year will be encouraging volunteering and supporting small businesses.

    Mayor Heritage has been a District Councillor since 2002 and represents Harpenden South ward. She is the City’s 481st Mayor with the first having been appointed in 1553.

    She will chair Full Council meetings and represent the City at a variety of events, often involving voluntary and charity groups. 

    Mayor Heritage said:

    It is an honour to be elected to this historic position and I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

    During my time in office, I will be promoting volunteering, throwing some light on the selfless work people undertake to strengthen our communities. I will also seek to highlight our local businesses which provide so many jobs and services.

    Pancreatic Cancer UK is a cause close to my heart as the illness recently took away my dear friend Brian Ellis, a former District Councillor.

    Communities First Responders are volunteers, trained to attend local medical emergencies and save lives before an ambulance arrives.

    I will be urging people to donate to these wonderful causes and will start my fund-raising efforts with a sponsored slim.

    To charities and community groups across the District, I say please invite me to your events, so I can highlight your work in encouraging cohesion and inclusivity, so nobody feels left behind.

    Mayor Teresa Heritage

    Teresa has been a District Councillor for 23 years, serving on numerous Committees, and was formerly both a Town and County Councillor.

    Hertfordshire born and bred, she grew up in Borehamwood and went to work for Lloyds Bank after leaving school at 18.

    She later qualified as a Chartered Secretary and began a career in the City, rising to become Assistant Company Secretary and Investor Relations Manager for Lonrho.

    Teresa spent 26 years with Lonrho, being involved in high-profile takeovers and other major business dealings, and later joined a consultancy.

    She has also enjoyed a long career in public service, becoming a District Councillor in 2002 and a County Councillor six years later.

    As a County Councillor, she served in many roles including Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Children’s Services.

    In addition, she became a Mental Health Champion, joined the Royal British Legion and chaired Hertfordshire SSAFA, the armed forces’ charity. 

    Teresa has been heavily involved for many years in community and charity work in Harpenden and is currently President of Harpenden Village Rotary Club.

    She has been a school governor and a founding member of Harpenden Connect and Harpenden Seniors Forum.

    Her husband David, a retired businessman, is a District and Town Councillor. The couple have a son and three grandchildren.

    Deputy Mayor Sue Griffiths

    Sue, who is a District Councillor for Harpenden North ward, was born and raised in Liverpool where she attended university before going into banking.

    Work took her south and she held senior positions with the former Midland Bank, reaching the final of the Young Businesswoman of the Year in 1989.

    Sue later trained as a teacher in Business Studies and gained an MA in Education from the University of Hertfordshire while teaching at Marlborough Science Academy in St Albans.

    She later moved to Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden, where she has lived since 1987, and became Head of Faculty for Business and Economics

    She continues to work in education at Sir John Lawes and as a business lecturer at Oaklands College. 

    Sue is a supporter of Young Enterprise, a national charity to equip young people for the world of work, and has received their long service award.

    She also supports the Open Door homeless shelter in St Albans, cooking regular evening meals as part of a team.

    Her husband Roy is a retired banker and the couple have three children and two grandchildren.

    Charity contacts

    You can find out more information about Communities First Responders, including opportunities for volunteering, here. 

    More information about Pancreatic Cancer UK is available here.

    Pictures: top, the Mayor, Cllr Teresa Heritage; bottom, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Sue Griffiths.

    Contact for the Mayor’s office: Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer, 01727 819544,  mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk.

    Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727-819533,  john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Votes Against GOP Billionaire-First Budget

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after voting against Republicans’ sweeping budget proposal that slashes Medicaid, guts food assistance programs, and raises health care costs for working families, all while adding trillions to the deficit to fund tax breaks for billionaires. The legislation would rip health care away from nearly 14 million Americans.

    “Over the last few months, I’ve heard from countless Coloradans who are terrified of what this budget means for their families. I think of Evan and Margy, who were pushed to the brink before Medicaid helped them care for Margy who has advanced-stage MS. I think of Brooke and her daughter Quinn who has a rare cancer and wouldn’t be alive today without the care she needs. And I think of my own mom, who got to rebuild her life and wouldn’t have survived without Medicaid. 

    “This bill means kids will go hungry, thousands of people will die without access to health care, and the progress we’ve made in fighting the opioid crisis will be erased. Hospitals and nursing homes will shutter, and the health care costs for all of us will skyrocket. All to give the wealthiest people in the history of the world more tax giveaways on the backs of the rest of us.

    “I know many feel powerless but now’s not the time to give up. We’ve got to keep showing up and fighting back with everything we’ve got.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF launches large hepatitis C campaign in Cox’s Bazar refugee camps

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • MSF has begun a large-scale “test and treat” campaign for hepatitis C in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camps in Bangladesh, aiming to treat 30,000 people by the end of 2026.
    • Addressing the widespread hepatitis C epidemic among the Rohingya in the camps is challenging, considering the limited availability of care in the camps.
    • The campaign will include research to analyse challenges and propose solutions for testing and treating hepatitis C.

    COX’S BAZAR, BANGLADESH – To address concerningly high levels of hepatitis C in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 30,000 people will receive care by the end of 2026 as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) significantly expands our treatment programmes. The initiative improves access to hepatitis C care for a group of stateless people who are particularly exposed to this curable, but potentially fatal, disease. MSF is establishing three specialised hepatitis C treatment centres within existing health facilities inside the camps, as part of a “test and treat” campaign covering an estimated third of all people living with hepatitis C in the camps.

    Between October 2020 and December 2024, MSF had treated over 10,000 people for hepatitis C at our clinics at Jamtoli and Hospital on the Hill. However, a 2023 MSF study published last month in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that nearly one in five adults –an estimated 86,000 people– are living with chronic active infection, highlighting the urgent need for a more robust response.

    MSF nurses are collecting blood samples from patients in the Rohingya refugee camps using rapid diagnostic tests as part of a hepatitis C “test and treat” campaign. Bangladesh, April 2025.
    Tania Sultana/MSF

    “Access to hepatitis C care in the camps, where more than a million refugees have been living for the past eight years, has been extremely limited,” says Dr Wasim Firuz, MSF deputy medical coordinator. “Treating hepatitis C is not part of the package of healthcare provided by over-stretched healthcare facilities. People are also not allowed to freely leave the camps to access healthcare, and even if they could, it’s unlikely they would be able to afford the cost of treatment.”

    Harsh living conditions in the overcrowded camps, a lack of access to or reduced provision of healthcare, and a lack of legal status which severely restricts their basic rights, have made Rohingya refugees more vulnerable to infections – including hepatitis C – in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Our survey found that exposure to unsafe medical practices for decades, such as therapeutic injections, could be the main reason for the transmission of this bloodborne disease within the camps.

    Our scaled-up programme in response sees teams conducting systematic community-based screening to proactively identify people with hepatitis C, a disease that does not show any signs or symptoms in its first phase. Rapid testing is followed by laboratory confirmation at the newly established treatment centres in Balukhali, Jamtoli, and at Hospital on the Hill. We are also implementing a comprehensive healthcare awareness campaign, which includes providing drugs for hepatitis C treatment and sharing prevention messages and treatment adherence counselling to adults.

    “In the absence of other alternatives to hepatitis C care for tens of thousands of people in the camps, we are undertaking this substantial increase in our treatment capacity,” says Dr Firuz. “Our goal is to reach 30,000 people with curative care by the end of 2026. This expansion represents a vital step towards preventing the spread of hepatitis C, especially to younger generations.” 

    Addressing this widespread hepatitis C epidemic nonetheless presents considerable challenges within the limited capacity of the overall health response in the camps. MSF will be conducting research to analyse such challenges and bring about solutions as part of our response.

    “While we are scaling up efforts and working in coordination with other organisations, the limitations within the health response, including insufficient staffing, equipment, and resources among partners, present a significant obstacle,” says Dr Firuz. “Our campaign is temporary and will not eradicate hepatitis C in the camps. Attention to hepatitis C must continue during and after the end of this campaign. We again call on other health partners and the international community to prioritise building a comprehensive strategy, to reduce the devastating impact of this disease on this community.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Medical Students Nationally Present ENT Research Findings

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn School of Medicine medical students had a strong showing at a national otolaryngology conference to present their research findings.

    The Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings took place in New Orleans on May 14-18 with several rising fourth-year UConn medical students participating.

    “Research experience is important for our UConn medical students because it helps with refinement of their problem-solving skills and understanding how medicine advances,” says ENT Professor Dr. Kourosh Parham, program director for the Division of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UConn School of Medicine. “Our students recognize the need for hard work and the necessity to engage in a large range of extracurricular activities from volunteerism/community service to research and leadership.  Consequently, our students get involved early ‐ most in their first year of medical school. What is impressive is that each of our students takes on multiple research projects, some of which they are the lead on. Many publish their results in leading journals.”

    For the second year in a row, UConn medical students had a big presence at the national ENT conference.

    UConn medical student Patrick Adamczyk presenting.

    Patrick Adamczyk delivered a well-received podium presentation on a clinical investigation of tinnitus biomarkers.

    Heather McClure of the UConn SOM Class of 2026.

    Heather McClure presented the results of her multi-institutional (UConn, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Johns Hopkins) collaborative research on workplace accommodation for workers with hearing loss.

    Rising fourth-year UConn medical student Mohsin Mirza.

    Mohsin Mirza presented the results of his original research defining newly discovered symptoms of hyperparathyroidism.

    Class of 2026′ Fleur Kabala of UConn.

    Fleur Kabala presented the surgical management protocol for primary hyperparathyroidism.

    UConn SOM student Gabrielle Caron presenting her poster.

    Gabrielle Caron presented the surgical management of a nasal dermoid.

    SOM Class of 2026 medical student Rohit Makol.

    Rohit Makol presented the results from one of the studies he conducted during his research fellowship at NYU.  This study focused on AI-powered speech recognition models in evaluating cochlear implant users.

    In addition, Tyler Pion, DO, a third-year otolaryngology resident at UConn, presented the results of an investigation led by Uma Mehta, a rising fourth-year medical student.

    Tyler Pion, DO, a PGY3 otolaryngology resident at UConn.

    These medical students entering their last year of medical school are all interested in pursuing ENT residency and plan on participating in the 2026 National Match Day.

    UConn medical student Patrick Adamczyk with Dr. Parham.

    “Matching for a competitive field such as ENT demands that the applicants have a solid research background,” says Parham who shared how the national statistics show the average number of research projects an applicant to ENT residency participated in at the 2025 match was more than a dozen.

    Parham adds, “The mentorship by ENT faculty have been very fruitful as demonstrated by the number of presentations by our medical students at national meetings and the successful results of the 2025 match with five students successfully matching to ENT.  That was the largest number of students from a UConn medical school class to match to ENT.”

    He concludes, “We hope that the presence of our students on the national stage this year will be a predictor of another successful match in 2026.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Votes NO on the Republican Rip-Off Budget

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Larsen Votes NO on the Republican Rip-Off Budget

    Washington, D.C., May 22, 2025

    Today, Rep. Rick Larsen released the following statement after voting against the Republican budget. The budget passed by a final vote of 215 to 214 with every House Democrat and two House Republicans voting no.

    “The Republican Rip-Off takes health care and food assistance away from millions of people, all so that Elon Musk and his billionaire buddies can enjoy a tax break. This budget is so terrible that the GOP had to force it through in the dead of night. I, alongside House Democrats, used every tool available for 29 hours straight to stop this bill. The fight isn’t over, and I will keep working to defeat this bill as the legislative process continues.”

    Republicans Take Food and Health Care Away from Northwest Washington Families

    •  In Northwest Washington, this budget will cause 10,000 people to lose their Affordable Care Act health coverage and 19,744 people to lose their Medicaid health coverage. (Joint Economic Committee)
    • It’s estimated that this loss of Medicaid coverage in Northwest Washington will lead to 70 additional deaths per year. (Center for American Progress)
    • This budget puts 14,000 people in Northwest Washington at risk of losing food assistance, also known as SNAP benefits. (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

    Republicans Hand Wealthiest Americans a Tax Break

    Republicans Sneak Extremist Policies into the Budget

    • This budget effectively bans Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care plans from covering abortion, taking reproductive health care away from the nearly 1 in 7 Americans who are covered by ACA plans. (Congressional Reproductive Freedom Caucus)
    • This budget expands the cruel ban on gender affirming care to all individuals, not just minors. (Human Rights Campaign)
    • This budget accelerates the repeal of energy tax credits, which will increase energy costs, eliminate thousands of jobs and endanger transformational investments across the country. (CNBC)

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH scientists test in an animal model a surgical technique to improve cell therapy for dry AMD

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    Media Advisory
    Thursday, May 22, 2025

    The technique may enable higher doses and combinations of cell therapies.

    What
    National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists have developed a new surgical technique for implanting multiple tissue grafts in the eye’s retina. The findings in animals may help advance treatment options for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss among older Americans. A report about the technique published today in JCI Insight.
    In diseases such as AMD, the light-sensitive retina tissue at the back of the eye degenerates. Scientists are testing therapies for restoring damaged retinas with grafts of tissue grown in the lab from patient-derived stem cells. Until now, surgeons have only been able to place one graft in the retina, limiting the area that can be treated in patients, and as well as the ability to conduct side-by-side comparisons in animal models. Such comparisons are crucial for confirming that the tissue grafts are integrating with the retina and the underlying blood supply from a network of tiny blood vessels known as the choriocapillaris.
    For the technique, investigators designed a new surgical clamp that maintains eye pressure during the insertion of two tissue patches in immediate succession while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.
    In animal models, the scientists used their newly designed surgical technique to compare two different grafts placed sequentially in the same experimentally induced AMD-like lesion. One graft consisted of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells grown on a biodegradable scaffold. RPE cells support and nourish the retina’s light-sensing photoreceptors. In AMD, vision loss occurs alongside the loss of RPE cells and photoreceptors. In the lab, RPE cells are grown from human blood cells after they’ve been converted into stem cells. The second graft consisted of just the biodegradable scaffold to serve as a control.
    Post surgery, scientists used artificial intelligence to analyze retinal images and compare the effects of each graft. They observed that the RPE grafts promoted the survival of photoreceptors, while photoreceptors near scaffold-only grafts died at a much higher rate. Additionally, they were able to confirm for the first time that the RPE graft also regenerated the choriocapillaris, which supplies the retina with oxygen and nutrients.
    The findings expand on the capability demonstrated in an ongoing, NIH-led first-in-human clinical trial of patient-derived RPE grafts for the dry form of AMD.
    The work was supported by the National Eye Institute Intramural Research Program
    Who
    Kapil Bharti, Ph.D., scientific director, NEI, is available for interviews.
    Reference
    Gupta R, Bunea I, Alvisio B, Barone F, Gupta R, Baker D, Qian H, Daniele E, Contreary CG, Montford J, Sharma R, Maminishkis A, Singh MS, De Quadros Costa MTM, Kashani AH, Amaral J, Bharti K. “iPSC-RPE patch preserves photoreceptors and regenerates choriocapillaris in a pig outer regina degeneration model”. Published May 22, 2025 in JCI Insight
    Previous research
    Ruchi Sharma et al. Clinical-grade stem cell–derived retinal pigment epithelium patch rescues retinal degeneration in rodents and pigs.Sci. Transl. Med. (2019). DOI:10.1126/scitranslmed.aat5580
    About the NEI: NEI leads the federal government’s efforts to eliminate vision loss and improve quality of life through vision research…driving innovation, fostering collaboration, expanding the vision workforce, and educating the public and key stakeholders. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs to develop sight-saving treatments and to broaden opportunities for people with vision impairment. For more information, visit https://www.nei.nih.gov.
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey Updates on the Negotiations to Acquire 100% of IC’ALPS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey Updates on the Negotiations to Acquire 100% of IC’ALPS

    Geneva, Switzerland – May 22, 2025 – Ad-Hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of SIX Listing Rules – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: WKEY / SIX: WIHN) (“WISeKey” or “the Company”), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT technologies, today shares an update on the exclusive negotiations entered into by its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (“SEALSQ”), a leading developer and provider of Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software solutions, to acquire 100% of the share capital and voting rights of IC’ALPS SAS (“IC’ALPS”), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) design and supply specialist based in Grenoble, France (“the Acquisition”).

