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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI is giving a boost to efforts to monitor health via radar

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Chandler Bauder, Electronics Engineer, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

    AI-powered radar could enable contactless health monitoring in the home. Chandler Bauder

    If you wanted to check someone’s pulse from across the room, for example to remotely monitor an elderly relative, how could you do it? You might think it’s impossible, because common health-monitoring devices such as fingertip pulse oximeters and smartwatches have to be in contact with the body.

    However, researchers are developing technologies that can monitor a person’s vital signs at a distance. One of those technologies is radar.

    We are electrical engineers who study radar systems. We have combined advances in radar technology and artificial intelligence to reliably monitor breathing and heart rate without contacting the body.

    Noncontact health monitoring has the potential to be more comfortable and easier to use than traditional methods, particularly for people looking to monitor their vital signs at home.

    How radar works

    Radar is commonly known for measuring the speed of cars, making weather forecasts and detecting obstacles at sea and in the air. It works by sending out electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light, waiting for them to bounce off objects in their path, and sensing them when they return to the device.

    Radar can tell how far away things are, how fast they’re moving, and even their shape by analyzing the properties of the reflected waves.

    Radar can also be used to monitor vital signs such as breathing and heart rate. Each breath or heartbeat causes your chest to move ever so slightly – movement that’s hard for people to see or feel. However, today’s radars are sensitive enough to detect these tiny movements, even from across a room.

    Advantages of radar

    There are other technologies that can be used to measure health remotely. Camera-based techniques can use infrared light to monitor changes in the surface of the skin in the same manner as pulse oximeters, revealing information about your heart’s activity. Computer vision systems can also monitor breathing and other activities, such as sleep, and they can detect when someone falls.

    However, cameras often fail in cases where the body is obstructed by blankets or clothes, or when lighting is inadequate. There are also concerns that different skin tones reflect infrared light differently, causing inaccurate readings for people with darker skin. Additionally, depending on high-resolution cameras for long-term health monitoring brings up serious concerns about patient privacy.

    Radar sees the world in terms of how strongly objects in its view reflect the transmitted signals. The resolution of images it can generate are much lower than images cameras produce.
    Chandler Bauder

    Radar, on the other hand, solves many of these problems. The wavelengths of the transmitted waves are much longer than those of visible or infrared light, allowing the waves to pass through blankets, clothing and even walls. The measurements aren’t affected by lighting or skin tone, making them more reliable in different conditions.

    Radar imagery is also extremely low resolution – think old Game Boy graphics versus a modern 4K TV – so it doesn’t capture enough detail to be used to identify someone, but it can still monitor important activities. While it does project energy, the amount does not pose a health hazard. The health-monitoring radars operate at frequencies and power levels similar to the phone in your pocket.

    Radar + AI

    Radar is powerful, but it has a big challenge: It picks up everything that moves. Since it can detect tiny chest movements from the heart beating, it also picks up larger movements from the head, limbs or other people nearby. This makes it difficult for traditional processing techniques to extract vital signs clearly.

    To address this problem we created a kind of “brain” to make the radar smarter. This brain, which we named mm-MuRe, is a neural network – a type of artificial intelligence – that learns directly from raw radar signals and estimates chest movements. This approach is called end-to-end learning. It means that, unlike other radar plus AI techniques, the network figures out on its own how to ignore the noise and focus only on the important signals.

    In our study, we used AI to transform raw, unprocessed radar signals into vital signs waveforms of one or two people.
    Chandler Bauder

    We found that this AI enhancement not only gives more accurate results, it also works faster than traditional methods. It handles multiple people at once, for example an elderly couple, and adapts to new situations, even those it didn’t see during training – such as when people are sitting at different heights, riding in a car or standing close together.

    Implications for health care

    Reliable remote health monitoring using radar and AI could be a major boon for health care. With no need to touch the patient’s skin, risks of rashes, contamination and discomfort could be greatly reduced. It’s especially helpful in long-term care, where reducing wires and devices can make life significantly easier for patients and caregivers.

    Imagine a nursing home where radar quietly watches over residents, alerting caregivers immediately if someone has breathing trouble, falls or needs help. It can be implemented as a home system that checks your breathing while you sleep – no wearables required. Doctors could even use radar to remotely monitor patients recovering from surgery or illness.

    This technology is moving quickly toward real-world use. In the future, checking your health could be as simple as walking into a room, with invisible waves and smart AI working silently to take your vital signs.

    Chandler Bauder receives funding from the NSF.

    Aly Fathy receives funding from NSF and work for university of Tennessee

    – ref. AI is giving a boost to efforts to monitor health via radar – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-giving-a-boost-to-efforts-to-monitor-health-via-radar-253325

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Strengthens Humanitarian Lifeline for Displaced and Deported in Haitian Border Towns

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Port-au-Prince, 30 April 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is urgently scaling up its humanitarian response in the border towns of Belladère and Ouanaminthe amid a sharp rise in deportations by land, with about 20,000 vulnerable Haitians returned in April — the highest monthly figure recorded this year.

    “The situation in Haiti is becoming increasingly dire. Each day, deportations and gang violence worsen an already fragile situation,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Support from donors and the international community has helped strengthen the humanitarian lifeline, but far more is needed, as the number of vulnerable people continues to grow.”

    Especially alarming is marked increase in the number of highly vulnerable people – including women, children, and newborns – being forcibly returned. At the Belladère and Ouanaminthe border crossings, IOM, in collaboration with the National Office for Migration (ONM) and other state agencies, has been helping an average of 15 pregnant women and 15 lactating mothers per day just since 22 April. In total, 3,500 deportees have received help since 22 April.

    These deportations coincide with a separate humanitarian emergency in the Centre department. Gang violence that erupted in late March in Mirebalais and Saut d’Eau has displaced more than 51,000 people, according to the latest IOM displacement tracking data. Most have sought refuge with host families, while more than 12,500 are sheltering in 95 newly established spontaneous displacement sites, with limited access to basic services. In Belladère alone, over 4,000 displaced people found refuge.

    Gang control over Mirebalais has effectively severed Belladère from the rest of the country, blocking safe access for humanitarian staff, medical supplies, and aid. This isolation is compounding already dire conditions for deportees and displaced populations alike, who remain unable to reach their hometowns. Basic items, including food, water, and medical supplies, are running low.

    “This is a compounded crisis spreading beyond the capital, with cross-border expulsions and internal displacement converging in places like Belladère,” said Grégoire Goodstein, IOM Chief of Mission in Haiti. “Delivering assistance is becoming increasingly difficult as humanitarian actors find themselves trapped alongside the very people they are trying to help.”

    IOM, in coordination with the General Directorate for Civil Protection (DGPC) is responding with expanded life-saving support. This includes the provision of safe drinking water, and hygiene kits tailored to women’s and children’s needs. First aid, medical referrals, and psychosocial support are being made available for the most vulnerable. Temporary shelter arrangements have also been established, such as hotel accommodation for lactating mothers. Furthermore, IOM is closely coordinating with ONM and the Ministry of Public Health to ensure newborns and mothers receive immediate health support and vaccination. 

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sewage sampling clarified

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Health’s (DH) Centre for Health Protection (CHP) said today adjusting the number of sampling sites under the Territory-wide Sewage Surveillance Programme does not affect the effectiveness of surveillance.

    Responding to a media report that claimed the current number of sampling sites has been substantially reduced under the programme, the CHP clarified and emphasised that the decision to adjust the number of sampling sites was made to align with the programme’s latest objectives and was based on scientific analysis, with a view to enhancing cost-effectiveness while ensuring that the effectiveness in monitoring the activity level of COVID-19 in Hong Kong would not be compromised.

    It pointed out that with the resumption of normalcy, COVID-19 has been managed as a general respiratory disease and the objective of sewage surveillance has shifted from source tracing to routine surveillance of virus activity in the community.

    The CHP used simulation models to analyse different combinations of sampling sites to optimise the programme while maintaining the effectiveness of the surveillance.

    Results showed that by changing the number of sampling sites from three to 14 per district to one per district located further downstream which covered the largest population, the trend of the sewage viral load data and the relevant clinical surveillance indicators were highly correlated.

    The CHP further explained that the optimised strategy, implemented since April 2024, continues to monitor the activity of COVID-19 effectively, while significantly reducing operating costs by nearly 80%.

    Surveillance results and analyses will be disseminated weekly through “COVID-19 & Flu Express” for public information, it added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Red River Bancshares, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALEXANDRIA, La., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red River Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: RRBI), the holding company for Red River Bank (the “Bank”), announced today its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2025.

    Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $10.4 million, or $1.52 per diluted common share (“EPS”), an increase of $1.0 million, or 11.2%, compared to $9.3 million, or $1.37 EPS, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and an increase of $2.2 million, or 26.4%, compared to $8.2 million, or $1.16 EPS, for the first quarter of 2024. For the first quarter of 2025, the quarterly return on assets was 1.32%, and the quarterly return on equity was 12.85%.

    First Quarter 2025 Performance and Operational Highlights

    The Company had solid financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The net interest margin, net interest income, and net income increased. The balance sheet reflects good loan growth, while deposits and assets had slight increases. We increased the quarterly cash dividend paid to shareholders by 33.3% to $0.12 per share for the first quarter of 2025. Also, in the first quarter, we completed significant upgrades to our digital banking systems.

    • Net income for the first quarter of 2025 was $10.4 million, which was $1.0 million, or 11.2%, higher than the prior quarter. Net income for the first quarter increased due to having higher net interest income, along with approximately $620,000 of periodic items that reduced operating expenses. These operating expense reductions benefited EPS by approximately $0.07.
    • Net interest income and net interest margin FTE increased for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the prior quarter. Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $24.6 million, which was $923,000, or 3.9%, higher than the prior quarter. Net interest margin FTE increased 13 basis points (“bp(s)”) to 3.22% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.09% for the prior quarter. These improvements resulted from higher securities yields and lower deposit rates.
    • As of March 31, 2025, assets were $3.19 billion, which was $36.8 million, or 1.2%, higher than December 31, 2024. The increase was mainly due to a $20.6 million increase in deposits.
    • Deposits totaled $2.83 billion as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $20.6 million, or 0.7%, compared to $2.81 billion as of December 31, 2024. This increase was mainly due to higher balances in consumer and commercial customer deposit accounts, partially offset by the seasonal outflow of funds from public entity customers.
    • As of March 31, 2025, loans held for investment (“HFI”) were $2.11 billion, which was $39.7 million, or 1.9%, higher than $2.08 billion as of December 31, 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, we had steady new loan closing activity, combined with funding of loan construction commitments.
    • As of March 31, 2025, total securities were $699.5 million, which was $14.7 million, or 2.1%, higher than December 31, 2024. Securities increased mainly due to the purchase of new securities, combined with a smaller net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale (“AFS”).
    • As of March 31, 2025, liquid assets, which are cash and cash equivalents, were $252.2 million, and the liquid assets to assets ratio was 7.91%. We do not have any borrowings, brokered deposits, or internet-sourced deposits.
    • The provision for credit losses was $450,000 for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $300,000 for the prior quarter. The $150,000 increase was due to loan growth and uncertainty regarding tariffs and trade.
    • As of March 31, 2025, nonperforming assets (“NPA(s)”) were $5.2 million, or 0.16% of assets, and the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) was $21.8 million, or 1.03% of loans HFI.
    • In the first quarter of 2025, the quarterly cash dividend increased by 33.3% to $0.12 per common share, up from $0.09 per common share for each quarter in 2024.
    • The 2025 stock repurchase program authorizes us to purchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2025, the 2025 stock repurchase program had $5.0 million of available capacity.
    • In the first quarter of 2025, Red River Bank’s online, mobile banking, and bill payment systems were upgraded in order to improve our digital services for all customers.
    • In the first quarter of 2025, S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked the Bank 14th of the top 50 best deposit franchises in 2024 for banks with assets between $3.0 and $10.0 billion.
    • On March 14, 2025, our board of directors and executive management had the privilege of ringing the closing bell at the Nasdaq Market Site in New York to commemorate being a public company for 6 years.

    Blake Chatelain, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased with the financial results for the first quarter of 2025. We produced solid net interest margin improvement, higher net income, and positive, relationship-based core loan growth. As a result of consistent earnings, strong capital levels, and confidence in our consistent and conservative banking culture, the board of directors approved a 33.3% increase to the quarterly cash dividend for the first quarter of 2025 to $0.12 per share.

    “We continue to be very focused on net interest margin improvement and managing our cost of deposits, while also focusing on redeploying assets into higher yielding assets. In the first quarter of 2025, our net interest margin FTE increased by 13 bps, net interest income increased by 3.9%, and net income increased by 11.2%.

    “We remain pleased with the level of our customer banking activity across Louisiana. We are focused on adding experienced relationship bankers and growing our presence in our newer markets. Recently there has been expanded emphasis and renewed efforts on economic development in Louisiana. This has resulted in various new and significant corporate expansion announcements for new projects throughout the state. Overall, as of March 31, 2025, our customers seem optimistic about economic activity and growth.

    “Despite this optimism, as result of the April 2, 2025 announcements and changes to the United States tariff policy, we are assessing the possible impact to our customers and the Company. These changes have injected new uncertainty into the economic environment and could result in a slowdown in activity, higher inflation, and a loss of consumer confidence. We are monitoring this situation with our customers as these events unfold. We are hopeful that these policies will be settled quickly and with minimal, negative impact.

    “Since the Company was founded in 1998, we have focused on having a consistent, conservative, and prudent banking philosophy and strategy. We remain focused on these principles, while also striving daily to build customer relationships, expand market share, and create value for our shareholders.”

    Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin FTE

    Net interest income and net interest margin FTE increased in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the prior quarter. These measures were both primarily impacted by improved yields on securities and lower deposit rates. The Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) decreased the federal funds rate by 50 bps in September of 2024, and by an additional 50 bps during the fourth quarter of 2024, and then kept the federal funds rate consistent in the first quarter of 2025.

    Net interest income for the first quarter of 2025 was $24.6 million, which was $923,000, or 3.9%, higher than the fourth quarter of 2024, due to a $178,000 increase in interest and dividend income, combined with a $745,000 decrease in interest expense. The increase in interest and dividend income was mainly due to higher interest income on securities. Securities income increased $233,000, primarily due to reinvesting lower yielding securities cash flows into higher yielding securities. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower rates on time deposits.

    The net interest margin FTE increased 13 bps to 3.22% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 3.09% for the prior quarter. This increase was due to improved yields on securities and loans, combined with lower deposit costs. The yield on securities increased 11 bps, primarily due to reinvesting lower yielding securities cash flows into higher yielding securities. The yield on loans increased 7 bps due to higher rates on new and renewed loans compared to the existing portfolio yield. The average rate on new and renewed loans was 7.02% for the first quarter of 2025 and 7.25% for the prior quarter. The cost of deposits decreased 10 bps to 1.61% for the first quarter of 2025, compared to 1.71% for the previous quarter, mainly due to lowering selected time deposit rates. As a result of this change, there was a 37 bp decrease on time deposits during the first quarter.

    The FOMC kept the federal funds rate consistent in the first quarter of 2025, with the target federal funds range remaining at 4.25%-4.50%. The market’s expectation is that the FOMC may lower the target range of the federal funds rate several times in 2025. During the remainder of 2025, we anticipate receiving approximately $80.0 million in securities cash flows with an average yield of 3.28%, and we project approximately $162.2 million of fixed rate loans will mature with an average yield of 6.15%. We expect to redeploy these balances into slightly higher yielding assets. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2025, we expect $253.6 million of time deposits to mature with an average rate of 4.06%, which we anticipate repricing into slightly lower cost deposits. As of March 31, 2025, floating rate loans were 17.6% of loans HFI, and floating rate transaction deposits were 8.7% of interest-bearing transaction deposits. Depending on balance sheet activity, the movement in interest rates, and the economic outlook, we expect the net interest income and net interest margin FTE to remain fairly consistent for the remainder of 2025.

