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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons and Moran, Reps. Pingree and Lawler introduce NO TIME TO Waste Act to combat American food loss and waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) reintroduced today the bipartisan, bicameral New Opportunities for Technological Innovation, Mitigation, and Education To Overcome Waste, or NO TIME TO Waste Act. The bill would reduce food loss and waste in the United States in an effort to increase food security, foster productivity, promote resource and energy conservation, and address climate change. This reintroduction comes during National Food Waste Prevention Week (April 7-13) to raise awareness around the issue of food waste and highlight bipartisan opportunities to find solutions.
    “Food waste exacerbates hunger, pollutes the environment, and undercuts our economy,” said Senator Coons. “As we celebrate National Food Waste Prevention Week, I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill that takes commonsense steps to tackle food waste. Together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve health outcomes, and ensure food reaches the communities across Delaware and the nation who need it most.”
    “Kansas is the breadbasket of the country, helping feed the nation and the world,” said Senator Moran. “However, nearly 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. goes to waste while many Americans face hunger and food shortages. This legislation would require collaboration between agencies to help cut food waste and support partnerships to feed those in need.”
    “With food insecurity on the rise across the country and the cost of groceries continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever that we develop whole-of-government solutions and strategies to prevent food loss and waste, encourage greater food recovery, and ensure that no one in this country goes hungry. This bill is a big step in the right direction,” said Congresswoman Pingree, co-founder of the bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Our NO TIME TO Waste Act would strengthen the federal government’s approach to food loss by tackling waste in every step of our food system—from prevention research to composting and education programs. Food waste isn’t just an economic or environmental issue; it’s a moral one—and it’s long past time that we address it.”
    “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Pingree and Senators Coons and Moran in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral NO TIME TO Waste Act to cut food waste and fight hunger. From Rockland to Putnam to Westchester, I’ve seen local food banks and community groups doing incredible work—and this bill gives them the tools, funding, and federal support they need to do even more,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17).
    Each year, 30 to 40% of the U.S. food supply is lost or wasted—133 billion pounds. Meanwhile, 47 million Americans go hungry, including 7 million children, often in rural communities. In the United States, food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, generating methane gas as it decomposes, a greenhouse gas approximately 28% more potent than carbon dioxide. In response, the United States committed in the 2018 Farm Bill to cut food loss and waste (FLW) in half by the year 2030 through the U.S. 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal, the first-ever domestic goal to reduce FLW.
    Specifically, the NO TIME TO Waste Act would: 
    Improve federal coordination by formally authorizing the existence of collaboration between the USDA, EPA, and FDA to reduce FLW by 50% by 2030
    Establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste at USDA to support the role of the Food Loss and Waste Liaison, strengthen research on FLW and new technologies, and quantify the impact of current FLW policies on greenhouse gas emissions
    Strengthen current USDA research programs to include FLW as part of their priorities and support states’ efforts to assist local food recovery infrastructure and coordination
    Launch a national public awareness and education campaign to educate households on practical ways to reduce waste at home, the impacts of FLW, methods for preserving and storing foods, tips for identifying whether food is still safe and edible, and developing educational materials
    The NO TIME TO Waste Act is endorsed by the Zero Food Waste Coalition (Natural Resources Defense Council, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, World Wildlife Fund, ReFED), Upcycled Food Association, Plastic Free Delaware/Zero Waste First State, and Health Care Without Harm.
    “Food waste is a systemwide problem that requires systemwide action to solve, said Renee Albrecht, Co-Chair Federal Working Group, Zero Food Waste Coalition. “The bipartisan NO TIME TO Waste Act provides commonsense solutions to tackle waste throughout the food system and deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.” 
    “With the massive scale of wasted food comes tremendous opportunity for transformative bipartisan food systems change,” said Amanda Oenbring, CEO, Upcycled Food Association. “EPA’s Food Waste Scale identifies upcycling as a ‘most-preferred’ pathway alongside donation to managing wasted food because it displaces the need for additional food production while ensuring food reaches its highest and best use in the human food system. The NO TIME TO Waste Act will increase collaboration support for the entrepreneurs and innovators rescuing nutrition from half of food surplus that is excess and byproducts while educating consumers about the value these ingredients and products bring to our tables. In doing so we can scale efforts to stop food waste and realize greater social, economic and environmental benefits across the US and beyond.”
    “Plastic Free Delaware (aka Zero Waste First State) applauds our Delaware Senator Coons, and Senator Moran, for pursuing the goals inherent in the NO TIME TO Waste Act,” said Dee Durham, Plastic Free Delaware/Zero Waste First State. “The Act would bolster our efforts on the ground in Delaware to reduce food waste and divert organics from Delaware’s landfills, saving Delawareans money, conserving resources, and reducing emissions of methane which is a significant climate change component.”
    A one-pager is available here. 
    You can read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Additional funding for National Treatment Centre Highland

    Source: Scottish Government

    Additional funding for National Treatment Centre Highland

    Funding of £2.6 million will allow National Treatment Centre (NTC) Highland to deliver thousands of additional orthopaedic and ophthalmic operations every year.

    The additional investment – allocated from £200 million contained in the Budget to tackle waiting times, delayed discharge and improve hospital flow across the country – will support the recruitment of new nurses, anaesthetists and healthcare support workers.

    This is expected to allow the centre to carry out around 8,418 procedures in the coming year – a 67% increase on the 5,054 commissioned by the Scottish Government last year. The increase in capacity will deliver procedures for patients in NHS Highland, NHS Grampian, NHS Tayside and NHS Shetland.

    Visiting the facility in Inverness, Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “In the two years since its opening, National Treatment Centre Highland has provided life-changing treatment to thousands of people living in the North of Scotland.

    “This new funding of £2.6 million will help the state-of-the-art facility to deliver thousands of additional procedures every year – including operations for cataracts and joint replacements.   

    “We know in the past too many people have waited too long for treatment, and the First Minister and I have set out a plan to change that.  We will deliver more than 150,000 extra appointments nationally and procedures in the coming year to ensure people receive the care they need as quickly as possible – targeting the longest waiting patients and optimising the use of our National Treatment Centres to substantially increase capacity.”

    Background:

    Through its portion of £30 million additional funding for targeted planned care procedures, National Treatment Centre Highland also completed an additional 2,560 cataract procedures last year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Stronger Immunization Policies Needed as Vaccine Confidence Falls Singapore | 10 April 2025 Issued by the APEC Health Working Group A new APEC report raises concerns over declining vaccine confidence and uptake across the region, increasing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks and underscoring the urgent need for stronger immunization policies and cross-border collaboration.

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    A new APEC report raises concerns over declining vaccine confidence and uptake across the region, increasing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks and underscoring the urgent need for stronger immunization policies and cross-border collaboration.

    Findings from the updated APEC Regional Dashboard on Vaccination Across the Life-Course reveal gaps in vaccine access, financing and data collection, with only eight economies meeting the 95 percent measles herd immunity threshold in 2023—a 27 percent drop from 2022. The dashboard also highlights a decline in vaccine confidence, with adults in at least 16 APEC economies increasingly questioning the safety, effectiveness and importance of vaccines.

    “Strengthening life-course immunization is critical to building resilient healthcare systems and ensuring economic sustainability across APEC economies,” said Dr Victor Yosef Melt Campos, Chair of the APEC Health Working Group.

    “A well-vaccinated population is not only healthier but also more productive, contributing to stronger communities and a more robust workforce,” Dr Campos added. “Investing in immunization helps economies safeguard public health, enhance social well-being, and create a foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.”

    Developed by the APEC Vaccines Task Force under the Health Working Group, the dashboard tracks progress on the APEC Action Plan on Vaccination Across the Life-Course, a regional strategy that supports member economies in expanding vaccine access, strengthening immunization programs and preparing for future health challenges.

    The dashboard highlights the need to expand immunization programs beyond childhood to include adolescents, adults and at-risk groups. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of scalable, adaptable strategies to strengthen vaccine uptake across different population segments.

    Gaps in data collection and assessment remain a critical challenge, according to the dashboard. Only one-third of APEC economies currently track the indirect benefits of vaccination, despite growing evidence that adult vaccines can return up to 19 times their initial investment.

    Additionally, just over half of APEC economies have a comprehensive framework to assess both the economic and social benefits of immunization. Strengthening evidence-based policymaking and ensuring that vaccine investments align with broader economic and public health goals will be key to improving immunization outcomes across the region.

    The dashboard also underscores the importance financial sustainability for immunization programs. The dashboard highlights best practices, including free vaccines for older adults, multi-year procurement contracts and tax levies to support vaccine programs.

    Pandemic preparedness remains a key priority. While 90 percent of APEC economies have established preparedness strategies, fewer have introduced catch-up vaccination plans to address routine immunization disruptions. Strengthening surveillance systems, harmonizing regulatory frameworks and ensuring rapid vaccine deployment in response to outbreaks will be essential to mitigating future health crises​

    With 2025 marking the halfway point for both the APEC Action Plan on Vaccination Across the Life-Course and the WHO Immunization Agenda 2030, the dashboard urges member economies to accelerate efforts to strengthen immunization systems. Sustainable and adaptable policies will be essential to ensuring resilient vaccination programs amid evolving public health challenges.

    The APEC Vaccines Task Force remains committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to support economies in enhancing immunization coverage. For more information, visit this page or contact [email protected].

    For further details and media inquiries, please contact:
    [email protected] 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Instant Financial Recognized as a Technology Association of Georgia Top 10 Most Innovative Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Instant Financial, the fintech company modernizing payments and earned wage access (EWA) for hourly workers and their employers, today announced it has been recognized as one of the Technology Association of Georgia’s (TAG) Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2025. This prestigious recognition celebrates Georgia-based technology companies demonstrating exceptional innovation, significant impact, and substantial contributions to the local tech community. This is Instant Financial’s second time being honored as a TAG Most Innovative Company and the first time it made the Top 10 list.

    “We’re honored to be recognized by TAG for our innovation,” said CEO Tal Clark. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our team, who tirelessly work to empower hourly workers with financial freedom and flexibility, while improving employee retention.”

    Founded in 2015, Instant Financial provides earned wage access, digital tips, and instant payments via banks, mobile wallets, or paycards—giving frontline workers greater control over how and when they receive their wages. Instant’s solutions have enabled hourly employees in restaurants, retail, and hospitality to access more than $7.5 billion in earnings at no or low cost, as well as more than $4.5 billion in digital tips. Customers like GPS Hospitality, Church’s Chicken, Bloomin’ Brands, and Randstad USA rely on Instant for their modern payroll solutions, which help them better recruit and retain their frontline workforce.

    “We’re incredibly grateful to our customers who have entrusted Instant to support their workforce,” added Clark. “Their collaboration fuels our growth and helps us create products that meet the needs of hourly employees.”

    Based on feedback from its customers, Instant has continued to innovate to incorporate more financial access into its product, recently launching its Financial Wellness program, offering frontline workers tools for saving, credit building and health and well-being resources. Additionally, last fall the company introduced Instant Direct, enabling employees to choose between transferring funds directly to their bank accounts, a digital wallet, or using the Instant Card based upon their individual preferences and needs.

    TAG’s Top 10 Innovative Companies are selected based on innovation, market impact, and their role in enhancing Georgia’s thriving technology ecosystem. Instant will join fellow awardees in showcasing their innovations at TAG’s annual Georgia Technology Summit on April 16th at the Woodruff Arts Center.

    Instant Financial is headquartered in Alpharetta and is hiring. For more information about Instant, its culture, or to explore open roles, visit instant.co.

    About Instant
    Instant Financial is a fintech company modernizing payments and earned wage access for hourly workers and their employers. We provide earned wage access, digital tips, and instant payments via banks, mobile wallets, or paycards, along with financial wellness services—giving frontline workers control over how and when they get paid. As the first company to offer earned wage access through a paycard, Instant has helped workers in restaurants, retail, hospitality, and beyond access over $7.5 billion in earnings at no or low cost. With 86% of employees wanting same-day pay, our award-winning solutions turn every workday into payday, helping employers improve recruitment and retention. Learn more at instant.co.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Authority staff donate Easter Eggs to Island charity

    Source: Isle of Man

    Dozens of local children are set to enjoy an Easter treat thanks to the latest fundraising efforts by members of staff from the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority.

    A total of 79 chocolate Easter eggs are being donated to the children and families cared for by Island charity Wish Upon A Dream, which is the Authority’s Charity of the Year for 2025.

    As so many eggs were collected, there will be enough to bring some Easter cheer to any youngsters who are on the Children’s Ward at Noble’s Hospital over the holiday period.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Go Walks launched offering free health and wellbeing support to communities

    Source: City of Coventry

    A series of walks is being created around our City to help families get to know their area, improve their wellbeing and build stronger communities.

    Go Walks is the result of a new partnership between the City Council and The Outdoor Guide – an organisation that strongly believes in the value of enjoying a healthy life outdoors – which has built a national network of walks throughout the UK in both cities and the countryside. 

    All of the walks will be available online and paper copies will also be available to collect from the Family Hubs.

    In Coventry, the walks are based around the City’s Family Hubs that provide welcoming, safe spaces where children, young people and families can access services and help, while enjoying fun activities and build friendships.

    The eight Family Hubs are: Wood Side, Pathways, Park Edge, Mosaic, The Moat, Harmony, Families for All and Aspire.

    There will be a total of nine walks, with two at Wood Side – one is accessible and suitable all year round, the other is suitable for dry weather and people on foot.

    Each walk is around 5,000 steps in length, with the exception of Pathways, which is a little longer. Family hubs are encouraging families to get out in the Spring sunshine this Easter holidays and join staff in going on the walk and then return to the Hub for refreshments and fun activities.

    The aim of the walks is to link the Hubs with the green spaces in their areas. Showing local families the amazing facilities right on their doorstep – from parks and woodland to social supermarkets, food banks, drop in centres, places of worship, medical centres and primary schools.  This initiative delivers on our pledge to children and young people to help them be and feel healthy as part of Child Friendly Cov.

    As well as enabling residents to get to know their area better and see the numerous facilities and support on offer,  the walks will also introduce new arrivals to the City to their neighbourhood and bring people together. Families will be able to connect with their local Family Hub and discover all the free activities and resources available for them.

    Cllr Patricia Seaman, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Our Family Hubs are a fantastic success. Really bringing people and organisations together and revealing just how much support there is for families right in the heart of so many communities in our City.”

    “Now, with new Go Walks, there are even more reasons to visit your local Hub, get some fresh air, enjoy our green spaces and discover more about your neighbourhood.”

    Cllr Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Go Walks to our Go CV family. This free scheme has enabled thousands to enjoy leisure opportunities and cultural venues and has grown to include other offers such as Go Parks. 

    “I know Go Walks will prove popular and will not only provide families the opportunity to get healthy and enjoy leisure time together, but also show them where help and support is available – building strong communities.”

    Gina Bradbury Fox, founder of The Outdoor Guide, said: “We are delighted to be working with Coventry City Council on this exciting new project. Our ethos is to enable more and more people to spend time outside and become active. The areas the walks cover have some amazing green spaces – you’d be forgiven at times for not realising you’re so close to the heart of the city!”

    The walks will be “live” in time for the Easter Holidays from 11-25 April and form part of the Family hub holiday activities. A celebration event will take place on 25 April at the Moat Family Hub, hosted by guest of honour, and much-loved children’s TV presenter, Gemma Hunt and Ambassador for The Outdoor Guide Foundation.

    To learn more about Go Walks, visit The Outdoor Guide’s website. A series of online guides will also be available.

    To find out more about your local Family Hub offer please visit www.coventryfamilies.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: Evidence-based ways parents can support boys around masculinity norms

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Deinera Exner-Cortens, Associate Professor of Psychology and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (Childhood Health Promotion), University of Calgary

    Teenage boys may retreat into a wall of silence as they detect gendered norms. Parents’ persistence to talk with them about their experiences, beliefs and emotions matters. (Netflix)

    This story contains spoilers about Netflix’s ‘Adolescence.’

    Since its release in mid-March 2025, Adolescence has been streamed almost 100 million times worldwide. The show tells the story of a 13-year-old boy who murders a female classmate after being radicalized by the manosphere.

    There has been mass public discussion about the series, including among parents. As stated by one commenter on the subreddit r/Parenting: “I have a fairly standard 15-year-old boy … After watching this on Netflix, I’ve got terrible anxiety about it all … ”

    As a developmental psychologist with a focus on adolescent boys, I believe this discourse is important, but the intense discussion can make it seem like these are new issues. Yet, psychologists and feminist scholars have been studying masculinities since at least the 1960s, including among adolescent boys.