    These exclusive negotiations result from the execution of a Letter of Intent with IC’ALPS and its shareholders (the “Sellers”). This proposed strategic Acquisition (subject to the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement and satisfaction of closing conditions) is expected to reinforce SEALSQ’s commitment to advancing its ASIC development to meet the growing demand in the sector and would add approximately 100 highly skilled staff based out of IC’ALPS’ current centers in Grenoble and Toulouse.

    SEALSQ and the Sellers have reached an agreement in principle to sign a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) based on the following elements:

    • A fixed purchase price of EUR 12.5 million (subject to a ‘No Leakage’ undertaking clause) comprised of EUR 10 million consideration payable in cash and EUR 2.5 million consideration to be paid to one of the Sellers in fully paid and non-assessable Ordinary Shares of SEALSQ, the number of which would be calculated based on the volume weighted average price of an Ordinary Share of SEALSQ on the Nasdaq Stock Market during the ninety trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to the closing of the Acquisition.
    • An earn-out payment in Ordinary Shares of up to EUR 4 million in value based on IC’ALPS achieving revenue in excess of EUR 11 million in the twelve months ending on December 31, 2025 (revenue to be accounted for in accordance with US GAAP and audited by SEALSQ’s statutory auditors).
    • The Ordinary Shares of SEALSQ to be issued as part of the equity consideration would be subject to a mandatory holding period of one hundred and eighty days from their date of issuance, during which the relevant Seller would be restricted from selling, transferring, or otherwise disposing of the SEALSQ Ordinary Shares.
    • Conditions precedent to the closing of the Acquisition include, among others, approval of the Acquisition by the French Ministry of the Economy in accordance with articles L.151-3 and R.151-1 et seq of the French Financial and Monetary Code (code monétaire et financier).

    During the year ended December 31, 2024, based solely on the draft unaudited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ using French GAAP was EUR9,756,000 with a net loss of EUR2,016,000. In the previous year, the audited revenue of IC’ALPS, based solely on the audited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ, using French GAAP was EUR 8,465,000 with a net income of EUR318,000. As further detailed below, upon completion of the Acquisition, it is anticipated that SEALSQ would prepare full audited financial statements using US GAAP for both years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and that this might lead to material adjustment to these numbers.

    We note that the net loss of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 included sales to SEALSQ in an amount of approximately EUR 615,000. Excluding the sales to SEALSQ, the net loss of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 would amount to a net loss in the amount of EUR (2,631,000), based on the draft unaudited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ. We note that the net income of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 included sales to SEALSQ in an amount of approximately EUR 1,168,000. Excluding the sales to SEALSQ, the net income of IC’ALPS under French GAAP for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 would amount to a net loss in the amount of EUR (850,000) based on the audited revenue of IC’ALPS provided to SEALSQ.

    Although the conversion of the financial information of IC’ALPS from French GAAP to US GAAP has not been initiated, we expect that material adjustments may arise upon conversion to US GAAP in relation to French GAAP based net sales, operating expenses and income tax income reflected in the IC’ALPS income statement for twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and in relation to French GAAP based intangible assets, current liabilities, and pension and debt liabilities reflected in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, as reflected in the numbers provided by IC’ALPS to SEALSQ and disclosed in the preceding paragraphs.

    About IC’ALPS:
    IC’ALPS is your one-stop-shop ASIC partner. Based in France (HQ in Grenoble, two design centers in Grenoble and Toulouse), the company provides customers with a complete offering for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Systems on Chip (SoC) development from circuit specification, mastering design in-house, up to the management of the entire production supply chain. Its 100+ engineers’ areas of expertise include analog, digital and mixed-signal circuits (sensor/MEMS interfaces, ultra-low power consumption, power management, high-resolution converters, high voltage, signal processing, ARM and RISC-V based multiprocessors architectures, hardware accelerators) on technologies from 0.18 µm down to 1.8 nm, and from multiple foundries (TSMC, Global Foundries, Tower Semiconductor, X-FAB, STMicroelectronics, Intel Foundry, etc.). The company is active worldwide in medical, industrial, automotive, IoT, IA, mil-aero, and digital identity & security sectors. IC’ALPS is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, EN 9100:2018, Common Criteria certified, IATF16949-ready, member of TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA), Intel Foundry Accelerator Design Services Alliance and Value Chain Alliance (DSA & VCA), ams Osram Preferred Partner and X-FAB’s partner network.
    More information: www.icalps.com and  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ic-alps

    About SEALSQ:
    SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable.

    SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries.

    For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit www.sealsq.com.

    About WISeKey
    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the actual adjustments that arise upon conversion of the financial information of IC’ALPS to US GAAP in relation to net sales, operating expenses and income tax income in the income statement for twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and in relation to intangible assets, current liabilities, and pension and debt liabilities in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, in comparison with the French GAAP ; the entering into of definitive documents, the authorization by French regulatory authorities and the successful closing of the Acquisition; ; and the risks discussed in WISeKey’s filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by WISeKey with the SEC.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact:  Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com    		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@theequitygroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nadler Statement Following Vote on Republican’s Dangerous Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, DC –  Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) released the following statement after voting against Donald Trump’s dangerous reconciliation bill that slashes health care and food assistance in order to pay for massive tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy:

    “While American families slept last night and early this morning, House Republicans rushed through and passed a devastating bill that kicks more than 10 million Americans off their health coverage, strips food assistance from millions, and drives up premiums, deductibles, and copays for working families.

    In New York alone, 1.4 million people would lose coverage, including 730,000 who would be pushed off the Essential Plan. Hospitals would face more than $1.3 billion in new uncompensated care, and Medicaid would be gutted by punitive work requirements that disproportionately impact seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income caregivers. All of this to finance massive tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations.

    To be clear, Republicans didn’t have to cruelly attacking working families to extended middle-class tax relief.  Simply making the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share would have paid for extending middle-class tax cuts without harming millions of Americans and drastically increasing the deficit by trillions.

    I am proud that every House Democrat stood united in opposing this disastrous bill. The fight is far from over, and I will continue using every tool at my disposal to stop this cruel legislation from becoming law.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS pay awards 2025 to 2026: resident doctors

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Correspondence

    NHS pay awards 2025 to 2026: resident doctors

    The Department of Health and Social Care confirms a 5.4% pay rise for resident doctors, backdated to 1 April 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Resident doctors pay award 2025 to 2026: investing in our medical workforce

    HTML

    Details

    The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies to confirm the pay award for 2025 to 2026 for NHS resident doctors.

    See NHS pay award 2025 to 2026 details for:

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS pay awards 2025 to 2026: Agenda for Change staff

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Correspondence

    NHS pay awards 2025 to 2026: Agenda for Change staff

    The Department of Health and Social Care confirms a 3.6% pay rise for NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) staff, backdated to 1 April 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    NHS pay award 2025 to 2026: a fair deal for NHS staff

    HTML

    Details

    The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies to confirm the pay award for 2025 to 2026 for NHS AfC staff including nurses, midwives, paramedics, porters, healthcare assistants and clerical workers.

    See NHS pay award 2025 to 2026 details for:

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS pay awards 2025 to 2026: doctors and dentists

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Correspondence

    NHS pay awards 2025 to 2026: doctors and dentists

    The Department of Health and Social Care confirms a 4% pay rise for consultants, speciality doctors, specialists, GPs and dentists, backdated to 1 April 2025.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    NHS pay award 2025 to 2026 for consultants, speciality doctors, specialists, GPs and dentists

    HTML

    Details

    The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review bodies to confirm the pay award for 2025 to 2026 for NHS consultants, speciality doctors, specialists, GPs and dentists.

    See NHS pay award 2025 to 2026 details for:

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Final Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Octopus Apollo VCT plc
    Final Results

    Octopus Apollo VCT plc today announces the final results for the year ended 31 January 2025.

    Octopus Apollo VCT plc (‘Apollo’ or the ‘Company’) is a Venture Capital Trust (VCT) which aims to provide shareholders with attractive tax-free dividends and long-term capital growth by investing in a diverse portfolio of predominantly unquoted companies.

    The Company is managed by Octopus Investments Limited (‘Octopus’ or the ‘Portfolio Manager’) via its investment team, Octopus Ventures.

    HIGHLIGHTS

      Year to
    31 January 2025    		 Year to
    31 January 2024
    Net assets (£’000) £482,563 £390,294
    Profit/(loss) after tax (£’000) £24,110 £(435)
    Net asset value (NAV) per share1 50.5p 50.5p
    Cumulative dividends paid since launch 90.0p 87.4p
    Total value per share2 140.5p 137.9p
    Dividends paid in the year 2.6p 2.7p
    Dividend yield3 5.1% 5.1%
    Dividend declared 1.3p 1.3p
    Total return per share %4 5.1% 0.0%
    1. NAV per share is calculated as net assets divided by total number of shares, as described in the glossary of terms.
    2. Total value per share is calculated by adding together NAV per share and cumulative dividends paid since launch.
    3. Dividend yield is calculated as dividends paid in the period, divided by the NAV per share at the beginning of the period.
    4. Total return per share % is an alternative performance measure (APM) calculated as movement in NAV per share in the period plus dividends paid in the period, divided by the NAV per share at the beginning of the period, as described in the glossary of terms.

    CHAIR’S STATEMENT

    Highlights

    • Apollo’s latest fundraise: £75 million
    • Total return over five years: 45.3%
    • Dividends paid in 2025: 2.6p

    Apollo’s total return for the year to 31 January 2025 was 5.1% with the net assets at the end of the period totalling £483 million.

    Performance

    I am pleased to present the annual results for Apollo for the year ended 31 January 2025. The NAV plus cumulative dividends per share at 31 January 2025 was 140.5p, an increase of 2.6p per share from 31 January 2024. During the year the NAV per share remained stable at 50.5p which represents, after adding back the 2.6p of dividends paid in the year, a total return for the year of 5.1% compared to 0% in the previous year. This outcome highlights the Company’s overall resilience and positive performance, despite the uncertain macro environment. I also note several exciting new investments have been made in the period, showing that the Company is successfully growing the overall size of the portfolio.

    In the twelve months to 31 January 2025, we utilised £86.1 million of our cash resources, comprising £47.1 million in new and follow-on investments, £17.8 million in dividends (net of the Dividend Reinvestment Scheme (DRIS)), £8.6 million in management fees, £9.0 million in share buybacks, and £3.6 million in other running costs such as accounting and administration services and trail commissions. The cash and liquid resources balance of £95.7 million at 31 January 2025 represented 19.8% of net assets at that date, compared to £61.3 million, which represented 15.7% at 31 January 2024. Cash and liquid resources comprises cash at bank, money market funds (MMFs) and open ended investment companies (OEICs.)

    Performance incentive fees
    Apollo’s performance since 31 January 2024 has given rise to a performance fee being payable to Octopus of £6.1 million. The performance fee is calculated as 20% on all gains above the High-Water Mark, the highest total return as at previous year ends, of 137.9p as at 31 January 2024.

    Dividends
    It is your Board’s policy to maintain a regular dividend flow where possible to take advantage of the tax-free distributions a VCT can provide, and work towards the targeted 5% annual dividend yield policy.

    I am pleased to confirm that the Board declared a second interim dividend of 1.3p per share in respect of the year ended 31 January 2025. This second interim dividend, in addition to the 1.3p per share interim dividend paid in December 2024 brings the total dividends declared to 2.6p per share in respect of the year ended 31 January 2025. The dividend was paid on 8 May 2025 to shareholders on the register at 22 April 2025. Since inception, we have paid a total of 91.3p in tax-free dividends per share, comprising 90.0p in previous distributions and an additional 1.3p paid in May. Considering dividends paid during 2024 (totalling 2.6p), the total dividend yield for the year is 5.1%, therefore meeting the Company’s target.

    Apollo’s DRIS was introduced in November 2014 and currently 20.7% of shareholders take advantage of it as it is an attractive scheme for investors who would prefer to benefit from additional income tax relief on their reinvested dividend. I hope that shareholders will find this scheme beneficial. During the year to 31 January 2025, 10,800,892 shares were issued under the DRIS, equating to a reinvested amount of £5.3 million.

    Fundraise and share buybacks
    On 19 March 2024, the Company closed its offer to raise £50 million, which led the Board to increase the offer by a further £35 million. I am pleased to report that we successfully raised the full £85 million, closing the offer on 24 September 2024.

    Following on from this, on 23 October 2024, the Company launched an offer to raise a further £50 million with an over-allotment facility for a further £25 million. I am delighted to report that we raised the full £75 million, so the offer closed fully subscribed on 21 March 2025. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new shareholders and thank all existing shareholders for their continued support.

    Apollo has continued to buy back and cancel shares as required. Subject to shareholder approval of resolution 10 at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), this facility will remain in place to provide liquidity to investors who may wish to sell their shares, subject to the Board’s discretion. Details of the share buybacks undertaken during the year can be found in the Directors’ Report.

    Dividends, whether paid in cash or reinvested under the DRIS, and share buybacks are always at the discretion of the Board, are never guaranteed and may be reviewed when necessary.

    VCT sunset clause
    In November 2023, a ten-year extension was announced to the ‘sunset clause’ (a retirement date for the VCT scheme), meaning VCT tax reliefs will be available until 5 April 2035. This extension passed through Parliament in February 2024 and on 3 September 2024 His Majesty’s Treasury brought the extension into effect through The Finance Act 2024.

    Board of Directors
    Alex Hambro, having originally been appointed to the Board of Octopus Eclipse VCT 3 and 4 PLC in 2005, and then continuing as a Director following the merger with the Octopus Apollo VCTs in 2016, has decided to retire from the Board and will not be seeking re-election at the forthcoming AGM. It has been a pleasure to work with Alex, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him on behalf of the Board and the shareholders for his substantial contribution over the years and help in guiding Apollo through its different phases of growth.

    A new Non-Executive Director will be appointed at the completion of a structured recruitment process, which is already underway. All the other Directors have indicated their willingness to remain on the Board, and both Chris Powles and Gillian Elcock will be seeking re-election at the AGM.

    Alternative Investment Fund (AIF)
    As announced on 30 September 2024, the Company is now classified as a full scope AIF under the European Union’s AIF Managers Directive (AIFMD). This is due to the Company’s success and continued growth in assets under management (AUM). This regulation is in place to ensure greater transparency and risk mitigation to protect investors. It is an exciting milestone for the Company, and the Board is working closely with Octopus to ensure all reporting requirements and management protocols are adopted.

    Portfolio Manager
    As reported in the half-yearly unaudited report, Richard Court (previously Apollo’s Lead Fund Manager), took on a new role in the period as Head of VCTs and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) at Octopus Ventures. Paul Davidson, a Partner in the Octopus Ventures team, has replaced Richard as Lead Fund Manager as of September 2024. Paul brings with him eight years of experience, focusing on Apollo, and has worked closely with the Board (alongside Richard) for the last three years. The Board would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its congratulations to Paul on his new role and to again thank Richard for his contribution to the Company and wish him well in his new position. In January 2025, Erin Platts was appointed as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Octopus Ventures.

    AGM
    The AGM will be held on 10 July 2025 at 10am. Full details of the business to be conducted at the AGM are given in the Notice of the Meeting. We will have a Portfolio Manager’s update at the AGM, supported by a filmed update from the Portfolio Manager which will be available on the website at https://octopusinvestments.com/apollovct/.

    Shareholders’ views are important, and the Board encourages shareholders to vote on the resolutions by using the proxy form, or electronically at www.investorcentre.co.uk/eproxy.

    The Board has carefully considered the business to be approved at the AGM and recommends shareholders vote in favour of all the resolutions being proposed.

    Outlook
    I am pleased with the positive performance over the last six months, especially whilst the geo-political and economic landscape has been extremely challenging for portfolio companies to navigate. The uncertain conditions which have prevailed for the last couple of years have meant we have seen portfolio companies’ growth rates slow as trading conditions have become tougher and sales cycles have become more protracted. Companies have also looked to reduce their cash burn and focus on achieving profitability due to the scarcity and higher cost of capital. Some protection against these external factors has been offered by the contracted recurring revenue models that businesses within the portfolio have.

    Over the past 12 months, we have observed a recovery in the Company’s investment rate, with twice as many new investments being completed when comparing 2025/24 to 2024/23.. Market data supports this trend, showing more deals completed in the Series B and onwards space in 2024 compared to the prior year¹. The investment team is experiencing an increase in deal flow, especially in the last six months of 2024, and the current pipeline of opportunities looks very promising. In addition to the higher deal cadence, we are pleased that the Company concluded three profitable realisations, compared to one in the prior year.