    Provision for Credit Losses

    The provision for credit losses for the first quarter of 2025 was $450,000 for loans, which was $150,000 higher than the provision for credit losses of $300,000 for the prior quarter. The increase in the first quarter of 2025 was related to loan growth in the quarter, combined with uncertainty regarding tariffs and trade. The provision in the fourth quarter of 2024, which included $200,000 for loans and $100,000 for unfunded loans commitments, was due to potential economic challenges resulting from the recent inflationary environment, changing monetary policy, and loan growth. We will continue to evaluate future provision needs in relation to current economic situations, loan growth, trends in asset quality, forecasted information, and other conditions influencing loss expectations.

    Noninterest Income

    Noninterest income totaled $5.3 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $277,000, or 5.5%, compared to $5.0 million for the previous quarter. The increase was mainly due to higher brokerage income and a gain on equity securities, partially offset by lower mortgage loan income and Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) income.

    Brokerage income was $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $401,000, or 43.4%, compared to $924,000 for the previous quarter. The higher income in the first quarter of 2025 was due to increased investing activity by clients. Assets under management were $1.14 billion as of March 31, 2025.

    Equity securities are an investment in a Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) mutual fund consisting primarily of bonds. The gain or loss on equity securities is a fair value adjustment primarily driven by changes in the interest rate environment. Due to the fluctuations in market rates between quarters, equity securities had a gain of $44,000 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a loss of $91,000 for the previous quarter.

    Mortgage loan income totaled $530,000 for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $122,000, or 18.7%, compared to $652,000 for the previous quarter due to decreased purchase activity.

    SBIC income was $280,000 for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $66,000, or 19.1%, compared to $346,000 for the previous quarter. This decrease was primarily due to lower normal income received from these partnerships. We expect SBIC income to be lower in future quarters due to fund value fluctuations.

    Operating Expenses

    Operating expenses totaled $16.6 million for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $252,000, or 1.5%, compared to $16.8 million for the previous quarter. The decrease was mainly due to lower data processing expense and loan and deposit expense, partially offset by higher personnel expense.

    Data processing expense totaled $288,000 for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $393,000, or 57.7%, compared to $681,000 for the previous quarter. The decrease was attributable to receipt of a $447,000 periodic refund from our data processing center in the first quarter of 2025. This decrease was partially offset by new expenses and $14,000 of nonrecurring implementation fees related to online, mobile banking, and bill payment systems implemented in the first quarter of 2025.

    Loan and deposit expenses totaled $62,000 for the first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $272,000, or 81.4%, compared to $334,000 for the previous quarter. This decrease was primarily attributable to receipt of a $173,000 negotiated, variable rebate from a vendor in the first quarter of 2025.

    Personnel expenses totaled $10.0 million for the first quarter of 2025, an increase of $254,000, or 2.6%, compared to the previous quarter. This increase was primarily due to an increase in head count, restarting of payroll tax expense, and increased revenue-based commission compensation. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had 375 and 369 total employees, respectively.

    Asset Overview

    As of March 31, 2025, assets were $3.19 billion, compared to assets of $3.15 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $36.8 million, or 1.2%. In the first quarter, assets were mainly impacted by a $20.6 million, or 0.7%, increase in deposits. In the first quarter of 2024, liquid assets decreased $16.8 million, or 6.3%, to $252.2 million and averaged $275.9 million for the first quarter. As of March 31, 2025, we had sufficient liquid assets available and $1.66 billion accessible from other liquidity sources. The liquid assets to assets ratio was 7.91% as of March 31, 2025. Total securities increased $14.7 million, or 2.1%, to $699.5 million in the first quarter and were 22.0% of assets as of March 31, 2025. During the first quarter, loans HFI increased $39.7 million, or 1.9%, to $2.11 billion. The loans HFI to deposits ratio was 74.84% as of March 31, 2025, compared to 73.97% as of December 31, 2024.

    Securities

    Total securities as of March 31, 2025, were $699.5 million, an increase of $14.7 million, or 2.1%, from December 31, 2024. Securities increased mainly due to the purchase of new securities, combined with a smaller net unrealized loss on securities AFS.

    The estimated fair value of securities AFS totaled $566.9 million, net of $58.7 million of unrealized loss, as of March 31, 2025, compared to $550.1 million, net of $63.2 million of unrealized loss, as of December 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the amortized cost of securities held-to-maturity (“HTM”) totaled $129.7 million compared to $131.8 million as of December 31, 2024. As of March 31, 2025, securities HTM had an unrealized loss of $21.8 million compared to $22.8 million as of December 31, 2024.

    As of March 31, 2025, equity securities, which is an investment in a CRA mutual fund consisting primarily of bonds, totaled $3.0 million compared to $2.9 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Loans

    Loans HFI as of March 31, 2025, were $2.11 billion, an increase of $39.7 million, or 1.9%, from $2.08 billion as of December 31, 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, we had steady new loan closing activity, combined with funding of loan construction commitments.

    Loans HFI by Category
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   Change from
    December 31, 2024 to
    March 31, 2025
    (dollars in thousands) Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   $ Change   % Change
    Real estate:                      
    Commercial real estate $ 892,205   42.2 %   $ 884,641   42.6 %   $ 7,564     0.9 %
    One-to-four family residential   617,679   29.2 %     614,551   29.6 %     3,128     0.5 %
    Construction and development   175,575   8.3 %     155,229   7.5 %     20,346     13.1 %
    Commercial and industrial   339,115   16.0 %     327,086   15.8 %     12,029     3.7 %
    Tax-exempt   61,722   2.9 %     64,930   3.1 %     (3,208 )   (4.9 %)
    Consumer   28,446   1.4 %     28,576   1.4 %     (130 )   (0.5 %)
    Total loans HFI $ 2,114,742   100.0 %   $ 2,075,013   100.0 %   $ 39,729     1.9 %

    Commercial real estate (“CRE”) loans are collateralized by owner occupied and non-owner occupied properties mainly in Louisiana. Non-owner occupied office loans were $54.2 million, or 2.6% of loans HFI, as of March 31, 2025, and are primarily centered in low-rise suburban areas. The average CRE loan size was $970,000 as of March 31, 2025.

    Health care loans are our largest industry concentration and are made up of a diversified portfolio of health care providers. As of March 31, 2025, total health care loans were 8.0% of loans HFI. Within the health care sector, loans to nursing and residential care facilities were 4.2% of loans HFI, and loans to physician and dental practices were 3.4% of loans HFI. The average health care loan size was $370,000 as of March 31, 2025.

    Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses

    NPAs totaled $5.2 million as of March 31, 2025, an increase of $1.9 million, or 58.6%, from December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to a past due loan, partially offset by payoffs and charge-offs of nonaccrual loans. As of early April 2025, the past due loan was brought current by the customer, and NPAs were further reduced by receiving principal payments on two legacy nonaccrual loans. The ratio of NPAs to assets was 0.16% and 0.10% as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

    As of March 31, 2025, the ACL was $21.8 million. The ratio of ACL to loans HFI was 1.03% as of March 31, 2025 and 1.05% as of December 31, 2024. The net charge-offs to average loans ratio was 0.02% for the first quarter of 2025 and 0.01% for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    Deposits

    As of March 31, 2025, deposits were $2.83 billion, an increase of $20.6 million, or 0.7%, compared to December 31, 2024. Average deposits for the first quarter of 2025 were $2.82 billion, an increase of $36.2 million, or 1.3%, from the prior quarter. The following tables provide details on our deposit portfolio:

    Deposits by Account Type
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   Change from
    December 31, 2024 to
    March 31, 2025
    (dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   $ Change   % Change
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits $ 906,540   32.1 %   $ 866,496   30.9 %   $ 40,044     4.6 %
    Interest-bearing deposits:                      
    Interest-bearing demand deposits   147,343   5.2 %     154,720   5.5 %     (7,377 )   (4.8 %)
    NOW accounts   432,054   15.3 %     467,118   16.7 %     (35,064 )   (7.5 %)
    Money market accounts   569,613   20.2 %     556,769   19.8 %     12,844     2.3 %
    Savings accounts   175,239   6.2 %     169,894   6.1 %     5,345     3.1 %
    Time deposits less than or equal to $250,000   403,354   14.2 %     403,096   14.3 %     258     0.1 %
    Time deposits greater than $250,000   191,533   6.8 %     187,013   6.7 %     4,520     2.4 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,919,136   67.9 %     1,938,610   69.1 %     (19,474 )   (1.0 %)
    Total deposits $ 2,825,676   100.0 %   $ 2,805,106   100.0 %   $ 20,570     0.7 %
    Deposits by Customer Type
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024   Change from
    December 31, 2024 to
    March 31, 2025
    (dollars in thousands) Balance   % of Total   Balance   % of Total   $ Change   % Change
    Consumer $ 1,388,944   49.1 %   $ 1,362,740   48.6 %   $ 26,204     1.9 %
    Commercial   1,200,367   42.5 %     1,178,488   42.0 %     21,879     1.9 %
    Public   236,365   8.4 %     263,878   9.4 %     (27,513 )   (10.4 %)
    Total deposits $ 2,825,676   100.0 %   $ 2,805,106   100.0 %   $ 20,570     0.7 %

    The increase in deposits in the first quarter of 2025 was mainly due to higher balances in consumer and commercial customer deposit accounts, partially offset by the seasonal outflow of funds from public entity customers.

    The Bank has a granular, diverse deposit portfolio with customers in a variety of industries throughout Louisiana. As of March 31, 2025, the average deposit account size was approximately $28,000.

    As of March 31, 2025, our estimated uninsured deposits, which are the portion of deposit accounts that exceed the FDIC insurance limit (currently $250,000), were approximately $875.2 million, or 31.0% of total deposits. This amount was estimated based on the same methodologies and assumptions used for regulatory reporting purposes. Also, as of March 31, 2025, our estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public entity deposits, were approximately $689.6 million, or 24.4% of total deposits. Our cash and cash equivalents of $252.2 million, combined with our available borrowing capacity of $1.66 billion, equaled 218.4% of our estimated uninsured deposits and 277.1% of our estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public entity deposits.

    Stockholders’ Equity

    Total stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025, was $333.3 million compared to $319.7 million as of December 31, 2024. The $13.6 million, or 4.2%, increase in stockholders’ equity during the first quarter of 2025 was attributable to $10.4 million of net income, a $3.9 million, net of tax, market adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss related to securities, and $149,000 of stock compensation, partially offset by $813,000 in cash dividends related to a $0.12 per share cash dividend that we paid on March 20, 2025.

    Non-GAAP Disclosure

    Our accounting and reporting policies conform to United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. Certain financial measures used by management to evaluate our operating performance are discussed as supplemental non-GAAP performance measures. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP as in effect from time to time in the U.S.

    Management and the board of directors review tangible book value per share, tangible common equity to tangible assets, and realized book value per share as part of managing operating performance. However, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable or other financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner we calculate the non-GAAP financial measures that are discussed may differ from that of other companies’ reporting measures with similar names. It is important to understand how such other banking organizations calculate and name their financial measures similar to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed by us when comparing such non-GAAP financial measures.

    A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures is included within the following financial statement tables.

    About Red River Bancshares, Inc.

    Red River Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company for Red River Bank, a Louisiana state-chartered bank established in 1999 that provides a fully integrated suite of banking products and services tailored to the needs of our commercial and retail customers. Red River Bank operates from a network of 28 banking centers throughout Louisiana and one combined loan and deposit production office in New Orleans, Louisiana. Banking centers are located in the following Louisiana markets: Central, which includes the Alexandria metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”); Northwest, which includes the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA; Capital, which includes the Baton Rouge MSA; Southwest, which includes the Lake Charles MSA; the Northshore, which includes Covington; Acadiana, which includes the Lafayette MSA; and New Orleans.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Statements in this news release regarding our expectations and beliefs about our future financial performance and financial condition, as well as trends in our business, interest rates, and markets, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on current information and on assumptions that we make about future events and circumstances that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond our control. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, our actual financial results in the future could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and could cause us to make changes to our future plans. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business and future financial performance are subject is contained in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and in other documents that we file with the SEC from time to time. In addition, our actual financial results in the future may differ from those currently expected due to additional risks and uncertainties of which we are not currently aware or which we do not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to our business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release or to make predictions based solely on historical financial performance. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements, express or implied, included in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

    Contact:
    Isabel V. Carriere, CPA, CGMA
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Assistant Corporate Secretary
    318-561-4023
    icarriere@redriverbank.net

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
     
        As of and for the
    Three Months Ended
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data)   March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Net Income   $ 10,352     $ 9,306     $ 8,188  
                 
    Per Common Share Data:            
    Earnings per share, basic   $ 1.53     $ 1.37     $ 1.16  
    Earnings per share, diluted   $ 1.52     $ 1.37     $ 1.16  
    Book value per share   $ 49.18     $ 47.18     $ 43.43  
    Tangible book value per share (1)   $ 48.95     $ 46.95     $ 43.20  
    Realized book value per share (1)   $ 57.49     $ 56.07     $ 52.52  
    Cash dividends per share   $ 0.12     $ 0.09     $ 0.09  
    Shares outstanding     6,777,657       6,777,238       6,892,448  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, basic     6,777,332       6,797,469       7,050,048  
    Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted     6,796,707       6,816,299       7,066,709  
                 
    Summary Performance Ratios:            
    Return on average assets     1.32 %     1.18 %     1.07 %
    Return on average equity     12.85 %     11.46 %     10.77 %
    Net interest margin     3.17 %     3.04 %     2.80 %
    Net interest margin FTE     3.22 %     3.09 %     2.83 %
    Efficiency ratio     55.51 %     58.71 %     60.37 %
    Loans HFI to deposits ratio     74.84 %     73.97 %     74.22 %
    Noninterest-bearing deposits to deposits ratio     32.08 %     30.89 %     32.61 %
    Noninterest income to average assets     0.67 %     0.63 %     0.64 %
    Operating expense to average assets     2.12 %     2.14 %     2.07 %
                 
    Summary Credit Quality Ratios:            
    NPAs to assets     0.16 %     0.10 %     0.08 %
    Nonperforming loans to loans HFI     0.24 %     0.16 %     0.12 %
    ACL to loans HFI     1.03 %     1.05 %     1.06 %
    Net charge-offs to average loans     0.02 %     0.01 %     0.00 %
                 
    Capital Ratios:            
    Stockholders’ equity to assets     10.46 %     10.15 %     9.74 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets(1)     10.42 %     10.11 %     9.69 %
    Total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets     18.25 %     18.13 %     17.84 %
    Tier I risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets     17.25 %     17.12 %     16.82 %
    Common equity Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets     17.25 %     17.12 %     16.82 %
    Tier I risk-based capital to average assets     12.01 %     11.86 %     11.44 %

    (1) Non-GAAP financial measure. Calculations of this measure and reconciliations to GAAP are included in the schedules accompanying this release.