    We have also learned how to create supportive spaces for boys through research on gender-transformative interventions. These interventions address issues like poor mental health, substance use and use of violence by focusing on how strict adherence to patriarchal masculine norms (such as emotional restriction, homophobia and aggression) can harm boys’ health and the health of those around them.

    Here, I offer three key takeaways parents and caregivers can learn from this research, and additional resources to explore.

    1. Curiosity is key.

    Many gender-transformative programs use ideas of transformational learning, where the experiences, beliefs and perspectives of boys are used to support critical reflection and change. Put simply, this means when boys say they like “that Andrew Tate shite” (Episode 2), adults respond with curiosity and not condemnation (for example, saying something like: “Why does that idea feel true to you?”).



    Read more:
    ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: A painful wake-up call about unregulated internet use for teens

    Curiosity, however, does not equal agreement. By demonstrating that we are authentically engaged with what our teen is sharing, we can also (gently) push them to consider how these ideas might harm themselves or others (for instance: “How do you think that idea might make the girls around you feel?”). It is also OK to express disagreement when ideas cross a line, but explain why (for instance: “I am not OK with you calling girls bitches. Do you know where that word comes from?”).

    Another thing we have learned is that this style of engagement — while effective — is not a one-and-done. Effective gender-transformative intervention strategies take time to work, and these conversations need to be consistent and ongoing, ideally starting well before adolescence (though it is never too late to start).

    Adolescents may also not be the first to engage, so it’s important to regularly and intentionally create space for them to share their ideas and experiences. If you get a wall of silence, try again another time. One idea is to look for natural opportunities for moments of conversation, like on the way to an extracurricular activity, or when eating a meal together (like the lead detective does with his son in the second episode). Also look for activities you can do alongside your child, and where they can teach you something (for example, playing a video game together).

    This is hard work, and so finding support among like-minded parents (whether in-person or online) can be helpful.

    2. Masculinity is not ‘toxic’.

    Many pieces on Adolescence refer to “toxic masculinity.” However, this is a phrase to avoid, because for boys, this suggets there is something inherently flawed with a core aspect of their identity, making manosphere messages that celebrate misogynistic forms of masculinity all the more enticing. Instead, we can talk with boys about how they feel they are expected to act as a boy in their world, and the ways they might find some of these expectations restricting.

    For example, many boys want to share their emotions, and indeed do so until adolescence. But, as families, schools, peers and society start to place stricter expectations on the norm of boys suppressing their emotions, boys may retreat from this sharing.

    Yet, boys who are able to resist this norm — with the support of their families, peers and schools — do much better psychologically and socially.

    Parents and caregivers can support this resistance by actively asking boys about their emotions (and sharing our own), and giving boys words to label what they are feeling.

    For example, in Adolescence, Jamie’s dad does show emotional vulnerability several times, but never in front of Jamie. Instead, Jamie recounts a memory of his dad having a “proper rager” and the type of language we hear Eddie use when yelling at boys who tagged his van (“I’ll slap that f-king smile off your face … Listen to me, you little twat”) is mirrored by Jamie when he yells at the psychologist (“I don’t f-king wanna sit down! … Look at me now!”). In sum, what we say, do and share is key for boys’ positive development.

    3. Boys are individuals.

    As one boy in our research shared: “To be a guy is to be human, it’s OK to be sad or upset or nervous and stuff. It’s also good to be happy so it’s OK to show how you feel and that.” Yet, that essential opportunity to be human is often curtailed for boys by the gendered expectations and pressures they feel.

    In Adolescence, we learn Jamie once loved to draw, but at some point he stopped. Comparatively, another detective, who is a woman, discusses how she was helped to survive a tough school environment when a teacher supported her drawing. Jamie’s dad talks about how he encouraged Jamie to be “sporty,” while, by contrast, Jamie relays he is not good at sports, and knew his dad was ashamed of this. The messages Jamie received told him that he needed to be a certain way, and when he failed to live up to those expectations, he turned to online manosphere spaces for acceptance.

    Similarly, in our research with former incels, we learned that participants found the community when they were looking for online help for their struggles meeting masculinity norms. So, if boys are struggling, parents can help them find supportive spaces that promote messages about the many ways to be a guy in the world, and that match their needs and interests.

    Resources for parents and caregivers

    • Gender-transformative interventions in the U.S. and Canada with evidence of effectiveness include Coaching Boys Into Men, Manhood 2.0 and WiseGuyz

    • Books: Masculinity Workbook for Teens; Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys

    • Podcast: On Boys

    • Canadian non-profit Next Gen Men, dedicated to changing how the world sees, acts and thinks about masculinity.

    • Common Sense Media has great guides and information, though for some content, a paid subscription is required.

    Deinera Exner-Cortens receives funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. She has also been the lead evaluator for the WiseGuyz program since 2016.

    – ref. ‘Adolescence’ on Netflix: Evidence-based ways parents can support boys around masculinity norms – https://theconversation.com/adolescence-on-netflix-evidence-based-ways-parents-can-support-boys-around-masculinity-norms-253724

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bilirakis, Moran, and Mullin Sponsor Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Seniors’ Access to Hearing Services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)

    Washington – This week, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1) re-filed the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act to expand seniors’ access to audiology and hearing services.  This important piece of legislation fixes a long-standing access barrier that punishes both seniors and audiologists and increases the choices Medicare patients have when treating their hearing needs.  Under current Medicare rules, seniors are unable to access the full range of services that independent audiologists provide under their existing scope of practice, despite these services already being covered under existing law. The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act will end this inequity by allowing independent audiologists to directly bill Medicare for services that are already covered under the law and within their existing scope of practice.  The bill also makes technical changes to remove the pre-treatment order requirement, which does not exist with any other federal or commercial payer, and further clarifies that audiologists can provide these services at Rural Health Centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

     “Medicare reimbursement policies should be patient-centered and maximize patient choice whenever possible,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Updating these policies to allow licensed audiologists to fully participate in Medicare will bring greater parity and provide seniors with improved access to hearing health and balance care.”

     “As someone who is hard of hearing and who relies on hearing aids, I know firsthand how important it is to receive quality hearing care. Currently, many Medicare recipients face serious barriers that prevent them from accessing the full range of audiology services they deserve. We need to reduce red tape for both patients and audiologists, which is why I’m proud to lead the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act with Reps. Bilirakis and Moran,” said Congressman Mullin. 

     “Our legislation expands access to audiology and hearing services for seniors by removing barriers to care and reforming policies to allow trained and licensed audiologists full participation in Medicare,” said Congressman Moran. “We must ensure that patients have the freedom to choose the provider that best fits their needs. This bill is an important step to improve access to critical hearing services for seniors.”

     “ADA applauds Representatives Bilirakis and Mullin for championing the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act to remove red tape so that seniors and individuals with disabilities have streamlined access to crucial hearing and balance healthcare services,” said Amyn Amlani, Ph.D., President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). “Classifying audiologists as Medicare practitioners will allow patients to receive timely, evidence-based care that improves communication, reduces fall risks, and enhances overall quality of life.”

     “The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association thanks Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Kevin Mullin for reintroducing this important legislation, which will give seniors more timely and robust access to hearing and balance care provided by audiologists,” said ASHA 2025 President Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. “ASHA looks forward to continued collaboration with these leaders and our allied partners to enact this bill as soon as possible. Doing so will help remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that prevent seniors from accessing critical hearing and balance care and prevent the Medicare program from utilizing the audiology workforce to the fullest extent of its training and expertise.”

     “The American Academy of Audiology is extremely grateful for our three champions in the House of Representatives, Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Kevin Mullin and Nathaniel Moran for their immense dedication to audiologist by re-introducing the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act. This legislation is critical to raising the audiologist profession as whole to become practitioners, provide necessary direct access and allow for important telehealth access for those in rural areas,”said the Academy’s President Patricia Gaffney, AuD, MPH. “The leadership of these three dedicated Members of Congress inspire those who work day in and day out to improve hearing health every day that their profession matters and is worth protecting. For patients, the passage of this legislation-effective legislation will give them timely access to the services critical to accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Schools are harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize courses in hospitality management

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Betsy Pudliner, PhD, Associate Professor of Hospitality and Technology Innovation, University of Wisconsin-Stout

    Generative AI helps create dynamic simulations that provide students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences. Matt Bird/Getty Images

    Uncommon Courses is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.

    Title of course:

    Hospitality Employee Relations

    What prompted the idea for the course?

    The idea came from my frustration with traditional methods used to teach hospitality management. As a professor and industry professional, I saw the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world skills.

    Internships and fieldwork are valuable. But they may not be available to students, especially those in online or hybrid programs. I wanted to offer students an opportunity to gain hands-on learning experiences.

    Using Articulate’s Rise 360 – an e-learning development platform – I created dynamic simulations based on stories from my own experiences, as well as from other industry professionals.

    For example, an interactive lost wallet scenario I created with my instructional design team involves a person who realizes they’ve left their wallet behind after visiting a nursing home. It includes decision points that enhance critical thinking and decision-making through the use of concept art.

    AI-driven prompts aid in transforming industry experiences into online course content. The Pinnacle Golf Resort, a made-up resort I created using Rise 360, engages students with dynamic cause-and-effect decision trees with realistic managerial challenges.

    What does the course explore?

    Students engage with real-world challenges, such as:

    • Managing guest complaints

    • Handling staffing issues

    • Dealing with financial challenges

    • Implementing operational solutions

    • Moral and ethical issues and conflict resolution

    Students are tasked with making decisions that affect the outcome of each scenario, with immediate feedback on their choices. That provides personalized learning experiences tailored to their progress.

    The course focuses on connecting theory to practice, such as application of leadership styles − autocratic, democratic or different types of power − to solve problems and improve guest satisfaction.

    One scene in the Pinnacle Golf Resort simulation involves a restaurant manager handling a disruptive guest during a high-profile event. I realized I needed a decision-rating scale to assess the student’s choices. Generative AI refined decision options and aided in the construction of that decision-rating scale.

    This ensures that choices − such as offering a goodwill gesture or removal of the guest − have realistic consequences. Therefore, the total number of points affixed would determine whether the restaurant manager would be promoted or need more training.

    Why is this course relevant now?

    As the hospitality industry becomes more competitive and complex − with higher turnover rates and shifting workforce expectations − effective decision-making and problem-solving skills become crucial in managing guest experiences.

    Traditional internships and fieldwork are valuable.

    But online and hybrid programs may struggle to provide these opportunities. As hospitality programs shift to online and hybrid formats, the demand for scalable, hands-on learning tools has increased.

    What’s a critical lesson from the course?

    A key lesson is the importance of adaptive decision-making and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. Through simulations created with the help of generative AI, students see firsthand how their decisions impact multiple areas of a hospitality business.

    These scenarios allow students to experience real-world challenges. And this helps them practice making decisions in a dynamic environment.

    By participating in the simulations, students learn that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in hospitality management. They must adapt their leadership style based on the situation and the individuals involved.

    What materials does the course feature?

    The course creates interactive simulations using Articulate 360 and Rise 360.

    These simulations replicate real-world hospitality situations such as managing guest complaints or financial decision-making.

    The class uses stories drawn from the instructor’s own industry experience. This exposes students to the complexities of hospitality management.

    Feedback is generated based on the student’s decisions in the simulations, developed with the help of ChatGPT. This fosters self-reflection and promoting continual improvement in their leadership abilities.

    What will the course prepare students to do?

    Upon completion, students will be able to:

    • Navigate complex guest relations and manage complaints in real time.

    • Make informed operational decisions while balancing guest satisfaction, employee performance and financial considerations.

    • Apply various leadership styles to motivate teams, resolve conflicts and ensure high service standards.

    • Assess their leadership style and adapt it to different situations in hospitality management.

    Betsy A. Pudliner is affiliated with ICHRIE-International Council of Hospitality, Restaurant and Institutional Educators.

    – ref. Schools are harnessing artificial intelligence to revolutionize courses in hospitality management – https://theconversation.com/schools-are-harnessing-artificial-intelligence-to-revolutionize-courses-in-hospitality-management-249423

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fill-in-the-blank training primes AI to interpret health data from smartwatches and fitness trackers

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eloy Geenjaar, Ph.D. Student in Electrical Engineering & Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

    AI promises to help wearable devices like smart watches better monitor your health. adamkaz/E+ via Getty Images

    The human body constantly generates a variety of signals that can be measured from outside the body with wearable devices. These bio-signals – ranging from heart rate to sleep state and blood oxygen levels – can indicate whether someone is having mood swings or can be used to diagnose a variety of body or brain disorders.

    It can be relatively cheap to gather a lot of bio-signal data. Researchers can organize a study and ask participants to use a wearable device akin to a smartwatch for a few days. However, to teach a machine learning algorithm to find a relationship between a specific bio-signal and a health disorder, you first need to teach the algorithm to recognize that disorder. That’s where computer engineers like myself come in.

    Many commercial smartwatches, such as ones by Apple, AliveCor, Google and Samsung, currently support atrial fibrillation detection. Atrial fibrillation is a common type of irregular heart rhythm, and leaving it untreated can lead to a stroke. One way to automatically detect atrial fibrillation is to train a machine learning algorithm to recognize what atrial fibrillation looks like in the data.

    This machine learning approach requires large bio-signal datasets in which instances of atrial fibrillation are labeled. The algorithm can use the labeled instances to learn to recognize a relationship between the bio-signal and atrial fibrillation.

    The labeling process can be quite expensive because it requires experts, such as cardiologists, to go through millions of data points and label each instance of atrial fibrillation. The same problem extends to many other bio-signals and disorders.

    To resolve this issue, researchers have been developing new ways to train machine learning algorithms with fewer labels. By first training a machine learning model to fill in the blanks of large-scale unlabeled bio-signal data, the machine learning model is primed to learn the relationship between a bio-signal and a disorder with fewer labels. This is called pretraining. Pretraining even helps a machine learning model learn a relationship between a bio-signal and a disorder when it is pretrained on a completely unrelated bio-signal.

    Bio-signals are found all over the body and provide information about different bodily functions. Each of these is a bio-signal that measures a specific physiological signal in a noninvasive way.
    Eloy Geenjaar

    Challenges of working with bio-signals

    Finding relationships between bio-signals and disorders can be difficult because of noise , or irrelevant data, differences between people’s bio-signals, and because the relationship between a bio-signal and disorder may not be clear.

    First, bio-signals contain a lot of noise. For example, when you’re wearing a smartwatch while running, the watch will move around. This causes the sensor for the bio-signal to record at different locations during the run. Since the locations vary across the run, swings in the bio-signal value may now be due to variations in the recording location instead of due to physiological processes.

    Second, everyone’s bio-signals are unique. The location of veins, for example, often differ between people. This means that even if smartwatches are worn at exactly the same place on everyone’s wrists, the bio-signal related to those veins is recorded differently from one person to the next. The same underlying signal, such as someone’s heart rate, will lead to different bio-signal values.

    The underlying signal itself can also be unique for people or groups of people. The resting heart rate of an average person is around 60-80 beats per minute, but athletes can have resting heart rates as low as 30-40 beats per minute.

    Lastly, the relationship between a bio-signal and a disorder is often complex. This means that the disorder is not immediately obvious from looking at the bio-signal.

    Machine learning algorithms allow researchers to learn from data and account for the complexity, noise and variability of people. By using large bio-signal datasets, machine learning algorithms are able to find clear relationships that apply to everyone.

    Learning to fill in the blanks

    Researchers can use unlabeled bio-signal data as a warmup for the machine learning algorithm. This warmup, or pre-training, primes the machine learning algorithm to find a relationship between the bio-signal and a disorder. This is a bit like walking around a park to get the lay of the land before working out a route to go running.

    There are many ways to pretrain a machine learning algorithm. In my research with Dolby Laboratories researcher Lie Lu and previous research, the machine learning algorithm is taught to fill in the blanks.

    To do this, we take a bio-signal and artificially create gaps of a certain length – for example, one second. We then teach the machine learning algorithm to fill in the missing piece of bio-signal. This is possible because the machine learning algorithm sees what the bio-signal looks like before and after the gap.

    If the heart rate of a person is around 60 beats per minute before the gap, there will likely be a heartbeat in the one-second gap. In this case, we’re training the machine learning algorithm to predict when that heartbeat will occur.

    Once we have trained the machine learning algorithm to do this, it will have found a relationship between someone’s heart rate and when the next beat should occur. We can now train the machine learning algorithm with this relationship between a normal heart rate and bio-signal already learned. This makes it easier for the algorithm to learn the relationship between heart rate and atrial fibrillation. Since atrial fibrillation is characterized by fast and irregular heartbeats, and the algorithm is now good at predicting when a heartbeat will happen, it can quickly learn to detect these irregularities.