    VCTs have long provided a compelling opportunity for UK investors to invest in businesses in a tax-efficient way, and we look forward to Apollo continuing to do so in the coming year. I would like to conclude by thanking both the Board and the Octopus team on behalf of all shareholders for their hard work.

    Murray Steele
    Chair

    ¹ https://carta.com/uk/en/data/vc-concentration-2024/

    PORTFOLIO MANAGER’S REVIEW

    At Octopus our focus is on managing your investments and providing open communication. Our annual and half-year updates are designed to keep you informed about the progress of your investment.

    Investment strategy
    In general, we invest in technology companies in the SaaS space that have recurring revenues from a diverse base of customers. We also seek to invest in companies that will provide an opportunity for Apollo to realise its investment typically within three to seven years.

    Apollo total value growth
    The total value has seen a significant increase over the five years from 119.8p to 140.5p at 31 January 2025. This increase in total value of 20.7p represents a 45.3% increase on the NAV of 45.7p as at 31 January 2020. Over the last five years, a total of more than £92.4 million has also been distributed back to shareholders in the form of tax-free dividends. This includes dividends reinvested as part of the DRIS.

    Focus on performance
    In the year to 31 January 2025, the NAV total return (NAV plus cumulative dividends) increased to 140.5p per share, giving a total return of 5.1% for the period. We are pleased with this modest uplift in total value, considering the challenging macroeconomic backdrop that our portfolio companies continued to navigate their way through over the last 12 months.

    The performance over the five years to 31 January 2025 is shown below:

    Year Ended NAV Dividends paid in year Cumulative
    dividends    		 NAV + cumulative dividends Total return %
    31 January 2021 49.2p 2.3p 76.4p 125.6p 12.7%
    31 January 2022 50.2p 5.7p 82.1p 132.3p 13.6%
    31 January 2023 53.2p 2.6p 84.7p 137.9p 11.2%
    31 January 2024 50.5p 2.7p 87.4p 137.9p 0.0%
    31 January 2025 50.5p 2.6p 90.0p 140.5p 5.1%

    Over the year, including disposals, there have been valuation increases across 29 portfolio companies, delivering a collective increase of £62 million. These increases reflect businesses which have successfully managed to grow revenues through the period. The strongest performers have generally exhibited improving profitability levels and revenue growth from their customer base and some of the top performers include Definely, Lodgify and TRI.

    Conversely, 20 companies saw a decrease in valuation, collectively totalling £23 million. The businesses that saw the most significant reductions were Edge10, Synchtank and Peak Data. Growth has decelerated or in some cases revenues have declined in several portfolio companies and they have experienced decreases in their valuation. This has mainly been due to continued challenges in selling their software products into corporates who have experienced declining software expense budgets. There have also been some company-specific performance issues impacting a small number of companies in the portfolio.

    In aggregate, this resulted in a net increase in portfolio company valuations of £39 million.

    As part of ongoing liquidity management, Apollo regularly invests in and withdraws from MMFs in order to meet cash requirements. During the year, an additional £35.6 million (including interest) was invested in MMFs. Apollo also holds an investment in the Sequoia Economic Infrastructure Fund (SEQI), but no further investment was made in this fund during the year. These investments, in combination with the previously held investments in SEQI and the MMFs, took the total liquid investments as at 31 January 2025 to £91.5 million (including interest earned during the year on MMF deposits).

    Disposals
    Three profitable disposals were completed in the year. All of these investments were made prior to the change of investment focus to B2B SaaS businesses. The first exit was Dyscova Ltd (trading as Care & Independence (C&I)) which was acquired by GBUK Group, a company which designs, develops and distributes a portfolio of own and third-party branded acute-setting medical devices. Apollo first invested in C&I in 2016 and the exit resulted in Apollo achieving a 1.7x total return on its investment.

    In September 2024, we were pleased to exit our holding in Countrywide Healthcare Supplies Holdings which was acquired by Personnel Hygiene Services Ltd, a hygiene services provider. The Company first invested in 2014, and the exit resulted in a 4.4x return on our initial investment, which is an excellent outcome.

    In November 2024, nCino, a cloud-based software company that provides a platform for financial institutions to manage their business, acquired FullCircl. This acquisition will enhance nCino’s data and automation capabilities and allow it to expand its reach across the UK and Europe. Apollo made its initial investment in 2011, and the disposal resulted in a positive return for the Company.

    One disposal during the year resulted in a partial loss on investment when Ryte GmbH, a marketing software technology platform, was acquired by Semrush Holdings Inc. Two companies were placed into administration in the year, Rotolight and Origami Energy. However, given the underlying holding valuations of these companies at the time of them going into administration, this did not have a material impact on the Company’s performance during the year. In aggregate, the investment cost of the companies placed into administration totalled £5.3 million. The underperformance of a portfolio company is always disappointing for Apollo and shareholders alike, but it is an inevitable feature of a venture capital portfolio, and we believe that successful exits will continue to outweigh any losses that could arise over the medium to long term of managing the portfolio. In the year, all disposals, including loan repayments, collectively returned £21.7 million in cash to Apollo, with the aggregate investment cost totalling £15.4 million.

      Year ended 31 January 2021 Year ended 31 January 2022 Year ended 31 January 2023 Year ended 31 January 2024 Year ended 31 January 2025 Total
    Dividends paid in the year (£’000) 7,471 28,3661 14,323 19,165 23,097 92,423
    Disposal proceeds (£’000) 3,356 53,939 3,591 18,292 21,713 100,981

    1 Dividends paid to shareholders in the year ended 31 January 2022, including a special dividend of 3.1p per share.

    As illustrated in the table above, we are pleased to have paid dividends from disposal proceeds over the past five years. The nature and timing of realising investments in a venture capital portfolio means it can affect our ability to do so. The Company also tries to maximise the outcome of the underlying holdings in an exit scenario which may not always align with a specific financial period.

    New and follow-on investments
    During the year, in-line with the broader private capital market, the Company demonstrated increasing new investment activity with Apollo investing £34.1 million into eight new opportunities (this includes second tranches of prior year new investments) as compared to four new investments completing in the prior year, totalling £15.2 million. For follow-on investments, we also saw an increased number with £13 million being invested into nine companies compared to seven follow-on investments completing in the year to 31 January 2024 adding up to £17.8 million invested.

    Apollo’s new investments were in several exciting B2B software companies operating in a variety of end-markets:

    • Definely £2.8 million – An AI based legal tech software company supporting legal professionals in drafting and reviewing contractual documentation.
    • Switchee £2.5 million – A smart thermostat hardware and software provider focused on social housing and housing associations.
    • Cambri £4.2 million – An insights software platform that increases the quality, speed and cost effectiveness of producing research for new product launches.
    • Vyntelligence £4.5 million – A video intelligence and AI-driven data capture platform addressing inefficiencies in communication, reporting, and operational workflows within large infrastructure sectors.
    • Semble £2.5 million – An all-in-one platform for healthcare practices, enhancing patient care and streamlining operations.
    • bsport £8.4 million – An all-in-one software platform designed to manage boutique fitness and wellness studios.
    • Threatmark £6.1 million – A fraud prevention platform that uses real-time behavioural data to accurately identify payment fraud.

    Q&A
    How do we think about exiting our positions?
    In traditional venture capital, a relatively small number of investments generate a significant proportion of the fund’s performance. However, for Apollo we try to construct a portfolio where the majority of the portfolio delivers the majority of the Company’s performance. The investment team takes an active role to try and optimise each specific situation. This means we have certain situations where companies may be held for longer if we think it is in the best interest of investors and the Company. Conversely, there are other situations where we may seek to exit earlier if market conditions permit. This means we maintain good portfolio management discipline to make sure realised proceeds materially contribute towards financing the Company’s ongoing running costs and meeting its dividends targets.

    Private markets are illiquid, and as a result, the opportunities to sell all or some of our holding in a particular company can be unpredictable and governed by prevailing market conditions. We work closely with each portfolio company to understand and optimise its growth plans, with the goal of it maintaining flexibility over exit timing with the best interests of its shareholders in mind.

    Wider macroeconomic conditions often influence exits as much as company specific factors. We also recognise that timing may not always be right to exit a position, and patience can allow for greater value growth. In such cases, we will continue to support portfolio companies, stay alert to opportunities, and help create them proactively through our network.

    When do we start to think about exits?
    We look to understand who the likely acquirers are from the outset and throughout the holding period. This can help inform important strategic decisions which contribute to value creation for shareholders. It is healthy for our portfolio companies to maintain relationships with key potential acquirers. These can often be commercial partners before becoming acquirers, and as such this activity can be highly productive.

    We know not all companies will be as successful as we hoped at the time of the initial investment. We therefore seek to realise investments in companies which are underperforming and unlikely to generate a meaningful return. It can also help to find a “soft landing” for the company’s employees where the alternative may be placing the business into administration. However, to date this has only been in a very small minority of cases. Although generally not meaningful to investor returns, our behaviour in these scenarios is important.

    How do we work with portfolio company boards?
    We believe that it is important to be an active and supportive investor, so we typically appoint a Non-Executive Director or observer to the board of our portfolio companies. This allows us to offer ongoing support at the top level of the business and be involved in key decisions. It also gives us the opportunity to share any expertise and insights that we may have. Even very experienced founders may only sell a business once or twice in their career, whereas as investors, we may be involved in a few such transactions each year. We therefore look to support our portfolio companies by sharing the learnings and experience gathered across our team, all with the objective of obtaining the best outcome for our investors and shareholders in the Company overall.

    Valuations
    The table below illustrates the distribution of valuation methodologies used across Apollo’s B2B software investments (shown as a percentage of portfolio value and number of companies). B2B software accounts for 99% of Apollo’s total fixed asset investments. Methodologies include:
    • ‘External price’ includes valuations based on funding rounds that typically completed by the year end or shortly after the year end, and exits of companies where terms have been agreed or proposed with an acquirer;
    • ‘Multiples’ is predominantly used for valuations that are based on a multiple of revenue or EBITDA for portfolio companies; • ‘Scenario analysis’ is utilised where there is uncertainty around the potential outcomes available to a company, so a probability-weighted scenario analysis is considered.

    Having arrived at a valuation of the portfolio company, to distribute the equity value within a portfolio company’s capital structure, taking into account the priority of financial instruments and the economic rights of debt and shares Apollo holds, the Current Value Method (CVM) is typically employed. This method allocates the equity value to different equity interests as if the business were sold on the reporting date, thereby reflecting the effects of the distribution waterfall.

    Valuation methodology By value By number of companies
    Multiples 77% 64%
    Scenario analysis 18% 22%
    External price 5% 8%
    Write-off – 6%

    Case studies
    definely
    definely.com
    LegalTech solution helping lawyers at every pre-execution stage of the contract lifecycle

    • 40,000 active users
    • top 25 of the prestigious Deloitte UK Technology Fast50
    • 75 employees located globally

    Definely, founded in 2020, is a UK LegalTech company created to make legal documents easier to read, edit and understand. Definely was founded by two former Magic Circle lawyers, one of whom is registered blind. They set out to make legal documents more accessible to those with visual impairments and soon realised that their solution solved a problem faced by all lawyers, daily. Headquartered in London, it has over 75 employees located globally.

    Fuelled by investment from Apollo, the company is now focused on adding to its existing base of 40,000 active users from the largest companies and law firms in the UK, US, Canada and Australia. In 2023, the company was named in the top 25 of the prestigious Deloitte UK Technology Fast50. Customers include AO Shearman, Slaughter and May, Dentons and Deloitte.

    Cambri
    cambri.io
    Helping brands innovate iteratively to bring successful products to market fast

    • 80% prediction accuracy for product launch success
    • 68% year-over-year ARR growth

    Cambri is an AI consumer insights and innovation platform which addresses a major industry problem – that of the high failure rate of product launches. Traditional market research, consumer insights, and prediction models are outdated, static, and notoriously inaccurate, typically delivering just 40% prediction accuracy. This means brands waste time and resources developing and launching products that consumers don’t need. By contrast, Cambri’s proprietary AI engine predicts the likelihood of a product’s success and provides actionable insights to help improve products before launch.

    Cambri’s AI models are two to three times more accurate than traditional methods, enabling its customers to regularly achieve over 80% prediction accuracy for product launch success – contributing to Cambri’s 68% year-over-year annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth. Household food and beverage brands such as Coca-Cola and Nestle already utilise the platform.

    Top 10 investments by value as at 31 January 2025
    Here, we set out the cost and valuation of the top ten holdings, which account for over 57% of the value of the portfolio.

      Portfolio: Investment cost (£’000) Fair value of investment (£’000)
    1 Natterbox £18,990 £44,419
    2 Lodgify £12,611 £33,912
    3 Ubisecure £9,075 £25,811
    4 Tri £3,800 £22,070
    5 Interact £308 £20,658
    6 Sova £12,250 £19,266
    7 FableData £8,600 £15,780
    8 ValueBlue £10,071 £15,031
    9 MentionMe £15,000 £15,000
    10 FuseUniversal £8,000 £14,394

    Top 10
    1
    N2JB Limited (trading as Natterbox)

    Natterbox is a London-based provider of business-to-business cloud telephone services that are uniquely integrated into Customer Resource Management (CRM) software platforms, most notably Salesforce.

    www.natterbox.com

    Investment date: March 2018
    Equity held: 9.0%
    (2024: 8.5%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: £177,000
    (2024: £150,000)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: £19,289,000
    (2022: £17,092,000)
    Consolidated loss before tax: £(644,000)
    (2022: £(2,568,000))
    Consolidated net assets: £646,000
    (2022: £1,022,000)

    2
    Codebay Solutions Limited (trading as Lodgify)
    Lodgify provides a SaaS platform for vacation rental hosts and property managers to manage their business and process their bookings.

    www.lodgify.com

    Investment date: September 2022
    Equity held: 15.3%
    (2024: 11.9%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: n/a
    (2024: n/a)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: €14,508,000
    (2022: €9,315,000)
    Consolidated loss before tax: €(7,462,000)
    (2022: €(6,239,000))
    Consolidated net assets: €10,390,000
    (2022: €16,946,000)

    3

    Ubisecure Holdings Limited
    Ubisecure is a provider of customer identity access management software.

    www.ubisecure.com

    Investment date: May 2018
    Equity held: 73.4%
    (2024: 33.3%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: £179,000
    (2024: £197,000)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: £8,674,000
    (2022: £6,923,000)
    Consolidated loss before tax: £(3,091,000)
    (2022: £(2,135,000)
    Consolidated net liabilities: £(3,053,000)
    (2022: £(287,000))

    4
    Triumph Holdings Limited (TRI)
    TRI has developed a risk based quality management and monitoring platform for the life sciences industry

    www.tritrials.com

    Investment date: October 2018
    Equity held: 52.0%
    (2024: 52.0%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: £174,000
    (2023: £171,000)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: Not available1
    (2022: Not available1)
    Consolidated profit before tax: Not available1
    (2022: Not available1)
    Consolidated net assets: £2,758,000
    (2021: £2,875,000)

    5
    Hasgrove Limited
    Hasgrove is the holding company for Interact, a SaaS business which provides an intranet product which focuses on the communication and collaboration requirements of large organisations.

    www.interactsoftware.com

    Investment date: December 2016
    Equity held: 5.9%
    (2024: 5.7%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: n/a
    (2024: n/a)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: £37,032,000
    (2022: £29,388,000)
    Consolidated profit before tax: £9,907,000
    (2022: £8,099,000)
    Consolidated net assets: £13,344,000
    (2022: £13,136,000)

    6
    Sova Assessment Limited
    Sova Assessment is a UK based end-to-end digital candidate assessment SaaS platform targeting large blue-chip organisations conducting large volumes of hiring.

    www.sovaassessment.com

    Investment date: November 2020
    Equity held: 37.2%
    (2024: 37.2%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: £104,000
    (2024: £93,000)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 March 2024
    Consolidated turnover: £6,780,000
    (2023: £5,611,000)
    Consolidated loss before tax: £(3,685,000)
    (2023: £(5,360,000))
    Consolidated net liabilities: £(5,460,000)
    (2023: £(3,593,000))

    7
    Fable Data Limited
    Fable Data provides anonymised, pan-European consumer transaction data and analysis to institutional investors, businesses, governments and academics.

    www.fabledata.com
      

    Investment date: December 2022
    Equity held: 14.2%
    (2024: 6.2%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: n/a
    (2024: n/a)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: Not available1
    (2022: Not available1)
    Consolidated profit before tax: Not available1
    (2022: Not available1)
    Consolidated net liabilities: £(1,720,000)
    (2022: £(2,111,000))
       

    8
    Value Blue B.V.
    Value Blue is a provider of enterprise architecture management software, that is growing in the UK. The product allows companies to map their existing technology architecture in a single location to easily plan, collaborate and execute both large scale transformational and everyday IT projects.

    www.valueblue.com

    Investment date: January 2022
    Equity held: 20.3%
    (2024: 20.3%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: £317,000
    (2024: £19,000)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: Not available1
    (2022: Not available1)
    Consolidated loss before tax: €(7,412,000)
    (2022: €(9,185,000))
    Consolidated net liabilities: €(6,189,000)
    (2022: €(4,595,000))

    9
    Mention Me Limited
    Mention Me is a referral engineering SaaS platform that helps business to consumer (B2C) businesses acquire new customers more successfully through their referral channel.

    www.mention-me.com

    Investment date: December 2021
    Equity held: 19.4%
    (2024: 19.4%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: n/a
    (2024: n/a)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: £11,561,000
    (2022: £10,244,000)
    Consolidated loss before tax: £(5,175,000)
    (2022: £(5,621,000))
    Consolidated net assets: £5,302,000
    (2022: £10,173,000)

    10
    Fuse Universal Limited

    Fuse is a business-to-business software provider of a cloud-based learning technology platform for corporates, founded in 2008 and based in London (with further offices in South Africa and Australia).

    www.fuseuniversal.com

    Investment date: August 2019
    Equity held: 0%
    (2024: 0%)
    Valuation basis: Revenue multiple
    Income received in year to 31 January 2025: £56,000
    (2024: £100,000)
    Last submitted accounts: 31 December 2023
    Consolidated turnover: £7,997,000
    (2022: £9,338,000)
    Consolidated loss before tax: £(1,044,000)
    (2022: £(2,816,000))
    Consolidated net liabilities: £(2,468,000)
    (2022: £(3,682,000))
    1. These numbers are not available per the latest public filings on Companies House or the company is non-UK.