    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
     
    (in thousands) March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   September 30,
    2024    		   June 30,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    ASSETS                  
    Cash and due from banks $ 36,438     $ 30,558     $ 39,664     $ 35,035     $ 19,401  
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   215,717       238,417       192,983       178,038       210,404  
    Securities available-for-sale, at fair value   566,874       550,148       560,555       526,890       545,967  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   129,686       131,796       134,145       136,824       139,328  
    Equity securities, at fair value   2,981       2,937       3,028       2,921       2,934  
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,349       2,328       2,305       2,283       2,261  
    Loans held for sale   2,178       2,547       1,805       3,878       1,653  
    Loans held for investment   2,114,742       2,075,013       2,056,048       2,047,890       2,038,072  
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,835 )     (21,731 )     (21,757 )     (21,627 )     (21,564 )
    Premises and equipment, net   59,034       59,441       57,661       57,910       57,539  
    Accrued interest receivable   10,553       10,048       9,465       9,570       9,995  
    Bank-owned life insurance   30,593       30,380       30,164       29,947       29,731  
    Intangible assets   1,546       1,546       1,546       1,546       1,546  
    Right-of-use assets   2,611       2,733       2,853       2,973       3,091  
    Other assets   32,965       33,433       31,285       34,450       32,940  
    Total Assets $ 3,186,432     $ 3,149,594     $ 3,101,750     $ 3,048,528     $ 3,073,298  
    LIABILITIES                  
    Noninterest-bearing deposits $ 906,540     $ 866,496     $ 882,394     $ 892,942     $ 895,439  
    Interest-bearing deposits   1,919,136       1,938,610       1,864,731       1,823,704       1,850,452  
    Total Deposits   2,825,676       2,805,106       2,747,125       2,716,646       2,745,891  
    Accrued interest payable   6,463       7,583       11,751       8,747       8,959  
    Lease liabilities   2,739       2,864       2,982       3,100       3,215  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   18,238       14,302       15,574       13,045       15,919  
    Total Liabilities   2,853,116       2,829,855       2,777,432       2,741,538       2,773,984  
    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES   —       —       —       —       —  
    STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                  
    Preferred stock, no par value   —       —       —       —       —  
    Common stock, no par value   38,710       38,655       41,402       44,413       45,177  
    Additional paid-in capital   2,871       2,777       2,682       2,590       2,485  
    Retained earnings   348,093       338,554       329,858       321,719       314,352  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (56,358 )     (60,247 )     (49,624 )     (61,732 )     (62,700 )
    Total Stockholders’ Equity   333,316       319,739       324,318       306,990       299,314  
    Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 3,186,432     $ 3,149,594     $ 3,101,750     $ 3,048,528     $ 3,073,298  
    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.  
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)  
                   
        For the Three Months Ended  
    (in thousands)   March 31,
    2025
    		   December 31,
    2024
    		   March 31,
    2024
    		  
                           
    INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME              
    Interest and fees on loans   $ 28,270   $ 28,285     $ 25,893    
    Interest on securities     4,856     4,623       4,064    
    Interest on deposits in other banks     2,661     2,699       3,039    
    Dividends on stock     21     23       22    
    Total Interest and Dividend Income     35,808     35,630       33,018    
    INTEREST EXPENSE              
    Interest on deposits     11,198     11,943       11,655    
    Interest on other borrowed funds     —     —       —    
    Total Interest Expense     11,198     11,943       11,655    
    Net Interest Income     24,610     23,687       21,363    
    Provision for credit losses     450     300       300    
    Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses     24,160     23,387       21,063    
    NONINTEREST INCOME              
    Service charges on deposit accounts     1,383     1,452       1,368    
    Debit card income, net     992     960       1,022    
    Mortgage loan income     530     652       456    
    Brokerage income     1,325     924       987    
    Loan and deposit income     459     463       492    
    Bank-owned life insurance income     213     216       202    
    Gain (Loss) on equity securities     44     (91 )     (31 )  
    SBIC income     280     346       352    
    Other income (loss)     46     73       80    
    Total Noninterest Income     5,272     4,995       4,928    
    OPERATING EXPENSES              
    Personnel expenses     10,023     9,769       9,550    
    Occupancy and equipment expenses     1,794     1,716       1,616    
    Technology expenses     835     884       709    
    Advertising     333     313       337    
    Other business development expenses     558     486       475    
    Data processing expense     288     681       347    
    Other taxes     612     547       737    
    Loan and deposit expenses     62     334       (42 )  
    Legal and professional expenses     632     658       618    
    Regulatory assessment expenses     391     428       404    
    Other operating expenses     1,060     1,024       1,122    
    Total Operating Expenses     16,588     16,840       15,873    
    Income Before Income Tax Expense     12,844     11,542       10,118    
    Income tax expense     2,492     2,236       1,930    
    Net Income   $ 10,352   $ 9,306     $ 8,188    
    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN (UNAUDITED)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   December 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans(1,2) $ 2,089,712     $ 28,270   5.41 %   $ 2,072,858     $ 28,285   5.34 %
    Securities – taxable   559,752       3,871   2.77 %     555,622       3,636   2.62 %
    Securities – tax-exempt   189,729       985   2.08 %     190,470       987   2.07 %
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   243,751       2,661   4.37 %     225,660       2,699   4.74 %
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,330       21   3.56 %     2,307       23   3.99 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,085,274     $ 35,808   4.64 %     3,046,917     $ 35,630   4.60 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,789 )             (21,824 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets   107,295               109,992          
    Total assets $ 3,170,780             $ 3,135,085          
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing transaction deposits $ 1,341,885     $ 5,641   1.70 %   $ 1,263,775     $ 5,658   1.78 %
    Time deposits   592,368       5,557   3.80 %     599,910       6,285   4.17 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,934,253       11,198   2.35 %     1,863,685       11,943   2.55 %
    Other borrowings   —       —   — %     —       —   — %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,934,253     $ 11,198   2.35 %     1,863,685     $ 11,943   2.55 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   884,484               918,804          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   25,336               29,567          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   909,820               948,371          
    Stockholders’ equity   326,707               323,029          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,170,780             $ 3,135,085          
    Net interest income     $ 24,610           $ 23,687    
    Net interest spread         2.29 %           2.05 %
    Net interest margin         3.17 %           3.04 %
    Net interest margin FTE(3)         3.22 %           3.09 %
    Cost of deposits         1.61 %           1.71 %
    Cost of funds         1.47 %           1.56 %

    (1) Includes average outstanding balances of loans held for sale of $2.6 million and $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
    (2) Nonaccrual loans are included as loans carrying a zero yield.
    (3) Net interest margin FTE includes an FTE adjustment using a 21.0% federal income tax rate on tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans.

    RED RIVER BANCSHARES, INC.
    NET INTEREST INCOME AND NET INTEREST MARGIN (UNAUDITED)
     
      For the Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024
    (dollars in thousands) Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate    		   Average Balance Outstanding   Interest
    Income/
    Expense    		   Average
    Yield/
    Rate
    Assets                      
    Interest-earning assets:                      
    Loans(1,2) $ 2,089,712     $ 28,270   5.41 %   $ 2,015,063     $ 25,893   5.09 %
    Securities – taxable   559,752       3,871   2.77 %     569,600       3,048   2.14 %
    Securities – tax-exempt   189,729       985   2.08 %     197,817       1,016   2.05 %
    Interest-bearing deposits in other banks   243,751       2,661   4.37 %     224,301       3,039   5.42 %
    Nonmarketable equity securities   2,330       21   3.56 %     2,240       22   3.95 %
    Total interest-earning assets   3,085,274     $ 35,808   4.64 %     3,009,021     $ 33,018   4.35 %
    Allowance for credit losses   (21,789 )             (21,402 )        
    Noninterest-earning assets   107,295               100,486          
    Total assets $ 3,170,780             $ 3,088,105          
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                      
    Interest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Interest-bearing transaction deposits $ 1,341,885     $ 5,641   1.70 %   $ 1,261,361     $ 5,680   1.81 %
    Time deposits   592,368       5,557   3.80 %     582,847       5,975   4.12 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits   1,934,253       11,198   2.35 %     1,844,208       11,655   2.54 %
    Other borrowings   —       —   — %     —       —   — %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   1,934,253     $ 11,198   2.35 %     1,844,208     $ 11,655   2.54 %
    Noninterest-bearing liabilities:                      
    Noninterest-bearing deposits   884,484               913,114          
    Accrued interest and other liabilities   25,336               25,055          
    Total noninterest-bearing liabilities   909,820               938,169          
    Stockholders’ equity   326,707               305,728          
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 3,170,780             $ 3,088,105          
    Net interest income     $ 24,610           $ 21,363    
    Net interest spread         2.29 %           1.81 %
    Net interest margin         3.17 %           2.80 %
    Net interest margin FTE(3)         3.22 %           2.83 %
    Cost of deposits         1.61 %           1.70 %
    Cost of funds         1.47 %           1.56 %

    (1) Includes average outstanding balances of loans held for sale of $2.6 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
    (2) Nonaccrual loans are included as loans carrying a zero yield.
    (3) Net interest margin FTE includes an FTE adjustment using a 21.0% federal income tax rate on tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans.

    RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (UNAUDITED)
     
    (dollars in thousands, except per share data) March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024    		   March 31,
    2024
    Tangible common equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 333,316     $ 319,739     $ 299,314  
    Adjustments:          
    Intangible assets   (1,546 )     (1,546 )     (1,546 )
    Total tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $ 331,770     $ 318,193     $ 297,768  
    Realized common equity          
    Total stockholders’ equity $ 333,316     $ 319,739     $ 299,314  
    Adjustments:          
    Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss   56,358       60,247       62,700  
    Total realized common equity (non-GAAP) $ 389,674     $ 379,986     $ 362,014  
    Common shares outstanding   6,777,657       6,777,238       6,892,448  
    Book value per share $ 49.18     $ 47.18     $ 43.43  
    Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 48.95     $ 46.95     $ 43.20  
    Realized book value per share (non-GAAP) $ 57.49     $ 56.07     $ 52.52  
               
    Tangible assets          
    Total assets $ 3,186,432     $ 3,149,594     $ 3,073,298  
    Adjustments:          
    Intangible assets   (1,546 )     (1,546 )     (1,546 )
    Total tangible assets (non-GAAP) $ 3,184,886     $ 3,148,048     $ 3,071,752  
    Total stockholders’ equity to assets   10.46 %     10.15 %     9.74 %
    Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)   10.42 %     10.11 %     9.69 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung TV Plus Scores Big as It Becomes a Top Destination for Sports Fans

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung TV Plus has expanded its industry-leading sports offering and now gives fans live access to select local and national games from top sports leagues and governing bodies, delivering extensive sports coverage. During the 2024-25 season, fans in Southern California were the first to experience Victory+ Anaheim, an exclusive FAST channel featuring live, local Anaheim Ducks games, and fans will soon be able to tune into the upcoming 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. As Samsung TV Plus expands its regional lineup to bring subscription-free hometown action front and center, Dallas Stars fans will be able to enjoy live games for the 2025-26 season on a new Victory+ Dallas channel that will premiere on the service later this year.
    On a national level, Samsung TV Plus has also added NASCAR, featuring original programming and continuous race coverage, as well as The Roku Sports Channel, which will broadcast live MLB games, Formula E races, X games, among others.
    With the launch of these new channels, and more exciting additions on the horizon this year, Samsung TV Plus further cements its position as the leading destination for sports fans to watch live games, extensive archives, and legendary replays with coverage across major sports leagues such as NFL, NHL, and MLB, as well as UFC, PGA TOUR, Formula 1, and FIFA.
    “We’re tearing down the paywalls that have kept fans from the sports they love,” said Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus. “By teaming up with top leagues and bringing live games and iconic moments to our platform, we’re giving every fan a front-row seat.”
    New sports channels include:
    Victory+ Anaheim: Local viewers can stream live Anaheim Ducks games, along with additional sports entertainment including highlights, recaps, and epic match-ups that bring fans closer to the action.
    Victory+ Dallas: Local viewers can stream live Dallas Stars games, along with additional sports entertainment including highlights, recaps, and epic match-ups that bring fans closer to the action.
    Roku Sports Channel: Catch everything from live MLB games to Formula E races to X Games, among others. Plus, stream daily sports talk from Rich Eisen and Good Morning Football: Overtime.
    NASCAR: Watch the latest news from around the sport, original programming, and race replays.
    PBR RidePass: Live and on-demand action from the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Unleash The Beast Tour, PBR Team Series, Ultimate Bull Fighting, rodeo and other western sports events, plus original series and news.
    These five new channels join the over 50 that are already streaming on Samsung TV Plus today. Highlights below:
    Sports Leagues:
    NFL Channel: 24/7, always-on access to NFL content featuring Game Center on live game days, with real-time scoring updates, stats, highlights and more, as well as NFL Game Replays, Original Shows, Emmy-Award winning series and more.
    MLB: Brings the best of baseball coverage, allowing viewers to enjoy the MLB FAST channel with daily programming and features covering the latest baseball highlights, MLB and MiLB game replays, original shows, documentaries, and more!
    FIFA+: Brings fans into the heart of football with the iconic World Cup Archive, Live football from around the globe and documentaries bring the stories behind the beautiful game. Go behind the scenes with spotlights on global stars, fans and influencers and relive iconic football moments with full match replays from past FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.
    Formula 1 Channel: The ultimate destination for fans to catch up on all the action from F1, F2, F3 and F1 Academy races throughout the season, including analysis, replays and documentaries.
    PGA TOUR: Delivers total coverage on all things PGA TOUR, with behind-the-scenes programming, documentaries, tournament recaps, highlights, competitions, and more.
    UFC: Delivers nonstop combat sports action—from historic title clashes to highlight-reel knockouts—featuring iconic athletes, rivalries, and moments from the world’s premier MMA organization.
    Live Sports:
    ION: Returning in May, the State Farm® WNBA Friday Night Spotlight showcases marquee games from across the league throughout the regular season. ION also features National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) action, and this fall, debuts the biennial SI Women’s Games all-star competition and the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off women’s college basketball tournament.
    Tennis Channel 2: Tennis Channel’s second network, airing select live tournament coverage from both the women’s and men’s professional tours. The network also features original series and unique storylines & interviews from shows like Second Serve.
    Women’s Sports Network: The new home for women’s sports featuring exclusive live volleyball matches, breaking news, and inspiring stories across all sports. The best leagues. The best athletes. The best of Women’s Sports all in one place. Featuring our studio show GAME ON, live game action, signature originals, countdowns, highlights and more.
    PickleballTV: A 24-hour streaming network covering 1,000+ hours of live tournament matches features the game’s top professionals & biggest stars.  PBTV also includes first-class instruction, lifestyle shows and pickleball news.
    Sports Talk & Highlights:
    CBS Sports HQ: A 24/7 sports network delivering everything that matters most to sports fans. With nonstop breaking news, highlights, instant reactions, picks and more, CBS Sports HQ is your ultimate sports destination.
    FOX Sports: Stream the best moments from FS1weekday studio shows, gripping documentaries and captivating podcasts, featuring well-known FOX Sports talent and media personalities.
    NBC Sports NOW: Offers daily sports talk, live events and highlights. Watch Dan Patrick, Mike Florio, Dan Le Batard, Matthew Berry and Chris Simms cover the biggest stories on and off the field. And this month, NBC Sports NOW went big with 113 hours of original NFL Draft content.
    DraftKings Network: “The Action Spot”. Built for passionate fans and bettors, DraftKings Network is the one spot to get all-in on NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL & more sports content and celebrate the thrill of action.
    FanDuel TV Extra: Your new home for live sports and professional poker action. Watch live horse racing, international basketball, soccer, darts, and much more. Make every moment more with FanDuel!
    For a full list of the Sports lineup, visit samsungtvplus.com.
    How to Watch
    Samsung TV Plus offers the best of TV – and is available exclusively across the Samsung TV, Galaxy, Smart Monitor, and Family Hub lineups. This includes the Samsung Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, and The Frame, which are designed with advanced AI that can upscale your favorite shows and movies on Samsung TV Plus into stunning 4K and 8K quality.
    About Samsung TV Plus
    Samsung TV Plus is a premium global entertainment service and is the most used streaming app on Samsung Smart TVs. As a leader in FAST, Samsung TV Plus offers hundreds of channels and thousands of shows and movies on-demand in the U.S. Globally, the streaming service carries over 3,500 ad-supported linear channels in 30 countries and is accessible on over 630M active devices. Samsung TV Plus is the exclusive home of Conan O’Brien TV, Letterman TV, and hundreds of additional exclusive channels available worldwide. Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung TVs, Galaxy devices, Samsung Smart Monitor, and Family Hub. To learn more, visit samsungtvplus.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China revises law to strengthen infectious disease prevention, control

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

    BEIJING, April 30 — China on Wednesday adopted a revised Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, aiming to improve its prevention of epidemics and protect the life and health of its people.

