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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SAMOA BUREAU OF STATISTICS IS GETTING READY FOR THE NEXT SAMOA DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH SURVEY-MULTIPLE INDICATOR CLUSTER SURVEY (SDHS-MICS) 2025 SINCE LAST SURVEY IN 2019

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    [PRESS RELEASE – 24th March 2025] – The Samoa Bureau of Statistics through its Census, Survey and Demography Division will be hosting an official opening of the Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 main training for enumerators on Monday 24th March, 2025 at the DBS Conference room level 6 at 9:00am.

    The main aim of the training is to assist and equip the enumerators with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the DHS-MICS 2025 data collection activity.

    The training will be officially opened by the Government Statistician (GS) followed by official remarks from the respected partners namely Australian High Commissioner in Samoa, UNICEF Chief Fieldwork Officer in Samoa and UNPFA Assistant Representative in Samoa. Other invited guests are Senior Government Officials and members of the DHS-MICS Steering Committee from the Nuanua O le Alofa (NOLA), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and Ministry of Finance.

    The Samoa DHS-MICS 2025 will collect information in the areas of population, health and nutrition targeting women and men of 15-49 years of age and children. The overall objective of the DHS-MICS 2025 is to provide data and information that will enhance the monitoring of most of the indicators under the Social Sectors of the economy namely Health, Education, Community, Law and Justice, as well as Water and Sanitation and Environment Sectors. The updated data will guide in the prioritization of most of the social sector programs and activities to be implemented in the next 5 years

    Throughout the duration of the training, resource persons from key sectors will be invited to clarify some of the concepts in the questionnaires to better inform the enumerators before they start the data collection activity.

    The training has been made possible by the support of our development partners namely UNICEF, UNFPA and the Tautua program under the Government of Australia DFAT. The Main fieldwork is scheduled to be started from May 5th -July 5th 2025 and we kindly request the public and communities support when the survey fieldwork starts.

    For more information, please contact Kaisarina Moananu at email kaisarina.moananu@sbs.gov.ws or Victoria Tuivaiti at email victoria.tuivaiti@sbs.gov.ws or phone number 23033.

    Thank you

    SOURCE – Samoa Bureau of Statistics

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and Aragón regional government sign €234 million loan financing projects to back the green and digital transition, small businesses, innovation, jobs and rural development

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The Aragón regional government will use this loan to co-finance investments under European regional development funds.
    • The investments will go to various projects to offer more public services, promote the dual green and digital transition, innovation, business competitiveness, employability and economic development in rural areas affected by depopulation.
    • The loan will make it possible to finance specific projects for the province of Teruel with a focus on the energy transition and environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, social infrastructure and more.
    • The agreement will make a significant contribution to climate action and economic, social and territorial cohesion, two of the EIB Group’s strategic priorities.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €234 million loan with the government of the Spanish region of Aragón to co-finance investments promoting the dual green and digital transition, boosting the competitiveness of local industry, helping to provide better public services and supporting economic development in rural areas at risk of depopulation. This is the first tranche of a loan totalling €260 million approved by the EIB.

    The loan will co-finance diverse projects including transferring knowledge in advanced technologies to businesses in Aragón; the One Health Teruel health biotechnology project; the reuse of local waste and decontamination of land affected by lindane use; improved energy efficiency in public healthcare and educational buildings in Aragón; and local social employment and active inclusion initiatives.

    The finance contract falls under the EU regional development and cohesion funds operational programme for 2021-2027 and will channel financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Just Transition Fund.

    The EU Just Transition Fund aims to support regions facing serious socioeconomic challenges in transitioning to climate neutrality. Here, its financing will focus on the province of Teruel, funding projects in green industrial transformation, sustainable mobility, the circular economy, energy efficiency, renewable energy (including self-consumption, energy storage and green hydrogen), support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, research, development and innovation (RDI), digitalisation, environmental restoration and conservation, sustainable tourism and social infrastructure, among other things.

    This agreement highlights the commitment of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) to climate action and economic, social and territorial cohesion, two of the eight core priorities outlined in the Group’s Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027.