    Outlook

    It has been a challenging few years for the broader technology sector, with both geopolitical and economic factors impacting the ability of portfolio companies to grow and perform as successfully as forecast. Against this backdrop, I am pleased to report a stable NAV as portfolio companies have shown great resilience in the face of these challenges. Companies have been operating more efficiently in terms of their capital requirements and in several cases we are seeing top-line revenue growth returning steadily, albeit not to the same degree as experienced prior to the beginning of this more turbulent period. The slowdown in revenue growth observed across the portfolio occurred alongside companies striving to preserve cash and move towards profitability to extend their cash runways.

    The nature of the current portfolio and the characteristics of the technology-focused businesses means that several companies have had some degree of protection from the full impact of these more challenging macroeconomic conditions. This is due to recurring revenues and long-term contracts being key features of their business models.

    As mentioned in the Chair’s Statement, we were delighted and grateful for the support we’ve received from the Company’s new and existing investors, with the latest fundraise closing fully subscribed, including the overallotment facility. These funds will allow the Company to continue to support the existing portfolio in their growth plans and to invest in new opportunities which have the potential to become successful and deliver great returns to shareholders in the years to come.

    We were also pleased that the Company benefitted from three profitable disposals in the period, which together returned £18.9 million in proceeds to the Company. We are hopeful that this could indicate an improvement in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, providing more opportunities for exits and offering the Company sustainable growth prospects.

    Despite the macroeconomic climate remaining uncertain, we believe that the rapid pace of change and advancements being made with the development and adoption of AI technology will create many new businesses seeking growth capital. This provides us with a degree of optimism about the Company’s future investment prospects and for its current well-diversified portfolio, as the component companies seek to take advantage which component companies are similarly seeking to take advantage of these advancements in AI. Hence, I am confident that the Company is well-positioned to capitalise on these market opportunities as they arise and that they will be able to offer further growth potential for the Company’s continued success.

    RISKS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

    The Board assesses the risks faced by Apollo and, as a board, reviews the mitigating controls and actions, and monitors the effectiveness of these controls and actions.

    Emerging and principal risks, and risk management

    The Board is mindful of the ongoing risks and will continue to make sure that appropriate safeguards are in place, in addition to monitoring the cash flow forecasts to make sure that the Company has sufficient liquidity.

    The Board carries out a regular review of the risk environment in which the Company operates.

    Emerging risks

    The Board has considered emerging risks. The Board seeks to mitigate emerging risks and those noted below by setting policy, regular review of performance and monitoring progress and compliance. In the mitigation and management of these risks, the Board applies the principles detailed in the Financial Reporting Council’s Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting.

    The following are some of the potential emerging risks management and the Board are currently monitoring:

    • adverse changes in global macroeconomic environment;
    • artificial intelligence;
    • geopolitical tensions; and
    • climate change.

    Principal risks

    Risk Mitigation Change
    Investment performance:    
    The focus of Apollo’s investments is in unquoted, small and medium-sized VCT qualifying companies which, by their nature, entail a higher level of risk and may have lower cash reserves than investments in larger quoted companies. Poor performance across these investments may impact Apollo’s ability to raise new funds from investors. Octopus has significant experience and a strong track record of investing in unquoted companies, and appropriate due diligence is undertaken on every new investment. A member of the Octopus Ventures team is typically appointed to the board of a portfolio company subject to an evaluation using a risk based approach that considers the size of the company within the Apollo portfolio and the engagement levels of other investors. Regular board reports are prepared by the portfolio company’s management and examined by the Portfolio Manager. This arrangement, in conjunction with its Portfolio Talent team’s active involvement, allows Apollo to play a prominent role in a portfolio company’s ongoing development and strategy. Although investment strategy is focused on B2B software, the overall risk in the portfolio is mitigated by diversifying investment across a wide spread of holdings in terms of the underlying sub-sector served by the portfolio companies, and their financing stage, age, industry sector and business models. The Board reviews the investment portfolio with the Portfolio Manager on a regular basis. The Portfolio Manager is incentivised to make sure Apollo performs well, via a Performance Incentive Fee (charged annually) for exceeding certain performance hurdles. Increased exposures reflected in the previous period remain unchanged due to the continuing difficult macro environment and challenging trading conditions for some portfolio companies continuing.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    VCT qualifying status risk:    
    Apollo is required at all times to observe the conditions for the maintenance of HMRC-approved VCT status. The loss of such approval could lead to Apollo and its investors losing access to the tax benefits associated with VCT status and, in certain circumstances, to investors being required to repay the initial income tax relief on their investment. Prior to making an investment, the Portfolio Manager seeks assurance from Apollo’s VCT status adviser that the investment will meet the legislative requirements for VCT investments.

    On an ongoing basis, the Portfolio Manager monitors Apollo’s compliance with VCT regulations on a current and forecast basis to ensure ongoing compliance with VCT legislation. Regular updates are provided to the Board throughout the year.

    The VCT status adviser formally reviews Apollo’s compliance with VCT regulations on a bi-annual basis and reports its results to the Board.

    		 VCT status monitoring by independent advisers continues to reduce the risk of an issue causing a loss of VCT status.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Operational – reliance on third parties:    
    The Board is reliant on the Portfolio Manager to manage investments effectively, and manage the services of a number of third parties, in particular the registrar and tax advisers. A failure of the systems or controls at the Portfolio Manager or third-party providers could lead to an inability to provide accurate reporting and to ensure adherence to VCT and other regulatory rules. The Board reviews the system of internal control, both financial and non-financial, operated by the Portfolio Manager (to the extent the latter are relevant to Apollo’s internal controls). These include controls that are designed to ensure that Apollo’s assets are safeguarded and that proper accounting records are maintained, as well as any regulatory reporting. Feedback on other third-parties is reported to the Board on at least an annual basis, including adherence to Service Level Agreements where relevant. During the year a depositary has been appointed. This increases the number of key third parties involved in the running of the Company, but also adds additional layers of oversight of the Portfolio Manager. No overall change in risk exposure on balance.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Information security:    
    A lack of suitable controls could result in a data breach and fines and/or business disruption. The Board is reliant on the Portfolio Manager and third parties to take appropriate measures to prevent a loss of confidential customer information or other malicious events. Annual due diligence is conducted on third parties, which includes a review of their controls for information security. The Portfolio Manager has a dedicated information security team and a third party is engaged to provide continual protection in this area. A security framework is in place to help prevent malicious events. The Portfolio Manager reports to the Board on an annual basis to update it on relevant information security arrangements. Significant and relevant information security breaches are escalated to the Board when they occur. No overall change on balance, although cyber threat remains a significant risk area faced by all service providers. The appropriateness of mitigants in place are continuously reassessed to adapt to new risk exposures, such as those posed by artificial intelligence.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Economic:    
    Events such as an economic recession, movement in interest rates, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, inflation, political instability and rising living costs could adversely affect some smaller companies’ valuations, as they may be more vulnerable to changes in trading conditions or the sectors in which they operate. This could result in a reduction in the value of Apollo’s assets. Apollo invests in a portfolio of companies serving markets across a diverse range of sectors, which helps to mitigate against the impact of performance in any one sector. Apollo also maintains adequate liquidity to make sure that it can continue to provide follow-on investment to those portfolio companies that require it and which is supported by the individual investment case.

    The Portfolio Manager monitors the impact of macroeconomic conditions on an ongoing basis and provides updates to the Board at least quarterly.

    		 Increased exposures reflected in the previous periods remain and have heightened further as economic uncertainty persists through interest rate changes, the risk of recession and other economic factors.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Legislative:    
    A change to the VCT regulations could adversely impact Apollo by restricting the companies Apollo can invest in under its current strategy. Similarly, changes to VCT tax reliefs for investors could make VCTs less attractive and impact Apollo’s ability to raise further funds.

    Failure to adhere to other relevant legislation and regulation could result in reputational damage and/or fines.

    We are also pleased that the sunset clause in place for April 2025, regarding eligibility of VCTs for tax relief, has been extended to 2035.

    		 The Portfolio Manager engages with HM Treasury and industry bodies to demonstrate the positive benefits of VCTs in terms of growing UK companies, creating jobs and increasing tax revenue, and to help shape any change to VCT legislation.

    The Portfolio Manager employs individuals with expertise across the legislation and regulation relevant to Apollo. Individuals receive ongoing training and external experts are engaged where required.

    		 Risk exposure has continued to reduce since the previous period following the extension of the sunset clause to 2035 being agreed.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Liquidity:    
    Apollo invests in smaller unquoted companies, which are inherently illiquid as there is no readily available market for these shares. Therefore, these may be difficult to realise for their fair market value at short notice. The Portfolio Manager prepares cash flow forecasts to make sure cash levels are maintained in accordance with policies agreed with the Board. Apollo’s overall liquidity levels are monitored on a quarterly basis by the Board, with close monitoring of available cash resources. Apollo maintains sufficient cash and readily realisable securities, including MMFs and OEICs, which can be accessed at short notice. At 31 January 2025, 91% of current asset investments were held in MMFs, realisable within one business day, and 9% in OEICs, realisable within seven business days. Risk exposure remains unchanged from the previous period.
    Risk Mitigation Change
    Valuation:    
    While investments within the portfolio are valued in accordance with International Private Equity and Venture Capital (IPEV) valuation guidelines, for smaller companies establishing a fair value can be difficult due to the lack of readily available market data for similar shares, resulting in a limited number of external reference points. Valuations of portfolio companies are performed by appropriately experienced staff, with detailed knowledge of both the portfolio company and the market in which it operates. These valuations are then subject to review and approval by the Octopus Valuations Committee, comprised of staff who are independent of Octopus Ventures and with relevant knowledge of unquoted company valuations. The Board reviews valuations after they have been agreed by the Octopus Valuations Committee. Risk exposure remains unchanged from the previous period due to economic uncertainty within valuation modelling.

    VIABILITY STATEMENT
    In accordance with provision 36 of the AIC Code of Corporate Governance, the Directors have assessed the prospects of the Company over a period of five years, consistent with the expected investment holding period of a VCT investor. Under VCT rules, subscribing investors are required to hold their investment for a five-year period in order to benefit from the associated tax reliefs. The Board regularly considers strategy, including investor demand for the Company’s shares, and a five-year period is considered to be a reasonable time horizon for this.

    The Board carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks facing the Company and its current position.

    This includes risks which may adversely impact its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity, and focused on the major factors which affect the economic, regulatory and political environment. Particular consideration was given to the Company’s reliance on, and close working relationship with, the Portfolio Manager. The principal risks faced by the Company and the procedures in place to monitor and mitigate them are set out above.

    The Board has carried out robust stress testing of cash flows which included assessing the resilience of portfolio companies, including the requirement for any future financial support and the ability to pay dividends and buybacks.

    The Board has additionally considered the ability of the Company to comply with the ongoing conditions to make sure it maintains its VCT qualifying status under its current investment policy.

    Based on the above assessment the Board confirms that it has a reasonable expectation that the Company will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the five-year period to 31 January 2030. The Board is mindful of the ongoing risks and will continue to make sure that appropriate safeguards are in place, in addition to monitoring the cash flow forecasts to make sure that the Company has sufficient liquidity.

    DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

    The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, the Directors’ Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. They are also responsible for ensuring that the Annual Report and Accounts include information required by the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority.

    Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable laws) including FRS 102 – “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs and profit or loss of the Company for that period.

    In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:

    • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
    • make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
    • state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
    • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business; and
    • prepare a Strategic Report, a Directors’ Report and Directors’ Remuneration Report which comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

    The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to make sure that the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

    Insofar as each of the Directors is aware:

    • there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware; and
    • the Directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

    The Directors are responsible for preparing the annual report in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Having taken advice from the Audit and Risk Committee, the Directors consider the annual report and the financial statements, taken as a whole, provide the information necessary to assess the Company’s position, performance, business model and strategy and is fair, balanced and understandable.

    The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

    The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

    • the financial statements, prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including FRS 102, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company; and
    • the Annual Report and Accounts (including the Strategic Report), give a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

    On behalf of the Board

    Murray Steele
    Chair

    INCOME STATEMENT

        Year ended 31 January 2025 Year ended 31 January 2024
        Revenue
    £’000    		 Capital
    £’000    		 Total
    £’000    		 Revenue
    £’000    		 Capital
    £’000    		 Total
    £’000
    Realised gain/(loss) on disposal of fixed asset investments   – 1,226 1,226 – (876) (876)
    Change in fair value of fixed asset investments   – 37,666 37,666 – 9,3171 9,3171
    Change in fair value of current asset investments   – (574) (574) – 16 16
    Investment income   4,082 – 4,082 2,5761 – 2,5761
    Investment management fees   (2,147) (6,442) (8,589) (1,862) (5,587) (7,449)
    Performance fee   – (6,139) (6,139) – (14) (14)
    Other expenses   (3,555) – (3,555) (4,006) – (4,006)
    Foreign currency translation   (7) – (7) 1 – 1
    Profit/(loss) before tax   (1,627) 25,737 24,110 (3,291)1 2,8561 (435)
    Tax   – – – – – –
    Profit/(loss) after tax   (1,627) 25,737 24,110 (3,291)1 2,8561 (435)
    Earnings/(loss) per share – basic and diluted   (0.2p) 3.0p 2.8p (0.5p)1 0.4p1 (0.1p)
    • The ‘Total’ column of this statement is the profit and loss account of Apollo; the revenue return and capital return columns have been prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.
    • All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
    • Apollo has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares and securities and from money market funds.

    1 The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts. This had no impact on the overall loss for the year presented or net asset value.

    Apollo has no other comprehensive income for the period.

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

    BALANCE SHEET

        As at 31 January 2025 As at 31 January 2024
        £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Fixed asset investments     395,018   331,8781
    Current assets:          
    Investments   7,912   8,486  
    Money market funds   83,544   47,950  
    Debtors   1,424   2441  
    Cash at bank   4,251   4,868  
    Applications cash   16,780   8,852  
    Total current assets   113,911   70,4001  
    Current liabilities   (26,366)   (11,984)  
    Net current assets     87,545   58,4161
    Net assets     482,563   390,294

    Share capital

    		    

    956

    		  

    773
    Share premium     62,281   27,476
    Special distributable reserve     299,284   266,132
    Capital redemption reserve     191   172
    Capital reserve realised     (25,949)   (15,275)
    Capital reserve unrealised     153,438   117,0271
    Revenue reserve     (7,638)   (6,011)1
    Total shareholders’ funds     482,563   390,294
    Net asset value per share – basic and diluted     50.5p   50.5p

    1The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts. This had no impact on the overall loss for the year presented or net asset value.