    The revised law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will take effect on Sept. 1, 2025.

    Liu Xia, deputy secretary-general of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, said that the new law provides a strong legal safeguard for the development of a disease control system led by medical and health institutions, integrating prevention and treatment, and supported by cooperation across all sectors of society.

    The new law will significantly strengthen China’s core capabilities in the fields of infectious disease monitoring and early warnings, emergency response, testing and diagnostics, and medical treatment, Liu said.

    “The new law further clarifies the rights, obligations and responsibilities of various parties — including government departments, disease control agencies, medical institutions, businesses and individuals — in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and strengthens cross-departmental coordination mechanisms,” said Shen Weixing, a professor at Tsinghua University’s School of Law.

    This revised version effectively enhances the authority and enforceability of the law, Shen added

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why losing belly fat with PCOS can be difficult – and what helps

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University

    ivan_kislitsin/Shutterstock

    Tried a dozen different ways to shift that stubborn belly and still no luck? You’re not alone. For some women, losing belly fat can be especially difficult – and there may be a medical reason why.

    Search the term “PCOS belly” on TikTok and you’ll find a flood of content promising ways to get rid of it. From low to high intensity workouts, eating more protein, apple cider vinegar and natural supplements, the list of so-called solutions is endless. But what actually is a PCOS belly – and are these TikTok tips grounded in science?

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects around one in ten women of childbearing age, according to the NHS. However, more than half of these women may show no obvious symptoms.

    Women with PCOS produce abnormally high levels of androgens – male hormones like testosterone that are usually present in small amounts. This hormonal imbalance can lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility, acne, excess facial and body hair, and in some cases, multiple cysts on the ovaries.

    The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but it’s believed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors – it often runs in families.

    ‘PCOS belly’

    While not a clinical term, “PCOS belly” is commonly used on social media to describe the accumulation of fat around the abdominal area, which is often seen in women with PCOS. This is frequently linked to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin – a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When insulin isn’t used effectively, excess glucose is stored as fat, particularly around the midsection.

    In response, the body may produce even more insulin, which can stimulate the production of testosterone, further exacerbating PCOS symptoms. Women with PCOS often store more visceral fat – the deeper, more dangerous fat that wraps around internal organs – compared to women without the condition. One study found that women with PCOS had significantly more visceral fat, even if their weight was in the normal range. Up to 80% of PCOS cases show evidence of insulin resistance, but not all women have a PCOS belly or are overweight.

    Women with PCOS are also more likely to experience chronic low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance. Additionally, elevated cortisol levels – the body’s main stress hormone – are often found in PCOS and are linked to abdominal fat.

    Some research also suggests that women with PCOS may have imbalanced gut microbiomes, which can lead to bloating and digestive issues. A 2024 study confirmed that women with PCOS are more prone to gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with bloating as a key symptom.

    Challenging but not impossible

    PCOS belly isn’t just a cosmetic concern – it’s associated with higher risks of serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and metabolic syndrome (which includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol and elevated blood sugar).

    Increased abdominal fat also raises inflammatory markers, worsening insulin resistance and perpetuating a vicious cycle of hormonal imbalance.

    And it’s not just physical health. PCOS has a profound effect on mental health, with studies showing higher rates of anxiety, depression, and body image issues among women with the condition.

    Losing weight with PCOS is challenging, but not impossible. While you can’t spot-reduce belly fat, losing overall body fat can help shrink your midsection and reduce health risks.

    There’s no one-size-fits-all “PCOS diet”, but many women benefit from eating a balanced diet that focuses on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats and low-glycaemic index carbs that don’t spike blood sugar.

    A balanced diet can also reduce inflammation and help curb cravings between meals. Research shows that walking after meals can help lower blood glucose, making fat storage less likely.

    Despite TikTok warnings about cortisol and high-intensity workouts, studies show both Hiit (high-intensity interval training) and Mict (moderate-intensity continuous training) can improve insulin sensitivity and lower testosterone levels in women with PCOS. Exercise can also lift your mood and reduce stress. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly and strengthening activities at least two days a week.

    Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can worsen PCOS symptoms. Yoga, meditation and deep breathing can all help. Quality sleep is also crucial, both for hormone regulation and overall weight management. Women with PCOS are more prone to sleep issues like obstructive sleep apnoea.

    Some TikTok influencers recommend natural remedies – but always read the label and speak to a healthcare professional before starting taking any herbal medicines or alternative therapies.

    Supplements that show some promise include inositol, coenzyme Q10, vitamin D and curcumin. Berberine and L-carnitine may also be helpful. Research suggests these may improve insulin resistance or reduce inflammation, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety. Doctors may also prescribe metformin, to improve insulin sensitivity, or hormonal contraceptives to regulate periods and hormonal imbalances.

    PCOS belly is real, but so are the solutions. Every woman’s experience with PCOS is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another.

    Managing PCOS belly requires a holistic approach including diet and nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene and possibly medication or supplements. If you’re struggling, speak with a GP or registered dietitian and always check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new supplements.

    You deserve support that’s based on science – not social media trends.

    Dipa Kamdar does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Why losing belly fat with PCOS can be difficult – and what helps – https://theconversation.com/why-losing-belly-fat-with-pcos-can-be-difficult-and-what-helps-254519

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    • Date：2025-04-24
    • Data Source：Department of International Organizations

    April 24, 2025 

    No. 117 

    At a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 23, the United States severely condemned China for misusing UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in its attempts to isolate Taiwan, mischaracterize other countries’ policies, and constrain their choices. The United States also reiterated that the resolution did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral fora. This is the second time that the current US administration has spoken up for Taiwan at the United Nations, following its public statement rejecting China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 at a meeting of the World Health Organization Executive Board in February. This is also the first time that the United States has clearly expressed its position on the resolution at the UN Security Council, which is of great significance.

     

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the Trump administration for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the international arena and for denouncing China’s relentless attempts to suppress Taiwan’s sovereign status and international participation by maliciously distorting UNGA Resolution 2758. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither Taiwan nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. This is the objective reality across the Taiwan Strait and an internationally recognized fact. UNGA Resolution 2758 makes absolutely no mention of Taiwan, nor does it state that Taiwan is part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent its 23 million people in the United Nations system and other international organizations. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    • Date：2025-04-27
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 27, 2025  

    No. 122  

    On April 26, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as a special presidential envoy, successfully completed a five-day visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan.

    On the final day of the trip, Special Envoy Lin announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would cooperate with Big Game Parks, an Eswatini wildlife conservation organization, and contribute one million emalangeni to assist the protection of rhinoceros habitat. The donation was witnessed by Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane. In a gesture symbolizing the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, Special Envoy Lin named a newborn baby rhino in the national park Formosa. The announcement represented a further expansion of the scope of bilateral collaboration into the sphere of preserving ecological diversity.

    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin thanked Big Game Parks for its contributions to conservation. He said that Taiwan attached great importance to biodiversity and understood that every species played an indispensable role in human survival. Special Envoy Lin explained that as well as prioritizing conservation work, the government of Taiwan had also enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act and incorporated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora into national law. He added that Taiwan had worked hard to protect plants and animals at home and abroad to stop illegal exploitation of natural resources. Looking ahead, Special Envoy Lin said he hoped Taiwan and Eswatini would continue to jointly engage in related efforts.

    Acting on behalf of President Lai Ching-te, Special Envoy Lin led a large delegation including industry representatives to Eswatini from April 21 to 26 to join celebrations for the 57th birthday of King Mswati III. The visit demonstrated Taiwan’s high regard for Eswatini and further deepened the cordial relations and constructive cooperation between the two countries. 

    During the trip, Special Envoy Lin had audiences with the king and queen mother of Eswatini and met with other senior officials including the prime minister and foreign minister. He discussed bilateral cooperation plans and signed memorandums and joint statements that covered areas such as providing medical care, building 5G infrastructure, countering disinformation, and conserving wildlife. Special Envoy Lin also visited the referral and emergency complex and operating theater of Mbabane Government Hospital, which were built with assistance from Taiwan, as well as a factory that receives investment from local Taiwanese businesspeople.

    The successful trip further strengthened Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic ties, broadened cooperation between the two nations, demonstrated Taiwan’s active contributions to the international community, and laid even more solid foundations for the countries to progress toward common prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    • Date：2025-04-30
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 30, 2025 

    The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.

     

    The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.

     

    In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.

     

    The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

     

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    Date：2025-04-24
    Data Source：Department of International Organizations

    April 24, 2025 
    No. 117 

    At a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 23, the United States severely condemned China for misusing UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in its attempts to isolate Taiwan, mischaracterize other countries’ policies, and constrain their choices. The United States also reiterated that the resolution did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral fora. This is the second time that the current US administration has spoken up for Taiwan at the United Nations, following its public statement rejecting China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 at a meeting of the World Health Organization Executive Board in February. This is also the first time that the United States has clearly expressed its position on the resolution at the UN Security Council, which is of great significance.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the Trump administration for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the international arena and for denouncing China’s relentless attempts to suppress Taiwan’s sovereign status and international participation by maliciously distorting UNGA Resolution 2758. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither Taiwan nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. This is the objective reality across the Taiwan Strait and an internationally recognized fact. UNGA Resolution 2758 makes absolutely no mention of Taiwan, nor does it state that Taiwan is part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent its 23 million people in the United Nations system and other international organizations. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    Date：2025-04-27
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 27, 2025  
    No. 122  

    On April 26, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as a special presidential envoy, successfully completed a five-day visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan.

    On the final day of the trip, Special Envoy Lin announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would cooperate with Big Game Parks, an Eswatini wildlife conservation organization, and contribute one million emalangeni to assist the protection of rhinoceros habitat. The donation was witnessed by Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane. In a gesture symbolizing the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, Special Envoy Lin named a newborn baby rhino in the national park Formosa. The announcement represented a further expansion of the scope of bilateral collaboration into the sphere of preserving ecological diversity.

    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin thanked Big Game Parks for its contributions to conservation. He said that Taiwan attached great importance to biodiversity and understood that every species played an indispensable role in human survival. Special Envoy Lin explained that as well as prioritizing conservation work, the government of Taiwan had also enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act and incorporated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora into national law. He added that Taiwan had worked hard to protect plants and animals at home and abroad to stop illegal exploitation of natural resources. Looking ahead, Special Envoy Lin said he hoped Taiwan and Eswatini would continue to jointly engage in related efforts.

    Acting on behalf of President Lai Ching-te, Special Envoy Lin led a large delegation including industry representatives to Eswatini from April 21 to 26 to join celebrations for the 57th birthday of King Mswati III. The visit demonstrated Taiwan’s high regard for Eswatini and further deepened the cordial relations and constructive cooperation between the two countries. 

    During the trip, Special Envoy Lin had audiences with the king and queen mother of Eswatini and met with other senior officials including the prime minister and foreign minister. He discussed bilateral cooperation plans and signed memorandums and joint statements that covered areas such as providing medical care, building 5G infrastructure, countering disinformation, and conserving wildlife. Special Envoy Lin also visited the referral and emergency complex and operating theater of Mbabane Government Hospital, which were built with assistance from Taiwan, as well as a factory that receives investment from local Taiwanese businesspeople.

    The successful trip further strengthened Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic ties, broadened cooperation between the two nations, demonstrated Taiwan’s active contributions to the international community, and laid even more solid foundations for the countries to progress toward common prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    Date：2025-04-30
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 30, 2025 

    The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.
     
    The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.
     
    In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.
     
    The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s National Health Commission answers questions on white paper from press

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    BEIJING — China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled “Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance.”

    The National Health Commission has responded to questions raised by the press regarding the white paper.

    Q1: What’s the background of issuing the white paper, Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins-Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance, and what information does it contain?

    A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has been open and transparent in sharing information, and generous and selfless in providing aid. Its efforts in response and commitment to transparency have been highly acclaimed by the international community. However, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri accused China of “hoarding medical supplies” and ruled that China must pay Missouri 24.49 billion USD in compensation for COVID-related losses; and recently, an article published on the official website of the White House blamed the origin of the virus on China, where some US politicians made spurious allegations, accusing China of concealing pandemic information from the world and hoarding medical supplies.

    In such context, China released this white paper to present a systematic overview of China’s key achievement in tracing the origins of Covid-19, to attest to its contribution to international cooperation in the response to the global pandemic, and to advance scientific endeavors and foster global collaboration as a responsible major country in this critical domain. Despite being the world’s largest economy and most developed country, the US failed to make contributions commensurate with its capabilities; even worse, it blamed its own problems on others and sabotaged collaborative global efforts to address the crisis. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns such practice.

    The white paper contains a preface, the main body, and a conclusion, in total 14,000 Chinese characters. The main body has three chapters: “Contributing Chinese Wisdom to the Study of the Origins of SARS-CoV-2”, “China’s Contribution to the Global Fight against Covid-19”, and “The Mismanaged Response of the US to the Covid-19 Pandemic”.

    Q2: How is the origins study of SARS-CoV-2 going in China? Where should the next step be taken?

    A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has consistently dedicated substantial resources to collaborative research into the origins of the virus participated by Chinese and international scientists. Upholding its commitment to international responsibilities and scientific soundness with openness and transparency, the country spearheaded research initiatives in critical fields such as clinical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, and the identification of intermediate animal hosts. China closely cooperated with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the study of the virus origins with a strong sense of global responsibility and transparency, and in 2020 and 2021 invited WHO expert teams to China to carry out joint investigations. On March 30, 2021, the WHO organized a member state information session and press conference to present the findings about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and published the “WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part-Joint WHO-China Study” on its official website. To date, no findings have contradicted the conclusions of the “Joint WHO-China Study”.

    The next phase of the origins study should be conducted mainly in the US. A large number of studies have pinned the origin of the virus outside of China. A US CDC study reveals that out of 7,389 serological survey samples collected from nine states from December 13, 2019 to January 17, 2020, 106 were Covid-19 antibody positive. This suggests that the virus existed in the US before the first official case was identified. Similarly, the NIH “All of Us” Research Program tested 24,079 blood samples collected from participants across 50 states from January 2 to March 18, 2020, identifying nine containing Covid-19 antibodies. The earliest two were collected on January 7 and 8, respectively. These findings show that the virus was circulating in the US at a low level as early as December 2019, well before the first official cases were recorded. An expert associated with The Lancet suggested that SARS-CoV-2 might not have come from nature; instead, it probably came from an incident at a US bio-technology lab. Between 2006 and 2013, the US reported at least 1,500 serious laboratory incidents involving coronaviruses and other highly dangerous pathogens linked to diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, anthrax, smallpox, and avian influenza.

    These questionable events all suggest that Covid-19 may have emerged earlier than the US official timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China. A thorough and in-depth investigation into the origins of the virus should be conducted in the US The US must not continue to turn a deaf ear to this call; rather, it should respond to the reasonable concern of the international community, share the data of earlier suspected cases with the WHO, and give a responsible answer to the world.

    Q3: How does China comment on the performance of the US in its response to Covid-19?

    A: The delayed and ineffective response to Covid-19 in the US made it the worst performing country in handling of the pandemic.

    In January 2020, the federal government of the US, choosing to downplay the severity of the transmission, labelled the novel coronavirus pneumonia as a case of “bad flu” which would “disappear” automatically one day, touted hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as “wonder drugs” without solid scientific evidence, and even advocated the use of detergents to control infections and transmissions, becoming a laughing stock in the scientific community. The US government also deprived its citizens of the right to be informed of updated pandemic information. From March 3, 2020, the US CDC stopped releasing key data on Covid-19, including tallying the people tested for the virus, on the grounds that its information might not be “accurate”. Over the next three years or so, people in the US could only find information about the pandemic from estimated data collected and reported by non-governmental institutions such as the Johns Hopkins University. By mid-April 2020, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the US had exceeded 660,000. However, with an eye on the upcoming presidential elections, the Administration announced that the pandemic had “passed the peak,” and rushed to roll out plans to reopen the economy. Insisting that citizens should be “free to choose,” the government of Florida demanded schools across the state to reopen, leading to widespread infection among teachers and students.