    Background information  

    EIB 

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government calls ‘last orders’ on red tape choking pubs, clubs, and restaurants in major boost to the British night out

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Government calls ‘last orders’ on red tape choking pubs, clubs, and restaurants in major boost to the British night out

    Outside dining and later opening hours on the menu as government backs British pubs, clubs and restaurants with moves to slash burdensome red tape in the hospitality sector.

    • Mayor of London to be armed with new powers to review blocked licensing applications and boost the capital’s nighttime economy.

    • Package of measures answers industry plea to give businesses the conditions to thrive, with the government and British business working side-by-side as part of the Plan for Change.

    Pubs, clubs and restaurants are set to be released from burdensome red tape which has stifled business as government ‘backs the British night out’.

    Action includes moves to improve the application of licensing laws and strengthening businesses’ competitiveness, giving diners, pub and party-goers more time and more choice to enjoy what British hospitality has to offer.

    It includes a landmark pilot that could see more alfresco dining and later opening hours in London, as the Mayor of London is granted new “call in” powers to review blocked licensing applications in nightlife hotspots.

    If successful, this approach could be rolled out to other mayors across England, working closely with their own local police forces.

    The package of measures will seize the opportunities on offer in the UK hospitality sector, which employs over three million people and is worth around £62 billion to the British economy. It comes as the government continues to go further and faster to drive economic growth and get more money in working people’s pockets, a key focus of the Plan for Change.

    Businesses have long indicated that the current licensing system lacks proportionality, consistency, and transparency – creating barriers to growth and investment for business.

    Blockers to growth include businesses being banned from extending licensing hours for late night drinking and anti-competitive blockages from other businesses.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    British businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. We want them to Our Plan for Change will make sure they have the conditions to grow – not be tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape.

    We’ve heard industry concerns and we’re partnering with businesses to understand what changes need to be made, because a thriving nighttime economy is good for local economies, good for growth, and good for getting more money in people’s pockets.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, said:

    We promised to clear the way to economic growth in our Plan for Change and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re already reforming planning to back the builders, not the blockers. Now we want to do the same for the nighttime economy which has been neglected for so long. 

    Our pubs, restaurants, and live music venues are the beating heart of our cultural life, so it is vital they are given every chance to survive and thrive. 

    That’s why it’s time to give the Mayor of London new powers to back the capital’s pubs and clubs, as part of our plan to give mayors the tools they need to drive growth. Too often, we have seen the complaints of a vocal minority of objectors promoted over the need for our country to grow – we are determined to change this.

    Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and Chair of the British Beer and Pub Association, Kate Nicholls, National Chair of the Institute of Licensing CEO of UKHospitality, Michael Kill, CEO of Night Time Industries Association, and the police are all working with the government to rapidly explore and evaluate better licensing options for businesses right across the UK.

    The group aims to transform the licensing system to one that better supports business growth and confidence, creating a better hospitality experience for Britons and visitors, whilst ensuring public safety and community interests remain adequately protected.

    It will report back in six weeks with solutions informing the government’s work to kickstart economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said:

    Businesses in our retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are foundational to our economy and our high streets. They are big employers in every community across the UK, offering accessible jobs and opportunities and providing spaces where communities can come together – they are the glue that binds us together as a society.

    These measures will ensure that we support these vital sectors by delivering a business environment as part of our Plan for Change that allows them to operate profitably so that they can provide the jobs, investment and growth communities across the country need.

    In addition to these steps, a new £1.5 million Hospitality Support Scheme has been launched to help get existing projects over the line and fill job vacancies in the sector.

    This includes supporting the delivery of hospitality training facilities in prisons, which will help to address skills gaps and provide prison leavers with a fresh start and opportunities on release, reducing unemployment and the £18 billion cost of reoffending.