    The statements were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 22 May 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:

    Murray Steele
    Chair
    Company number: 05840377

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

      Share capital

    £’000

    		 Share premium

    £’000

    		 Special distributable reserves1

    £’000

    		 Capital redemption reserve

    £’000

    		 Capital reserve realised1

    £’000

    		 Capital reserve unrealised

    £’000

    		 Revenue reserve1

    £’000

    		 Total

    £’000
    As at 1 February 2024 773 27,476 266,132 172 (15,275) 117,0272 (6,011) 2 390,294
    Total comprehensive income for the year – – – – (11,355) 37,092 (1,627) 24,110
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners: – – – – – – – –
    Repurchase and cancellation of own shares (19) – (8,981) 19 – – – (8,981)
    Issue of shares 202 106,017 – – – – – 106,219
    Share issue cost – (5,982) – – – – – (5,982)
    Dividends paid – – (23,097) – – – – (23,097)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners: 183 100,035 (32,078) 19 – – – 68,159
    Other movements:                
    Prior year fixed asset gains now realised – – – – 681 (681) – –
    Cancellation of Share Premium – (65,230) 65,230 – – – – –
    Total other movements – (65,230) 65,230 – 681 (681) – –
    Balance as at 31 January 2025 956 62,281 299,284 191 (25,949) 153,438 (7,638) 482,563

    1 Included within these reserves is an amount of £265,697,000 (2024: £244,846,000) which is considered distributable to shareholders under Companies Act rules. The Income Taxes Act 2007 restricts distribution of capital from reserves created by the conversion of the share premium account into a special distributable reserve until the third anniversary of the share allotment that led to the creation of that part of the share premium account. As at 31 January 2025, £19,920,000 (2024: £34,910,000) of the special reserve is distributable under this restriction.
    2The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts. This had no impact on the overall loss for the year presented or net asset value.

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

      Share capital

    £’000

    		 Share premium

    £’000

    		 Special distributable reserves1

    £’000

    		 Capital redemption reserve

    £’000

    		 Capital reserve realised1

    £’000

    		 Capital reserve unrealised

    £’000

    		 Revenue reserve1

    £’000

    		 Total

    £’000
    As at 1 February 2023 657 78,440 174,061 159 (20,136) 119,032 (2,720) 349,493
    Total comprehensive income for the year – – – – (6,477) 9,3332 (3,291)2 (435)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners:                
    Repurchase and cancellation of own shares (13) – (6,743) 13 – – – (6,743)
    Issue of shares 129 70,927 – – – – – 71,056
    Share issue cost – (3,912) – – – – – (3,912)
    Dividends paid – – (19,165) – – – – (19,165)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners: 116 67,015 (25,908) 13 – – – 41,236
    Other movements:                
    Prior year fixed asset losses now realised – – – – 11,338 (11,338) – –
    Cancellation of Share Premium – (117,979) 117,979 – – – – –
    Total other movements – (117,979) 117,979 – 11,338 (11,338) – –
    Balance as at 31 January 2024 773 27,476 266,132 172 (15,275) 117,0272 (6,011)2 390,294

    1 Reserves considered distributable to shareholders per the Companies Act.
    2 The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts. This had no impact on the overall loss for the year presented or net asset value.

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

    CASH FLOW STATEMENT

        Year to

    31 January 2025
    £’000

    		 Year to

    31 January 2024
    £’000
    Cash flows from operating activities      
    Profit/(loss) before tax   24,110 (435)
    Adjustments for:      
    Decrease/(increase) in debtors1   (10)1 4,6222
    (Decrease)/increase in creditors   6,454 (8,490)
    (Gain)/loss on disposal of fixed asset investments   (1,226) 876
    Gain on valuation of fixed asset investments   (37,666) (9,317)2
    Loss/(Gain) on valuation of current asset investments   574 (17)
    Transfer of accrued loan interest receivable2   – (1,824)2
    Net cash utilised in operating activities   (7,764) (14,585)

    Cash flows from investing activities

    		      
    Purchase of fixed asset investments   (47,131) (32,975)
    Proceeds on sale of fixed asset investments   21,713 18,292
    Purchase of current asset investments   – (4,499)
    Net cash utilised in investing activities   (25,418) (19,182)
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Movement in applications account   7,928 (409)
    Purchase of own shares   (8,981) (6,743)
    Proceeds from share issues   100,951 66,543
    Cost of share issues   (5,982) (3,912)
    Dividends paid (net of DRIS)   (17,829) (14,653)
    Net cash generated from financing activities   76,087 40,826
    Increase in cash and cash equivalents   42,905 7,059
    Opening cash and cash equivalents   61,670 54,611
    Closing cash and cash equivalents   104,575 61,670
    Cash and cash equivalents comprise      
    Cash at bank   4,251 4,868
    Applications cash   16,780 8,852
    Money market funds   83,544 47,950
    Closing cash and cash equivalents   104,575 61,670

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

    1 Movement in debtors, adjusted for £1,170,000 of deferred consideration proceeds.
    2 The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts. This had no impact on the overall loss for the year presented or net asset value.

    NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    1. Significant accounting policies

    Apollo is a Public Limited Company (plc) incorporated in England and Wales and its registered office is 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT.

    Apollo’s principal activity is to invest in a diverse portfolio of predominantly unquoted companies with the aim of providing shareholders with attractive tax-free dividends and long-term capital growth.

    Basis of preparation
    The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the measurement at fair value of certain financial instruments, and in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 – ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 102), and with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts (issued 2014 and updated in July 2022)’.

    The significant accounting policies have remained unchanged since those set out in Apollo’s 2024 Annual Report and Accounts.

    2. Investment income
    Accounting policy

    Fixed returns on non-equity shares and debt securities are recognised on a time apportionment basis (including time amortisation of any premium or discount to redemption), so as to reflect the effective interest rate, provided it is considered probable that payment will be received in due course. Income from fixed-interest securities and deposit interest is accounted for on an effective interest rate method. Investment income includes interest earned on MMFs. Dividend income is shown net of any related tax credit.

    Dividends receivable are brought into account when Apollo’s right to receive payment is established and it is probable that payment will be received. Fixed returns on debt are recognised provided it is probable that payment will be received in due course. The nature of dividends received is assessed to establish whether they are revenue or income dividends.

    Disclosure

      31
    January    		 31
    January
      2025 2024
      £’000 £’000
    Loan note interest receivable1 163 –1
    Dividends receivable
    MMF interest income    		 741
    3,178    		 576
    2,000
      4,082 2,5761

    1 The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts.

    3. Investment management and performance fees

      31 January 2025 31 January 2024
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Investment management fee 2,147 6,442 8,589 1,862 5,587 7,449
    Investment performance fee – 6,139 6,139 – 14 14
      2,147 12,581 14,728 1,862 5,601 7,463

    For the purpose of the revenue and capital columns in the Income Statement, the management fee has been allocated 25% to revenue and 75% to capital, in line with the Board’s expected long-term split of returns in the form of income and capital gains respectively from Apollo’s investment portfolio. The investment performance fee, explained below, is allocated 100% to capital as it is deemed that capital appreciation on investments has primarily driven the total return of Apollo above the required hurdle rate at which the performance fee is payable. The management fee, administration and accountancy fees are calculated based on the NAV which is then multiplied by the number of shares in issue, calculated on a daily basis.

    Octopus provide investment management, accounting and administration services and company secretarial services to Apollo under a management agreement which may be terminated at any time thereafter by not less than twelve months’ notice given by either party. No compensation is payable in the event of terminating the agreement by either party, if the required notice period is given. The fee payable, should insufficient notice be given, will be equal to the fee that would have been paid should continuous service be provided. The basis upon which the management fee is calculated is disclosed within the Annual Report and financial statements.

    Apollo has established a performance incentive scheme whereby the Portfolio Manager is entitled to an annual performance related incentive fee in the event that certain performance criteria are met. Further details of this scheme are disclosed within the Annual Report and financial statements. As at 31 January 2025 £6,139,076 was due to the Portfolio Manager by way of an annual performance fee (2024: £14,000).

    4. Other expenses
    Accounting policy

    All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenses are charged wholly to revenue, apart from management fees charged 75% to capital and 25% to revenue, performance fees charged wholly to capital and transaction costs. Transaction costs incurred when purchasing or selling assets are written off to the Income Statement in the period that they occur.

    Disclosure

      31
    January    		 31
    January
      2025 2024
      £’000 £’000
    Accounting and administration services 1,288 1,117
    Ongoing trail commission 1,130 1,011
    Directors’ fees 182 140
    Registrars’ fees 120 106
    Audit fees 103 85
    Legal fees 50 12
    Bad debt provision 0 953
    Other administration expenses 682 582
      3,555 4,006

    The ongoing charges ratio of Apollo for the year to 31 January 2025 was 2.4% (2024: 2.4%). Total annual running costs are capped at 2.75% of average net assets (2024 cap: 2.75% of average net assets). This figure excludes any extraordinary items, adviser charges, impairment of interest and performance fees.

    No non-audit services were provided by Apollo’s auditor.

    5. Tax
    Accounting policy

    Current tax is recognised for the amount of income tax payable in respect of the taxable profit/(loss) for the current or past reporting periods using the current UK corporation tax rate. The tax effect of different items of income/gain and expenditure/loss is allocated between capital and revenue return on the “marginal” basis as recommended in the SORP.

    Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the reporting date. Timing differences are differences between taxable profits and total comprehensive income as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in periods different from those in which they are recognised in financial statements.

    Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits.

    Disclosure

      31 January 2025 31 January 2024
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Profit/(loss) before tax1 (1,627) 25,737 24,110 2,8561 (3,290)1 (435)
    Tax at 25% (2024: 24%)1 (407) 6,434 6,027 6861 (791)1 (104)
    Effects of:            
    Non-taxable dividend income (9) – (9) (16) – (16)
    Non-taxable capital gains on valuations and disposals1 – (9,579) (9,579) – (2,032)1 (2,032)1
    Expenses not deductible for tax purposes – 12 12 – 14 14
    Excess management expenses on which deferred tax not recognised1 416 3,133 3,549 1,3321 8061 2,1381
                 
    Total tax charge – – – – – –

    1 The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts. This had no impact on the overall loss for the year presented or net asset value.

    Approved VCTs are exempt from tax on chargeable gains. Since the Directors intend that Apollo will continue to conduct its affairs so as to maintain its approval as a VCT, no deferred tax has been provided in respect of any capital gains or losses arising on the revaluation or disposal of investments based on a prospective tax rate of 25%. Unrelieved tax losses of £64,803,000 (2024: £51,785,000) are estimated to be carried forward at 31 January 2025 (subject to completion of Apollo’s tax return) and are available for offset against future taxable income, subject to agreement with HMRC. Apollo has not recognised the deferred tax asset of £16,201,000 (2024: £12,946,000) in respect of these tax losses because there is insufficient forecast taxable income in excess of deductible expenses to utilise these losses carried forward. There is no expiry period on these deductible expenses under the UK HMRC legislation.

    6. Dividends
    Accounting policy

    Dividends payable are recognised as distributions in the financial statements when Apollo’s liability to make payment has been established. This liability is established on the record date, the date on which those shareholders on the share register are entitled to the dividend. Interim dividends to equity shareholders are declared by the Directors.

    Disclosure

      31
    January    		 31
    January
      2025 2024
      £’000 £’000
    Dividends paid in the year    
    Second interim dividend: 1.3p per share paid 2 May 2024 (2024: 1.3p per share) in respect of prior year 10,901 8,739
    Interim dividend: 1.3p per share paid 20 December 2024 (2024: 1.4p) in respect of the current year 12,196 10,426
      23,097 19,165
         
      31
    January    		 31
    January
      2025 2024
      £’000 £’000
    Dividends in respect of the year    
    Interim dividend: 1.3p per share paid 20 December 2024 (2024: 1.4p) 12,196 10,426
    Second interim dividend: 1.3p paid 8 May 2025 (2024: 1.3p per share) 13,663 10,901
      25,859 21,327
    The figures above include dividends elected to be reinvested through the DRIS. In the year to 31 January 2025, the net proceeds reinvested through the DRIS totalled £5,268,000 (2024: £4,513,000).

    7. Earnings per share

      31 January 2025 31 January 2024
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
    Profit/(loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders (£’000)1 (1,627) 25,737 24,110 (3,291)1 2,8561 (435)1
    Earnings per ordinary share (p)1 (0.2p) 3.0p 2.8p (0.5p)1 0.4p1 (0.1p)1

    1 The presentation and classification of £3.5 million of accrued loan interest was updated to be part of the fair value of investments. This balance is therefore an amendment to the balance presented in the 31 January 2024 accounts. This had no impact on the overall loss for the year presented or net asset value.

    The earnings per share is based on 867,758,701 Ordinary shares (2024: 709,769,066), being the weighted average of shares in issue during the year.

    There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and, as such, the basic and diluted earnings per share are identical.

    8. Net asset value per share

      31
    January    		 31
    January
      2025 2024
      Ordinary shares Ordinary shares
    Net assets (£) 482,563,000 390,294,000
    Shares in issue 956,172,843 772,743,612
    Net asset value per share (p) 50.5 50.5

    There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and, as such, the basic and diluted NAV per share are identical.

    9. Transactions with the Portfolio Manager

    Apollo has employed Octopus throughout the year as the Portfolio Manager. Apollo has incurred £8,589,000 (2024: £7,449,000) in management fees due to the Portfolio Manager in the year. At 31 January 2025 there was £2,295,000 outstanding (2024: £1,989,000). The management fee is payable quarterly in arrears and is based on 2% of the NAV calculated daily from 31 January.

    The Portfolio Manager is entitled to an annual performance-related incentive fee, subject to the total return (NAV plus cumulative dividends paid) per share being at least 100p at the end of the relevant period. This performance fee is equal to 20% of the amount by which the NAV plus cumulative dividends paid per share exceeds the higher of:

    • The highest total return in previous accounting periods. This is currently the return in the year to 31 January 2024 (137.9p).
    • The total return as at 1 February 2012, plus the average Bank of England interest rate to date, commencing 1 February 2012.

    The Board considers that the liability becomes due at the point that the performance criteria are met, which has happened at the end of this financial year. In the year, Apollo incurred performance fees of £6,139,076 (2024: £14,000). At 31 January 2025 there were £6,139,076 of outstanding performance fees to be paid (2024: £14,000).
    The Portfolio Manager also provides accounting and administrative services to Apollo, payable quarterly in arrears, for a fee of 0.3% of the NAV calculated daily. During the year £1,288,000 (2024: £1,117,000) was paid to the Portfolio Manager, of which £344,000 (2024: £298,000) was outstanding at the Balance Sheet date, for the accounting and administrative services. In addition, the Portfolio Manager also provides company secretarial services for a fee of £20,000 per annum (2024: £20,000).

    Several members of the Octopus investment team hold Non-Executive Directorships as part of their monitoring roles in Apollo’s portfolio companies, but they have no controlling interests in those companies. The Portfolio Manager receives transaction fees and directors’ fees from these portfolio companies. During the year ended 31 January 2025, Directors’ fees of £788,000 attributable to the investments of Apollo were received by the Portfolio Manager (2024: £821,000).

    Octopus AIF Management Limited remuneration disclosures (unaudited)
    Quantitative remuneration disclosures required to be made in this annual report in accordance with the FCA Handbook FUND 3.3.5 are available on the website: https://www.octopusinvestments.com/remuneration-disclosures/.

    10. Related party transactions

    As at 31 January 2025, Octopus Investments Nominees Limited (OINL) held 315 shares (2024: 315) in Apollo as beneficial owner, having purchased these from shareholders to protect their interests after delays or errors with shareholder instructions and other similar administrative issues. Throughout the period to 31 January 2025 OINL purchased nil shares (2024: 315) at a cost of nil (2024: £163) and sold nil shares (2024: 173,900) for proceeds of nil (2024: £87,993). This is classed as a related party transaction as per the Listing Rules, as Octopus, the Portfolio Manager, and OINL are part of the same group of companies. Any such future transactions, where OINL takes over the legal and beneficial ownership of Company shares will be announced to the market and disclosed in annual and half-yearly reports.