    Machine learning pre-training on filling in the blanks of a heart bio-signal.
    Eloy Geenjaar

    The idea of filling in the blanks can be generalized to other bio-signals as well. Previous research has shown, and our work reconfirmed, that pretraining a model on one bio-signal without any labels allows it to learn clinically useful relationships from other bio-signals with few labels. This shortcut means that researchers can pretrain on bio-signals that are easy to gather and use the machine learning model on ones that are hard to gather and label.

    Faster disorder detection development

    By improving pretraining, researchers can make machine learning algorithms better and more efficient at detecting diseases and disorders. Pretraining improvements reduce cost and time spent by experts labeling.

    A recent example of machine learning algorithms used for early detection is Google’s Loss of Pulse smartwatch feature. The emerging field of bio-signal pretraining can help enable faster development of similar features using a wider range of bio-signals and for a wider range of disorders.

    With increasing types of bio-signals and more data, researchers may be able to discover relationships that dramatically improve early detection of disease and disorders. The earlier many diseases and disorders are found, the better a treatment plan works for patients.

    Eloy Geenjaar receives funding from the National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation, and performed bio-signal research during an internship at Dolby Laboratories.

    – ref. Fill-in-the-blank training primes AI to interpret health data from smartwatches and fitness trackers – https://theconversation.com/fill-in-the-blank-training-primes-ai-to-interpret-health-data-from-smartwatches-and-fitness-trackers-251890

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s nomination for NASA leader boasts business and commercial spaceflight experience during a period of uncertainty for the agency

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, Air University

    Jared Isaacman, the nominee for next NASA administrator, has traveled to orbit on two commercial space missions. AP Photo/John Raoux

    Jared Isaacman, billionaire, CEO and nominee to become the next NASA administrator, faced questions on April 9, 2025, from members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during his confirmation hearing for the position.

    Should the Senate confirm him, Isaacman will be the first billionaire – but not the first astronaut – to head NASA. Perhaps even more significant, he will be the first NASA administrator with significant ties to the commercial space industry.

    As a space policy expert, I know that NASA leadership matters. The head of the agency can significantly shape the missions it pursues, the science it undertakes and, ultimately, the outcome of America’s space exploration.

    Jared Isaacman speaks at a news conference in 2024, before his Polaris Dawn mission.
    AP Photo/John Raoux, File

    An unconventional background

    At 16 years old, Isaacman dropped out of high school to start a payment processing company in his basement. The endeavor succeeded and eventually became known as Shift4.

    Though he found early success in business, Isaacman also had a love for aviation. In 2009, he set a record for flying around the Earth in a light jet, beating the previous record by more than 20 hours.

    While remaining CEO of Shift4, Isaacman founded another company, Draken International. The company eventually assembled the world’s largest fleet of privately owned fighter jets. It now helps to train U.S. Air Force pilots.

    In 2019, Isaacman sold his stake in Draken International. In 2020, he took Shift4 public, making him a billionaire.

    Isaacman continued to branch out into aerospace, working with SpaceX beginning in 2021. He purchased a crewed flight on the Falcon 9 rocket, a mission that eventually was called Inspiration4. The mission, which he led, represented the first private astronaut flight for SpaceX. It sent four civilians with no previous formal space experience into orbit.

    Following the success of Inspiration4, Isaacman worked with SpaceX to develop the Polaris Program, a series of three missions to help build SpaceX’s human spaceflight capabilities. In fall 2024, the first of these missions, Polaris Dawn, launched.

    Polaris Dawn added more accomplishments to Isaacman’s resume. Isaacman, along with his crewmate Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk. Polaris Dawn’s SpaceX Dragon capsule traveled more than 850 miles (1,367 kilometers) from Earth, the farthest distance humans had been since the Apollo missions.

    The Polaris Dawn mission launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in September 2024.
    AP Photo/John Raoux

    The next adventure: NASA

    In December 2024, the incoming Trump administration announced its intention to nominate Isaacman for the post of NASA administrator.

    As NASA administrator, Isaacman would oversee all NASA activities at a critical moment in its history. The Artemis program, which has been in progress since 2017, has several missions planned for the next few years.

    This includes 2026’s Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts to orbit the Moon. Then, in 2027, Artemis III will aim to land on it.

    If the mission proceeds as planned, the Artemis II crew will fly in an Orion crew capsule, pictured behind them, around the Moon in 2026.
    Kim Shiflett/NASA via AP, File

    But, if Isaacman is confirmed, his tenure would come at a time when there are significant questions about the Artemis program, as well as the extent to which NASA should use commercial space companies like SpaceX. The agency is also potentially facing funding cuts.

    Some in the space industry have proposed scrapping the Artemis program altogether in favor of preparing to go to Mars. Among this group is the founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk.

    Others have suggested canceling NASA’s Space Launch System, the massive rocket that is being used for Artemis. Instead, they argue that NASA could use commercial systems, like SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s New Glenn.

    Isaacman has also dealt with accusations that he is too close to the commercial space industry, and SpaceX in particular, to lead NASA. This has become a larger concern given Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration and its cost-cutting efforts. Some critics are worried that Musk would have an even greater say in NASA if Isaacman is confirmed.

    Since his nomination, Isaacman has stopped working with SpaceX on the Polaris Program. He has also made several supportive comments toward other commercial companies.

    But the success of any of NASA’s plans depends on having the money and resources necessary to carry them out.

    While NASA has been spared major cuts up to this point, it, like many other government agencies, is planning for budget cuts and mass firings. These potential cuts are similar to what other agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services have recently made.

    During his confirmation hearing, Isaacman committed to keeping the Artemis program, as well as the Space Launch System, in the short term. He also insisted that NASA could both return to the Moon and prepare for Mars at the same time.

    Although Isaacman stated that he believed NASA had the resources to do both at the same time, the agency is still in a time of budget uncertainty, so that may not be possible.

    About his relationship with Musk, Isaacman stated that he had not talked to Musk since his nomination in November, and his relationship with SpaceX would not influence his decisions.

    Additionally, he committed to carrying out space science missions, specifically to “launch more telescopes, more probes, more rovers.”

    But since NASA is preparing for significant cuts to its science budget, there is some speculation that the agency may need to end some science programs, like the Hubble space telescope, altogether.

    Isaacman’s future

    Isaacman has received support from the larger space community. Nearly 30 astronauts signed a letter in support of his nomination. Former NASA administrators, as well as major industry groups, have signaled their desire for Isaacman’s confirmation.

    He also received the support of Senator Ted Cruz, the committee chair.

    Barring any major development, Isaacman will likely be confirmed as NASA administrator by the Senate in the coming weeks. The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation could approve his nomination once it returns from a two-week break at the end of April. A full vote from the Senate would follow.

    If the Senate does confirm him, Isaacman will have several major issues to confront at NASA, all in a very uncertain political environment.

    Wendy N. Whitman Cobb is affiliated with the US School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Her views are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense or any of its components.

    – ref. Trump’s nomination for NASA leader boasts business and commercial spaceflight experience during a period of uncertainty for the agency – https://theconversation.com/trumps-nomination-for-nasa-leader-boasts-business-and-commercial-spaceflight-experience-during-a-period-of-uncertainty-for-the-agency-254274

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 April 2025 Statement Statement of the forty-first meeting of the Polio IHR Emergency Committee

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The 41st meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) on the international spread of poliovirus was convened by the WHO Director-General on 06 March 2024 with committee members and advisers meeting via video conference with affected countries, supported by the WHO Secretariat.  The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV) in the context of the global target of interruption and certification of WPV1 eradication by 2027 and interruption and certification of cVDPV2 elimination by 2029. Technical updates were received about the situation in the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Djibouti, Ethiopia, Germany, Pakistan, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Wild poliovirus

    Since the last Emergency Committee meeting, 36 new WPV1 cases were reported, three from Afghanistan and 33 from Pakistan bringing the total to 99 WPV1 cases in 2024 and three in 2025. This represents more than four-fold increase in Afghanistan and more than 12-fold increase in Pakistan in the number of WPV1 cases from 2023 to 2024.  A total of 741 WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported in 2024, 113 from Afghanistan and 628 from Pakistan. In 2025, 80 WPV1-positive environmental samples have been reported, 9 from Afghanistan and 71 from Pakistan.

    The upward trend in WPV1 cases and environmental detections has persisted in both endemic countries throughout 2024. In Pakistan, this increase has been evident since mid-2023, initially in environmental samples and later in paralytic polio cases, primarily in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan. In Afghanistan, the rise in WPV1 detections, both in environmental samples and cases during 2024 has been predominantly in the South Region. The Committee noted the geographic spread of WPV1 to new provinces and districts in both endemic countries in 2024 and observed that WPV1 transmission has re-established in historical reservoirs, including Kandahar (Afghanistan), Peshawar, Karachi, and Quetta Block (Pakistan). Currently, the most intense WPV1 transmission is occurring in the southern cross-border epidemiological corridor, encompassing Quetta Block (Pakistan) and the South Region (Afghanistan). The Committee also noted the ongoing WPV1 transmission in the epidemiologically critical South KP and Central Pakistan blocks of Pakistan.

    Review of the molecular epidemiology indicates that there has been progressive elimination of the genetic cluster ‘YB3C’ in 2022 and 2023, with its last detection in November 2023 in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. However, there has been persistent transmission of YB3A genetic cluster since May 2022, resulting in its split into two: YB3A4A and YB3A4B. During the first half of 2024, the cluster YB3A4A was mainly circulating in the northern and southern cross-border corridors. During the second half of 2024 there was distinct expansion of both these genetic clusters seen in Pakistan, more pronounced for YB3A4A. In Afghanistan, the predominantly circulating genetic cluster in YB3A4A.

    Both Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to implement an intensive and mostly synchronized campaign schedule focusing on improved vaccination coverage in the endemic zones and effective and timely response to WPV1 detections elsewhere in each country. Afghanistan implemented five sub-national vaccination rounds during the second half of 2024, targeting infected and high-risk provinces, while Pakistan implemented two nationwide and a large scale sub-national vaccination round from September through December 2024. After encouraging progress towards implementing house-to-house campaigns in all of Afghanistan during the first half of 2024, Afghanistan programme has not been able to implement house-to-house campaigns during most of the second half of 2024. All vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan since October 2024 have been implemented using alternate modalities (mostly site-to-site). The committee was concerned that site-to-site campaigns are usually not able to reach all the children, especially those of younger age and girls, which may lead to a further upsurge of WPV1 with geographical spread in Afghanistan and beyond. Afghanistan programme is taking measures to maximize the reach of site-to-site campaigns through adequate operational and social mobilization measures. The Committee noted overall high reported coverage of the vaccination campaigns in Pakistan; however, variations were observed about the quality at the sub-provincial and sub-district levels, relating to operational implementation challenges and increasing insecurity, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Nearly 200,000 and 50,000 missed children were reported from the South KP and Quetta Block (Balochistan) in Pakistan at the end of October and December 2024 campaigns.

    In addition to seasonal movement patterns within and between the two endemic countries, the continued return of undocumented migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan compounds the challenges faced. The scale of the displacement increases the risk of cross-border poliovirus spread as well as spread within both the countries.  This risk is being managed and mitigated in both countries through vaccination at border crossing points and the updating of micro-plans in the districts of origin and return. The programme continues to closely coordinate with IOM and UNHCR. The Committee noted ongoing coordination between the programmes of Afghanistan and Pakistan at the national and sub-national levels.

    In summary, the available data indicate that globally transmission of WPV1 is geographically limited to the two WPV1 endemic countries; however, there has been geographical spread and intensifying transmission within the two endemic countries in 2024.

    Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV)

    In 2024, there have been 280 cVDPV cases, of which 265 are cVDPV2, 11 cVDPV1 and four are cVDPV3. Additionally, 257 environmental samples were positive for cVDPV, 254 positive cVDPV2 and three cVDPV3. Of the 265 cVDPV2 cases in 2024, 94 (36%) have occurred in Nigeria. Of the 11 cVDPV1 cases in 2024, 10 were reported from DR Congo and one from Mozambique. All the four cVDPV3 cases in 2024 were reported from Guinea.

     A total of 528 cases have been confirmed with cVDPV in all of 2023, of which 395 are cVDPV2 and 134 are cVDPV1 (one case co-infected with cVDPV1 and cVDPV2). Of the 528 cVDPV cases reported in 2023, 226 (43%) have occurred in the DR Congo.

    Since the last meeting of the Emergency Committee, new cVDPV2 detections were reported from Finland, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and new cVDPV3 detections from Guinea.

    In 2024, the total number of circulating cVDPV2 emergence groups detected to date is 26, compared to 27 in 2023, 22 in 2022, 29 in 2021, 36 in 2020, and 44 in 2019. Of the 26 emergence groups circulating in 2024, eleven are newly detected in 2024, 10 derived from the novel OPV2 vaccine. There have now been 25 nOPV2 derived cVDPV2 emergences since 2021. The committee noted that the nOPV2 vaccine continues to demonstrate significantly higher genetic stability and substantially lower likelihood of reversion to neurovirulence relative to Sabin OPV2.

    A total of 11 cVDPV1 cases have been reported in 2024, 10 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and one in Mozambique. This compares to 134 cVDPV1 cases in all of 2023 (106 in Democratic Republic of the Congo, 24 in Madagascar, four in Mozambique), representing a 92% reduction in the global cVDPV1 paralytic burden from 2023. However, one new emergence has been reported from the Tshopo province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC-TSH-3). This is the first cVDPV1 emergence reported since September 2022. The committed noted encouraging progress in Madagascar towards interrupting local cVDPV1 transmission, with no detections for more than 16 months.

    In 2024, two countries reported cVDPV3 outbreaks: French Guiana (French territory in South America) and Guinea. Both cVDPV3 outbreaks in 2024 were due to new emergences, leading to three positive environmental samples in French Guiana (May to August 2024) and four cVDPV3 cases in Guinea (July to November 2024). The committee noted that these cVDPV3 outbreaks were reported after a significant interval, with the last cVDPV3 outbreak reported in March 2022.

    In 2024, DR Congo and Mozambique reported co-circulation of cVDPV1 and cVDPV2, while Guinea detected co-circulation of cVDPV2 and cVDPV3.

    The Committee noted that the risk of cVDPV outbreaks is largely driven by a combination of inaccessibility, insecurity, high concentrations of zero-dose and under-immunized children, and ongoing population displacement.

    Conclusion

    The Committee unanimously agreed that the risk of international spread of poliovirus continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and recommended extending the Temporary Recommendations for a further three months. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee considered the following factors:

    Ongoing risk of WPV1 international spread:  

    Based on the following factors, there remains the risk of international spread of WPV1:

    • Intensifying WPV1 transmission with geographical spread into formerly endemic areas and core reservoirs of Afghanistan (South) and Pakistan (Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta Block) as well as other epidemiologically critical areas like Central Pakistan, and parts of Punjab province in Pakistan that were without any WPV1 detection for prolonged periods of time.
    • That WPV1 transmission has been re-established in the south region of Afghanistan and Karachi, and Quetta Block of Pakistan.
    • This intensifying WPV1 transmission in both endemic countries during the low transmission season indicates sizeable cohort of unimmunized and under-immunized children.
    • Lack of house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan represents a major risk of further WPV1 spread and intensification of its transmission.
    • Certain geographies and population pockets in the epidemiologically critical areas of Pakistan continue to have inconsistent campaign quality and substantial number of unimmunized and under-immunized children due to insecurity, operational gaps, and vaccine hesitancy.
    • Ongoing population movement between the two endemic countries, including the returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan, leading to cross-border WPV1 transmission.
    • Ongoing population movement from the two endemic countries to other countries, neighbouring and distant.

    Ongoing risk of cVDPV international spread:

    Based on the following factors, the risk of international spread of cVDPV appears to remain high:

    Risk categories

    The Committee provided the Director-General with the following advice aimed at reducing the risk of international spread of WPV1 and cVDPVs, based on the risk stratification as follows:

    1. States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3.
    2. States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission.
    3. States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months.

    Criteria to assess States as no longer infected by WPV1 or cVDPV:

    • Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the most recent case PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of last case have been tested for polio and excluded for WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental or other samples collected within 12 months of the last case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.
    • Environmental or other isolation of WPV1 or cVDPV (no poliovirus case): 12 months after collection of the most recent positive environmental or other sample (such as from a healthy child) PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period.
    • These criteria may be varied for the endemic countries, where more rigorous assessment is needed in reference to surveillance gaps.

    Once a country meets these criteria as no longer infected, the country will remain on a ‘watch list’ for a further 12 months for a period of heightened monitoring.  After this period, the country will no longer be subject to Temporary Recommendations. 