    Covid-19 overwhelmed the costly and profit-driven US medical system, and vulnerable groups such as the impoverished, ethnic minorities, and senior citizens were the first to be abandoned in treatment. According to a report from the Associated Press in June 2020, of every 10 deaths in the US, eight were people over 65 years old. With a strained medical system, infected people could not receive timely care and death toll surged. The American people’s rights to life and health were in no way being guaranteed on an equal basis.

    Data from the US National Center for Health Statistics shows that the life expectancy in the country fell from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77 in 2020, and further declined to 76.1 in 2021, a decrease of 2.7 years from 2019. For comparison, life expectancy in China rose from 77.3 years in 2019, to 77.93 in 2020, 78.2 in 2021, 78.3 in 2022, and 78.6 in 2023, signaling a steady improvement in population health.

    US CDC data released in May 2023 revealed that deaths due to Covid-19 in the US totaled 1.13 million, accounting for 16.4 percent of concurrent global deaths reported by the WHO. These figures were out of alignment with the overall population size, economic strength, and level of medical technology of the US, and were indicative of its ineffective and unscientific response policies.

    The US not only botched its own response to Covid-19, but also obstructed and sabotaged international cooperation in various ways. The deliberate concealment of information by the US government misled other countries and the WHO in the research and analysis of Covid-19 trends. The US government publicly announced that it would take an America First approach in vaccine supply and vaccination, keeping hoarding excess vaccines and agitating vaccine nationalism on the one hand, and waging a smear campaign to discredit China’s vaccines on the other. A US think tank criticized the US for its reluctance to provide foreign aid, saying this practice would expose the country as a “selfish isolationist when its help was most desperately needed.”

    Q4: The Missouri and other US state governments have initiated groundless lawsuits against China, holding China accountable for the pandemic. What is China’s comment on this?

    A: The groundless lawsuit of Missouri is a politically motivated farce orchestrated by state governments out of political self-interest that has ignored basic facts and violated fundamental legal norms. It is an affront to the sovereignty and dignity of all nations and to the international rule of law. China rejects such proceedings and will never accept a judgement delivered in absentia.

    The allegations in the judgement that China concealed pandemic information from the world and that China hoarded medical supplies are groundless. In the early stage of the outbreak, China provided clear information to the international community, adopting an open and transparent approach in releasing relevant information to the world. By May 31, 2020, the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism and the Information Office of the State Council had held 161 press conferences, during which over 490 officials from more than 50 government departments answered over 1,400 questions from Chinese and foreign media.

    China tried every possible means to provide materials and assistance. From January 2020 to May 2022, China offered over 4.6 billion protective suits, 18 billion test kits, and 430 billion masks to 15 international organizations and 153 countries, including the US.

    In 2020, China sent 38 medical expert teams to 34 countries assisting in local pandemic control efforts, sharing China’s experience and practice in preventing and controlling the epidemic, and medical treatment plans.

    China made a significant contribution to the global fight against the pandemic, for which China deserves recognition and fair treatment, rather than blames and damage claims. In contrast, the incompetent responses of the Missouri state government led to a mortality rate ranking among the highest in the US Now the state government is trying to shift the blame for its failures, which is both irresponsible and unethical, a selfish and evading presence. China will never accede to demands for compensation claimed on baseless allegations, and will take resolute countermeasures in defense of its legitimate rights.

    Q5: How China played its roles as WHO member in global health governance?

    A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China lost no time in sharing information on the epidemic updates and genome sequencing to the international community including the WHO. China invited multiple WHO international expert missions to conduct joint research on its territory. China provided tremendous supplies and aid to the international community to the best of its ability and shared the experience of pandemic prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment. Constantly sticking to the shared idea of a community with a shared future for mankind, China has made significant contributions to the global fight against pandemic by carrying out international cooperations.

    In early 2020, the WHO dispatched warnings to the international community including the US, reminding of “a possible pandemic on a larger scale”. On April 10, the US government, which up till then had dismissed the WHO admonitions as sensational, began to accuse the media, WHO officials and Democratic congressmen of incompetence in fighting against the pandemic. On April 14, the US government announced for the first time that it would suspend funding to the WHO on the ground that the organization had not performed its fundamental duties.

    On January 20, 2025, the current US government again announced its withdrawal from the WHO on the excuses that it had failed in responding to the pandemic and yielded to China’s influence. Far from reflecting on its own incompetence during the pandemic, the US government has gone too far in shifting the blame, which will further harm its competence in responding to new emergencies to the public health.

    China supports the United Nations and the WHO in playing and enhancing their mandatory roles and the capacity building of global health governance. China has been, and will be, active in participating in the WHO’s efforts in preventing and responding to emergencies in public health, in implementing and amending the “International Health Regulations,” and in reviewing a “pandemic treaty.” China will be active in participating in the IPPPR of the WHO and its SAGO mission by contributing advice and opinions. China has contributed and will continue to contribute Chinese perspectives, solutions and strengths to building an efficient and sustainable global public health system for the benefit of all humanity and fortifying defenses for the lives and health of all. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council Officially Ratifies Appointment of Stephen Young as new Chief Executive

    Source: City of Salford

    • Stephen Young’s appointment officially ratified at meeting of full council.
    • He will succeed current Interim Chief Executive Melissa Caslake.
    • Stephen will begin in the role in the autumn.

    Elected members at Salford City Council have today (30 April) formally ratified the appointment of Stephen Young as the new Chief Executive at a meeting of the full council.

    The formal approval follows the initial announcement of his appointment earlier in the month. The decision also includes confirming Stephen as Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer for all relevant elections in Salford, and as Electoral Registration Officer, all part of the role of Chief Executive. In addition, he will become the Place Based Lead for Health for Greater Manchester.

    Stephen is currently Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council, a role he has held since March 2022. He will take over from current Interim Chief Executive Melissa Caslake and begin in post in the autumn.

    Following the approval, Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said “Officially confirming Stephen’s appointment is the final step in this process and an exciting time as we now look to the future when Stephen is in post.

    “Melissa Caslake continues to lead the organisation as our Interim Chief Executive, and I’d like to personally thank her for her commitment during this period. Her leadership, along with the dedication and guidance from our senior leadership team, have been extremely valuable to myself, members and our workforce.

    “I’m now looking forward to working with Stephen, and to jointly leading our organisation through the next phase of delivering for the people of Salford – supporting our communities, tackling inequality, and continuing to work in partnership across the city and beyond to champion the work of Salford City Council.”

    Commenting ahead of starting in post in the autumn, Stephen Young said: “I am delighted to be officially confirmed in this role and can’t wait to get working for this innovative organisation in such an exciting and dynamic city.

    “Throughout my interview process, I’ve been impressed by the incredible people I’ve met and exceptional things they are doing. I’ve been blown away by the passion and the Spirit of Salford and I’m looking forward to being a part of this great organisation.”

    Share this

    Date published
    Wednesday 30 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: Planning of Hong Kong Island clusters

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question of the Hon Mrs Regina Ip and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):

    Question:

         It has been reported that according to the population projections, the catchment population in the Hong Kong East Cluster and the Hong Kong West Cluster will be reduced to around one million in future, and that the authorities plan to merge the two clusters (the cluster merger) and will review afresh the second ten-year Hospital Development Plan (HDP), including the plan to expand the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) to provide 500 additional beds. In addition, the Secretary for Health indicated at the special meeting of the Panel on Health Services of this Council on February 21 this year that some specialty services would be adjusted after the cluster merger. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it knows the specific details of the cluster merger, including the arrangements for resource allocation and healthcare services of various hospitals after the merger, as well as the specialty services to be adjusted or merged;

    (2) as it is learnt that after the cluster merger, chest pain treatment services will be centralised at the chest pain centre of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), whereas the travelling time from Eastern District to QMH is long, and the roads are congested from time to time, how the authorities will ensure that after the merger, patients with acute heart diseases in Eastern District can be transferred in time to the chest pain centre of QMH for treatment within the “golden treatment time”;

    (3) whether it knows if the emergency medical services (e.g. treatment of acute stroke, head trauma, etc.) and obstetric services of PYNEH will be cancelled after the cluster merger; if such services will be cancelled, how the authorities will ensure that emergency patients and pregnant women originally at PYNEH can receive timely and appropriate treatment or services;

    (4) of the expected completion time for the review of the second ten-year HDP; whether it will consider commencing the expansion project of PYNEH upon the cessation of the operation of Chai Wan Laundry at the end of this year; if so, of the timetable of the project; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (5) whether it will consult the staff of PYNEH and representatives of the residents in Eastern District on the detailed arrangements for the cluster merger; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         In consultation with the Hospital Authority (HA), the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip is as follows:

    (1), (2) and (3) Clustering is an administrative arrangement for hospital management involving the delineation of medical facilities and clinical services according to their geographical locations to facilitate planning and service rationalisation. The HA plans to merge the Hong Kong East Cluster (HKEC) and Hong Kong West Cluster (HKWC) to achieve rationalisation of administration and management, streamlining of administrative procedures, sharing of resources for better cost-effectiveness and enhancement of operational and management efficiency. The plan also has the objectives of improving the overall quality of healthcare services, optimising treatment procedures, as well as enhancing the cost-effectiveness of the utilisation of resources through consolidating the governance structure and enhancing the complementary co-ordination of professional resources of the two clusters. After the merger, the existing acute and critical care hospitals, including the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH), the Ruttonjee Hospital, the Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), the Grantham Hospital and the St. John Hospital will continue to provide acute and critical care services, with general healthcare services and facilities being available to local residents within a reasonable geographical distance to ensure accessibility and convenience, in order that patients may receive a continuum of treatment under the same geographical setting.

         During the planning of services of varying complexity, the HA has all along followed the principle of “localising where possible, centralising where necessary” in designing the system and service networks inside and outside the clusters. It is anticipated that after the merger of the clusters, the majority of the existing patients will be able to continue receiving services in hospitals in the vicinity, including those using the Accident and Emergency services, the general out-patient services and general specialty services with high volume and relatively lower complexity (including medicine, geriatric, general surgery, orthopaedics and traumatology, paediatrics and allied health services) on the Hong Kong Island. Besides, the clusters have non-acute hospitals which render rehabilitation and convalescent in-patient services, psychiatric in-patient services, as well as day surgery services. Following the consolidation, the existing facilities of each hospital will continue to perform their current key functions and uphold their expertise while complementing the strengths of the other hospitals within the cluster, thereby providing comprehensive healthcare services in a more effective manner.

         There are some specialty services with a relatively lower demand whose operation involves personnel with specialised clinical techniques and qualifications, or require sophisticated equipment and advanced technology (such as the organ transplant services and the first chest pain centre established in accordance with national accreditation standards at QMH, and the hyperbaric oxygen treatment at PYNEH). For these services, centralisation of specialists, specialised equipment and complicated cases for handling at designated hospitals will be arranged, with due consideration given to the accessibility of the designated hospitals. The teams of medical experts can accumulate techniques and experiences through an extensive period in treating different complex cases of the same disease, facilitating their acquisition of the most up-to-date medical knowledge to bring about the best treatment outcomes for patients and hence enhancing the clinical quality indicators and minimising the risk of complications. Currently, the major hospitals on the Hong Kong Island have their respective expertise in specialty services. The professional medical teams of the merged cluster will be able to further focus on developing the strengths of their respective specialty services. In addition, by collaborating with various service provision points of the relevant specialty services within the cluster, healthcare services with even better quality will be provided to those of complex medical cases which constitutes only a small number of the patients.

         It is anticipated that the service consolidation will achieve comprehensive enhancement of the set-up of medical teams, strengthen the co-ordination and flexibility of deployment of manpower and other resources of clinical and non-clinical departments, as well as minimise duplication of resources. As a result, the quality of clinical services provided in the cluster will be enhanced in the long run, facilitating the development of specialist services and providing more opportunities for staff training and their accumulation of experiences. To dovetail with the consolidation of cluster services, the HA will, in accordance with the prevailing mechanism, consider and deliberate the major direction(s), work plans and targets of the cluster, through the formulation of the annual plan, with a view to allocating additional resources to services which are newly introduced and with pressing needs.

         Regarding the emergency healthcare services provided by PYNEH, such services would not cease after the merger of the clusters. The hospital will, as mentioned above, continue to provide services to the acute and critical care services after the consolidation of the clusters. Acute and critically ill patients residing in the Eastern District will therefore continue to receive timely and appropriate treatments at the PYNEH which is in the vicinity.

         On cardiology services, apart from the chest pain centre established in accordance with national accreditation standards, the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (CTS) at QMH provides Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG) and supports the treatment of severe complications related to acute coronary heart diseases. In collaboration with the Cardiology and Anesthesia departments, it forms a multidisciplinary heart team that manages complex cases and utilises advanced technology to deliver optimal treatment to patients. In addition, QMH and the Grantham Hospital also offer treatment for end-stage heart failure patients, including the implantation of ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation. The consolidation of HKEC and HKWC would further facilitate the development of the specialist strengths and provide patients with cardiology services of better quality.

    (4) The Government announced under the 2018 Policy Address that it has invited the HA to commence planning for the Second Hospital Development Plan (HDP) to meet the expected service demand up to 2036. With the changes in the planning and development situation of Hong Kong, the Health Bureau (HHB) and the HA are currently reviewing the Second HDP. Amongst others, in view of the city-wide and regional planning and development strategies as announced by the Planning Department, including the “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” and the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy, as well as the corresponding population projections of Hong Kong including the latest changes in overall population, its distribution and demographics, and the population policy and talent attraction initiatives of the Government, the HHB and the HA have to adopt a planning horizon of up to 2040 and beyond for the Second HDP, and to project healthcare services demand and consider the supply and conditions of the land required, for optimising the Second HDP. The Government also considers factors such as the needs for and cost-effectiveness of renovation, refurbishment, redevelopment or addition of facilities for individual hospitals, and the convenience of public access to healthcare services under various major transport infrastructure development plans for determining the distribution, scale and priority, etc. of various hospital development projects (including the expansion of PYNEH and the use of the Chai Wan Laundry site after its relocation). Upon completion of the review, the Government will announce the details of the Second HDP in due course.  

    (5) The HA commenced the preparatory and engagement work for the consolidation of the hospital cluster services on Hong Kong Island early this year. Such work include seven staff forums and three workshop sessions which aim at briefing HA employees on the considerations of the cluster services consolidation and the future development of service provision, as well as listening to employees’ views. The consolidation of services is currently still at the stage of planning and deliberation. Regarding clinical services consolidation, the HA will set up task forces for particular specialties, initially to review existing services on the basis of facilitating the development of specialties and strengthening the existing service delivery models, while the next step will be to consider how to enhance the treatment procedures of patients as well as the efficiency and quality of the healthcare services. After the review, the HA will continue to communicate with stakeholders and service users on the overall direction of the development of the consolidation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Put healthy smile on your face with free toothbrushes and toothpaste

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    They are being provided as part of a drive by the City of Wolverhampton Council and The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to improve oral hygiene, particularly among youngsters.

    Free toothbrushes and toothpaste are available from Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub, Pool Street, Blakenhall, from WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, WV Active Central and WV Active Aldersley, and from Central, Wednesfield and Warstones libraries – simply call in during each location’s usual opening hours.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing said: “Tooth decay is the most common oral disease affecting children and young people in England, yet it is largely preventable.

    “Poor oral health impacts on school readiness and leads to missed days of school due to pain and infection. It affects children’s ability to eat, smile and socialise, negatively impacting their confidence and wellbeing, and it also increases demand on emergency dental care, with almost 90% of hospital tooth extractions among children aged up to five due to preventable tooth decay.