    11. 2025 financial information

    The figures and financial information for the year ended 31 January 2025 are extracted from the Company’s annual financial statements for the period and do not constitute statutory accounts. The Company’s annual financial statements for the year to 31 January 2025 have been audited but have not yet been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors’ report on the 2025 annual financial statements was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matter to which the auditors drew attention without qualifying the report, and did not contain any statements under Sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

    12. 2024 financial information

    The figures and financial information for the year ended 31 January 2024 are extracted from the Company’s annual financial statements for the period and do not constitute statutory accounts. The Company’s annual financial statements for the year to 31 January 2024 have been audited but have not yet been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The Auditors’ report on the 2024 annual financial statements was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matter to which the auditors drew attention without qualifying the report, and did not contain any statements under Sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

    13. Annual Report and financial statements
    The Annual Report and financial statements will be posted to shareholders in June and will be available on the Company’s website. The Notice of Annual General Meeting is contained within the Annual Report.

    14. General information
    Registered in England & Wales. Company No. 05840377
    LEI: 213800Y3XEIQ18DP3O53

    15. Directors
    Murray Steele (Chair), Christopher Powles, Alex Hambro, Claire Finn and Gillian Elcock.

    16. Secretary and registered office
    Octopus Company Secretarial Services Limited
    6th Floor, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT

    The MIL Network –

  • Health Minister J.P. Nadda chairs ‘Kayakalp Manthan’ to boost public participation and improve healthcare delivery

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday convened a high-level meeting, ‘Kayakalp Manthan’, bringing together senior officials, representatives from Central Government hospitals, NGOs, and healthcare experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The meeting aimed to enhance public healthcare delivery and promote deeper community engagement in improving the quality and accessibility of health services across the country.

    The discussion focused on reinvigorating the Kayakalp Scheme, a national initiative launched in 2015 to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control across public healthcare institutions. Over the last decade, the scheme has grown substantially—from 10 Central Government hospitals to 25, with extended implementation across State Government hospitals through the National Health Mission (NHM).

    Addressing the gathering, Nadda acknowledged the progress achieved under the scheme but emphasized the need for sustained efforts and innovation to further enhance healthcare delivery. He stated, “Evolving towards a patient-centric ecosystem is critical for meeting the ever-increasing expectations of public service delivery.”

    The Health Minister highlighted the importance of hospital environment and ambiance in improving patient experience. He noted that while clinical care is often commendable, gaps in communication and patient engagement often leave room for dissatisfaction. “Thousands visit government hospitals every day and receive quality treatment, yet their feedback often lacks positivity. This calls for deeper introspection and a more empathetic approach in healthcare delivery,” he added.

    Nadda stressed the need for continuous capacity building, regular reviews, and robust enforcement mechanisms to maintain high-quality standards across all healthcare institutions. He urged stakeholders to work on the image and perception of government hospitals by addressing infrastructure, cleanliness, staff behavior, and amenities.

    A key focus of the Manthan was Jan Bhagidari—the involvement of local communities in managing healthcare facilities. “Creating a sense of ownership and belonging among the people is crucial to improving service delivery under the Kayakalp Scheme. It must evolve into a nationwide movement,” the Minister asserted.

    In response to the increasing burden on premier institutions in Delhi and other metros, Nadda called for a stronger focus on grassroots-level facilities, including Sub-Health Centres. He emphasized the importance of training, capacity building, technological integration, and eco-friendly innovations to decentralize care and reduce strain on urban hospitals.

    “Kayakalp is not just a cleanliness initiative. It represents a transformation in how healthcare services are delivered, conceived, and executed,” the Health Minister added.

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Athletic Trainer Honored After Saving a Life

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In the world of high school athletics, athletic trainers are often the unsung heroes, steadfast, skilled, and always ready. But for Kyia Barnett, athletic trainer with the UConn Institute of Sports Medicine a recent evening at Bloomfield High School turned into a moment of true heroism.

    On a Monday evening, shortly after 7 p.m., Kyia was wrapping up a long day in her office after a late practice when she received a frantic call from one of the track and field coaches. The message was urgent, 911 had just been called, and she was needed at the track immediately.

    Without hesitation, Kyia grabbed her medical bag and AED and sprinted to the scene. When she arrived, she found two adult men: one lying unresponsive on the track, the other kneeling beside him in distress. Kyia quickly assessed the situation and, finding no pulse, immediately initiated CPR.

    “When you get a frantic call like that for a medical emergency, the only thing in the moment for me is to blank out everything else around me and zone in on the situation and do what needs to be done,” said Barnett.  “It’s almost like second nature to hyperfocus in emergencies. At the same time, as soon as I assessed the situation of the collapsed individual with no pulse, it’s shocking. In our line of work, it’s uncommon to deal with cardiac arrest, and we also hope to never see it even though we have been intensely trained and prepared for it since day one.”

    Barnett performed four to five rounds of chest compressions before EMS arrived on the scene. Thanks to her rapid and skilled intervention, paramedics were able to regain a pulse and transport the patient to a local hospital for further treatment and is now recovering.

    “Kyia’s swift action and clinical expertise were instrumental in saving a life that night. Her calm under pressure, unwavering focus, and precise execution are the very embodiment of what it means to be an athletic trainer,” said Christopher Watkins, director of ambulatory services for Storrs, Willimantic, and Putnam.

    Justin Bolton, Athletic Trainer, Kyia Barnett and Carin Dulin, Athletic Trainer, Clinical Practice Manager celebrate Kyia’s award from CATA.

    Barnett was recently honored with the Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA) President’s Award, a special recognition presented at the discretion of the CATA Executive Council to acknowledge excellence in the practice of Athletic Training.

    “There is no question that Kyia exemplifies this excellence every day, and on that evening, she went far beyond the call of duty,” says Anne Horbatuck, Vice President, Ambulatory Services and Chief Operating Officer, UConn Medical Group.

    “It is a blessing and honor to receive this award, not only for me and my own successes, but to bring attention to other athletic trainers’. Our skills, responsiveness, and assets are extremely vital to athletic departments, as well as communities,” says Barnett. “I’m thankful that I was in the right place at the right time in this situation, and that my many years of experience and training, alongside my attentiveness, aided me in saving this man’s life.”

    This event also speaks volumes about the trust and strong relationships Barnett has built with the Bloomfield High School coaching staff. In the most critical moment, their first call after 911 wasn’t to a supervisor or colleague, it was to Barnett

    “It’s an honor, truly to be an athletic trainer. We are not only the medical backbone to athletic teams, but we are also a shoulder to cry on for athletes (and coaches), a safe space for them, and even the comical output to brighten one’s bad day,” says Barnett. “Somedays, we are simply just cheering on our athletes at games after rehabbing athletes back to their sport, others we may be in the situation where another’s lives are in our hands. I’ve put so much hard work, education, dedication, love, and compassion into being an Athletic Trainer, and I would not trade it for the world.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Klobuchar Lead 25 Colleagues on Legislation to Expand Medicare Drug Price Negotiation and Lower Costs for Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) reintroduced the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act, legislation to expand Medicare negotiation of drug prices to lower drug costs for consumers, reduce federal spending, and give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stronger tools to negotiate lower drug prices in Medicare Part B and Part D. 
    This Senators’ legislation builds on their provision passed into law in 2022 which empowered Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time, unleashing the power of 53 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D Drug Coverage. The SMART Prices Act would extend this progress by more than doubling the number of prescription drugs Medicare must negotiate to a minimum of 50 per year, allowing the most costly prescription drugs and biologics to have negotiated prices five years after approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and by increasing the discount that Medicare is allowed to negotiate. 
    “Far too many Americans struggle to pay for the prescription drugs they need,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to partner with my friend and colleague, Senator Klobuchar, and reintroduce the SMART Prices Act. This bill will build on the Inflation Reduction Act by giving Medicare the ability to negotiate the prices of more prescription drugs and lower the cost of the prescription drugs Vermonters need, faster.”  
    “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and affording their medications. This bill builds on our progress to lower prescription drug costs by accelerating Medicare’s ability to negotiate prices for more drugs on behalf of the American people,” said Senator Klobuchar. “We will make prescriptions more affordable and save taxpayers more money by continuing to take on Big Pharma’s price gouging.” 
    According to preliminary estimates from a model by West Health and Verdant Research, if the SMART Prices Act was enacted in 2026, it would save 33% more by 2030 than current law. It would also allow Medicare to begin negotiations earlier and bring down the price of more expensive drugs.  
    In addition to Senators Welch and Klobuchar, the SMART Prices Act is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). 
    “Hard-working Nevadans often struggle to afford the high prices of the medications that they rely on,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This common-sense fix builds on the legislation, passed and signed into law by Democrats, that caps insulin at $35 a month and allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices. We will continue to deliver real solutions that lower costs for American families and end Big Pharma’s price gouging.” 
    “People in the United States are paying four times more than people in similar countries pay for life-saving medications,” said Senator Durbin. “Democrats took the first step to address this issue three years ago by passing the Inflation Reduction Act, to enable Medicare to negotiate with Big Pharma to lower costs for seniors—while every Republican opposed these savings. Now, instead of focusing on lowering prices for Americans, Republicans in Congress are focused on cutting Medicaid to give tax breaks to billionaires. Senate Democrats are introducing the SMART Prices Act tohelp lower the outrageous cost of prescription drugs, expand on the progress we have made, and improve health care for Americans.”  
    “No one should be forced to choose between paying for lifesaving prescription drugs and putting food on the table,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This vital, commonsense legislation would help lower the unacceptably high cost of prescription medication for seniors on Medicare. I’m proud to champion this effort, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it passed.” 
    “In 2023, my colleagues and I took on Big Pharma and moved to help lower prescription drug costs by finally allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of medications. But rather than build upon this important work, the Trump Administration wants to add loopholes and exemptions that weaken this program and result in higher prices for patients,” said Senator Hassan. “This legislation rejects the Trump Administration’s handouts to Big Pharma and instead accelerates the drug price negotiation efforts that will help more people afford the medications that they need.”   
    “While the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans work to gut Medicare to give massive tax handouts to billionaires like Elon Musk, I’m fighting to protect and strengthen Medicare for New Mexicans,” said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to co-sponsor legislation that will lower health care costs by making more prescription drugs affordable for New Mexico’s seniors enrolled in Medicare.” 
    “Lifesaving prescription medications shouldn’t break the bank,” said Senator King.“Expanding Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices will go a long way toward helping Maine people get the medication they need at a price they can afford. The SMART Prices Act is a commonsense step that will help Maine people save money and stay healthy, and I thank my colleagues for putting Maine people first.” 
    “No one should have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and putting food on the table. At a time when President Trump’s tariffs threaten to raise prices on everyday goods and medicine, the SMART Prices Act is more important than ever for New Mexican families,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to lower prescription drug costs by strengthening Medicare’s ability to negotiate prices, helping Americans afford the medications they rely on.” 
    “The amount of money Minnesotans are paying for their medications is out of control & unsustainable,” said Senator Smith. “This legislation would empower Medicare to negotiate lower prices, faster — and for more prescription drugs. And yet here we are, with President Trump and Congressional Republicans sabotaging Medicare’s power to negotiate lower drug prices at every turn, all while raising prices for seniors and giving handouts to Big Pharma. I’ll keep working to get this bill passed and make sure everyone has access to the medication they need.” 
    “No one should ever have to decide between filling a life-saving prescription and putting gas in the tank or food on the table,” said Senator Merkley. “The Inflation Reduction Act was an important step forward to make sure Americans get the best price, not the worst, for several prescription drugs. President Trump has said he wants to lower drug costs for families and seniors across America, and Senate Democrats are offering real proposals to crack down on Big Pharma’s sky-high drug prices.” 
    “Drug companies have had a free pass to gouge seniors for decades and people in Connecticut are paying the price,” said Senator Murphy. “It’s time to put an end to the price games. This legislation would give the federal government power to negotiate drugs more quickly after they are approved and with more substantial cost-savings for patients. It’s time to stop the abuse.” 
    “The prices Americans pay for many medications that treat cancer, diabetes, and other common conditions have actually gone down in recent years thanks to the law Democrats passed in 2022 that forced Big Pharma to the negotiating table with Medicare for the first time ever,” said Senator Murray. “The SMART Prices Act would build on that important progress and expand these savings to more medications, and more people. Donald Trump is lying and making empty promises when it comes to lowering drug costs—meanwhile Republicans are pushing to pass a mega-bill that would rip away health care from millions of people. I’m going to keep fighting to make sure no person is forced to choose between putting food on the table and buying life-saving medication.”     
    “No one should have to choose between medicine and groceries. Multi-billion-dollar drug corporations are making obscene profits off of seniors and working families struggling just to get by,” said Senator Fetterman. “The SMART Prices Act is not complicated: it will boost Medicare’s ability to negotiate fair deals with pharmaceutical companies and bring drug prices down. Big Pharma lobbyists might hate it, but regular people sure as hell won’t.” 
    “One of the biggest expenses for seniors on fixed incomes is prescription drug costs. I helped include provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to lower the prices seniors pay at the pharmacy counter. The SMART Prices Act builds on this progress by strengthening Medicare’s ability to use bulk purchasing power to negotiate lower prices,” said Senator Reed. 
    “Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we stood up to Big Pharma and took important steps to lower health care costs for seniors – empowering Medicare to negotiate lower prices for medications that millions of older Americans rely on. But there’s more we can do. This legislation expands Medicare’s negotiating leverage to cut the prices of even more drugs – a commonsense way to provide more health care cost relief for seniors while saving billions in taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Van Hollen. 
    “While Republicans in Congress are jamming through a bill that would rip health care away from 14 million Americans and raise drug prices for seniors, we’re doubling down on lowering drug prices and cutting costs for families. We’ll keep fighting to make sure people have access to the life-saving care and medications they need,” said Senator Warren. 
     “As Republicans move to cut health care, Democrats are working to lower health care and prescription drug costs for our nation’s seniors,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our SMART Prices Act will build on progress made in our Inflation Reduction Act and strengthen Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices, providing welcome relief to seniors living on fixed incomes.” 
    The bill is endorsed by Center for American Progress, FamiliesUSA, Patients For Affordable Drugs NOW, Protect Our Care, and Public Citizen.  
    “The SMART Prices Act builds on the progress of the Inflation Reduction Act to help bring down today’s exorbitant prescription drug prices,” said Andrea Ducas, Vice President of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress. “The bill is an important step forward in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable and ensuring seniors are paying fair and affordable prices for life-saving medications.” 
    “One in three Americans can’t afford their prescription drugs. We hear from patients every day who are rationing medication or skipping doses because of high drug costs. The SMART Prices Act is a welcome step that builds on the historic drug price reforms in the Inflation Reduction Act byincreasing the number of drugs subject to Medicare negotiation – a proposal that has broad support from Americans on both sides of the aisle. We are grateful to Senator Klobuchar for her tireless leadership on this critical issue and are eager to expand Medicare negotiation to secure a better deal for more patients on Medicare,” said Merith Basey, Executive Director of Patients For Affordable Drugs Now. 
    “Senators Klobuchar and Welch are fighting for seniors and their families by bringing down the high cost of prescription drugs,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Americans across the political spectrum support Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug prices and want to see the program expand. Instead, Trump and his cronies in Congress are charging ahead with their budget that not only guts Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to fund billionaire tax breaks, but hands billions in give-aways over to Big Pharma. The contrast couldn’t be more clear. If Republicans are serious about wanting to lower drug prices and save taxpayer dollars, they should join Senators Klobuchar and Welch in passing the SMART Prices Act and deliver real, lasting relief for the American people.” 
    “The SMART Prices Act would save billions of dollars by empowering Medicare to negotiate lower prices for more patients sooner. We applaud Senators Klobuchar, Welch, and cosponsors for their leadership. Congressional Republicans should follow their lead instead of seeking to undermine Medicare drug price negotiations and take away health insurance from millions of our society’s most vulnerable people,” said Robert Weissman, Co-President of Public Citizen. 
    Learn more about the SMART Prices Act. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luttrell Introduces Legislation to Help Critical Businesses Stay Powered During Disasters

    Source:

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) introduced the Critical Businesses Preparedness Act, legislation that provides a 30% federal tax credit for critical businesses that purchase and install electric generators in high-risk disaster areas.