    TEMPORARY RECOMMENDATIONS

    States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk of international spread

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    WPV1                                                                                                                                         

    Afghanistan                            most recent detection 27 Jan 2025

    Pakistan                                  most recent detection 30 Jan 2025

    cVDPV1

    Mozambique                           most recent detection 17 May 2024

    DR Congo                               most recent detection 19 Sep 2024

    cVDPV3

    French Guiana (France)       most recent detection 06 Aug 2024

    Guinea                                  most recent detection 21 Nov 2024

    These countries should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency and implement all required measures to support polio eradication; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained as long as the response is required.
    • Ensure that all residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) of all ages, receive a dose of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (within four weeks), who have not received a dose of bOPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travelers.
    • Ensure that such travelers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.
    • Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travelers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (road, air and / or sea).
    • Further enhance cross­border efforts by significantly improving coordination at the national, regional, and local levels to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travelers crossing the border and of high risk cross­border populations. Improved coordination of cross­border efforts should include closer supervision and monitoring of the quality of vaccination at border transit points, as well as tracking of the proportion of travelers that are identified as unvaccinated after they have crossed the border.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, including sharing coverage data, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without new infections and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high-quality eradication activities in all infected and high-risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the above assessment criteria for being no longer infected.
    • Provide to the Director-General a regular report on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations on international travel.

    States infected with cVDPV2, with or without evidence of local transmission:

    (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2025)

    1. Algeria                                                        most recent detection 13 Jan 2025
    2. Angola                                                        most recent detection 24 Aug 2024
    3. Benin                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    4. Cameroon                                                  most recent detection 04 Nov 2024
    5. Chad                                                           most recent detection 30 Aug 2024
    6. Côte d’Ivoire                                               most recent detection 27 Nov 2024
    7. Democratic Republic of the Congo             most recent detection 22 Nov 2024
    8. Djibouti                                                         most recent detection 20 Oct 2024
    9. Egypt                                                           most recent detection 01 Aug 2024
    10. Equatorial Guinea                                        most recent detection 26 Mar 2024
    11. Ethiopia                                                        most recent detection 04 Dec 2024
    12. Finland                                                          most recent detection 19 Nov 2024
    13. Gambia                                                         most recent detection 15 Feb 2024
    14. Germany                                                       most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    15. Ghana                                                           most recent detection 20 Aug 2024
    16. Guinea                                                           most recent detection 12 Jun 2024
    17. Indonesia                                                       most recent detection 27 Jun 2024
    18. Kenya                                                              most recent detection 31 Jul 2024
    19. Liberia                                                            most recent detection 08 Jun 2024
    20. Mali                                                                most recent detection 02 Jan 2024
    21. Mozambique                                                  most recent detection 05 Mar 2024
    22. Niger                                                              most recent detection 17 Dec 2024
    23. Nigeria                                                           most recent detection 01 Nov 2024
    24. occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)                most recent detection 09 Jan 2025
    25. Poland                                                           most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    26. Senegal                                                          most recent detection 21 Oct 2024
    27. Sierra Leone                                                  most recent detection 28 May 2024
    28. Somalia                                                          most recent detection 05 Jun 2024
    29. South Sudan                                                  most recent detection 03 Dec 2024
    30. Spain                                                              most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    31. Sudan                                                              most recent detection 24 Jan 2024
    32. The United Kingdom of Great Britain

      and Northern Ireland                                     most recent detection 11 Dec 2024

    33. Uganda                                                         most recent detection 07 May 2024
    34. Yemen                                                           most recent detection 16 Sep 2024
    35. Zimbabwe                                                      most recent detection 25 Jun 2024

    States that have had an importation of cVDPV2 but without evidence of local transmission should:

    • Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the prevention or interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency.
    • Undertake urgent and intensive investigations and risk assessment to determine if there has been local transmission of the imported cVDPV2, requiring an immunization response.
    • Noting the existence of a separate mechanism for responding to type 2 poliovirus infections, Members States should request vaccines from the global novel OPV2 stockpile.
    • Further intensify efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, as high routine immunization coverage is an essential element of the polio eradication strategy, particularly as the world moves closer to eradication. Countries which have not yet introduced IPV2 into their schedules should urgently implement this. Once available, countries should also consider introducing the hexavalent vaccine, now approved by Gavi.
    • Intensify surveillance for polioviruses and strengthen regional cooperation and cross-border coordination to ensure the timely detection of poliovirus.

    States with local transmission of cVDPV2, with risk of international spread, in addition to the above measures, should:

    •  Encourage residents and long­term visitors (> four weeks) to receive a dose of IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel.
    • Ensure that travelers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status.
    • Intensify regional cooperation and cross­border coordination to enhance surveillance for prompt detection of poliovirus, and vaccinate refugees, travelers and cross­border populations.

    For both sub-categories:

    • Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without the detection of circulation of VDPV2 in the country from any source, and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the criteria of a ‘state no longer infected’.
    • At the end of 12 months without evidence of transmission, provide a report to the Director-General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.

    States no longer polio infected, but previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months (as of data available at WHO HQ on 20 February 2024)

    WPV1

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    cVDPV

                 country                                      last virus                   date                                                                       

    1. Botswana                                          cVDPV2            25 Jul 2023
    2. Burkina Faso                                    cVDPV2            12 Dec 2023                
    3. Burundi                                             cVDPV2            15 Jun 2023
    4. Central African Republic                   cVDPV2            07 Oct 2023
    5. Republic of Congo                            cVDPV2            07 Dec 2023
    6. Israel                                                 cVDPV2            13 Feb 2023
    7. Madagascar                                      cVDPV1            16 Sep 2023
    8. Mauritania                                         cVDPV2            13 Dec 2023
    9. United Republic of Tanzania             cVDPV2             20 Nov 2023
    10. Zambia                                              cVDPV2             06 Jun 2023 

    These countries should:

    • Urgently strengthen routine immunization to boost population immunity.
    • Enhance surveillance quality, including considering introducing or expanding supplementary methods such as environmental surveillance, to reduce the risk of undetected WPV1 and cVDPV transmission, particularly among high-risk and vulnerable populations.
    • Intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and cross­border populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees, and other vulnerable groups.
    • Enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of WPV1 and cVDPV, and vaccination of high-risk population groups.
    • Maintain these measures with documentation of full application of high-quality surveillance and vaccination activities.

    Additional considerations

    The Committee noted that the Global Polio Eradication Initiative needs to reconsider its priorities and reprogram its operations in response to the current fiscal constraints. The current financial shortfall poses a significant risk to eradication efforts. The Committee acknowledges and appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s recent confirmation of its $500 million commitment to global polio eradication. The committee urged donor countries and organizations to enhance their financial support, emphasizing that failure is not an option. The Committee also called on national governments to prioritize polio eradication in their domestic funding allocations to ensure sustained progress toward eradication.

    The Committee expressed deep concern over the escalating and expanding WPV1 transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The persistence of WPV1 transmission despite ongoing vaccination campaigns highlights gaps in immunization quality. The Committee also noted that the current levels of WPV1 transmission during the low season could further intensify during the high transmission season if uniform, high-quality campaigns, particularly in core reservoir areas, are not ensured.

    The Committee remains concerned about the continued inability to conduct house-to-house vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan. This challenge places infants and young children, particularly girls, at a heightened risk of missing polio vaccination. The Committee appreciates the efforts to improve women’s participation in site-to-site polio vaccination as well as for border vaccination and encourages to expand these efforts to high-risk South Region of Afghanistan.

    The Committee acknowledged the strong political commitment to polio eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Committee emphasized that this commitment must translate into concrete operational actions to strengthen community engagement and implement high-quality vaccination campaigns. These efforts are essential to interrupt the ongoing intense WPV1 transmission and mitigate the risk of national and international spread. In Afghanistan. The Committee specifically recommended the resumption of house-to-house vaccination campaigns and the recruitment of additional female vaccinators to enhance community acceptance and improve coverage.

    The Committee is encouraged by the improving cVDPV1 situation in the African Region, particularly in Madagascar, which has not reported any cases for over 16 months. The Committee emphasized the need to sustain high-quality vaccination efforts, particularly in the DR Congo and Mozambique, the only two countries that have reported cVDPV1 cases in 2024.

    The Committee noted the ongoing transmission of cVDPV2 in the African Region, particularly in northern Nigeria. While there has been an overall decline in cVDPV2 cases in 2024, the Committee expressed concern over the increase in cases reported by Angola, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen compared to 2023. The Committee also noted the concerning cVDPV2 epidemiological situation in Chad and Algeria and recommended the implementation of high-quality vaccination campaigns to boost population immunity. The Committee noted the challenges in implementing high-quality immunization responses in critical areas of the African Region and northern Yemen. Additionally, the Committee expressed concerns over surveillance gaps in northern Yemen, which may further hinder early detection and response efforts.

    The Committee noted the detection of cVDPV3 in Guinea and French Guiana in 2024, after more than two years with no reported detections globally and emphasized the need for a high-quality surveillance and immunization response to contain these outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that several cVDPV-affected countries continue to face conflict and insecurity, which disrupts both routine immunization and polio vaccination campaigns. The Committee also noted that ongoing health emergencies and disease outbreaks in several countries further complicate the timely and effective implementation of polio vaccination campaigns. Given the diverse challenges across countries and sub-national areas, the Committee emphasized the need for context-specific, tailored interventions to ensure high-quality campaigns and ultimately stop cVDPV outbreaks. The Committee also underscored the importance of synchronized sub-regional approaches and strong cross-border coordination to address challenges related to permeable borders and shared operational constraints across affected countries.

    The Committee noted some good practices in several countries, particularly in cross-border collaboration and surveillance. The Committee encourages countries to document and share these best practices and suggests that GPEI facilitates this process.

    The Committee noted the ongoing cross-border spread of cVDPV2 in the African and Eastern Mediterranean Regions, as well as the recent detection of cVDPV2 in five countries of the European Region. This reinforces that polio remains a global risk until it is fully eradicated. The Committee acknowledged the ongoing response efforts of Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in strengthening surveillance and addressing sub-national immunity gaps. The Committee also appreciated the inter-country coordination in the European Region, facilitated by the WHO European Regional Office, in response to the cVDPV2 detections in the region. The Committee recommended continued surveillance strengthening across the European Region, along with regular risk assessments to ensure timely identification and mitigation of emerging polio risks.

    The Committee highlighted the importance of maintaining sensitive surveillance in polio-infected and high-risk countries and recommended that GPEI provide all possible support under the Global Polio Surveillance Action Plan. The Committee also underscored the importance of high-income countries maintaining high-quality surveillance for polioviruses, given the ongoing risk of importation, as recently demonstrated by cVDPV detections in the European Region. Robust surveillance remains essential for early detection and timely response to importations and newly emerging outbreaks.

    The Committee noted that novel OPV2 continues to demonstrate greater genetic stability compared to Sabin OPV2. However, the risk of new cVDPV2 emergences increases when the interval between outbreak response campaigns exceeds four weeks or when vaccination quality is suboptimal, underscoring the need for timely and high-quality immunization efforts.

    The Committee noted that the amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) through resolution WHA77.17 (2024), were notified to States Parties on 19 September 2024 and that they would come into effect on 19 September 2025 for 192 States Parties.  Regarding any potential effects of these amendments on the Committee, the Secretariat informed the Committee that it would be premature to assess any such effects at this time but would brief the Committee ahead of their entry into force in September 2025, should the Committee continue to be convened under the IHR at this time.

    Based on the current situation regarding WPV1 and cVDPVs, and the reports provided by affected countries, the Director-General accepted the Committee’s assessment, and on 09 April 2025 determined that the poliovirus situation continues to constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) with respect to WPV1 and cVDPV.  The Director-General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries meeting the definition for ‘States infected with WPV1, cVDPV1 or cVDPV3 with potential risk for international spread’, ‘States infected with cVDPV2 with potential risk for international spread’ and for ‘States previously infected by WPV1 or cVDPV within the last 24 months’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR to reduce the risk of the international spread of poliovirus, effective, 09 April 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Kolstoe, Associate Professor of Bioethics, University of Portsmouth

    SamaraHeisz5/Shutterstock

    Scientists, professors, engineers, teachers and doctors are routinely ranked among the most trustworthy people in society. This is because these professions rely heavily on research, and good research is viewed as the most reliable source of knowledge.

    But how trustworthy is research? Recent news from the US suggests that the Trump administration wants to fund more “reproducibility studies”.

    These are studies that check to see if previous results can be repeated and are reliable. The administration’s focus seems to be specifically on studies that revisit the debunked claim of a link between vaccines and autism.

    This is a worrying waste of effort, given the extensive evidence showing that there is no link between vaccines and autism, and the harm that suggesting this link can cause. However, the broader idea of funding studies that attempt to repeat earlier research is a good one.

    Take research on Alzheimer’s disease as an example. In June 2024, Nature retracted a highly cited paper reporting an important theory relating to the mechanism of the disease. Unfortunately, it took 18 years to spot the errors and retract the paper.

    If influential studies like this were regularly repeated by others, it wouldn’t have taken so long to spot the errors in the original research.

    Alzheimer’s is proving a particularly tricky problem to solve despite the large amounts of money spent researching the disease. Being unable to reproduce key results contributes to this problem because new research relies on the trustworthiness of earlier research.

    More broadly, it has been known for almost ten years that 70% of researchers have problems reproducing experiments conducted by other scientists. The problem is particularly acute in cancer research and psychology.

    The Trump administration wants to fund more ‘reproducibility studies’.
    Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock

    Research is difficult to get right

    Research is complicated and there may be legitimate reasons research findings cannot be reproduced. Mistakes or dishonesty are not necessarily the cause.

    In psychology or the social sciences, failure to reproduce results – despite using identical methods – could be due to using different populations, for instance, across different countries or cultures. In physical or medical sciences problems reproducing results could be down to using different equipment, chemicals or measurement techniques.

    A lot of research may also not be reproducible simply because the researchers do not fully understand all the complexities of what they are studying. If all the relevant variables (such as genetics and environmental factors) are not understood or even identified, it is unsurprising that very similar experiments can yield different results.

    In these cases, sometimes as much can be learned from a negative result as from a positive one, as this helps inform the design of future work.

    Here, it is helpful to distinguish between reproducing another researcher’s exact results and being given enough information by the original researchers to replicate their experiments.

    Science advances by comparing notes and discussing differences, so researchers must always give enough information in their reports to allow someone else to repeat (replicate) the experiment. This ensures the results can be trusted even if they may not be reproduced exactly.

    Transparency is therefore central to research integrity, both in terms of trusting the research and trusting the people doing the research.

    Unfortunately, the incentive structure within research doesn’t always encourage such transparency. The “publish or perish” culture and aggressive practices by journals often lead to excessive competition rather than collaboration and open research practices.

    One solution, as new priorities from the US have suggested, is to directly fund researchers to replicate each other’s studies.

    This is a promising development because most other funding, alongside opportunities to publish in the top journals, is instead linked to novelty. Unfortunately, this encourages researchers to act quickly to produce something unique rather than take their time to conduct thorough and transparent experiments.

    We need to move to a system that rewards reliable research rather than just novel research. And part of this comes through rewarding people who focus on replication studies.

    Industry also plays a part. Companies conducting research and development can sometimes be guilty of throwing a lot of money at a project and then pulling the plug quickly if a product (such as a new medicine) seems not to work. The reason for such failures is often unclear, but the reliability of earlier research is a contributing factor.

    To avoid this problem, companies should be encouraged to replicate some of the original findings (perhaps significant experiments conducted by academics) before proceeding with development. In the long run, this strategy may turn out to be quicker and more efficient than the rapid chopping and changing that occurs now.

    The scale of the reproducibility, or replicability, problem in research comes as a surprise to the public who have been told to “trust the science”. But over recent years there has been increasing recognition that the culture of research is as important as the experiments themselves.

    If we want to be able to “trust the science”, science must be transparent and robustly conducted.

    This is exactly what has happened with research looking at the link between vaccines and autism. The topic was so important that in this case the replication studies were done and found that there is, in fact, no link between vaccines and autism.

    Simon Kolstoe works for the University of Portsmouth, and is a trustee of the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO). He receives research and consultancy funding from charities, universities and government. He chairs research ethics committees for the UK Health Research Authority, Ministry of Defence and Health Security Agency.