    These new steps are part of the government’s wider work to kickstart economic growth, boost productivity and put more money in working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, Chair of the British Beer and Pub Association and Co-Chair of the Licensing Taskforce, said:

    Licensing regulations provide a clear example of how well-intentioned legislation can inhibit economic growth, with excessive restrictions often limiting premises’ ability to respond to changing circumstances and customer demand.

    I am looking forward to working with the hospitality minister as we speak to stakeholders from within the industry and beyond to understand current frustrations and limitations.

    I hope that we can address existing concerns and create a licensing system that reduces unnecessary red tape, accelerates the licensing process and unlocks opportunities for premises to drive economic growth across the UK.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

    I am delighted that the government is looking to grant London greater powers over licensing.

    This significant decision would allow us to do more to support the capital’s pubs, clubs, music venues and other parts of the visit and tourist scene. It would boost tourism, stimulate growth and deliver new jobs both in London and across the country.

    This is more evidence that we now have a government that wants to work with the capital and recognises the role that we can play in delivering economic prosperity and support Londoners as we build a better London for everyone.

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality and National Chair of the Institute of Licensing, said:

    Cutting red tape and improving hospitality’s competitiveness is much-needed to unlock our sector’s potential to drive socially productive growth and create jobs. A new and improved licensing system that is fit for the 21st century will be a huge boost to the nation’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.

    I’m delighted that this expert group will be leading the review and coming forward with solutions that can unlock the high street’s potential, in addition to informing the government’s Industrial Strategy.

    Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer Association said:

    A review of the 2003 Licensing Act is long overdue.  We are currently working with MPs to pass an amendment to permitted licensing hours at times of major national events when Parliament is not sitting.  But this is just one example where the current law restricts the ability of pubs to respond to consumer demand and sell beer and other drinks in a responsible manner. 

    There will be many other simple changes that can be made to the Act that will ease the ability to do business and drive more sales, invest and grow.  I look forward to the quick implementation of the recommendations that the taskforce brings forward and urge the government to repeat this exercise across a number of other policy areas where urgent reforms are needed including business rates reform, packaging reform and much needed cuts to beer duty.

    More Information

    • The government will work with the Greater London Authority to review strategic licensing powers and explore a pilot scheme, providing the Mayor of London with new powers over strategic licensing. This could include a new “call in” power over licensing applications in areas of strategic importance for the nighttime economy.  

    • The Mayor of London recently launched a new, independent London Nightlife Taskforce to examine and address the issues facing London’s nightlife industry and provide recommendations on how to ensure the night-time economy can thrive.

    • This review of strategic licensing powers will look at options for providing the mayor with new powers to support the nightlife industry.

    • The government and the GLA will work closely with local stakeholders, including the police, to design the pilot scheme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mental health costs of flooding

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Case study

    Mental health costs of flooding

    Including the impact of floods on people’s mental health for the first time.

    Family moving items after a flood. Image credit: Environment Agency.

    A method for monetising the mental health costs of flooding 

    Christophe Viavattene 1, Sally Priest 1, Jacqui Cotton 2 and Carolann Simmonds 2

    1 Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, United Kingdom

    2 Environment Agency, United Kingdom

    The Environment Agency and risk management authorities routinely include the mental health impacts of flooding in investment decisions following research published in 2021 A method for monetising the mental health costs of flooding.

    Prior to this research, investment decisions focussed on the economic damages to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Although authorities knew that those affected by floods suffered with mental health conditions, there was insufficient robust data available to develop a new method. However, in 2017, Public Health England published the results of a national study on the impacts of flooding on mental health and well-being.

    This study showed that people whose homes had been flooded suffered high levels of probable depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study provided the figures needed to look at the economic damages for the first time. Subsequent studies showed these impacts could last for at least 2 years after the flood.

    Impact

    The Environment Agency project took this new data and used it to calculate the costs of the mental health impacts. These costs include treatment and medication, and loss of employment or earnings due to time off work. The project worked out the value to be £1,878 per adult per flood for shallow floods (less than 30cm of water in a home) to up to £4,136 per adult per flood for deeper, more severe floods (when water is over 1 metre deep). Deeper floods result in more possessions being lost and people being away from their homes for longer during repairs. This increases the impact on those affected, and thus increases the cost.