    “When Hurricane Beryl hit last year, communities across Montgomery, Liberty, and San Jacinto Counties were left without power for days,” said Congressman Luttrell. “Families couldn’t get gas, groceries, or medical care. “The lessons from Beryl and other natural disasters across the country are clear: We must harden our communities, not just react to emergencies after they happen. This bill empowers local businesses to keep their doors open and their communities running so people aren’t left in the dark or out in the cold next time.”

    The legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to support businesses that are essential to emergency response and recovery. Under the bill, the tax credit would apply to generators placed in service by businesses operating in areas deemed at high risk for hurricanes or flooding, as determined by FEMA.

    Eligible businesses include, but are not limited to:

    • Hospitals and urgent care centers
    • Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
    • Grocery stores
    • Gas stations

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Takes Action to Address Data Integrity Concerns with Two Chinese Third-Party Testing Firms

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    May 22, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) issued General Correspondence Letters to two third-party testing companies in China after discovering data that was falsified or otherwise found to be invalid.
    “Let me be clear. The FDA has no room for bad actors. Once we discover data integrity issues, we will respond accordingly,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Such false and shoddy activity jeopardizes access to new devices for patients and healthcare providers, negatively impacts product sponsors, and potentially disrupts the medical device supply chain.”
    The General Correspondence Letters were sent to Mid-Link Technology Testing Co., Ltd. (“Mid-Link”) in Tianjin, China, and Sanitation & Environment Technology Institute of Soochow University Ltd. (dba “SDWH”) in Suzhou, China. The letters stated in part, that because the FDA could not ensure the reliability and validity of biocompatibility testing and animal safety and performance testing studies conducted at their respective testing facilities, the agency will reject those testing facilities’ data generated for use in premarket device submissions.“The FDA is committed to working with the medical device industry to remain vigilant in protecting the public health, including proactive practices in ensuring the data that sponsors include in medical device submissions are truthful and accurate,” said CDRH Director Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D. “Until the two firms have adequately addressed these issues, all study data from all studies conducted at these testing facilities will be rejected.”
    Accurate study data in a premarket submission is essential so that the FDA has the ability to fully and properly assess the overall safety and effectiveness of a device. Data that are copied from the results of another study, or are otherwise falsified or invalid, raise concerns about the reliability and validity of associated premarket submissions, which could ultimately put the public health at risk. Medical device sponsors contract with third-party companies to conduct performance, biocompatibility, and other product tests. The resulting data are included in marketing submissions to the FDA. However, unreliable data cannot be used to support the agency’s authorization decision. The General Correspondence Letters are the latest step taken by the FDA to address concerns around testing data and the broader issue surrounding the integrity of data coming from foreign countries.
    In September 2024, the FDA sent Mid-Link and SDWH warning letters citing both for laboratory oversight failures and animal care violations that raised concerns about the quality and integrity of data generated by the labs.
    Last year, the FDA alerted the medical device industry to concerns regarding data from third-party testing labs, including those based in China, and stressed the need for firms to carefully review any data from testing that the firm itself did not perform.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Just three nights of poor sleep might harm your heart – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Annie Curtis, Professor (Assoc), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Prostock studio/Shutterstock

    We’ve long known that a lack of sleep is bad for the heart – but scientists are now starting to understand exactly how it causes harm.

    In a new study from Uppsala University in Sweden, researchers found that just three nights of restricted sleep – around four hours a night – triggered changes in the blood linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

    The researchers looked at inflammatory proteins in the blood. These are molecules the body produces when it is under stress or fighting off illness. When these proteins stay high for a long time, they can damage blood vessels and raise the risk of problems like heart failure, coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat).

    The study involved 16 healthy young men who spent several days in a lab, where everything from their meals to their activity levels and light exposure was carefully controlled.

    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.

    The participants followed two routines: three nights of normal sleep (8.5 hours) and three night of sleep restriction (4.25 hours). After each sleep phase, the men completed a short, high-intensity cycling workout, and their blood was tested before and after.

    Researchers measured almost 90 different proteins in the blood samples. They found that sleep deprivation caused a clear rise in inflammatory markers linked to heart disease. And while exercise usually boosts healthy proteins such as interleukin-6 and BDNF (which support brain and heart health), these responses were weaker after poor sleep.

    The researchers looked at 90 protein markers in the blood of healthy volunteers.
    Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock

    Even young adults

    Strikingly, the changes happened even in young, healthy adults, and after only a few nights of bad sleep. That’s worrying given how common it is for adults to experience poor sleep from time to time – and around one in four people work shifts that disrupt sleep patterns.

    The researchers also discovered that the time of day blood was taken mattered: protein levels varied between morning and evening, and even more so when sleep was restricted. This suggests that sleep affects not only what’s in your blood, but when those changes are most visible.

    Although modern life often encourages us to trade sleep for productivity, socialising or screen time, studies like this remind us that the body keeps score – quietly, chemically and without compromise.

    Annie Curtis 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. Just three nights of poor sleep might harm your heart – new study – https://theconversation.com/just-three-nights-of-poor-sleep-might-harm-your-heart-new-study-256534

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore Presents Civic Leadership Awards to High School Students

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    PROVIDENCE, RI � On Monday, May 19, 2025, Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore honored the 130 high school students selected as 2025 Rhode Island Civic Leadership Award winners at a State House ceremony. The award is given annually to high school students who have made outstanding contributions to their schools and communities over the past year.

    “Every year, it’s a great honor to celebrate students who are committed to public service and civic engagement,” said Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. “These young civic leaders deserve recognition for their accomplishments inside and outside of the classroom, as well as their efforts to make their communities a better place.”

    Schools from around Rhode Island nominated students who have excelled in areas such as public service, leadership, and academic achievement.

    Photos of award winners are available here.

    The ceremony was recorded by Capitol TV and can be viewed online here.

    The students honored were:

    Achievement First Providence High School Alejandra Guissell Avila Estrada Zachareus Desrosiers

    Barrington Christian Academy Polly Bosch Lincoln Wright

    Barrington High School Anaaya Deshpande Andres Gil

    Beacon Charter High School for the Arts Kiara Canterbury Micah St. Onge

    Bishop Hendricken High School Shane Ciunci Lincoln Tiernan

    Blackstone Academy Charter School Kadjatou Diallo Jayilson Fernandes

    Blackstone Valley Prep High School Safiyatu Gassama Angel Hernandez

    Block Island School Chase Hatfield Maximus Walsh

    Burrillville High School Spencer Wayland Arrow Yuszczak

    Central Falls Senior High School Edgar Ardon Flores Sofia Lopez Callejas

    Chariho Regional High School Ryan Sheldon Nicholas Wilusz

    Charles E. Shea High School Joseph Manu Behnema Sirleaf

    Coventry High School Raegan Garcia Ryan Pina

    Cranston High School East Oliver Cruz Madelyn Hart

    Cranston High School West Sophia DiBenedetto Promise Pitts

    Cumberland High School Brett Hawkins Brody Vroegindewey

    Dr. Jorge Alvarez High School Yazan Alothman Emma Garcia

    East Greenwich High School Emma Sheahan-Nguyen Wen Xin Shi

    East Providence High School Pooja Ezhilmaran Acadia Ullucci

    E-Cubed Academy August Kletzian Melissa Paula

    Exeter-West Greenwich Regional High School Ayden Enos Clare Titus

    The Greene School Adriel Falowo Kyannie Fernandez

    Hope High School Julian Genao Elmer Poz Benito

    Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing & Visual Arts Isabella Benavides Melissa Paulin

    Johnston Senior High School Olivia Forgetta Bennett McClish

    La Salle Academy Derek La Fazia Carter Rankin

    Lincoln School Ruby Verkuijlen

    Lincoln Senior High School Helen Green David Lucci

    Middletown High School Taylor Bridges Chloe Tysor

    The Metropolitan Regional Career & Technical Center Marcel Anderson Osayro Urizar Vargas

    Moses Brown School Sophie Hesser Josselyn Wolf

    Mount Pleasant High School Anthony Berroa Testimony Thompson

    Mount Saint Charles Academy Emma Foxon Aidan Quinn

    Mt. Hope High School Jessica Deal Gavin Stegall

    Narragansett High School Hannah Abrams Mia DeLuise

    NEL/CPS Construction & Career Academy Alfredo Cuthburt Anniyah Wright

    North Kingstown Senior High School Benjamin Butera Fiona Wilk

    North Providence High School Isabelle Desanges Gabriella Paulino Cabrera

    North Smithfield High School Emerson Deschene Leah Goodwin

    Paul Cuffee Upper School Sofia Alabede Mia Medeiros

    Pilgrim High School Laryssa Farrell Sean Skinnard

    Ponaganset High School Mackenzie Bell Omar Sasa

    Portsmouth High School Andrew Rodrigues Hanalei Streuli

    The Prout School Madeline Monaco Madeleine Pisano

    Providence Country Day School Cedric Ye

    Rhode Island Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School Aillyn Ospina Bedoya Lia Tavarez Sobalvarro

    Rocky Hill Country Day School Wilbur Conterio Luke Lehouiller

    Rogers High School Hannah Conroy Kira Parsons

    School One Ibrahim Mohammed Sienna Wills

    Scituate High School Annette Hartley Cameron Healey

    Sheila Skip Nowell Leadership Academy Jaziyah Lewis Zi’Rell Rivers

    Smithfield Senior High School Kyla Alberg Shane Trainor

    South Kingstown High School Samuel Cadman Jay Thornber

    St. Andrew’s School Yosmel Amparo-Moya Violet Vandale

    St. George’s School Reese Starling

    St. Mary Academy – Bay View Ariana Bobiak Sophie Sullivan

    St. Patrick Academy Genesis Monzon Morales Ashly Urbina

    Saint Raphael Academy Michael Duschang Sara Lebeuf

    Tiverton High School Evan Duda Norah Winslow

    Toll Gate High School Jaylene Le Estherangelica Santana

    Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts Samia Perez Wilde Rosales-Gousie

    Trinity Christian Academy Mateo Ghoshal Vargas Michael Susi

    Village Green Virtual Charter School Zoey Dupuis Nyzaiah Law

    Warwick Area Career and Technical Center Gianna Gioffreda

    West Warwick Senior High School Michael Andruchow Lucas Martins

    William E. Tolman Senior High School Melissa Gomes-Ramos Danicah Xavier

    Woonsocket High School Gabriella Alves David Vega

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 22 May 2025 Note for Media Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 22 May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Health progress despite financial challenges 

    Thursday’s Committee B noted the Results Report 2024, and the financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2024–2025. Member States commended the transparency, and the level of detail provided. At the same time, Member States noted with concern that while some important achievements have been realized, progress is insufficient in reaching the SDG targets. In addition, Member States also advocated for more equitable funding across the Organization. The committee approved decision 78/17 Add.1 and 78/17 Add.2. 

    Delegates welcomed WHO’s Investment Round (IR), which will fund the Organization’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work – 2025–2028 (GPW 14) – its global health strategy for the next four years that has the potential to save 40 million lives if fully funded.  By April 2025, pledges of US$ 1.7 billion had been received. During the Health Assembly at least an additional US $210 million was committed, with further amounts expected. Since the start of the Investment Round, 62 pledges have been made by Member States, with a further 20 pledges by philanthropic organizations. Of the 62 pledgers, 35 had not previously provided voluntary contributions to WHO. 

    The pledges not only assure more sustainable financing but show global solidarity in the face of unprecedented challenges. The committee called for increased efforts to secure predictable, resilient and flexible funding.

    Related Documents:

    •  A78/17 Results report 2024 and financial report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
    • A78/17 Add.1 Draft decision: Results report 2024 (Programme budget 2024–2025: performance assessment) and Financial report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
    • A78/17 Add.2 Draft decision: Partial and temporary suspension of Financial Regulation VIII, 8.2
    • A78/18 Audited Financial Statements for the year ended
    • A78/36 Results report 2024 (Programme budget 2024–2025: performance assessment) and Financial report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024
    • A78/INF./3 Voluntary contributions by fund and by contributor, 2024
    •  A78/19 Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2024–2025
    • A78/20 Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2024–2025: Reporting on operational efficiencies
    • A78/INF./4 Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2024–2025 WHO presence in countries, territories and areas
    • A78/21 Sustainable financing: WHO investment round
    • A78/37 Proposed programme budget 2026–2027 – Sustainable financing: WHO investment round (Report of the Programme, Budget and Administration Committee of the Executive Board to the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly)

    Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response

    On 21–22 May 2025, the World Health Assembly discussed WHO’s work in health emergencies. Over the last year, WHO responded to 51 graded emergencies across 89 countries and territories, including global outbreaks of cholera and mpox – a public health emergency of international concern – as well as multiple humanitarian crises. Working with over 900 partners across 28 health clusters, WHO helped provide health assistance for 72 million people in humanitarian settings. Nearly 60% of new emergencies were climate-related, highlighting the growing health impacts of climate change.

    Member States noted the WHO Director-General’s report on the implementation of the health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience (HEPR) framework. The report outlined progress made in the key areas of collaborative disease surveillance, community protection, safe and scalable care, access to medical countermeasures and emergency coordination, and stressed that insufficient and unpredictable funding poses a significant risk to health systems worldwide.

    Delegates noted the report of the Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee (IOAC) for WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme. The report presents several recommendations to the Director-General aimed at strengthening WHO’s work in emergencies. The chair of the IOAC commended WHO’s leadership – particularly that of Dr Mike Ryan, the outgoing Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme, for his pivotal role and contributions to global health.

    The Director-General also reported on Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR) to the Assembly, a unique process for Member States to assess their health emergency preparedness. UHPR was launched in November 2020 as a voluntary, country-led mechanism, in response to early lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Related documents:  

    • A78/13 WHO’s work in health emergencies
    • A78/12 Health emergencies preparedness and response: The Independent Oversight and Advisory Committee for the WHO Health Emergencies Programme
    • A78/9 Strengthening the global architecture for health emergency prevention, preparedness, response and resilience
    • A78/4 Consolidated report by the Director-General (including UHPR)

    International Health Regulations remain a cornerstone of global health security

    Member States noted the Director-General’s report on progress made in implementing the International Health Regulations (2005), which outline the rights and obligations of countries in managing public health events and emergencies that have the potential to cross borders.

    In 2024, WHO assessed over 1.2 million raw signals related to public health risks, identifying and verifying 429 events with potential or actual international public health implications.

    All countries but one provided their self-assessment report to the Assembly. Numerous joint external evaluations, after- and intra-action reviews, and training were conducted to strengthen preparedness and response capacities. 

    Member States recommended to the Assembly the adoption of a decision for the Director-General to notify Palestine of the International Health Regulations (2005). This is a step prior to Palestine expressing interest in becoming a States Party to the Regulations. This follows the resolution approved during the World Health Assembly last year on aligning the participation of Palestine in WHO with its participation in the United Nations.

    The Assembly also noted the Standing Recommendations issued by the Director-General on COVID-19 (valid until April 2026) and mpox (valid until August 2025).

    At last year’s World Health Assembly, Member States adopted historic amendments to the Regulations, drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. The amendments are expected to come into force in September 2025.

    Related documents:

    • A78/11 Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005)
    • A78/A/CONF./4 Notifying the International Health Regulations (2005) to Palestine
    • Resolution WHA77.15 (2024): Aligning the participation of Palestine in the World Health Organization with its participation in the United Nations
    • A78/INF./6 Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) Extension of the standing recommendations for mpox
    • A78/INF./7 Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) Extension of the standing recommendations for COVID-19

    Member States urge research into public health and social measures to control outbreaks and pandemics

    Member States approved a decision related to public health and social measures, urging the strengthening of the research base on these interventions. Public health and social measures are nonpharmaceutical interventions used to reduce the spread of an infectious disease and lower hospitalizations and death. Examples include screening for diseases, personal hygiene measures and changing the way people gather or travel. These measures played an important role in buying time for countries to develop and distribute treatments, diagnostics and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the evidence base on the effectiveness of these measures remains limited.

    Related documents:

    WHO’s response to health needs in Ukraine and refugee-hosting countries

    Delegates noted the Director-General’s report on the implementation of a resolution on WHO’s response to the health emergency triggered by the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine. In 2024, WHO reached an estimated 4.7 million people with health support in Ukraine and more than 400 000 refugees in neighbouring countries. WHO delivered over US$ 32.5 million worth of medicines, medical equipment and supplies to health facilities across Ukraine, and over US$ 4.9 million worth of supplies and equipment to refugee-hosting countries. Since 24 February 2022, a total of 2254 attacks on health care have been verified, resulting in 710 injuries and 208 deaths.