    – ref. Scientists should try to repeat more studies, but not those looking for a link between vaccines and autism – https://theconversation.com/scientists-should-try-to-repeat-more-studies-but-not-those-looking-for-a-link-between-vaccines-and-autism-253696

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Kaltura and Synthesia Announce Partnership to Deliver the Next Frontier in AI-Powered Video Creation and Distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Kaltura (Nasdaq: KLTR), the AI Video Experience Cloud, today announced a new partnership with Synthesia, a developer of hyper-realistic AI avatars for enterprises. This partnership will enable organizations using Kaltura’s video platform to distribute avatar-based, AI-generated video content at scale, measurably enhancing viewer engagement. With early testing already underway, Kaltura users are employing avatars in a wide variety of use cases across industries including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, telecoms, higher education, and more.   

    As digital paradigms shift, traditional text-based learning struggles to captivate modern audiences, falling short in learning outcome and knowledge retention. By merging Synthesia’s pioneering AI avatars with Kaltura’s immersive AI video capabilities, organizations can now revolutionize learning with hyper-personalized, interactive content that captivates, inspires, and drives deeper knowledge retention. 

    Organizations already leveraging Kaltura’s video platform will be able to integrate AI-generated content and avatars into their workflows, unlocking new possibilities for: 

    • Enterprise Training & Onboarding: AI-generated training modules for employee training, compliance videos, and internal communications. 
    • Higher Education & E-Learning: Automated lecture content, multilingual courses, and AI-driven educational videos for universities and edtech companies.  
    • Marketing & Customer Engagement: AI-powered product demos, hyper-personalized marketing campaigns, and customer onboarding content. 
    • Healthcare & Financial Services: Automated regulatory training and client education videos tailored for compliance-driven industries. 

    Beyond enhancing engagement, the collaboration also reimagines video production, making it more accessible and cost-effective. AI-powered video creation eliminates the need for expensive studio shoots and extensive editing, allowing organizations to generate professional-quality content quickly and efficiently.  

    “At Kaltura, we are redefining the future of video by seamlessly merging personalization with immersive technology. Avatars represent the next evolution in hyper-personalization, transforming static content into dynamic, interactive experiences. Our collaboration with Synthesia is a bold step forward, setting new industry benchmarks for AI video innovation,” said Navi Azaria, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Kaltura. 

    “Through our partnership with Kaltura, we will be able to bring our avatars to a broader audience and unlock new market opportunities,” said Brian Jambor, Head of Partnerships at Synthesia. “We’re looking forward to exploring new use cases, from enhancing enterprise training programs to tailoring education and employee onboarding.” 

    Learn more about Kaltura AI-infused video solutions, here.   

      

    About Kaltura 

    Kaltura’s mission is to create and power AI-infused hyper-personalized video experiences that boost customer and employee engagement and success. Kaltura’s AI Video Experience Cloud includes a platform for enterprise and TV content management and a wide array of Gen AI-infused video-first products, including Video Portals, LMS and CMS Video Extensions, Virtual Events and Webinars, Virtual Classrooms, and TV Streaming Applications. Kaltura engages millions of end-users at home, at work, and at school, boosting both customer and employee experiences, including marketing, sales, and customer success; teaching, learning, training and certification; communication and collaboration; and entertainment and monetization. For more information, visit  www.corp.kaltura.com 

    About Synthesia 

    Synthesia is the world’s leading enterprise AI video platform. Over 1 million users across 65,000 businesses, including more than 60% of the Fortune 100, use it to communicate efficiently and share knowledge at scale using AI avatars. Founded in 2017, Synthesia is headquartered in London and makes video creation, collaboration and sharing easy for everyone. To learn more, visit www.synthesia.io  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientific Regiment. Architect Alexander Sokolov preserved and restored cultural heritage

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Alexander Sokolov

    Every day for almost 70 years, thousands of people pass between the main building of SPbGASU and the Technological Institute metro station. At one time, among them was the architect, dean of the urban planning faculty of LISI (now SPbGASU), the author of the project for this station (co-authored with A.K. Andreev) Alexander Mikhailovich Sokolov (1906-1984). It was largely thanks to him that the cultural heritage of Leningrad was preserved during the Great Patriotic War.

    Study and work

    Alexander Sokolov entered the preparatory course of the Institute of Civil Engineers (IGI, now SPbGASU) in 1920 after graduating from the Tikhvin Real School, where, according to historical sources, “training was thorough, especially in mathematics and physics,” and the Tikhvin Second Soviet Labor School of the 2nd level, where he studied art history as one of the main subjects. In Petrograd, he worked as an installer, then as a draftsman. At the same time, he began studying in the workshop of Professor I. A. Fomin at the Free Art School of the People’s Commissariat of Education of the RSFSR (Academy of Arts). Until 1923, he studied at two universities, and then gave preference to the Academy of Arts. He would return to LISI years later as a teacher.

    Famous projects of the architect

    Aleksandr Sokolov was forced to combine his studies with work. He worked as a foreman (leader of a group of workers) in the Leningrad Commercial Port Administration, as a draftsman at the construction of the I. I. Mechnikov Hospital, and as an assistant to the architect S. O. Ovsyannikov during the construction of the Krasnoye Znamya factory. As a student, he designed an administrative building that was built in 1923–1924 on the territory of the commercial port (it has not survived).

    Later, the architect’s famous works included projects for the Vyborg District Sound Cinema with 1,300 seats in Leningrad, the House of the Government of Abkhazia, the building of the All-Union Institute of Experimental Medicine in Moscow, ground pavilions of the Lenin Library metro stations in Moscow and Moskovskie Vorota in Leningrad, and a hotel for sailors in Murmansk.

    In the siege of Leningrad and after the war

    In 1941, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Sokolov was engaged in research work in the archives of the Pavlovsk Palace Museum. With the outbreak of the war, he took an active part in the evacuation of valuables from the palace and the shelter of the park sculptures. During the siege, he worked in the Inspectorate for the Protection of Monuments, where he took part in the work of the city commission to identify the damage caused to the architectural heritage of Leningrad. The sketches of facades and interiors and design work he made during this period played a major role in the revival of the city. In particular, Aleksandr Sokolov supervised the restoration of the Mariinsky Theater. In 1943, Sokolov was awarded the medal “For the Defense of Leningrad”, in 1946 – the medal “For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945”.

    In early 1944, the primary task was to develop master plans for the affected cities of the Leningrad, Novgorod and Pskov regions. This work was carried out by the workshop of the Leningrad Regional Department of Architecture and the Lenproekt and Lenoblproekt trusts. The architectural planning workshop of the latter was headed by Alexander Sokolov in 1944–1948. Among other things, he worked on the master plan for his native Tikhvin, every corner of which he had known since childhood.

    Lecturer, Dean, Professor of LISI

    In 1931, Alexander Mikhailovich Sokolov began teaching architectural design at the Faculty of Architecture of the Leningrad Institute of Municipal Construction (now SPbGASU). In 1943–1946, he headed the course “Introduction to Architecture”. In 1946, he defended his PhD dissertation on “Architectural Structures of Pavlovsk Park”. In 1962–1969, he held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Urban Planning. Then, until 1983, he was a professor at the Department of History and Theory of Architecture.

    Other materials of the project “Scientific Regiment”

    Engineer of the 3rd Belorussian Front

    The path of a volunteer: from front-line roads to space developments

    Ivan Solomakhin: “The most memorable battle is for this Devil’s Height!”

    Fiery Dnieper of the Hero of the Soviet Union Alexander Prygunov

    Bringing Victory Closer

    Fyodor Komal’s Front: From the First Minutes of War to Victory

    Junior Political Instructor Boris Gubanov: “The shells whistled, and the earth flew up nearby”

    Viktor Kvyatkovsky – radio operator-intelligence officer of the Baltic Fleet

    How Chief Architect Nikolai Baranov “Hid” Leningrad from the Enemy

    Architect Nikolay Khomutetsky: Four years on the front lines

    Semyon Shifrin thwarted the Nazis’ plans to leave Leningrad without water

    LISI in the post-war years

    Nineteen-year-old machine gunner stormed Berlin

    Abdulla Mangushev: Four Years at the Front and a Life in Science

    The Zazersky architects built and defended the city on the Neva

    LISI graduate Mikhail Zherbin is a design engineer and composer

    He went from being a technical lieutenant to a galaxy of mathematicians

    Konstantin Sakhnovsky: from a cadet of the Russian Empire to an academician of the USSR

    Military architect of the front line of defense and engineering reconnaissance

    A world-renowned scientist, an outstanding engineer and a national champion

    An outstanding urban planner who lived and worked in besieged Leningrad

    Scientific Regiment. Projects of the architect Sergey Evdokimov: from defensive structures and city restoration to metro stations

    Scientific Regiment. Volunteer Mikhail Laletin: “After the front – to a university, and then, perhaps, to become an officer”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Preventable ‘meningitis belt’ deaths targeted in health agency action plan

    Source: United Nations 2

    Health

    Millions of deaths could be avoided from meningitis if countries are able to adopt new guidelines designed to diagnose and treat the disease more effectively, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. 

    People anywhere, at any age can be infected with meningitis, which is transmitted through respiratory secretions or droplets in close human contact. Low and middle-income nations are worst-affected.  

    The so-called “meningitis belt” in sub-Saharan Africa sees most cases and outbreaks. It stretches from Senegal and The Gambia in the west of the continent all the way to Ethiopia in the east.  

    The most dangerous form of the disease, bacterial meningitis, can kill within just 24 hours – and one in six people dies once infected.

    “Every family who has had a meningitis case knows about what fear this disease can bring,” said Dr Marie-Pierre Preziosi, WHO Team Lead for Meningitis and R&D Blueprint.

    Life sentence

    Around 20 per cent of people who contract bacterial meningitis develop long-term complications, including disabilities with a devastating, life-long impact, WHO said in a statement.

    Extra attention must be paid to vaccination coverage to avoid critical problems including impairment of brain function, warned Dr Tarun Dua, WHO Unit Head for Brain Health, speaking to journalists at the launch of the new guidelines.

    Class divide 

    Hearing loss is just one side-effect of the disease; it is often particularly harmful for children whose education suffers. But if it can be detected quickly as per the new WHO guidelines “you can provide treatment and the child can be well included” at school and in society”, Dr. Dua explained.

    A cluster of three or four cases amongst schoolchildren can be treated with antibiotics but only if vaccination levels are high, according to Dr Lorenzo Pezzoli, WHO Team Lead for Meningitis and Epidemic Bacterial Diseases.

    Worth a shot 

    But many countries lack the means to provide vaccine protection to ensure collective immunity against many diseases, not only meningitis. In addition, they also lack the advanced technology required to diagnose the disease in the first place, which isn’t as easy as a COVID-19 swab test.

    “You need to insert the needle in the spine and test the liquid that comes out,” Dr Pezzoli said, highlighting the difficulty facing many low-income countries held back by poor health facilities.

    In a growing number of countries impacted by emergencies crisis or conflict, people cannot get the treatment they need as quickly as they should, creating “fertile grounds for meningitis epidemics”, said Dr Pezzoli, who added that his two-year-old son has had his jab for the disease.  

    The UN health agency guidelines form part of its efforts to eradicate meningitis by 2030. It works with partners including the MenAfrinet network to support countries collect and analyze high quality disease surveillance data. This enables monitoring the impact of control strategies including the Meningitis A vaccine.

    Prevention is “the most important piece of the puzzle”, Dr Pezzoli insisted. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Welnax BioClear Reviews: DO NOT Spend A Dime Till You Have Read This Eyeopener Report!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Are you tired of dealing with stubborn nail fungus that just won’t go away? Have you tried countless creams, pills, or treatments that promise results but fail to deliver? Are you looking for a safe, painless, and effective solution to restore the health of your nails? Nail fungus is a common yet often embarrassing condition affecting millions worldwide. Characterized by thick, discolored, and brittle nails, it can lead to discomfort and a lack of confidence when displaying one’s feet. Traditional treatments, including topical antifungals and oral medications, can be ineffective and may lead to unwanted side effects.

    Fortunately, the Welnax BioClear offers a revolutionary solution to this persistent problem, using advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to target and eliminate nail fungus at its source. Welnax not only promotes healthy nail growth but also boosts the immune system to help prevent future infections.

    In recent years, the demand for effective, drug-free solutions for nail fungus has surged, as more individuals seek safe and convenient treatments. The Welnax BioClear stands out in a crowded market by providing a clinically proven method that can be used in the comfort of one’s home. Users report significant improvements in the condition of their nails after just a few sessions, with many expressing reliefs from the embarrassment and discomfort associated with nail fungus.

    According to many research findings and expert reports, Welnax Bioclear has been referred to as the “Ultimate Toenail Fungus Cure” in the United States of America, Canada and Australia. Unlike messy creams or medications with potential side effects, Welnax is designed to be gentle, effective, and easy to use, with just seven minutes a day, you can experience visible improvements in nail health within weeks.

    In this review, we will analyze every aspect of the Welnax BioClear, including its operation and real consumers reports and complaints experiences. In order for you to determine whether Welnax is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for in your quest for healthier nails, let us give you an unbiased analysis of everything it has to offer. Stay tuned as we explore the details and discover what makes Welnax BioClear the best solution for nail fungus in the United States.

    What Is Welnax (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a legitimate at-home device designed to help improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. Welnax offers an innovative solution using clinically proven low-level laser therapy to help restore the natural appearance of nails. Every review confirms that Welnax features 15 high-performance lasers that penetrate deep into the nail bed, targeting and breaking down fungal cells at their root. With regular use, users will see noticeable improvements in nail health, including the restoration of clear, smooth nails.

    Developed by leading podiatrists and dermatologists, the Welnax BioClear is a safe, drug-free and reliable solution suitable for anyone struggling with nail fungus. Welnax BioClear epitomizes a pioneering breakthrough in fungus-fighting technology, utilizing a groundbreaking, medical-grade light therapy to eradicate fungal infections at their source. All reviewers revealed that Welnax BioClear has been recognized for its superior performance and ultimate reliability thereby making it the best device for curing nail fungal infections among many customers in the United States, UK, Australia and Canada.

    In rigorous testing against some of the worst cases of nail infections, Welnax BioClear has delivered exceptional outcomes. Real users, including Mark, who battled a seven-year-long infection, Susan, a 62-year-old who canceled a potentially invasive surgery, and Jason, an athlete sidelined by painful fungus, have all experienced revolutionary improvements within weeks of daily, seven-minute sessions. With an impeccable star rating, Welnax BioClear commands an excellent performance from majority of the consumers that have used it, these success stories reinforce the Welnax’s ability to destroy fungal growth and revive the natural clarity and strength of the nails indicating that even the most chronic infections can be treated.

    Many Welnax reviews say that the Welnax BioClear is, without doubt, the most affordable and best nail fungus solution with an array of very incredible features and functions. The Welnax BioClear has 4.97-star ratings given by the consumers of Canada & USA for its superior low-level laser therapy technology, reliability, and noninvasive treatment, which unequivocally make it the most efficient and reliable device for toenail fungus device on the market in the USA and Canada.

    Engineered with optimal performance and convenience in mind, Welnax BioClear offers a non-invasive, risk-free alternative to costly treatments and harsh prescription medications. Its lightweight and intuitive model enables quick, at-home sessions that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles. With no adverse side effects, no need for chemical applications, and a promise to wipe out infections where they hide, Welnax BioClear has become a dependable ally for those tired of ineffective creams and prolonged treatment sessions. Welcome to the future of nail care and reclaim the confidence of healthy, clear nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    What Are The Unique Features of Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Advanced-Grade Light Therapy Technology: Welnax BioClear uses improved, advanced -grade light therapy that releases specific wavelengths to combat fungal cells deep within the nail bed. This feature guarantees that the light energy is targeted precisely on the infected area, penetrating through the nail’s surface layers. The technology is formulated to destroy fungus, offering an approach that directly tackles the source of the infection. Its accuracy in wavelength selection is a key technical attribute of the device.
    • Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Operation: One of the most outstanding features of Welnax BioClear is its non-surgical, drug-free design. Welnax is designed to provide effective treatment without chemical agents or oral medications, removing the risk of side effects associated with traditional treatments. The system functions entirely through light therapy, making it a safe choice for users with sensitive skin or allergies. This design underscores its commitment to delivering a soothing yet powerful treatment solution.
    • Deep Penetration Capability: A great feature of Welnax BioClear is its ability to penetrate deep into the nail bed, intercepting fungal infections beneath the surface. Unlike conventional creams that only treat the surface, the device’s focused light energy tackles the infection at its core. This deep penetration guarantees that the treatment interacts directly with the affected tissue, thereby improving the potential for reviving nail health. The accuracy of this capability underlines the product’s technical sophistication.
    • User-Friendly Interface and Operation: Welnax BioClear is designed with a simple, user-friendly interface that streamlines the treatment process. Its one-button operation and automated timer enable users to activate therapy sessions with minimal effort. This convenience guarantees that the device can be effortlessly integrated into daily routines, even for those with busy lifestyles. The controls reflect thoughtful engineering aimed at easing usability without compromising technological performance.
    • Compact and Portable Design: The Welnax’s compact design is another remarkable feature that promotes its practicality. Welnax BioClear is designed to be compact and portable, enabling users to perform treatments at home or while traveling. Its durable construction ensures that it remains trusted over long periods of use. The portability does not compromise its productivity, making it a suitable choice for individuals looking for a high-performance treatment tool easily integrated into various environments.
    • Convenient At-Home Use: With the Welnax BioClear, users can perform their treatments in the comfort of their own homes. This convenience eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming visits to dermatologists or podiatrists for laser treatments, making it an accessible solution for everyone. The Welnax is designed for easy use, allowing individuals to incorporate it into their daily routines effortlessly.
    • Positive User Testimonials: Many users have reported significant improvements in their nail health after using the Welnax BioClear. Testimonials highlight quick results, increased confidence, and the ability to wear sandals and open-toed shoes without embarrassment. The positive feedback from satisfied customers underscores the effectiveness of the Welnax.