    “We want to give every child the healthy smile they deserve and are delighted to be working with the NHS to make free toothbrushes and toothpaste available to families across the city, particularly those who are struggling with the rising cost of living.”

    Meanwhile, the council and the NHS has teamed up to develop an online toolkit to help promote good oral health. Available at Oral Health Toolkit, it is aimed at a range of professionals working with children and young people in health and education settings.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: December Labour Market report published30 April 2025 ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the December 2024 Labour Market report. This report is published every six months and covers key aspects of the job market for both the private and public sector.… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    30 April 2025

    ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the December 2024 Labour Market report. This report is published every six months and covers key aspects of the job market for both the private and public sector. ​​ 

    Summary for the Labour Market Report in December 2024

    • The total number of jobs was 64,790. This was made up of 54,910 jobs in the private sector and 9,880 jobs in the public sector. The number of jobs, in both private and public sectors, were at their highest December value recorded to date.
    • There was an annual increase of 530 jobs (0.8%) since December 2023.
      • In the private sector there was an annual increase of 100 jobs (0.2%).
      • In the public sector there was an annual increase of 430 jobs (4.6%). This increase was driven by an increase of 410 in the number of Government of Jersey (GOJ) core jobs (permanent and fixed term employees). The departments with the largest annual increase in core staff were Health and Care Jersey (up 190) and Children, Young People, Education and Skills (up 170).

    In the private sector at the sectoral level

    • Four sectors saw notable annual increases in jobs:
      • 300 jobs in financial and legal activities (up 2%)
      • 140 jobs in private education, health and other services (up 2%)
      • 70 jobs in transport and storage (up 3%)
      • 50 jobs in agriculture and fishing (up 6%)
    • Four sectors recorded notable annual decreases in jobs:
      • 270 jobs in construction and quarrying (down 4%)
      • 100 jobs in hotels, restaurants and bars (down 2%)
      • 80 jobs in wholesale and retail (down 1%)
      • 70 jobs in information and communication (down 4%)

    Over the last five years (from December 2019 to December 2024)

    • There was an increase of 3,410 all sector jobs (up 5.6%) from December 2019.
      • The total number of private sector jobs increased over five years by 1,650 (up 3.1%).
      • Public sector jobs increased by 1,750 from December 2019 to December 2024 (up 21.5%), which has brought the proportion of workforce jobs in Government of Jersey core jobs (13.6%) above the average for the last two decades (12.2%). The departments with the largest changes over this period were Children, Young People, Education and Skills, up 680, and Health and Care Jersey, up 380. 

    Labour Market December 2024​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Mayor’s charity walk takes sporting theme

    Source: City of Leicester

    A CHARITY walk with a sporting theme is taking place in Leicester later this week – and it’s open to everyone.

    On Friday 2 May, walkers are invited to set out at 12noon from Leicester City Football Club on a 5 mile fund-raising circular walk that will take in the Leicester Tigers stadium and the home of county cricket at Grace Road before returning the to the football stadium.

    The walk has been organised by United Leicester, a partnership project delivered by local professional sports clubs in Leicester through their official charities – Leicester City in the Community, Leicester Riders Foundation, Leicester Tigers Foundation, Leicestershire County Cricket Club in the Community and Leicester Hockey Club.  Their combined work aims to improve health and wellbeing in the community.

    It costs £6 to take part, which is payable on the day. All the funds raised will go to the Lord Mayor of Leicester’s chosen charity, PASIC Cancer Support for Children and Young People.

    Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Bhupen Dave said: “PASIC is a wonderful charity, providing crucial emotional, practical, and financial assistance to families of children and young people with cancer in the East Midlands. This support is offered during their most challenging times of distress and disruption.

    “I am delighted to be able to support them as my chosen charity as Lord Mayor, and I am really looking forward to joining this walk and helping to raise funds for their vital work.”

    Matt Bray from Leicester City in the Community said: “We’re very happy to support this charity and the Lord Mayor. The walk should be great fun and highlights Leicester’s strong sporting history.

    “Leicester City in the Community was formed in 2007 to engage, inspire and empower local people and since that time, we’ve been proud to work with local charities and organisations to help transform thousands of lives. It is our pleasure to support the Lord Mayor and United Leicester with this fund-raising effort.”

    To sign up for the walk, go to United Leicester – Lord Mayor’s Charity Walk – Friday 2nd May | Leicester City in the Community

    ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: China releases white paper on Covid-19 prevention, control and origins tracing

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    BEIJING — China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday issued a white paper titled “Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance.”

    Apart from preface and conclusion, the document contains three chapters: “Contributing Chinese Wisdom to the Study of the Origins of SARS-CoV-2,” “China’s Contribution to the Global Fight Against Covid-19,” and “The Mismanaged Response of the US to the Covid-19 Pandemic.” 

    Full text: Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cority Launches Advanced Motion Capture Solution to Strengthen Industrial Ergonomics Programs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cority, the global leader in enterprise Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) and Sustainability software, today announced the release of its new AI-powered Motion Capture for Industrial Ergonomics solution. Built to complement Cority’s holistic CorityOne ecosystem, this innovative technology helps organizations proactively assess and address ergonomic risks in demanding, non-office environments — from manufacturing shop floors to oil and gas fields — where musculoskeletal injuries frequently occur. The financial cost of these non-fatal workplace injuries is significant. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that work injuries cost U.S. businesses $167.0 billion in 2022 in wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative costs, and other related expenditures. While these types of injuries are most often non-fatal, they can be impactful to worker health and businesses operations in both the long and short term

    Industrial ergonomics focuses on designing tasks, workspaces, and tools around employees performing physically demanding jobs., It addresses risk factors such as repetitive lifting, forceful exertions, awkward postures, and other high-impact movements that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of all non-fatal workplace injuries, nearly 550,000 out of more than 2.2 million recorded occupational injuries in 2021-22, stem from exposure to ergonomic risk factors, which can result in significant productivity, health, and financial burdens.

    “Traditional manual ergonomic assessments can be extremely time-consuming and require significant expertise to perform,” says Kim Moull, CCPE at Cority. “By integrating motion capture technology into our industrial ergonomics solutions, we enable health & safety professionals and even non-specialists to quickly and accurately capture key ergonomic risk data by simply recording a video of a task. This data is then analyzed using best-practice ergonomics frameworks to generate risk scores and highlight areas requiring immediate attention or expert follow-up. The result is a more proactive ergonomics program that can help prevent injuries before they occur.”

    AI-powered motion capture and analytics
    At the core of this offering is an AI-driven motion capture technology delivered by Inseer, which uses patented computer vision driven algorithms and 3D modeling to assess ergonomic risk with a high degree of accuracy. Key features include:

    • 3D precision and speed. Inseer’s proprietary algorithms analyze full-range motion in just minutes, allowing organizations to scale ergonomic assessments across many different jobs and locations
    • Industry-recognized assessment tools. Motion capture data is automatically applied to recognized ergonomic scoring methods, such as RULA, REBA, Revised Strain Index, NIOSH’s Two-Handed Lifting Equation, and Liberty Mutual Push/Pull, offering a clear, quantitative view of ergonomic risk factors.
    • Integration with CorityOne. All ergonomic data from Inseer flows into Cority’s centralized ecosystem, allowing organizations to unify health, safety, and environmental data for a single source of truth. Powerful analytics and dashboards enable data-driven decisions to prioritize high-risk tasks and allocate resources effectively.

    Tackling limited resources and expertise
    Many organizations lack the specialist resources needed to assess ergonomic risks at scale. This shortfall, combined with the fact that ergonomic injuries result from successive exposures to risk factors over time rather than manifesting from a single incident, has historically made prevention more challenging. Cority’s new solution allows even generalists to capture reliable risk data in minutes, freeing up certified ergonomists and safety professionals to spend their time and expertise where it’s needed most.

    “Industrial ergonomics isn’t just about meeting regulations,” said Amanda Smith, Executive Vice President, Product Strategy at Cority. “It’s about doing right by your workforce. With Motion Capture for Industrial Ergonomics, we’re helping organizations move beyond reactive investigations toward a broader risk management mindset. This technology enables them to identify emerging issues and implement controls before injuries happen, ultimately protecting both employees and the bottom line.”

    Cority’s Motion Capture for Industrial Ergonomics solution is now globally available through CorityOne, the company’s integrated software ecosystem. For more information, existing Cority clients can reach out to their Account Executive or Customer Success Manager, while other interested parties can visit www.cority.com to request a demo or speak to a representative.

    About Cority
    Cority gives every employee from the field to the boardroom the power to make a difference, reducing risks and creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable world. For over 35 years, Cority’s people-first software solutions have been built by EHS and sustainability experts who know the pressures businesses face. Time-tested, scalable, and configurable, CorityOne is the responsible business ecosystem that combines datasets from across the organization to enable improved efficiencies, actionable insights, data-driven decisions, and more accurate reporting on performance. Trusted by over 1,500 organizations worldwide, Cority deeply cares about helping people work toward a better future for everyone. To learn more, visit www.cority.com

    Media Contact

    Natalie Rizk
    RiotMind
    natalier@theriotmind.agency

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated assault – Palmerston

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested three females in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred outside a small shopping precinct in Palmerston yesterday afternoon.

    About 3:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a female being assaulted by a group of four females. Police allege the female was struck to the head with a bottle and further hit with blunt objects before a male bystander tried to intervene and was also assaulted.

    The group fled the scene before police arrival but were arrested nearby a short time later and conveyed to the Palmerston Watch House.

    St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the female victim to Royal Darwin Hospital for medical assessment. The male was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

    Three females, aged 30, 58 and 59, are expected to be charged at a later date. One of the alleged offenders remains outstanding and Serious Crime detectives have carriage of the investigation.

    Anyone with information in relation to the incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Anonymous reports can be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ16: Promoting the sports atmosphere in schools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):

    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF) has earlier on launched the inaugural HKSSF Finals, featuring a number of Jing Ying tournaments or inter-area competitions held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, which have brought heightened interest and attention to inter-school competitions. In addition, the Chief Executive has proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to include Physical Education (PE) in the primary school internal assessments starting from the 2026/27 school year, so as to encourage student participation in physical activities on a regular basis. Regarding the promotion of the sports atmosphere in schools, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as it is learnt that about 30 000 inter-school competitions are currently held each year in Hong Kong, and quite a number of new sports or urban sports have emerged in recent years, whether the authorities have plans to allocate additional resources to the HKSSF to enhance the arrangements of inter-school competitions, thus enabling the school sector to organise more varieties of competitions of high quality;
     
    (2) given that at present there are Jing Ying tournaments and all Hong Kong inter-school competitions in nine and eight sports events respectively for secondary schools, whether the authorities have plans to introduce more territory-wide inter-school competitions (especially elite sports that are popular among students, such as fencing and cycling), so as to enable student participation in more high-level competitions, thereby identifying more athletes with potential for training and better dovetailing with the development of elite sports; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that there are four major assessment domains (i.e. physical fitness, attitudes, sports skills and knowledge) for the PE subject in the primary school internal assessments, of the criteria based on which schools are required to determine students’ scores in the subject; how the authorities will encourage schools to make use of this opportunity to further cultivate students’ interest in doing sports; and
     
    (4) whether the authorities have plans to assist schools in organising more new or interesting sports events and allowing students to participate on their own terms, thereby promoting the sports atmosphere in schools; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In consultation with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF), our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng is as follows:
     
     (1) and (2) The Government actively supports the development of sports and promotes sports in the community through subsidising various national sports associations (NSAs), including the HKSSF. With the completion of the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Government also provides quality competition venues to host different inter-school sports events, with a view to attracting the participation of more young people and students and enhancing the sports ambience in schools.
     
         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has allocated around $620 million in 2025-26 as block grant under the Sports Subvention Scheme to various NSAs to promote sports in the community, youth training programmes, community participation, squad training at all levels and overseas exchange programmes and competitions. Over the past six years, the block grant provided by the LCSD to the NSAs has increased from around $300 million per year to over $600 million per year. In approving funding for each NSA (including the HKSSF) each year, the LCSD considers factors including the annual plans submitted by the NSAs, as well as their past performance, expenditure patterns, programme arrangements, and subvention management.
     
         The HKSSF, a recognised NSA of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China subsidised by government departments including the LCSD and the Education Bureau (EDB), organises and participates in various local and overseas inter-school sports competitions. To better dovetail with the development of elite sports, the HKSSF has established with other NSAs a system of training and selection for elite athletes to provide student athletes with specific sports training of a high standard, thereby feeding potential athletes to relevant NSAs and preparing them for higher-level competitions in future. In the past year, over 1 000 primary and secondary schools across the territory participated in activities organised by the HKSSF, accounting for about 97 per cent of the total number of schools in Hong Kong; around 130 000 students participated in inter-school competitions, covering about 37 sports, approximately 70 per cent of which were elite sports such as fencing, swimming, and athletics. These competitions also involved urban sports such as 3-on-3 basketball and futsal. With dedicated efforts of the Government, there are already a great variety of high quality sports competitions in the school sector, enabling students’ participation in more high-level competitions and facilitating the identification of more athletes with potential.
     
    (3) In October 2024, the EDB announced the optimised arrangement of the weighting of subjects in the Internal Assessments (IA) for the Secondary School Places Allocation. Physical Education (PE) will be included in the IA in the second term of Primary five from the 2026/27 school year, so as to further help students develop a habit of joining sports activities from young age for strengthening their physique as well as provide them with the motivation to understand and improve their physical fitness, thereby achieving the learning goal of “Healthy Lifestyle”. The new measure has received general support from various stakeholders.
     
         Promoting the healthy growth of students is the first and foremost aim of the IA of PE, with an emphasis on foundation skills as well as objective and achievable health ratings. The IA of PE also builds on the domains and standards of PE assessment currently adopted by schools in general, including Physical Fitness, Attitudes, Sports Skills, and Knowledge (abbreviated as F.A.S.K.), and is a regular task of schools. Schools will refer to the relevant curriculum documents published by the EDB, including curriculum guides, the “Physical Education Learning Outcomes Framework”, and the assessment standards for physical fitness specified in the School Physical Fitness Award Scheme (Note 1) in adopting diversified modes of assessment, so as to enhance the effectiveness in learning and teaching through allowing students to demonstrate their learning outcomes in various ways and catering for their diverse potential, abilities and needs. Schools are required to set out clear learning objectives, scope of assessment, focus and format of assessment, and assessment criteria, etc, to enable students and parents to understand the relevant assessment criteria and arrangements. 
     
         The EDB will continue to update curriculum documents, develop learning and teaching resources, and organise professional development programmes for teachers. In addition, the EDB will provide a series of support measures to promote PE development in schools with a life-wide learning approach, including organising briefing sessions for schools and parents, and setting up a professional network of “Primary School PE Assessment Learning Circle”, so as to further assist students in developing an active and healthy lifestyle.
     
    (4) The EDB has included the World Health Organisation’s recommendation that children and adolescents aged five to 17 should accumulate at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities (MVPA60) across the week as one of the directions of the PE curriculum. It has also introduced the “MVPA60 Award Scheme” with the slogan “Let’s exercise every day, exercise together and exercise with others” to encourage students to exercise regularly with their families, classmates or friends. More than 210 000 students have participated in the Scheme since its inception. In addition, the “Active Students, Active People” Campaign (Note 1) has also been launched since the 2021/22 school year to rally the efforts of schools and parents as well as other stakeholders to promote an optimised sports ambience in schools and in society. The Campaign offers a series of PE activities as well as learning and teaching resources to support schools in mobilising students’ participation in physical activities and further engaging them in developing an active and healthy lifestyle. Demonstrations of different sports and experiences of Olympic and emerging sports are featured in these activities to enhance students’ interest and provide them with opportunities in participating in physical activities, thus promoting the sports ambience in schools. The Campaign has recorded the participation of more than 60 000 students since its launch. The EDB will inject new elements into the Campaign in a timely manner so as to meet the needs of schools.
     