    Member States voted on related decisions. The draft decision proposed by Ukraine and other countries to continue, among other things, to restore and strengthen Ukraine’s health-care system was approved. Suggested amendments to the draft decision proposed by the Russian Federation and other countries were rejected.

    Related documents:

    • A78/14 Implementation of resolution WHA75.11 (2022) 
    • A78/A/CONF./3 Health emergency in Ukraine and refugee-receiving and -hosting countries, stemming from the Russian Federation’s aggression
    • A78/A/CONF./3 Add.1 Amendments proposed by Belarus, China, Nicaragua and the Russian Federation
    • A78/A/CONF./3 Add.2 Financial and administrative implications for the Secretariat of decisions proposed for adoption by the Health Assembly

    Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem

    Delegates noted the Director-General’s report on the current health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, with the Gaza Strip facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with widespread displacement, destruction and death. The health system has been severely degraded by attacks, critical shortages of medicines, supplies and fuel, and restricted access. The report stated that between 1 January 2024 and 28 February 2025, 376 attacks on health care were reported in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 286 deaths and 591 injuries.

    The health crisis in the West Bank has worsened since January 2025, with escalating violence and stricter restrictions on movement impeding access to health care.

    WHO’s response has focused on providing essential health services, public health surveillance, disease prevention and control, provision of supplies and logistics, and partner coordination. The report stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, unrestricted humanitarian access and protection of health.

    Member States noted the report and commended WHO’s efforts towards the continuity of health services under difficult conditions. Delegates approved an accompanying resolution.

    Related documents:

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 22 May 2025 News release Health system at breaking point as hostilities further intensify in Gaza, WHO warns

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Israel’s intensified military operations continue to threaten an already weakened health system, amidst worsening mass population displacement and acute shortages of food, water, medical supplies, fuel and shelter. 

    Four major hospitals in Gaza (Kamal Adwan Hospital, Indonesia Hospital, Hamad Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetics, and European Gaza Hospital) have had to suspend medical services in the past week due to their proximity to hostilities or evacuation zones, and attacks. WHO has recorded 28 attacks on health care in Gaza during this period and 697 attacks since October 2023.

    Only 19 of Gaza Strip’s 36 hospitals remain operational, including one hospital providing basic care for the remaining patients still inside the hospital, and are struggling under severe supply shortages, lack of health workers, persistent insecurity, and a surge of casualties, all while staff work in impossible conditions. Of the 19 hospitals, 12 provide a variety of health services, while the rest are only able to provide basic emergency care. At least 94% of all hospitals in the Gaza Strip are damaged or destroyed.

    The increased hostilities and new evacuation orders issued across northern and southern Gaza in the past two days threaten to push even more health facilities out of service. This includes 1 hospital, 11 primary care centres, and 13 medical points within the evacuation zones, and an additional 5 hospitals, 1 field hospital, 9 primary care centres, and 23 medical points within 1000 metres of those zones. 

    North Gaza has been stripped of nearly all health care. Al-Awda Hospital is only minimally functional, serving as a trauma stabilization point. It faces an imminent risk of closure due to ongoing insecurity and restricted access. The hospital’s third floor was reportedly attacked on Wednesday, injuring a staff member. Hostilities in the area also damaged the water tank and pipeline. Today, the hospital was attacked again. The third and fourth floors were reportedly hit, injuring two health workers. Patient triage tents, including one provided by WHO, caught fire, which also burned all medical supplies in the warehouse and destroyed vehicles in the basement. A WHO mission attempting to reach the hospital today was impeded.

    The Indonesian Hospital is out of service due to continued military presence since 18 May, making it inaccessible. Yesterday, a WHO mission to the hospital was forced to abort due to the security situation after waiting nearly four hours for clearance to proceed. WHO team had planned to deliver food and water to patients, assess their conditions, and identify critical equipment for transfer. WHO tried to reach the hospital again today, but the mission was impeded.

    Kamal Adwan Hospital, which had the only centre to treat patients with severe acute malnutrition in North Gaza, went out of service on 20 May after intense hostilities in its vicinity, forcing patients to evacuate or be discharged prematurely. 

    In southern Gaza, Nasser Medical Complex, Al-Amal, and Al-Aqsa hospitals are overwhelmed by a surge of injured people, worsened by a new wave of displacement to Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. The European Gaza Hospital remains out of service following an attack on 13 May, cutting off vital services including neurosurgery, cardiac care, and cancer treatment – all unavailable elsewhere in Gaza.

    Currently, across the Gaza Strip, only 2000 hospital beds remain available, for a population of over 2 million people, grossly insufficient to meet the current needs. Of these, at least 40 beds are at risk of being lost as they are in hospitals within newly declared evacuation zones, while an additional 850 could be lost if conditions deteriorate at facilities near these zones.

    Continued hostilities and military presence inhibit patients from accessing care, obstruct staff from providing care, and prevent WHO and partners from resupplying hospitals.

    With each hospital forced out of service, patients lose access to health care, and WHO and partners’ efforts, to sustain Gaza’s health system are undone. The destruction is systematic. Hospitals are rehabilitated and resupplied, only to be exposed to hostilities or attacked again. This destructive cycle must end.

    Amid constant fear and insecurity, health workers, including those from national and international emergency medical teams, continue delivering urgent care in Gaza. WHO salutes their courage and commitment.

    WHO calls for the active protection of health care. Hospitals must never be militarized or targeted.

    WHO calls for aid at scale to be allowed into Gaza through all possible routes, and for unimpeded humanitarian access to reach people wherever they are. Echoing the United Nations’ Relief Chief, WHO reiterates that the UN and its partners have a clear, principled and effective plan to deliver aid with safeguards against diversion, a system that has worked and must be enabled to continue.  

    WHO calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods Announces Recall Due to Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    May 21, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    May 22, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, LL
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Ukrop’s

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Marinated cucumber Salad

    Company Announcement
    Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, LLC, Richmond, VA announced today that it is recalling three of its products in reaction to the Bedner Growers’ recall of cucumbers due to its potential to be contaminated with salmonella.
    Recall Dates:
    Recall Information Regarding Product:

    Item

    Net Weight 

    Package Sell-By Date

    Marinated Cucumber Salad

    16 ounces

    5/11/25 through 5/26/25

    Marinated Cucumber Salad

    36 ounces

    5/11/25 through 5/26/25

    Marinated Cucumber Salad Bulk

    5 lbs.

    5/11/25 through 5/26/25

    No other products produced by Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods are impacted.
    Recalled Products Available at the following Retailers:

    Food Lion Stores in Virginia, North Carolina
    Harris Teeter, Williamsburg, VA
    Kroger Stores in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky
    Libbie Market, Richmond, VA
    Ukrop’s Market Hall, Richmond, VA

    ➢ All retail locations have been notified and are removing the product from the shelves.➢ Consumers who purchased the product should return it to the retailer where purchased for a full refund.➢ For more information: Consumers with questions should contact Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods at 804-340-3050, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
    About Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods (UHF) began in February 2010 upon the sale of Ukrop’s Super Markets’ 27 retail locations and Joe’s Market. Retaining its kitchen and bakery manufacturing facilities and a distribution center, Bobby Ukrop and his son-in-law, Chris Kantner, launched the business by providing prepared foods and baked goods to its former stores (that were acquired by Martin’s which has since been sold). Its foods are delivered to hundreds of supermarkets and retail locations six days a week in the MidAtlantic region and beyond. Its retail customers now include: Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Libbie Market, Publix, The Fresh Market, The Market at 25th Street, and Wegmans. In addition, UHF operates Catering by Ukrop’s and Ukrop’s Market Hall, a retail store offering the “best of” its products. The company employs nearly 400 teammates and gives 10% of its pre-tax profits back to the community as it works to nourish lives by sharing its passion for food and families. www.ukropshomestylefoods.com
    2001 Maywill Street, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230 ukropshomestylefoods.com 804-340-3000
    Link to FDA Outbreak Advisory

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods
    804-340-3050

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    05/22/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Treasury announce move to strengthen healthcare price transparency

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Treasury announce move to strengthen healthcare price transparency
    Trump administration issues request for information, guidance to expand access to real prices 

    The departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury took action today to advance President Trump’s directive to ensure Americans have clear, accurate, and actionable information about healthcare prices. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than $37 Million for Local Water Infrastructure Projects

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors approved over $37 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. The Board’s approval authorizes municipal access to low-cost financing and previously announced grants to get shovels in the ground for critical water and sewer infrastructure projects, from treatment processes to remove emerging contaminants from drinking water, to replacing lead service lines and modernizing aging systems. These investments protect public health and make projects more affordable, reducing the need for higher rate increases to fund improvements, while also creating good-paying jobs.

    “This is how you lead: invest boldly, move fast and protect your people,” Governor Hochul said. “This $37 million investment jumpstarts critical projects to fix aging pipes, tackle emerging contaminants, and upgrade infrastructure, all while keeping costs down for communities and creating good-paying local jobs.”

    EFC’s Board approved grants and financings to local governments from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds – a mix of federal and state dollars dedicated to financing community water infrastructure projects. State Revolving Fund interest rates are below market rate, and with long repayment periods, communities may save significantly on debt service compared to traditional financing.

    Today’s funding includes the first grant awarded through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to investigate emerging contaminants. The Board approved a $1.3 million grant to the Town of Hurley in the Hudson Valley for site investigations and preparation of an engineering study to address groundwater contamination caused by emerging contaminants at the town’s closed landfill. EFC has awarded $474 million in grants to remove PFAS from drinking water across the State, and the funding awarded today reflects the State’s comprehensive approach to remediating contamination, starting at the source.

    The Board also approved executing previously awarded state grants from the Water Infrastructure Improvement and the Lead Infrastructure Forgiveness and Transformation programs. EFC Board approval is a critical step in the funding process and will allow communities to access these funds for project implementation. Leveraging federal funding with state investments maximizes the impact of each dollar spent, empowering local communities to make critical system improvements they need to keep their residents safe and ensuring cost is not a barrier for project implementation.

    Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Governor Hochul recognizes that affordability isn’t just about rent or groceries or the cost of childcare — it’s also about whether a family can afford safe water. With another $500 million allocated to clean water in the Enacted Budget, New York State has invested $6 billion in clean water infrastructure since 2017. Investing in clean water protects families from environmental risks — without forcing those same families to take on crippling debt.”

    Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “DEC is committed to helping clean up contamination in communities statewide, including addressing PFAS and emerging contaminants in communities like Hurley. The investments announced today by our partners at EFC help ensure communities have the resources to address aging infrastructure and emerging contaminants, improving water quality across the state. All New Yorkers deserve access to clean water, and under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to make record investments to protect our natural resources and advance infrastructure projects that are critical to the health and safety of New Yorkers, the environment, and local economies.”

    State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul continues to uphold her commitment to safe drinking water for all New Yorkers, and this latest round of funding means critical infrastructure projects will be affordable to municipalities looking to protect their communities without breaking the bank. Through our Bureau of Water Supply Protection, the Department of Health will continue to work with our state and local partners to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers by providing technical assistance and monitoring for emerging contaminants, lead and other chemicals.”

    Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Governor Hochul’s continued support will help create stronger and resilient projects to build healthier communities across the state. This $37 million investment will offer access to resources to safeguard drinking water, create jobs and enhance the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”

    Senator Charles Schumer said, “Clean drinking water and modern water-sewer systems are fundamental to economic growth and public health. These major federal investments will ensure families from Massena to Port Washington have safe drinking water and our beautiful waterways stay clean, all while creating new good paying jobs, jobs, jobs. I am proud to deliver millions in federal funding from our bipartisan Infrastructure, Investment & Jobs law and am grateful for Governor Hochul’s partnership in the fight to turn the tide on our state’s aging water infrastructure to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Clean water accessibility and aging infrastructure are escalating challenges — but with investments like this one, we can lead the way toward sustainable, forward-thinking solutions while helping consumers keep costs down. This $37 million investment will help New York revitalize its aging water infrastructure, guard against environmental hazards, and strengthen resilience in the face of a changing climate. I’m proud to see federal dollars being used for these projects, and I will continue fighting for investments in New York’s infrastructure.”

    Representative Pat Ryan said, “The freedom to drink clean water is fundamentally American – I’m proud to have fought for this federal funding to address contaminated water across the region. Every Hudson Valley family deserves to be certain that the water coming out of the faucet is safe to drink – I’ll keep pushing relentlessly alongside my partners at every level of government to get it done.”

    Representative Tom Suozzi said, “The Governor and the state are effectively delivering essential funds to New York’s local water providers from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped negotiate as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The Port Washington project is a crucial investment that will enhance and protect our water infrastructure for future generations while reducing the financial burden on our local taxpayers. I will continue to work with the state to try and bring vital federal resources back to New York.”

    Representative Josh Riley said, “Working alongside our state partners, we’ve secured $1.3 million for Hurley to address groundwater contamination at their closed landfill and $1.4 million for Athens to upgrade their surface water treatment plant. I’ll continue fighting to deliver critical resources and investments for communities across Upstate New York.”

    Funding was approved for projects in the following regions:

    Capital Region

    • Village of Athens – $1.4 million grant and financing package for upgrades to the surface water treatment plant.

    Finger Lakes

    • Town of Darien – $4 million grant and low-cost financing package for the design and construction of a new drinking water pump station and force main.

    Long Island

    • Port Washington Water District – $5 million grant for the construction of a granular activated carbon treatment system for the removal of PFOA and PFOS from existing Well No. 6.

    Mid-Hudson

    • Town of Hurley – $1.3 million grant for engineering site investigations and preparation of a remedial investigation/feasibility study to address groundwater contamination caused by emerging contaminants at the town’s closed landfill.
    • City of Peekskill – $3 million state grant for the replacement of approximately 5,250 linear feet of drinking water main and replacement of an existing structurally deficient storage tank with a new 400,000-gallon tank.
    • Village of Red Hook – $915,028 low-cost financing for the decommissioning of Well No. 4, replacement of approximately 2,400 linear feet of existing water main, hydrants, and lead service connections on Graves and Cherry Street, rehabilitation of the interior of the existing 225,000-gallon water tower located at the end of Tower Street, and replacement of the control system at the water treatment plant.
    • Village of Warwick – $1.1 million grant and interest-free financing package for exploratory work required to create a drinking water service line material inventory, with an emphasis on locating lead or galvanized pipe.

    Mohawk Valley

    • Village of Otego – $3.9 million in grants for the installation of a redundant production well, replacement of asbestos-lined pipe and exposed water main, relocation of a well house treatment building to a higher elevation, replacement of a booster pump station, and the installation of a tank mixer.

    North Country

    • Town of Black Brook and Town of Jay– Financing to each town for the planning, design and construction of improvements to the Au Sable Forks wastewater treatment facility. It’s jointly owned and both municipalities are financing their share.
      • $525,413 in interest-free financing to the Town of Black Brook.
      • $788,120 in low-cost financing to the Town of Jay.
    • Village of Constableville – $588,280 in low-cost financing for the planning, design, and construction of wastewater treatment plant improvements.
    • Town of Massena – $8 million grant and interest-free financing package for the installation of approximately 31,000 linear feet of drinking water main and associated appurtenances to serve the new South Raquette Water District.

    Southern Tier

    • Village of Millport – $1.3 million grant and low-cost financing package for the development of a second groundwater supply well, the addition of chlorine gas detectors to the well house, and the addition of standby emergency backup power for the wells and well house.

    Western New York

    • Village of Bolivar – $5.7 million grant and interest-free financing for design and construction of wastewater treatment facility upgrades.

    Refinancing Completed Projects Will Achieve Long-Term Debt Service Savings in New York City
    The Board also took action to help ensure continued, long-term affordability of existing drinking water and sewer projects in New York City. The Board approved a $728 million proposed bond sale for refinancing various drinking water and sewer projects and refunding certain prior bonds. Refundings are part of EFC’s proactive financial management to ensure projects remain cost-effective over the life of the financing and reduce debt service payments. Based on current market conditions, this bond sale is projected to save City ratepayers an estimated $172 million in interest payments over the life of the financings.

    New York’s Commitment to Water Quality
    New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC’s investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.

    MIL OSI USA News –