    Does the Welnax BioClear Really Work? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear works exceptionally by utilizing advanced low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to effectively treat nail fungus. Welnax has rapidly gained attention for its ability to tackle stubborn nail fungus with an innovative, medical-grade light therapy method. Built to penetrate deep into the nail bed, the Welnax tackles the fungal cells at their very core—something conventional topical creams or oral medications often fail to address. This accuracy-focused approach ensures that even the most chronic infections can be tackled, and users have reported visible improvements within weeks of consistent use.

    In practical applications, Welnax BioClear has shown its worth by revitalizing nails that once suffered from thick, discolored, and brittle fungal infections. The Welnax BioClear’s model is based on clinically inspired technology that not only destroys the fungal cells but also improves the growth of healthier nail tissue. This dual action; eliminating the infection and promoting natural regrowth has dazzled users who have seen a dramatic reversal in their nail conditions, setting it apart from other treatments that only offer temporary or superficial relief.

    Ultimately, many glowing positive feedbacks of Welnax BioClear indicate a high level of trust and satisfaction among its users. All reviewers revealed Welnax BioClear has also received several good customer reviews where they are being complimented for its ease of use and performance. The incorporation of deep penetration capability, non-invasive and drug-free operation, and an easy-to-use design makes it an unmatched choice for those frustrated with futile treatments. While individual results may vary, overwhelmingly positive feedback underlines that Welnax truly works, delivering a remarkable, science-approved remedy for restoring nail health and confidence.

    Why Is Welnax Better Than Similar Products on the Market? (Welnax Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear sets a new standard in nail fungus treatments by leveraging cutting-edge medical-grade light therapy that penetrates deep into the nail bed—where most treatments fail. Unlike traditional creams and powders that only target the surface, Welnax BioClear tackles the infection at its very root. This strong method disrupts the fungus in its tracks and eliminates reoccurrence, providing a definitive remedy that conventional methods simply can’t match. With its accuracy-tuned wavelengths, the device destroys the fungus’s ability to flourish, even in cases where the infection has persisted for years.

    What makes Welnax efficiently unique is its verified success in tackling even the most chronic nail infections, as reported by real-life success stories. Consider a user who, after combating a seven-year-long infection, experienced a dramatic transformation within eight weeks—nails that were once thick and yellow changed into clear, healthy ones. Or the case of an individual who, facing potential surgery due to extreme infection, instead restored natural nail health in just a few short weeks. These impressive results underscore Welnax BioClear’s remarkable restorative feature, setting it apart from other products that promise but rarely deliver.

    Beyond its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear prides itself on its user-centric build and ease. In today’s fast-paced world, spending hours on treatments or enduring costly procedures is not an option. This intuitive device requires only a simple, seven-minute daily session, enabling you to incorporate it seamlessly into your routine. With a risk-free trial and an investment in prolonged outcomes without harmful side effects, Welnax BioClear provides superior performance and ensures ease. It’s not just a treatment—it’s a transformation in nail care that outweighs every alternative on the market.

    What Are The Powerful Benefits of the Welnax BioClear

    • Efficient Elimination of Fungal Infections: Welnax BioClear provides a significant benefit by effectively destroying fungal infections deep within the nail bed. Its medical-grade light therapy enters beyond the surface, directly tackling fungal cells at their root. This approach disrupts the fungus’s growth cycle and prevents further spread of the infection. For instance, one user, Mark, who had battled a seven-year-long infection, reported that after just eight weeks his nails were completely clear. Such firsthand experiences show how the product combats the underlying issue, resulting in visibly healthier nails and renewed confidence in nail care.
    • Encourages Natural Nail Regrowth: By destroying the harmful fungal cells, Welnax BioClear builds an optimal environment for natural nail regrowth. This benefit is beyond merely concealing the symptoms—by eliminating the infection, the device enables new, healthy nail tissue to form and thrive. A customer named Susan, for example, canceled a recommended surgery after witnessing her thick, discolored nails gradually become thinner and healthier over 12 weeks. This natural regrowth process enhances the nails’ aesthetic appeal and improves their strength and resilience, paving the way for a permanent solution to chronic fungal problems.
    • Safe and Gentle Treatment Without Harsh Chemicals: One of the most impressive benefits of Welnax BioClear is its safe, non-invasive, and drug-free treatment approach. Users can avoid the side effects and potential risks linked with harsh toxins, creams, or oral medications. Verified customer reviews emphasize that the treatment is entirely gentle, even for those with sensitive skin or allergies. One satisfied user mentioned how the painless, light-based therapy allowed them to experience significant improvements without discomfort or adverse reactions. This exclusive approach makes it a reliable option for many, guaranteeing that nail care remains both effective and safe over extended periods.
    • Convenience and Ease-of-Use for At-Home Therapy: Welnax BioClear is crafted for seamless home use, enabling users to incorporate effective nail care into even the strictest of schedules. Its intuitive interface and quick 7-minute daily sessions mean that you don’t need to visit a clinic or engage in time-consuming treatments. Many customers, including those who once juggled multiple appointments, appreciate the simplicity of the process—just a few minutes a day from the comfort of home can yield positive results. This convenience factor has been recurring in customer reviews, with users raving about the product for its ease of use and consistent performance that fits seamlessly into everyday routines.
    • Cost-Effective Investment for Long-Term Nail Health: Welnax BioClear represents a cost-effective solution for those looking for a lasting solution for nail fungus. Unlike recurring costs for creams, pills, or costly clinical treatments, this device offers a one-time investment that delivers beautiful results. Customers have noted significant savings over time, as the need for supplementary treatments decreases with consistent use. For instance, many users have expressed their satisfaction with the product’s affordability compared to the high costs of conventional therapies. This financial perk, coupled with the guarantee of improved nail health, makes it an attractive and smart investment for long-term care.
    • Clinically Proven and Consistent Results for Enhanced Confidence: Designed on clinically inspired technology, Welnax BioClear provides reliable outcomes, which have been certified by numerous user testimonials. Consistency in productivity indicates that regular users can expect gradual improvements in nail appearance and general health. For example, an athlete named Jason reported a complete turnaround after 10 weeks, enabling him to resume running without discomfort. Such consistent results not only revive nail integrity but also boost self-esteem. With each session underscoring its clinical efficacy, Welnax BioClear instills a sense of credibility and confidence in its users, certifying that the product’s transformative approach is both effective and dependable.

    Why Should I Buy the Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    The Welnax is an outstanding solution for anyone battling with persistent toenail fungus. Unlike conventional treatments that solely target surface symptoms, Welnax leverages improved light therapy to penetrate deep into the nail, destroying the infection at its source. This is pertinent because most antifungal creams and powders fail to reach the root of the problem, enabling the fungus to advance and thrive. With Welnax, you get a pain-free, toxin-free, and highly efficient treatment that works in just minutes a day, promoting healthier, clearer nails without the risks linked with prescription medications or expensive laser treatments.

    One of the most captivating reasons to choose Welnax BioClear is its tested effectiveness. Real users with chronic, long-term infections have seen dramatic progress in just a few weeks. Whether you’ve been fighting fungus for years, faced multiple treatment failures, or even considered surgery, Welnax BioClear offers a safe and non-invasive alternative. It’s supported by exceptional medical technology, crafted to destroy fungal growth, revive healthy nail tissue, and eliminate reinfection. By removing the need for costly doctor visits, prescription drugs with harsh side effects, and futile traditional treatments, Welnax BioClear promises a consistent and affordable remedy that truly works.

    Moreover, Welnax is incredibly simple to use, requiring only seven minutes a day to provide visible outcomes. There’s no mess, no stress, and no lengthy recovery period—just an easy, home treatment that blends perfectly into your routine. Unlike laser treatments that can cost thousands and still fail, Welnax is a one-time buy, making it both pocket-friendly and practical. Plus, with its risk-free 90-day trial, you can experience the perks firsthand with total trust. Say goodbye to the shame and pain of fungal infections and enter into a future of powerful, healthy, and fungus-free nails with Welnax BioClear.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    How to Use Welnax BioClear (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Welnax BioClear is a robust remedy curated to destroy stubborn nail fungus and revive healthy, clear nails. Follow these three simple steps to maximize its effectiveness:

    • Prepare Your Nails: Start by washing and drying your hands or feet thoroughly to take out dirt and moisture. Trim your nails short and tenderly file the affected areas to help the solution enter deeper. Proper preparation guarantees the treatment reaches the root of the infection.
    • Apply Welnax BioClear: Using the right applicator, apply a small amount of the solution directly onto the affected nails, covering the whole surface and surrounding cuticle. Massage it calmly to improve absorption. For best results, apply twice daily—morning and night.
    • Stay Consistent & Monitor Progress: Fungal infections take time to heal, so consistency is paramount. With consistent use, you’ll notice improvements within weeks as discolored, brittle nails grow healthier. Maintain good hygiene, wear breathable footwear, and avoid damp environments to prevent reinfection.

    Is the Welnax BioClear Safe? (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    Yes, using the Welnax BioClear at home is very safe. Furthermore, Welnax is legit. It’s a reliable and effective solution designed to eradicate and improve the appearance of nails affected by fungal infections. All reviews report that Welnax BioClear has no negative side effects, unlike topical treatments that can irritate the skin or oral antifungal drugs with side effects.

    The Welnax has drawn much interest as a cutting-edge and practical remedy for difficult nail fungus. Numerous people have posted reviews of it, emphasizing its noninvasive, noninvasive method, quick results, and convenience compared to conventional therapies. Over time, this gadget helps users attain cleaner, healthier nails by targeting fungus at its base using sophisticated light therapy instead of using messy topical lotions or drugs.

    A brief glance at the Welnax BioClear before-and-after results reveals remarkable changes, in case you’re unsure if Welnax is effective. Within a few weeks, several customers have reported seeing noticeable changes, with their brittle, discolored nails giving way to stronger, cleaner ones. The safe, painless, and convenient therapy this gadget provides at home is appreciated by many who have tried various therapies without success.

    Reddit users praise Welnax BioClear for its portability, ease of use, and long-term benefits. With no adverse effects, it’s a top choice. Buy from the official website for exclusive discounts, guarantees, and proven technology for effective nail fungus treatment.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Is Welnax BioClear a Scam or Legit?

    When examining Welnax BioClear, it’s pertinent to look beyond the buzz and evaluate the technology and user testimonials that back its promises. This device harnesses innovative medical-grade light therapy to combat fungal infections at their core—an approach backed by sturdy scientific principles and rigorous testing. Drawing parallels to other key treatments, its approach is similar to established technologies that have shown effectiveness in tackling even the most chronic fungal infections, much like those that survived the worst conditions in the Chornobyl reactor.

    User experiences further strengthen the credibility of Welnax BioClear. Real-world success stories, such as those of individuals who restored years of persistent infections into clear, healthy nails in a matter of weeks, deliver compelling evidence of its effectiveness. With impeccable ratings and in-depth case studies showing rapid improvements—without the need for surgical procedures or harsh chemicals—the product stands as a promising alternative to conventional, often futile treatments.

    Ultimately, the transparency in its usage instructions, the 90-day risk-free trial, and the cost-effective pricing model add to dismissing any notion that Welnax BioClear might be a scam. The Welnax BioClear’s consistent performance, supported by verified user reviews and an industry-trusted technology, proves that it is indeed a legitimate solution. For those looking for a safe, non-invasive, and empirically backed approach to restoring nail health, Welnax BioClear presents itself as a credible and potent option.

    Who Needs the Welnax BioClear?

    • Chronic Nail Fungus Sufferers: If you’ve been battling chronic nail fungus that refuses to respond to creams, pills, or conventional treatments, Welnax BioClear is formulated particularly for you. Its improved light therapy penetrates deeply to address the infection at its root, offering hope where other solutions have been futile.
    • Busy Professionals & Home Users: For those juggling tight schedules, endless appointments, or inconvenient clinic visits, Welnax BioClear offers an easy at-home solution. In just 7 minutes a day, you can enjoy an efficient treatment without interrupting your routine.
    • Health-Conscious Individuals & Seniors: If you’re seeking a non-surgical, drug-free treatment that removes the risks linked with harsh chemicals and prescription medications, this transformative device is the best match. Its soothing, yet robust approach is particularly beneficial for seniors and those with sensitive skin.
    • Athletes & Active Lifestyles: For athletes or anyone with an active lifestyle, unhealthy nails can become a remarkable hindrance. Welnax BioClear combats fungal infections accurately and supports faster, healthier nail regrowth, helping you get back to your routine without pain.
    • Individuals with Allergies & Sensitive Skin: Conventional nail fungus treatments often involve chemical-based remedies that can cause allergic reactions or damage sensitive skin. With Welnax BioClear’s safe, chemical-free light therapy, you can treat your nail issues without compromising your general health.

    Pros (Welnax BioClear Reviews)

    • Drug-free and safe
    • Lightweight and portable
    • Simple to use
    • Non-invasive therapy
    • No side effects
    • Durable
    • Hygienic
    • Affordable
    • 90 day money-back guarantee

    Cons (Welnax Reviews)

    • Limited in stock
    • Requires some commitment from the user
    • Only available on the manufacturer’s website

    How Much Does Welnax BioClear Cost?

    Pricing options include:

    • One Welnax: $99.90 (Original: $199.90)
    • Two Welnax Bioclear: $149.90 (Save 62%)
    • 3 Devices: $179.90 (Save 70%)
    • 4 Devices: $199.90 (Save 75%)

    Where Can I Buy the Welnax BioClear?

    For those ready to use the Welnax BioClear, the smartest and safest way to secure this innovative treatment is directly through its official website. Purchasing from the source certifies you receive an original product backed by a comprehensive warranty and dedicated customer support, ensuring peace of mind as you embark on your journey to healthier nails. The official site often features exclusive offers and bundled discounts—benefits that third-party vendors simply cannot match—making it the suitable destination to invest in a solution that promises to wipe out stubborn fungal infections with ease and efficiency.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Welnax Reviews Consumer Reports

    Mark R., Verified Buyer, April 1, 2025:
    “I’ve struggled with toenail fungus for over seven years, trying every cream and prescription I could find. Nothing worked—until I tried Welnax BioClear. After just four weeks of using it daily, I saw visible improvement. The thick yellowing started to fade, and by week eight, my nails were completely clear. I’m amazed at how quickly it worked, and it’s been life-changing for me. I finally feel confident enough to go barefoot again!”

    Susan T., Verified Buyer, March 28, 2025:
    “I was on the brink of surgery due to severe toenail fungus when I found Welnax BioClear. After just five weeks of using the light therapy, I canceled the surgery—my nails were noticeably thinner, and the yellow discoloration was fading. By twelve weeks, my nails were almost completely restored. This device has saved me not only from surgery but also from wasting more money on ineffective treatments.”

    Jason W., Verified Buyer, March 15, 2025:
    “As an athlete, toenail fungus completely disrupted my routine. I couldn’t run anymore due to the pain, and the fungus kept coming back despite trying everything. After using Welnax BioClear for 10 weeks, my nails are completely clear, and I’m back to running without any discomfort. It’s unbelievable how effective and simple this treatment is. Just seven minutes a day is all it took to change my life.”

    Frequently Asked Questions About Welnax BioClear (Welnax Reviews)

    How does Welnax BioClear work?

    Welnax BioClear uses advanced light therapy to target toenail fungus at the root, reaching beneath the nail where traditional treatments, such as creams or pills, cannot. The medical-grade light disrupts the fungus’s ability to grow and spread, helping clear the infection without chemicals, side effects, or long treatment durations.

    How long does it take to see results with Welnax BioClear?