         In addition, the EDB disbursed a one-off grant of $150,000 to schools in March 2024 to support them in organising various activities, subsidising students’ participation in diversified sports activities (e.g. emerging or fun sports), purchasing or upgrading PE/sports equipment in schools, etc., with a view to increasing opportunities for students to participate in sports and promoting the sports ambience in schools on all fronts.
     
         Regarding teacher training, the EDB collaborates with local universities to organise the annual Hong Kong Physical Education Teachers Conference, which brings together various experts in PE to conduct thematic sharing. Teaching workshops on various sports, including urban sports such as 3-on-3 basketball and sport climbing, and such emerging sports as pickleball, tchoukball, floorball and Baseball5, are also held to enrich teachers’ professional knowledge and assist them in organising diversified activities for students within and outside the classroom, with a view to promoting students’ participation in different kinds of sports activities and enriching their sports learning experiences.
     
         Moreover, the EDB has been collaborating with government departments, relevant bodies and organisations to organise various physical activities and sports programmes, such as the School Sports Programme, as well as “Project MuSE” and “Jump Rope Together” Rope Skipping Scheme 2.0 funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, to provide students with more opportunities to participate in sports activities during leisure time, foster a sporting culture in schools and identify student athletes with potential for further training.
     
    Note 1: The School Physical Fitness Award Scheme (spfas.hkuhealth.com), jointly developed by the EDB, the Hong Kong Childhealth Foundation and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, has been in place and developed in the school sector for over 35 years.
     
    Note 2: www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/kla/pe/asap/index.html

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Allocation arrangements for public housing

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    (7) of the three most common reasons given by ordinary families waiting for PRH for refusing the units allocated to them; whether the Government has reviewed the savings in administrative costs in processing PRH applications with successful allocations on the first offer as compared to those requiring several offers before an allocation is successful?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The objective of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) is to provide public rental housing (PRH) to those who cannot afford private rental accommodation. With regard to the question raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu, my reply is as follows:
     
    (1) Given the limited PRH resources, it is the prevailing policy of the HA to accord priority to general applicants (i.e. family applicants and elderly-one person applicants) over non-elderly one-person applicants in the allocation of PRH flats. The relative priority of flat allocation to general applicants is determined according to the principle of rational allocation of PRH resources and strictly in accordance with the order of registration date/G-number Equivalent Date (Note) (if any) of applications. Apart from the general applicants, we have set another queue for non-elderly one-person applicants and the priority of flat allocation is determined by the Quota and Points System (QPS). Unlike that of general applicants, the order of the applications is not in accordance with the sequence of the date of registration, but is determined by the total points accumulated by such applicants under QPS.
     
         To cater to the housing needs of the elderly, encourage younger families to take care of their elderly parents or dependent relatives, and provide incentives to families applicants to encourage childbearing, there are several allocation priority schemes under the HA, including “Elderly Persons Priority Scheme”, “Harmonious Families Priority Scheme”, “Single Elderly Persons Priority Scheme” and “Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme”. Eligible applications under individual priority schemes will generally be processed earlier than applications by ordinary families. For example, eligible applications under the “Harmonious Families Priority Scheme” and “Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme” will be processed earlier by six months and one year respectively, and will be assigned a G-number Equivalent Date. Details on the above-mentioned schemes and arrangement are set out at Annex.
     
    (2) The progress of PRH allocation depends on various factors, including the applicants’ choice of district, the number of applications with same family size in individual districts, the supply of new and refurbished PRH flats in individual districts, the acceptance of flat offers by other applicants of higher priorities, the change of family particulars during the waiting period, etc. Therefore, the waiting time of applicants in individual districts may vary. For individual applicants, the latest allocation status of PRH applications in various districts can better enable them to estimate the waiting time required for them to be housed. In this regard, the Housing Department (HD) would publish in newspapers the latest allocation status of each district on a monthly basis, and would upload relevant information to the HA’s/HD’s website (www.housingauthority.gov.hk/en/flat-application/allocation-status/index.html 
         Moreover, general applicants can make reference to the future supply of PRH in different districts so as to estimate their waiting time. To this end, the Housing Bureau (HB) would update and publish the public housing production forecast for the next five years, and would upload the relevant public housing project information (including name of project, location, estimated number of flats, completion year, etc.) to the HB’s website (    www.hb.gov.hk/eng/publications/housing/public/phpf/index.html 
    (3) The HA has enhanced the allocation mechanism since September 2023 by taking into account an applicant’s place of residence when allocating flats based on his/her choice of district. In processing individual application under the enhanced allocation mechanism, the computer system will allocate a PRH flat which is near to the applicant’s place of residence to the applicant, subject to the availability of public housing resources in the applicant’s chosen district, in order to increase the applicant’s chance of accepting the allocated PRH flat nearer to his/her current place of residence. Following the system enhancement, the proportion of applicants who are allocated with flats near their place of residence has increased by about 10 per cent, and the acceptance rate has increased by about 5 per cent accordingly.
     
         Eligible applicants are entitled to three housing offers (one at a time). If applicants have special requests for PRH allocation (such as wishing to be accommodated to a specific area or a specific type of PRH flat in their choice of district) and have obtained the recommendation from government departments or organisations concerned (such as the Social Welfare Department or the Hospital Authority) supporting their special requests, the HD will, having regard to the applicants’ individual circumstances and subject to the availability of resources, arrange allocation of PRH flats to the applicants according to the area or type of flat recommended as far as practicable. If the applicant can furnish sufficient reasons that are acceptable by the HD for refusing the housing offer, the HD will arrange an extra flat offer for him/her according to his/her special need.
     
    (4) In view of the supply and demand situation as well as the distribution of PRH flats, the HA had, on several occasions, reviewed and regrouped the geographical districts to speed up the allocation of suitable flats to applicants. Due to the different number of flats supply and distribution in all geographical districts, the choices available for applicants in different district may vary. Therefore, the smaller the district boundary, the chance for successful flat allocation will be lower. In order to improve the situation, the HA consolidated the number of PRH districts from fourteen to eight in 1993. This could expedite the allocation process and enable early allocation of suitable flats to applicants.
     
         In tandem with urban development, the number of public transportation facilities connecting various districts is increasing, which greatly shortens the travelling time between districts. The HA further reduced the number of PRH districts from eight to four in 1998 in order to speed up the allocation work even more flexibly and further expedite the PRH allocation. The prevailing arrangement with four districts allows a more even distribution of supply of flats in each district and more effective allocation work. In fact, the Average Waiting Time (AWT) of general applications as at March 1998 was 6.6 years. Upon consolidating the PRH districts to four districts by the HA, and coupled with the increased supply of PRH, the AWT gradually reduced to around two years in 2000, proven that it is a good arrangement for consolidating the districts.
     
    (5) Comparing with the 1990s, the infrastructure and transportation facilities in Tung Chung are well-developed today. The public transport links between districts are also very convenient. Reservation of some newly completed PRH flats in Tung Chung for special allocation arrangements would be unfair to other applicants who are waiting for allocation.
     
    (6) Among the general applicants who were allocated PRH flats in the past three years (i.e. from 2022-23 to 2024-25), around 43 per cent of the applicants accepted the first offer, while around 27 per cent and 30 per cent of the applicants accepted the second and third offer respectively. If a flat is not accepted by an applicant, we will immediately allocate it to another applicant.
     
    (7) Putting into consideration that each applicant has different housing needs for PRH flats, the HA will provide up to three housing offers to eligible applicants. Applicants can decide whether to accept the offers in accordance with their individual preferences and circumstances. Applicants may refuse to accept the housing offer for different reasons (not limited to a single reason). The HA does not maintain relevant statistical information.
     
    Note: The HA will issue a registration date to the applicant upon registration of a PRH application. As the registration date cannot be changed, the HA will issue an adjusted registration date (i.e. G-number Equivalent Date) reflecting the adjusted waiting time due to implementation of PRH allocation policies (e.g. waiting time credit of one year will be given for “Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme”, waiting time will be frozen for one year if all members included in the application are currently living in PRH, etc). If there is a G-number equivalent date in the application, that date will be taken as the basis for future flat allocation and implementation of PRH application policies. When a G-number Equivalent Date is issued, the applicant will, at the same time, be issued with a corresponding range of application numbers which may be used as a reference for enquiring about the PRH application status.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Advance medical directives

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ12: Advance medical directives 
    Question:
     
         The Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance (the Ordinance), which was passed by this Council on November 20 last year, aims to establish legislative frameworks for “advance medical directives” (AMDs) and “do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) orders” and provide legal protection to patients, medical professionals, as well as rescuers, where terminally-ill patients are empowered with a greater degree of autonomy. However, a survey has discovered that approximately 75 per cent of adult respondents have never heard of AMDs. There are views that given the complex medical ethics and legal issues involved in the Ordinance, the Government should enhance public awareness of the Ordinance and establish supporting systems in the long run. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it knows the respective numbers of AMDs signed by and DNACPR orders issued to patients of the Hospital Authority each year since 2019;
     
    (2) whether the Government has currently provided necessary training for frontline staff of medical institutions and relevant organisations regarding the implementation of the Ordinance; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether it knows the progress made by relevant stakeholders in updating their protocols, records and systems in response to the implementation of the Ordinance;
     
    (3) given that the Ordinance will come into effect in May next year, whether the Government has formulated specific plans to publicise the importance and signing procedure of AMDs among the public; if so, of the details (including publicity channels); if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) whether the authorities will consider strengthening life and death education among the public, and incorporating the content of the Ordinance into such education (particularly by updating the existing curriculum framework for primary and secondary schools) to promote rational discussions in society over the right to a good death; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (5) given that the Government plans to progressively introduce the full electronic route of AMDs, with the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth) serving as the designated electronic system to support the making, storage, revocation and retrieval of electronic AMDs, of the authorities’ specific plans and implementation timetable for the relevant work?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Government’s policy objective is to provide quality and comprehensive end-of-life (EoL) care services to patients and their families. Advance decision instruments (i.e. advance medical directives (AMDs) and do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) orders) are integral components of EoL care, aiming to respect patients’ autonomy and shield them from enduring ineffective and unnecessary treatments in their final stages of life, thereby enhancing the quality of life of terminally-ill patients. Since 2010, the Hospital Authority (HA) has been allowing its patients to make or sign advance decision instruments when necessary according to common law practices. Passed by the Legislative Council in November 2024, the Advance Decision on Life-sustaining Treatment Ordinance (the Ordinance) establishes a corresponding legal framework for and provides clearer legal status for advance decision instruments, safeguarding the makers and subject patients of advance decision instruments, as well as providing legal protection for healthcare professionals in following the directives and orders. The Ordinance is planned to take effect 18 months after its passage (i.e. around mid-2026).
     
         In consultation with the Department of Health (DH), the HA, the Education Bureau and the Security Bureau, the reply to the question raised by Hon Edward Leung is as follows:
     
    (1) According to the Ordinance, pre-existing advance decision instruments made before the commencement of the Ordinance will remain valid and applicable after its commencement, provided that they meet the specific conditions set out in the Ordinance. The number of AMDs made within the HA from 2019 to 2024 is tabulated as follows:
     
     

    Year     The number of DNACPR orders made within the HA from 2019 to 2024 is tabulated as follows:
     

    Year(2) To ensure smooth implementation of the Ordinance, the Health Bureau (HHB) is arranging briefing and training sessions for relevant organisations, such as disciplined services departments and other rescue teams, regarding the legal framework and protection provisions outlined in the Ordinance. The HHB is also co-ordinating with various stakeholders to update relevant guidelines. For instance, the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine released the “Best Practice Guidelines on Advance Medical Directives” (BPG) in April this year. The BPG offers practical advice on clinical decision-making, doctor-patient communication and ethical considerations for healthcare professionals’ reference, with a view to enhancing their professional capabilities in handling advance decision instruments while upholding patients’ autonomy and complying with the legal framework of the Ordinance. Moreover, relevant policy bureaux, departments, the HA and other related organisations are currently formulating services and operational guidelines in alignment with their specific operational needs. These guidelines will among other things encompass protocols and precautions for implementing DNACPR orders outside hospital settings. Training sessions will also be conducted for rescue personnel to ensure their readiness to make prompt and accurate decisions in accordance with the legal requirements during emergencies.
     
    (3) and (4) To enhance public understanding of the Ordinance, the HHB, in collaboration with the Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project (JCECC) and the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Hong Kong, co-organised a series of eight community talks to elucidate the provisions of the Ordinance. Additionally, the HHB further disseminated information about the Ordinance to the general public through promotional pamphlets, mobile van publicity campaigns and a designated website.
     
         In fact, advance decision instruments under the Ordinance form part of advance care planning (ACP), which is an overarching and preceding process for patients to communicate their preferences regarding medical and personal care. The scope of ACP includes not only the advance decisions concerning life-sustaining treatments documented in AMDs, but also the patient’s previously expressed wishes, personal goals to be accomplished, preferences for EoL care, and treatment expectations, among other aspects. The Ordinance presents an opportunity for patients and their families, as well as the society as a whole, to understand and engage in discussions about ACP, enabling carers to provide suitable EoL care according to patients’ wishes.
     
         By fostering collaboration across departments and sectors, the Government is proactively implementing a range of public education and promotional initiatives within the community and establishing collaborative networks with social service organisations to enhance public awareness and understanding of topics like ACP and life and death education, thereby facilitating rational discussions on life and death matters within society. The DH also disseminates public education on life and death issues through various channels including media interviews, websites, publications, and online videos. In the meantime, the HA actively organises seminars, events, and talks on life and death education, including the advocacy of ACP concept.
     
         Beyond promotional campaigns targeting the general public, the Government has also implemented other targeted promotional initiatives. Specifically tailored for the elderly population, the multidisciplinary Visiting Health Teams of the Elderly Health Service (EHS) of the DH deliver health education on ageing, life and death education, managing loss and grief, and psychological needs of patients needing EoL care. These health talks are conducted for the elderly and their carers at residential care homes for the elderly, elderly centres and elderly health centres. From 2008 to 2025, the EHS has organised over 2 600 relevant health talks.
     
         As for patients, the HA’s “Smart Patient Website” provides diverse information related to palliative care, such as symptom management, caregiving tips and community resources for patients and carers to reference. In mid-2025, the HA will launch a “Smart Patient” talk series on EoL care for patient groups and the general public.
     
         In the context of school education, life education (including life and death education) is an integral part of values education. The Values Education Curriculum Framework (Pilot Version) (2021) has identified “enhancing life education” as one of its major focuses and has included “understanding the course of life: birth, ageing, illness, and death” as one of the suggested proposed learning expectations for students. Relevant learning elements have been incorporated into the primary and secondary school curricula. Schools will align with students’ cognitive development and life experiences to help them understand topics related to ACP both within and beyond classroom.
     
    (5) The Ordinance provides that the Secretary for Health may designate an electronic system, enabling makers to electronically make, store and revoke AMDs. The HHB is currently enhancing eHealth, which will serve as the designated electronic system, to support the implementation of AMDs.
     
         We will introduce electronic AMDs in phases. In the first phase, paper AMDs and the electronic storage of such AMDs will be implemented. After making a paper AMD, the public can opt to electronically store an electronic image of the paper AMD, such as a scanned copy or a photo, on eHealth to serve as a validating copy of the paper directive. The electronic storage will allow both the makers and medical institutions to access the directives through eHealth whenever needed. We plan to launch the first phase with the commencement of the Ordinance in mid-2026. Once the relevant functions of eHealth, along with the electronic systems of medical institutions and related organisations, are in place, we will proceed to enable the electronic making and storing of AMDs directly within eHealth.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 April 2025 Departmental update Educating future doctors and nurses in mental, neurological and substance use care

    Source: World Health Organisation

    One in eight people live with mental, neurological or substance use (MNS) conditions but most do not receive mental health care, partly because of a shortage of mental health professionals. While increasing the number of specialists is important, we also need to ensure that general health-care providers, like primary health-care (PHC) doctors and nurses, are well-equipped to support people with MNS conditions. These professionals are often the first point of contact for those in need, yet many lack thorough training in MNS care.