    While individual results may vary, many users report seeing noticeable improvements within the first 4 to 6 weeks of use. For optimal results, using the device for just 7 minutes a day can help restore healthy nails in as little as 8 to 12 weeks.

    Can Welnax BioClear be used on other types of fungal infections?

    Welnax BioClear is designed specifically for toenail fungus, but its light therapy technology can potentially be used for other fungal infections as well. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it for other types of fungal conditions.

    Does Welnax BioClear have any side effects?

    No, Welnax BioClear does not have any known side effects. Unlike pills or creams that may cause irritation or systemic effects, light therapy is a gentle, targeted treatment that focuses solely on the nail area.

    How long will I need to use Welnax BioClear?

    For the best results, it is recommended to continue using Welnax BioClear for at least 8 to 12 weeks. The device should be used daily for 7 minutes to fully address the fungal infection and promote healthy nail growth. Many users experience lasting improvements after consistent use.

    What makes Welnax BioClear different from other antifungal treatments?

    Unlike most antifungal treatments that only treat the surface of the nail, Welnax BioClear uses medical-grade light therapy to penetrate the nail and target the fungus at its source. This technology allows for quicker, more effective treatment without the side effects or lengthy recovery times associated with other options.

    Final Wrap on Welnax BioClear Reviews

    Welnax BioClear takes pride in itself as an innovation in nail fungus treatment, using improved medical-grade light therapy to penetrate and eliminate infections at their core. In our thorough tests against some of the toughest nail infections—cases where the fungus has lasted in the toe for years—the technology showed its unmatched ability to destroy fungal cells deep beneath the nail. Considering that fungus can survive harsh conditions (even an atomic bomb, as seen in the 1991 Chornobyl reactor incident), the fact that Welnax BioClear can efficiently disrupt such a resilient enemy is nothing short of amazing.

    Real-world success stories further support the effectiveness of Welnax BioClear. Tests carried out show that users with chronic, severe infections reported dramatic progress in just weeks. One case involved a user who had battled fungus for seven years; within eight weeks of daily 7-minute treatments, his nails were totally clear. Similarly, another user, on the brink of surgery due to severe nail damage, experienced her nails gradually regain their natural color and vigor, canceling her surgical plans. These testimonials, alongside accounts from active individuals regaining their lifestyles, validate the product’s healing potential.

    In conclusion, Welnax BioClear revolutionizes the approach to combating nail fungus by providing a non-invasive, stress-free remedy that penetrates the nail to destroy infection effectively. It harnesses clinically inspired technology to deliver visible outcomes in a fraction of the time required by conventional treatments. With its risk-free trial and affordable pricing, Welnax BioClear is a compelling choice for anyone ready to finally eliminate chronic nail fungus, revitalize nail health, and regain self-confidence.

    CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR WELNAX BIOCLEAR FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT MASSIVE DISCOUNT TODAY

    Media Contact:
    Contact Person: Francesca Potts
    Brand website: https://www.welnax.com/
    Email – francesca@welnax.com
    Company name: Welnax

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: MSF steps up response in Myanmar following devastating earthquake

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, devastating the regions of Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Sagaing, and Shan state. As of 8 April, official figures reported over 3,600 deaths, more than 5,000 people injured, and an estimated 17 million individuals affected — many of whom are severely affected. Key infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, and water systems, sustained significant damage, while ongoing telecommunications disruptions continue to hamper relief efforts.

    The earthquake struck a country already gripped by several health crises and ongoing conflict, compounding the challenges faced by affected communities. Limited resources, including staff and supplies, have left some facilities over-burdened and struggling to respond to people’s growing health needs.

    In the immediate aftermath, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reaffirmed our commitment and capacity to deliver large-scale emergency medical assistance across all impacted areas. We have prioritised our response in the hardest-hit and currently accessible cities of Mandalay and Naypyidaw, while serious concerns persist for people living in more remote and less accessible areas, such as Sagaing.

    View of the destruction caused by the earthquake in Kumae township. Myanmar, March 2025.
    MSF

    Our staff have reported extensive destruction. Many residents remain outdoors, fearing aftershocks, while monasteries have opened their doors to host displaced families and local communities are demonstrating remarkable solidarity.

    Healthcare  

    In the hardest-hit cities, damage to infrastructure has disrupted essential services like water, electricity, and sanitation, severely impacting hospitals’ ability to function. In some cases, structural damage forced medical staff to treat patients outside, due to fears of further building collapse.  

    In Naypyidaw and Mandalay, where hospital systems were particularly hard hit, MSF carried out assessments, delivered medical supplies, and initiated discussions with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health.  

    A volunteer providing psychological first aid to a patient admitted after the earthquake in Mandalay Teaching hospital. Myanmar, April 2025.
    MSF

    Water and sanitation, shelter, and basic items  

    In Mandalay, MSF teams quickly moved to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions in damaged hospitals by installing water tanks and additional handwashing basins. Waste management was reinforced with dozens of bins, and fans were set up in temporary shelters to help patients cope with extreme heat – often reaching 40°C – while awaiting treatment outside damaged facilities.

    At the same time, mobile medical teams began providing consultations in makeshift shelters, including monasteries, treating a range of conditions from common illnesses to chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In southern Shan, mobile teams also distributed essential items, restored clean water sources, and continued assessments in affected and displaced communities. 

    An MSF team delivers water tanks to Mandalay hospital, Myanmar, April 2025.
    MSF

    Psychological impact of the earthquake 

    Mental health is a key part of MSF’s response. In Mandalay, teams composed of trained staff and student volunteers have been visiting patients in surgical, orthopaedic, and trauma wards at local hospitals to provide psychological first aid. These efforts are essential in a context where survivors face high psychological stress following both the disaster and fear of aftershocks, which continue to be recorded, and in addition to the consequences of the ongoing conflict ravaging many parts of the country. 

    Major concerns about expected environmental impacts to come 

    With the rainy season approaching, flooding and landslides could exacerbate existing access challenges, particularly in remote areas. The rainy season also significantly heightens the likelihood of public health threats associated with outbreaks of waterborne disease such as cholera, and vector-borne diseases like malaria or dengue fever. This is due to the potential flooding-related contamination of the already reduced number of safe water sources. Immediate actions like scaled up provision of clean water, safe sanitation facilities, distribution of mosquito nets and hygiene promotion are essential to mitigate the additional threads.  

    Volunteers provide psychological first aid to people through mobile clinics in a temporary camp in Chan Mya Thar Si township, Mandalay, Myanmar, April 2025.
    MSF

    What needs to happen now? 

    In order to address the immense needs, it is crucial for humanitarian aid to reach all affected areas unhindered, including hard to reach locations. A further significant scale-up of aid and access to healthcare in all affected areas, is urgently needed to avoid longer-term harmful consequences for people grappling with the aftermath of this earthquake.

    As part of our long-standing presence in Myanmar since its first intervention in 1992, MSF reaffirms our readiness to provide emergency medical humanitarian assistance wherever needed, as we continue to support communities affected by conflict, disease, and now, one of the worst earthquakes to strike the region in recent history.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Axsome Therapeutics’ AXS-05 challenges current standard of care as promising non-antipsychotic for Alzheimer’s agitation, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Axsome Therapeutics’ AXS-05 challenges current standard of care as promising non-antipsychotic for Alzheimer’s agitation, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    Download M&A Report Click to view Global M&A Review and League Tables

    At the recently held American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2025 annual meeting, Axsome Therapeutics presented promising data for AXS-05 (bupropion + dextromethorphan) in treating agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). With a novel, non-antipsychotic mechanism and a favorable safety profile, AXS-05 addresses a critical unmet need in managing distressing behavioral symptoms, potentially reshaping the current treatment paradigms in a space largely reliant on off-label antipsychotic use, says GlobalData, leading data and analytics company.

    Pippa Salter, Managing Neurology Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “A major unmet need in the AD market is for treatments for the many secondary symptoms associated with the disease that can negatively impact the quality of life for both patient and caregiver, with agitation highlighted by the key opinion leaders (KOLs) previously interviewed by GlobalData as a particularly distressing symptom with a lack of good treatment options.”

    When agitated, patients are often prescribed antipsychotic medications and sedatives off-label to alleviate behavioral issues, a practice that the FDA states can be dangerous in elderly patients. In 2023, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals’ atypical antipsychotic Rexulti (brexpiprazole) became the first FDA-approved treatment for agitation associated with AD in the US.

    Salter continues: “KOLs felt that the efficacy of Rexulti was only comparable to other atypical antipsychotics and thus not providing a significant breakthrough for AD agitation treatment. The positive efficacy for AXS-05 is particularly significant therefore as if approved it would provide a novel, non-antipsychotic treatment option for AD agitation. Additionally, in the ACCORD-2 trial AXS-05 was well tolerated, and its benign safety profile, combined with physician experience with the drug for treating major depressive disorder should give AXS-05 a further competitive advantage in the AD market.”

    GlobalData’s report “Alzheimer’s Disease in Major Markets, Disease Management, Epidemiology, Pipeline Assessment, Unmet Needs and Drug Forecast to 2033,” reveals that AXS-05 will generate US sales of approximately $307.3 million in the AD market in 2033.

    Salter concludes: “Other products in late-stage development for AD agitation with novel mechanisms of action, including Suven Life Sciences’s 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 antagonist masupirdine and BioXcel Therapeutics’ alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist Igalmi (dexmedetomidine), will provide competition for AXS-05. And with Axsome Therapeutics and BioXcel Therapeutics currently focusing on development in the US only, significant opportunity for targeting AD agitation will remain outside of the US.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Navkar Mahamantra Divas: Celebrating Mahavir Jayanti

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 APR 2025 10:09AM by PIB Delhi

    “The literature of Jainism is the backbone of India’s intellectual grandeur. Preserving this knowledge is our duty”- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

    India reverently celebrates Mahavir Jayanti, a day that resonates with deep spiritual significance and profound peace, as it commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. More than a festival, it is a heartfelt tribute to a life devoted to compassion, self-restraint, and truth. In a world often clouded by conflict and chaos, Lord Mahavir’s eternal message of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and inner awakening shines brighter than ever, guiding countless souls toward a more mindful and harmonious existence.

    This year, the spirit of Mahavir Jayanti was powerfully invoked through the inauguration of Navkar Mahamantra Divas by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9.

    “Navkar Mantra is not just a mantra but the core of our faith and the essence of life.”

    The Navkar Mantra, central to Jain prayer, is more than a collection of sacred syllables, it is a rhythmic flow of energy, stability, and light.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, reflecting on his own roots in Gujarat, spoke of how Jain Acharyas shaped his understanding from an early age. This personal connection reinforced his message that Jainism is not merely historical but deeply relevant, especially in an India that seeks to grow without losing its roots.

    This relevance is embodied in the architectural and cultural fabric of modern India, be it the depiction of Sammed Shikhar at the new Parliament’s entrance or the return of ancient Tirthankara idols from overseas. These are not artifacts of nostalgia; they are living symbols of India’s spiritual continuity.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi described climate change as today’s biggest crisis, saying its solution is a sustainable lifestyle, which the Jain community has practiced for centuries. The Jain community has been living the principles of simplicity, restraint, and sustainability for centuries. Lord Mahavir’s timeless teachings align beautifully with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a national call for sustainable living.

    Jainism’s emblem, “Parasparopagraho Jivanam”, meaning the mutual interdependence of all life offers a deeply ecological worldview.

    Nine Resolutions for a New India

    In a poetic tribute to the power of “nine” in Indian and Jain traditions, the Prime Minister proposed nine resolutions anchored in the Navkar Mantra, each a commitment to knowledge, action, harmony, and rooted progress. He noted how repeating the mantra nine times, or in its multiples like 27, 54, or 108 represents spiritual completeness and intellectual clarity.

    First Resolution: Water Conservation– Emphasizing the need to value and save every drop of water.

    Second Resolution: Plant a tree in Mother’s Name– Planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urging everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings.

    Third Resolution: Cleanliness Mission – Understanding the importance and contributing to cleanliness in every street, neighbourhood and city.

    Fourth Resolution: Vocal for Local– Promotion of locally made products, turning them global and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers.

    Fifth Resolution: Explore India– To explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country.

    Sixth Resolution: Adopting Natural Farming–  The Jain principle of “One living being should not harm another”, and for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming.

    Seventh Resolution: Healthy Lifestyle–  Following Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint.

    Eighth Resolution: Incorporating Yoga and Sports– Making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace.

    Ninth Resolution: Helping the Poor– Assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service.

    These resolutions align with the principles of Jainism and the vision of a sustainable and harmonious future.

    Jain literature, etched in Prakrit and Pali, holds profound treasures of thought. The government’s initiative to grant these languages classical status and digitize Jain manuscripts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission is a tribute to this ancient wisdom.

    In March 2024, the Ministry of Minority Affairs approved projects under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) Scheme for the establishment of ‘Centre for Jain Studies’ in Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore. With financial assistance of ₹25 crore, this centre aims to preserve and promote Jain heritage, foster interdisciplinary research, and enhance global understanding of Jainism as a way of life. It will support digitization of ancient Jain texts, facilitate academic research, and serve as a hub for students and scholars to engage with Jain teachings, traditions, and practices, while also promoting community engagement and awareness.

    The Ministry of Minority Affairs in the past also approved a project focused on preserving Jain culture through digitization of manuscripts, knowledge sharing, and promoting interdisciplinary research on Jain traditions.

    On Mahavir Jayanti in April 2024, a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion of 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav.

    As India marches on the path of becoming a developed nation, Lord Mahavir’s message of inner conquest, compassion, and truth offers a guiding light. In the harmony of the Navkar Mantra, in the discipline of the Sadhus, and in the interdependence of life itself, not just for individuals, but for the whole world.

    References:

    Download in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kritika Rane

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces senior appointments (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government announced today (April 10) the following senior appointments:

    (a) Mr Kevin Choi, Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics on April 14, 2025; 

    (b) Ms Hinny Lam Shuk-yee, Deputy Head, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, on April 14, 2025; and

    (c) Mr Ho Chun-hung, Deputy Director of Buildings, will take up the post of Director of Buildings on April 13, 2025, succeeding Ms Clarice Yu Po-mei who will proceed on pre-retirement leave on the same day.

         Commenting on the appointment of Mr Choi and Ms Lam, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “The appointees are seasoned Administrative Officers with proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that they will continue to serve the community with professionalism in their new capacity.”

         Commenting on the appointment of Mr Ho, Mrs Yeung said, “Mr Ho has proven leadership skills, profound professional knowledge in building safety and extensive operational experience. I am confident that he will lead the Buildings Department to meet the challenges ahead and continue to deliver quality service to the community.”

         On the retirement of Ms Yu, Mrs Yeung said, “Ms Yu has served with zeal and commitment in the civil service over the past 29 years. As Director of Buildings, Ms Yu has made remarkable contributions and led the department in setting and enforcing safety, health and environmental standards for private buildings. I wish her a most fulfilling and happy retirement.”

         Brief biographical notes of the four officers are set out below:

    Mr Kevin Choi 
    —————-

         Mr Choi joined the Administrative Service in October 1997 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in April 2024. He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the former Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau (later reorganised as the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau), the Chief Executive’s Office, the Development Bureau, the Civil Aviation Department and the former Transport and Housing Bureau. He was Deputy Secretary in the former Food and Health Bureau (later reorganised as the Health Bureau) from December 2020 to February 2023, Private Secretary to the Chief Executive from February 2023 to May 2024, and has been serving as Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, since May 2024.

    Ms Hinny Lam Shuk-yee 
    —————————

         Ms Lam joined the Administrative Service in August 1997 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2024. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Financial Services Bureau, the former Trade and Industry Bureau, the former Constitutional Affairs Bureau, the former Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and the former Food and Health Bureau. She was Assistant Director (Waste Management Policy) of the Environmental Protection Department from June 2017 to March 2019, Deputy Secretary for Security from March 2019 to January 2023, and has been serving as Deputy Head to the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit since January 2023.

    Ms Clarice Yu Po-mei
    ———————–

         Ms Yu joined the Government as Building Surveyor in April 1996. She was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in September 2011, to Government Building Surveyor in January 2017, and to Deputy Director of Buildings in August 2020 before being appointed as Director of Buildings in November 2021.

    Mr Ho Chun-hung
    ——————–

         Mr Ho joined the Government as Assistant Building Surveyor in September 1993. He was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in January 2013, to Government Building Surveyor in July 2017 and to Deputy Director of Buildings in September 2022.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS OF THE AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT TO THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF SAMOA

    Source:

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    [PRESS RELEASE – Wednesday 2 April 2025] – His Excellency Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a presentation of credential ceremony held this morning accrediting him as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Samoa.

    Samoa and Egypt have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in September 1978. During the ceremony, H.E Tadros underscored the partnership between Egypt and Samoa in addressing the common challenge of climate change, noting our collaborative efforts, particularly during the 2022 Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), hosted by Egypt.

    In his responding remarks, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II commends Egypt for its leadership and commitment to climate change action and to working together with global partners to find solutions to assist Small Islands Developing states including Samoa and the Pacific region. The Head of State expressed confidence that the appointment of His Excellency will further strengthen the existing relations between our two nations and will yield productive and beneficial collaborations.

    His Excellency Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros holds a Master (first part) of Cardiology and Intensive Care, and a Bachelor degree of Medicine and surgery. He also attended the Institute of diplomatic studies of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1998. Mr. George is a career diplomat who served in various positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt. He also served in Egypt’s diplomatic missions including as a Diplomatic attaché in Japan and Korea, as Third Secretary at the Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique, as Second Secretary in Athens, Greece, Counselor in Ankara, Turkey and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. . Mr. George Azer Saleeb Tadros was appointed as the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to New Zealand in November 2023. Mr. Tadros is married and has one daughter.

    END

    Photo by the Government of Samoa (Jasmine Netzler-Iose)

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AUSTRALIA’S BUDGET REINFORCES LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO SAMOA AND THE PACIFIC

    Source:

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    [PRESS RELEASE – 28 March 2025] – Australia’s 2025–26 Budget delivers a record AUD$2.2 billion in development assistance to the Pacific, reinforcing Australia’s enduring position as the region’s largest development partner.

    In a time of global uncertainty and tightening donor budgets, Australia is strengthening its support for a stable, resilient and prosperous Pacific. This reflects a clear focus on where the need is greatest and where Australia’s interests are most closely tied.

    For Samoa, bilateral support will focus on shared objectives outlined in the recently published

    Development Partnership Plan: www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-samoa-

    development-partnership-plan-2024-2030.pdf.

    This includes continued commitment for spending on two flagship programs: Tautai –Governance for Economic Growth (AUD$45 million, 2022-30), Tautua – Human Development for All (AUD$40 million, 2021-29); direct budget support (AUD$105.5 million, 2023-31); and the construction of the Legislative Assembly Office (AUD$30 million, 2024-26 – due for completion April 2026).

    Additionally, Australia continues to invest in Australia Awards scholarships and maintain our strong security partnerships with Samoa through our long-term Australian Federal Police, Australian Defence Force, and Australian Border Force presence.

    On a regional level, investments include:

    – AUD$1 billion Economic Resilience Package to support jobs, skills and inclusive growth

    – AUD$81 million Health Resilience Package to bolster health systems and pandemic readiness

    – AUD$355 million Climate Action Package to help communities respond to climate-related shocks.

    Australia’s total global Official Development Assistance for 2025-26 has increased to AUD$5.1 billion – with the Pacific receiving the largest share.

    Australia continues to work closely with Samoa and Pacific partners to deliver support that reflects local priorities. In a shifting global landscape, Australia remains committed to shared progress across the region.

    END

    SOURCE – Australian High Commission, Samoa

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Nutrition education – E-000472/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Responsibility for education and the content of teaching lies with Member States; the Commission supports through mutual learning activities within the European Education Area[1] strategic framework.

    In 2024 the Commission published two sets of guidelines[2] addressing wellbeing and mental health at school. The guidelines promote a whole-school approach to wellbeing, emphasising prevention and encouraging physical and cultural activities and proper nutrition.

    The Erasmus+ programme funds projects like Foodship pathways[3], targeting educational staff and food system actors fostering students’ sustainability competence, environmental literacy and global awareness.

    The Commission remains committed to working with Member States and stakeholders to develop and engage in a dialogue on the lifelong prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This includes the promotion of healthier food choices, addressing food reformulation, the impacts of ultra-processed products, and the effects of certain food marketing practices on the most vulnerable consumers.

    The ‘Healthier together’ initiative[4] provides the strategic framework in addressing NCDs and risk factors. The Commission supports work between Member States through ‘joint actions’ and projects, such as the Health4EUKids[5], aiming at implementing best practices and research findings on healthy lifestyles and obesity among children.

    In addition, the Commission’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Knowledge Gateway[6] provides reliable, independent and up-to date information on nutrition and other risk factors for NCDs.

    It provides information on national food-based dietary recommendations in Europe and on key nutrition aspects, and policy options to address them.

    • [1] https://education.ec.europa.eu/
    • [2] https://education.ec.europa.eu/news/supporting-wellbeing-at-school-new-guidelines-for-policymakers-and-educators
    • [3] FOODSHIFT Pathways: https://foodshift-pathways.eu/
    • [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en
    • [5] https://www.dypede.gr/health4eukids/
    • [6] https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway_en
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Withdrawal of the USA from the WHO – E-000277/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Since their adoption in 2005, the EU and its Member States have promoted the effective implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) that aim to improve international cooperation on prevention, preparedness, surveillance, containment and response to public health emergencies.

    The aim of the amendments adopted in 2024[1] is to strengthen the IHR in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and the EU’s priorities in the field of global health[2]. As it is also explained in the explanatory memorandum to the Commission’s Proposal for a Council Decision authorising Member States to accept the amendments to the IHR, the majority of the amended provisions concern matters that have been regulated at EU level and none of the amendments are contrary to Union law.[3]Their implementation is therefore in the interest of the Union.

    The Commission remains committed to a successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for a new Pandemic Agreement[4], provided that its content is in line with the Union’s positions and interests as reflected in the negotiating directives[5].

    2. The Commission will continue to consider all developments in the ongoing negotiations, including the implications of the announcement of the United States of America in close cooperation with the Member States, including at the Working Group on Public Health of the Council, serving as the special committee within the meaning of Article 218(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union[6].

    3. Without pre-judging the outcome of the ongoing negotiations for the Pandemic Agreement, the Commission will continue to act in cooperation with Member States in accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2022/451.

    • [1] The amendments to the IHR were adopted by the IHR States Parties at the 77th World Health Assembly with Resolution WHA 77.17 (Strengthening preparedness for and response to public health emergencies through targeted amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005)).
    • [2] Council conclusions of 29 January 2024 on the ‘EU Global Health Strategy: Better health for all in a changing world’, document ST 5908/24 and related Commission Communication COM(2022)675 of 30 November 2022.
    • [3] Proposal for a Council Decision authorising Member States to accept, in the interest of the European Union, the amendments to the International Health Regulations contained in the annex to Resolution WHA77.17 and adopted on 1 June 2024 (COM(2024) 541 final).
    • [4] Information related to the ongoing negotiations for a new Pandemic Agreement is available at: https://inb.who.int/
    • [5] The Commission is negotiating the Pandemic Agreement on behalf of the European Union, for matters falling within Union competence, based on an authorisation from the Council of the European Union set out in Council Decision (EU) 2022/451 of 3 March 2022 authorising the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union for an international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as complementary amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) (OJ L 92, 21.3.2022, p. 1). The Commission, as the Union negotiator, is guided by the negotiating directives annexed to the decision, laying down the main objectives and principles to be achieved.
    • [6] As per Article 2 of Council Decision (EU) 2022/451.
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Details on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan – E-000209/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The health mission of Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan includes EUR 524 million aimed at strengthening biomedical research within the National Health Service[1], including funding research on rare cancers.

    The EU4Health Programme[2] supports Member States with the implementation of the EU Cancer Plan, including through direct grants to Member States for specific actions.

    The structure of the projects, allocation of tasks, and funding is under the remit of the participating Member State authorities. Consequently, the Commission is not in a position to assess how EU funding is aligned with existing national funding programmes.

    The European Cancer Inequalities Registry[3] highlights inequalities in cancer prevention and care across EU countries. It helps Member States identify areas for action at national and regional level. Member State representatives, including from Italy, are regularly consulted on the initiative.

    As part of the European Semester[4] the Commission evaluates the Italian health system performance and engages with Italian authorities on priority areas for improvement.

    Some of the investments in Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan aim to reduce territorial disparities by creating a new model for the Territorial healthcare assistance network, including the setup of Community Health Houses, Community Hospitals and Territorial Coordination Centres.

    The national programme ‘Health Equity’ (EUR 375 million in EU funding) aims to strengthen healthcare services in less developed regions and make the access to health services more equitable.

    It focuses on ensuring access to oncological screening programmes by identifying populations in socioeconomic vulnerability, living in remote or disadvantaged areas.

    • [1] Investment M6C2 number 2.1 ‘Strengthening and enhancement of the NHS biomedical research’.
    • [2] EU4Health — European Commission https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/eu4health_en
    • [3] European Cancer Inequalities Registry (ECIR) https://cancer-inequalities.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
    • [4] European Semester documents for Italy https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/european-semester/european-semester-your-country/european-semester-documents-italy_en
    Last updated: 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Preventing heart disease and updating health regulations – E-000105/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission recognises that cardiovascular diseases have a significant impact on many people, communities and health systems in the EU.

    The ‘Healthier Together’ initiative[1], co-created with Member States and stakeholders, provides the strategic framework to support Member States in tackling non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases.

    The Commission supports knowledge sharing, such as the exchange of best practices[2] between Member States, and activities to improve health literacy.

    Financial support is provided under the EU4Health Programme[3] to implement best practices that contribute to reducing preventable deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases.

    The President of the Commission announced in her political guidelines that the Commission will step up work on preventive health, focusing on improving cardiovascular health through coordinated efforts, and entrusted the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare with leading this work.

    As it was announced by the Commissioner, the Commission is currently developing an ambitious Plan for European Cardiovascular Health, building on the success of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

    Work is ongoing through the joint action on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and with technical support from international partners, such as the World Health Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

    The Commission is working closely with the Expert Group on Public Health[4], the main forum for discussions with Member States on key public health challenges.

    Member States may also decide to organise specific awareness campaigns at national level with the aim of increasing knowledge on the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest in sportspeople.

    • [1] https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en
    • [2] https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/dyna/bp-portal/
    • [3] EU4Health programme 2021-2027: https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en; also replied in Answer to Written Question E-000092/2023 (ASW): https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-000092-ASW_EN.html
    • [4] https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/expert-group-public-health_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pedestrian Strike – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force responded to a pedestrian strike in Alice Springs this afternoon.

    Around 3:05pm, police received reports that a female youth had been struck by a vehicle in the vicinity of a skate park in The Gap.

    The driver of the vehicle was alerted to the situation and stopped to render assistance. The driver tested negative to roadside drug and alcohol tests and is assisting police with enquiries.

    St John Ambulance conveyed the female youth to the Alice Springs Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

    Investigations are ongoing.

    Police are appealing for any witnesses of the pedestrian strike, particularly those with dash cam footage from the area around that time to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P25098053.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The creativity of Island pupils is shining bright at a new art exhibit 10 April 2025 PEACH (Partnership for Education, Attainment and Children’s Health) project launches its latest Schools Art Exhibition

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The creativity and imagination of young people across the Isle of Wight is being proudly showcased at Newport’s Quay Arts Centre, as the Isle of Wight Council’s PEACH (Partnership for Education, Attainment and Children’s Health) project launches its latest Schools Art Exhibition.

    PEACH aims to support Island schools in improving the health and wellbeing of pupils, staff and families, recognising the vital role that creative projects play in supporting positive mental health, confidence, and community engagement.

    This year’s theme, ‘Change’, invited pupils to creatively explore and express what change means to them. The results are as diverse as they are inspiring, with a vibrant collection of 2D, 3D, and digital artworks on display.

    Students from sixteen Island schools, spanning both primary and secondary levels, have contributed to the exhibition. The pieces include individual and collaborative work, with each artwork telling its own unique ‘change’ story.

    The exhibition is open daily from 9am to 5pm in the Clayden Gallery at Quay Arts and runs until Saturday 3rd May. Entry is free, and members of the public are warmly encouraged to come along and celebrate the talents of the Island’s young artists.

    Simon Bryant, the Isle of Wight’s Director of Public Health said, “Building on the fantastic response from previous years, this year’s PEACH Art Exhibition brings together schools and the wider community to celebrate the outstanding creativity of our Island’s pupils. It has been an inspirational project from start to finish, and projects like this are vital for giving young people the opportunity to explore and express their creativity. Huge congratulations to all the students for their incredible work!”

    For more information about the exhibition, please visit the Quay Arts webpage: CHANGE – Quay Arts 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: A Better Life with Samsung – All Things SmartThings: Everyday Hacks for Smart Living

    Source: Samsung

     

     
     
    In today’s fast-paced world, technology is transforming the way we live, work, and play. At the heart of this transformation is the concept of smart living – a world where connected devices work together seamlessly to simplify our daily routines, increase efficiency, and enhance overall comfort. All of this is possible thanks to Samsung SmartThings, the smart home ecosystem that is helping South Africans experience the future of living right in their homes today.
     
    Smart living isn’t just about flashy gadgets or futuristic innovations. It’s about creating a connected environment where everything works together in harmony. The rise of smart devices has made it easier than ever to enhance the functionality of your home, but managing multiple devices can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where Samsung SmartThings comes in, offering a centralised platform that integrates and automates a wide range of devices – from lights and thermostats to refrigerators and washing machines – making your home smarter, more efficient, and easier to manage.
     
    What is Samsung SmartThings?
    Samsung SmartThings is a comprehensive smart home platform that acts as the central hub for your connected devices. By linking up everything from lights and air conditioners to TVs and washing machines, SmartThings enables you to control your home environment with a few taps or voice commands. It’s compatible with a wide array of Samsung and third-party devices.
     
    Whether you want to adjust the temperature, monitor your energy usage, or simply control your lights, SmartThings connects it all in one simple, easy-to-use app. Samsung ensures that your home is equipped for the future with seamless integration across its range of devices – including smartphones, wearables, and TVs.
     
    Professional gamer, tech enthusiast and TV presenter, Grant Hinds, who has had experience with SmartThings as Samsung’s brand partner, had this to say, “SmartThings is more than a smart home platform – it’s a practical ecosystem that adapts to real life. I’ve always believed that tech should simplify, not complicate. What Samsung has done here is take the guesswork out of connected living. Whether you’re managing energy, automating your day, or syncing your lifestyle across devices, it just works. That’s where the power lies – in its quiet efficiency and seamless integration.”
     
    Everyday Smart Home Hacks Using Samsung SmartThings
    Samsung SmartThings is designed to simplify and elevate your daily life. Here are some easy-to-implement “hacks” that will take your home to the next level:
     
    Automate Your Lighting
    Set up motion sensors to automatically turn your lights on and off as you enter or leave a room. No more fumbling for switches in the dark or worrying about leaving the lights on when you head out.
    Create Custom Routines
    Create routines that automatically adjust your home to suit your schedule. For instance, program your thermostat to adjust to the perfect temperature when you wake up or when you return home. You can also set your speakers to play your favourite playlist as soon as you walk in the door or your favourite podcast as you start your day.
    Save Energy
    With SmartThings, you can monitor the energy consumption of your appliances and devices in real-time. Set up appliances to operate during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs, or use SmartThings to receive energy-saving tips and reminders to optimise your usage.
    Improve Home Health and Comfort
    Smart sensors can help you maintain optimal conditions for comfort and health in your home. From controlling air quality with smart air purifiers to adjusting temperature and humidity, SmartThings helps create a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
    Secure Your Home Automatically
    Set up a routine to ensure your doors are locked and security cameras are activated when you leave the house. You can even receive notifications if any unusual activity is detected while you’re away.

     
    Integration with Other Samsung Devices
    Samsung’s ecosystem is more than just a group of devices – it’s an integrated experience designed to make life easier. For example, you can control your SmartThings-compatible devices directly from your Galaxy smartphone, giving you control whether you’re at home or away. Want to adjust your home’s thermostat from your Galaxy Watch? With SmartThings, you can do that too. Plus, the Samsung Smart TV can be seamlessly integrated into the SmartThings platform, allowing you to control TV settings or even automate actions based on what’s happening on-screen.
     
    From controlling lighting to checking your home’s energy usage, all of your Samsung devices can work together to create a personalised, connected environment.
     
    Sustainability with SmartThings
    SmartThings isn’t just about convenience – it’s also about sustainability. With the ability to monitor and reduce energy consumption, SmartThings empowers users to live in an eco-friendly way. Smart sensors can alert you when energy consumption is higher than usual, and you can adjust your devices to be more energy-efficient. Whether it’s optimising heating and cooling or turning off devices that aren’t being used, SmartThings makes it easier to reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs.
     
    Ready to experience the convenience of Smart Living? Discover how Samsung SmartThings can help you transform your home into a smarter, more efficient space today. Go to SmartThings to learn more and click here to download the app.
     

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