     To bridge this gap, WHO has developed Educating medical and nursing students to provide mental health, neurological and substance use care: a practical guide for pre-service education.

    A competency-based approach
    At the heart of the new guide are 12 core competencies that all medical and nursing students should develop before they graduate. These competencies integrate essential attitudes, skills and knowledge needed to provide quality MNS care.

    The guide outlines practical activities and considerations for integrating these competencies into undergraduate medical and nursing curricula. It covers, among other things, advocating for enhanced curricula, setting new learning objectives, rethinking teaching methods, and evaluating effectiveness of curriculum changes.

    A collaborative effort
    Creating this guide was a global collaborative effort. It involved input from a wide range of stakeholders around the world, including people with lived experience, students, educators, university administrators and professional associations such as the International Council of Nurses, the World Psychiatric Association and the World Federation of Medical Education. 

    Collaborative workshops held in Geneva (2022) and Shanghai (2024) played a key part in shaping the guide and planning its dissemination. 

    Pre-service education in mental brain and behavioral health: scaling up implementation
    and     dissemination workshop in Shanghai, China, 13 – 14 March 2024

    A flexible tool
    The guide can be used by universities, educators and workforce planners to enhance existing curricula or develop new ones, or to strengthen accreditation standards and quality improvement initiatives.

    What makes this guide so valuable is its adaptability to different contexts and resource settings. It does not provide a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a flexible framework that can be tailored to meet specific needs of different educational institutions and health-care systems.  Even small changes can help medical and nursing students develop the competencies they need to provide more effective MNS care.

    By serving to strengthen pre-service education in MNS care, we hope this guide will ultimately help improve the extent and quality of care for people with MNS conditions globally.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Igniting Gen Z Innovation: Samsung India Launches ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ Competition with Over INR 1 Crore In Grants

    Source: Samsung

    (Left to right) Shubham Mukherjee, Head of CSR & Corporate Communication at Samsung Southwest Asia; Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, MeitY; JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia; Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India; Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi; Dr Sapna Poti, Senior Director, Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India
     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, unveiled the fourth iteration of its Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ initiative – a nationwide contest designed to inspire students to create innovative solutions to address some of society’s most pressing challenges by leveraging technology.
     
    Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ will provide INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams to support the incubation of their projects, along with hands-on prototyping, investor connects, and expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty.
     
    This recognition highlights the significance of nurturing solutions that not only excel in the competition but also transcend it, ultimately evolving into scalable and sustainable ventures that will play a pivotal role in shaping communities across India.
     
    The programme, spanning six months, invites students aged 14-22 to submit their tech ideas as either individuals or groups. This year, participants are encouraged to create solutions across four key themes: AI for a Safer, Smarter, and Inclusive Bharat; Future of Health, Hygiene, and Well-being in India; Social change through Sports and Tech for Education and Better Futures; and Environmental Sustainability via Technology.
     
    “With Solve for Tomorrow, we are inspiring young innovators across every corner of India to dream big, tackle real-world challenges, and shape a smarter, more inclusive future through technology. This year, Solve for Tomorrow is going to be even bigger and more inclusive. We are reaching more cities, engaging students from more schools and colleges, and creating avenues for them to innovate, while applying the principles of design thinking. Solve for Tomorrow stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Government of India’s pioneering #DigitalIndia initiative that empowers our youth to become architects of the future,” said JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.
     
    “IIT Delhi is excited about fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving among youth. Our collaboration with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow offers mentorship, research infrastructure, and technical guidance to help the young turn their ideas into products that impact society. We are delighted to be part of this initiative that enables socially conscious innovation and contributes to Viksit Bharat,” said Prof Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.
     
    “India’s young innovators are at the heart of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 and realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With more young minds to tap solutions than any country ever before, India is uniquely positioned to lead with ideas that address local challenges and inspire global change. Initiatives like Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow provide a vital platform for young people to turn their ideas into solutions for the global good, using technology to drive inclusive and sustainable progress. The UN in India is proud to support such collaborations, especially with the private sector, that uplift youth leadership, innovation, and action, ensuring that we leave no one behind,” said Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India.
     
    “Young people hold the key to solving today’s most urgent global challenges. Initiatives Iike Solve for Tomorrow 2025 empower them to turn their ideas into reality using technology. We are excited to see solutions that help scale youth-led ideas to drive real change across communities,” said Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).
     
    The fourth iteration of Samsung India’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aims to involve thousands of participants, offering more than 82,000 hours of extensive training in Design Thinking, Hands-on Prototyping, Go-to-Market Strategies, and Business Planning. In the final phase, teams selected as finalists will benefit from specialized training and mentorship provided by Samsung, IIT Delhi, and industry professionals.
     
    ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ was inaugurated at IIT Delhi in the presence of all partners on Tuesday. Present at the event were Dr Sapna Poti, Senior Director, Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Shardul Rao, Scientist C, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India and P. S. Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.
     
    From ideas to impact: Programme stages
    The application window for the initiative will be open from April 29 to June 30, 2025. During this period, Samsung will host immersive design-thinking workshops in schools and colleges across the nation, empowering participants with essential problem solving and ideation skills.
     
    After the initial application phase, the top 100 teams will be chosen, with 25 teams selected from each of the themes. At this stage, participants will undergo online training led by thematic experts, followed by a video pitch round where 40 teams will be shortlisted – 10 teams from each theme.
     
    The top 10 semi-finalist teams from each theme will then progress to an intensive mentorship program guided by Samsung’s industry veterans and subject matter experts. These teams will also participate in curated learning visits to Samsung’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Samsung R&D Institute India in Bengaluru, Noida, and Delhi, as well as Samsung Design Delhi, offering them first-hand exposure to world-class innovation ecosystems.
     
    This phase will culminate in an experiential, hands-on Prototyping Programme at Delhi’s state-of-the-art labs, in collaboration with ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ alumni. There will also be a Residential Bootcamp focused on refining ideas and preparing for the final pitch. The top 20 teams will be finalized after this phase, with five teams from each theme advancing to the grand finale. These top five teams from each theme will receive exclusive one-on-one mentoring sessions with Samsung experts. They will participate in a Prototyping Day, Pitch Presentation, Investor Meet, and Awards Ceremony, all held over the last three days of the competition.
     
    What is in it for the participants
    The top 100 teams will receive certificates of achievement. The top 40 teams will receive INR 8 lakh and the latest Samsung laptops for every member. The top 20 will receive with INR 20 lakh and the latest Samsung ZFlip smartphones for each member.
     
    In addition, special awards include the Goodwill Award, Young Innovator Award, and Social Media Champion, with a total prize amount of INR 4.5 lakh.
     
    The four winning teams will collectively receive a grant of INR 1 crore for incubation at IIT Delhi, providing substantial resources to accelerate their innovative projects. This funding aims to nurture their ideas into reality.
     
    First launched in the US in 2010, ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ is currently operational in 68 countries globally and has seen over 3 million young people participate worldwide.
     
    The Global CSR vision of Samsung Electronics – ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’ – is determined to provide education to young people around the world and empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow. Read more stories on Samsung Electronics’ CSR efforts on our CSR webpage https://csr.samsung.com/en-in/localMain.do
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pupils and Sunnymead residents celebrate Global Intergenerational Week

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    The Global Intergenerational Week celebration at Sunnymead Residential Home.

    Pupils of Killylea Primary School joined forces with the residents of Sunnymead Residential Home in Armagh to celebrate Global Intergenerational Week in style.

    Music, crafts, some treats and plenty of laughs were had during the event which was organised with funding from the ‘All Ages April’ grant scheme run by Linking Generations NI (LGNI) with support from Public Health Agency NI.

    In total, ten events were held across the ABC Borough, for the All Ages April programme which was designed to create connections across generations and links between groups, settings and organisations that wouldn’t normally work together. LGNI’s vision is that these connections and relationships will continue into the future.

    ABC Age Friendly Officer Stephanie Rock also lent her support and visited Sunnymead Residential Home for the celebratory event.

    For more information on Age Friendly activities in the ABC Borough or to receive the ABC Seniors Newsletter you can call Stephanie on 07825 010630 or email

    *protected email*

    . Alternatively you can visit the Age Friendly webpage on the council website – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/agefriendly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Sadovyy

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Sadovyy

    Date：2024-12-28
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    December 28, 2024  
    No. 468  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on December 27 hosted a luncheon to welcome a Ukrainian delegation led by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyy. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the peaceful development of Ukraine, the strengthening of local municipal exchanges, the building of resilient cities, and other initiatives. In addition to sharing with the guests Taiwan’s experience and insights regarding economic transformation and high-tech industrial development, Minister Lin stressed that cities in Taiwan and Ukraine could engage in exchanges at the annual Smart City Summit and Expo held in Taiwan.
     
    The visiting delegation thanked the Taiwan government for its humanitarian assistance and support to Ukraine, adding that the Ukrainian people were deeply moved by Taiwan’s goodwill. They expressed the wish that the two countries could further engage in reciprocal support and cooperation on the basis of friendship and mutual trust. 
     
    Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine. Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, it has become an important hub for other countries to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine as well as a major medical base to which wounded soldiers and patients are transferred for follow-up treatment. On December 27, the Taipei Representative Office (TRO) in Poland, the Lviv city government, and the Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital of Emergency and Intensive Care signed a memorandum on cooperation and partnership for the reconstruction of the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv. The virtual signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu. The government of Taiwan will fund the renovation of a rehabilitation facility, which will be named the Taiwan Friendship Building to accentuate Taiwan’s donation and friendship. 
     
    Speaking as Taiwan’s representative at the MOU signing ceremony, Deputy Minister Wu stated that postsurgery rehabilitation would be available to military personnel and civilians at the Taiwan Friendship Building in the UNBROKEN center and that the Taiwan government would continue to work with Lviv on the basis of mutual trust and support so as to help Ukraine work toward a brighter future amidst current adversity. Mayor Sadovyy presented a briefing on UNBROKEN’s operations and the recovery of those injured. Noting that the rehabilitation facility to be renovated with Taiwan government funding would benefit more Ukrainian patients, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of Taiwan. 
     
    UNBROKEN is a national rehabilitation center supported by Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and overseen by the Lviv city government. The center includes a general hospital, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation center, a surgery facility, a prosthetics manufacturing facility, and temporary housing. To date, more than 940,000 Ukrainian patients have received medical treatment at this nationally renowned center. The facility to be renovated with Taiwan’s assistance is a seven-story building located in the western part of the center. Once the project is completed, it will be home to specialized departments and provide such diverse medical and rehabilitation services as physical therapy, psychological consultations, and prosthetic fittings. It is expected to have the capacity to serve 13,000 patients simultaneously. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Interim Report – January-March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM – 30 April 2025. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today publishes its Interim Report January-March 2025. The full report is available on the Company’s website.

    “Developmental intensity levels remain high in our portfolio companies, many of which have progressed their positions during the first quarter of the year”, says Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development.

    Significant events during the first quarter

    • The portfolio company AnaCardio secured SEK 205 million in a series A extension financing round and reported positive results from the first part of a phase 1b/2a study of AC01 in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The final part of the study (phase 2a) is expected to start during the first quarter of 2025 (January 2025).
    • The portfolio company Dilafor announced that it successfully completed regulatory meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, and European Health Agencies, regarding the continued development of the company’s drug candidate tafoxiparin. The completed meetings marked the end of a comprehensive dialogue with regulatory authorities in the US and EU to reach an alignment between the authorities on designing pivotal clinical Phase 3 studies in Europe and the US to evaluate tafoxiparin as a new potential treatment for priming of labor (January 2025).
    • The portfolio company Promimic published positive results showing a reduction of bacterial growth on the company’s implant surface HAnano Surface. The results are published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials (February 2025).
    • The portfolio company AnaCardio dosed the first patient in the phase 2a part of the GOAL-HF1 clinical study. The study will evaluate AnaCardio’s drug candidate AC01 in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Study results from GOAL-HF1 are expected by the end of the year (February 2025).
    • The portfolio company PharmNovo received positive feedback regarding its most advanced drug candidate, PN6047, in a pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting aimed to provide guidance on the design of the company’s planned phase 2a clinical trial for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy and allodynia (March 2025).
    • The portfolio company AnaCardio was granted patent for its drug candidate AC01 in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in the EU (March 2025).
    • The portfolio company Umecrine Cognition provided an update regarding the ongoing clinical phase 1b/2a trial evaluating the drug candidate golexanolone in patients with Primary biliary cholangitis, PBC. Due to technical issues in the production of capsules used in the study, the clinical trial has been delayed. No patient safety concerns have been noted, and Umecrine Cognition is working intensively together with its supplier to resolve the issue (March 2025).

    Significant post-period events

    • The portfolio company Umecrine Cognition presented recent preclinical data showing that golexanolone reverses dopamine loss and sustains improvements of Parkinsonian symptoms at the 19th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD) 2025, in Vienna, Austria (April 2025).
    • Karolinska Development announced that Viktor Drvota took over as CEO of the portfolio company Umecrine Cognition. Viktor Drvota remains the CEO of Karolinska Development (April 2025).

    Financial update first quarter

    • The net profit/loss for the first quarter was SEK -14.2 million (SEK 0.2 million in the first quarter of 2024). Earnings per share totaled SEK -0.05 (SEK 0.00 in the first quarter of 2024).
    • The result of the Change in fair value of shares in portfolio companies for the first quarter amounted to SEK -3.5 million (SEK 1.9 million in the first quarter of 2024). The result is mainly the effect of the downturn in share price in the listed holding Modus Therapeutics. The downturn was partly offset by an upturn in the share price in the listed holdings OssDsign and Promimic.
    • The total fair value of the portfolio was SEK 1,434.2 million at the end of March 2025, corresponding to a decrease of SEK 17.3 million from SEK 1,451.5 million at the end of the previous quarter. The net portfolio fair value at the end of March 2025 was SEK 1,103.1 million, corresponding to a decrease of SEK 17.7 million from SEK 1,120.8 million at the end of the previous quarter. The main reason for the net decrease in fair value was the partial divestment of OssDsign and the divestment of Karolinska Development’s shares in Promimic and also the downturn in the share price of the listed holding Modus Therapeutics. The decrease was partially offset by the increase in the price of the listed holdings OssDsign and Promimic. The quarter’s investments also contributed to the increase in fair value.
    • Net asset value amounted to SEK 1,230.4 million, per share SEK 4.6, at the end of March 2025 (SEK 1,254.3 million, per share SEK 4.6 at the end of March 2024).
    • Net sales totaled SEK 0.5 million during the first quarter of 2025 (SEK 0.5 million during the first quarter of 2024).
    • Karolinska Development invested a total of SEK 15.5 million in portfolio companies during the first quarter of 2025 (SEK 12.0 million in the first quarter of 2024). First quarter 2025 investments in portfolio companies by Karolinska Development and other specialized life sciences investors totaled SEK 25.6 million (SEK 242.8 million in the first quarter of 2024).
    • Cash and cash equivalents increased by SEK 9.0 million during the first quarter, totaling SEK 51.1 million on 31 March 2025 (SEK 67.5 million on 31 March 2024).

    The Interim Report for Karolinska Development AB for the period January-March 2025 is available as a PDF at www.karolinskadevelopment.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
    Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com

    Hans Christopher “HC” Toll, CFO, Karolinska Development AB        
    Phone: +46 70 717 00 41, e-mail: hc.toll@karolinskadevelopment.com

    TO THE EDITORS

    About Karolinska Development AB

    Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients’ lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

    Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

    Karolinska Development has established a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

    The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

    For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com

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