    Alongside the research project, Environment Agency economists created clear guidance on how to use the economic cost information for those developing business cases for flood risk projects. The guidance was published in Mental health costs of flooding and erosion.

    Resources 

    Environment Agency. (2020). A method for monetising the mental health costs of flooding. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-management-research-reports/a-method-for-monetising-the-mental-health-costs-of-flooding (Accessed: 24 March 2025).

    Environment Agency. (2021). Guidance: Mental health costs of flooding and erosion. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-costs-of-flooding-and-erosion/mental-health-costs-of-flooding-and-erosion (Accessed: 24 March 2025).

    UK Health Security Agency. (2023). Guidance: How to recover from flooding. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flooding-and-health-advice-for-frontline-responders/how-to-recover-from-flooding – assessment-and-management-of-mental-health (Accessed: 24 March 2025).

    UK Health Security Agency. (2023). Health effects of climate change in the UK 2023 report. Chapter 3 Climate change, flooding, coastal change and public health. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/657086ad746930000d488919/HECC-report-2023-chapter-3-flooding.pdf (Accessed: 24 March 2025).

    Funder 

    The research project was funded by the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) research and development programme.  

    Collaborators  

    • Flood Hazard Research Centre, Middlesex University
    • Environment Agency 
    • Natural Resources Wales  
    • Public Health England

    Research period  

    • 2017 to 2020

    Impact period  

    • 2020 onward

    Impact country  

    • England

    Contributing to the areas of research interest

    • 3 – Funding and investment

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4 April 2025 Fatima: crossing deserts to protect mothers and newborns in Pakistan

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Maloka’s story highlights how the Government of Pakistan, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has transformed the prevention of maternal neonatal tetanus (MNT) across the country. Around 80% of Pakistan’s population (190 million people) now live in areas where the spread of neonatal tetanus is under controlled limits – less than 1 case of tetanus per 1000 live births. Islamabad Capital Territory and Pakistan-administered Kashmir achieved elimination in March 2025, Sindh in December 2024 and Punjab in 2016.

    Fatima administers a vaccine to a pregnant woman. Photo: WHO / Pakistan

    Fatima, Maloka’s “angel”, is one of 17 000 Lady Health Workers deployed in the province of Sindh, and 30 000 across the country. For mothers like Maloka, Lady Health Workers are heroes, but they do not work alone. More than 140 000 Lady Health Visitors, Lady Health Supervisors, Lady Health Workers and midwives work across Pakistan, covering even the most remote areas, keeping mothers and newborns safe.  

    Maloka lost her first child, a baby girl, to neonatal tetanus. The pain of that loss fueled her determination to protect any future children. When Maloka became pregnant again, Fatima was there, a steady source of support and guidance. She ensured Maloka received the necessary tetanus vaccinations, advised her on safe delivery practices and provided antenatal care. Today, Maloka cradles her healthy 1-year-old son, a symbol of hope and resilience.

    Maloka’s story underscores the crucial role of frontline health workers like Fatima who provide advice from mother to mother. Fatima acts as a bridge between communities and the health care system, building trust and empowering women to take control of their health.

    Fatima prepares to administer tetanus-diphtheria vaccine to Maloka in a remote area of Sindh. Photo: WHO Pakistan  

    Despite progress, Pakistan remains among 10 countries worldwide that have yet to eliminate MNT. In 2024, a total of 322 cases and 6 deaths were reported across the country, though WHO experts estimate that only 30% of cases are notified to the authorities. 

    WHO will continue to partner with Pakistan and its frontline health workers as they work to eliminate MNT from the country and protect future generations from this preventable disease.

    As the sun sets over the Thar desert, casting long shadows across the sand dunes, health workers like Fatima are bringing hope for a healthier future to the most remote settlements. “Initially, it was an uphill battle,” Fatima recalls. “Many were hesitant, bound by traditional beliefs and misconceptions about vaccines. Now, the smiles of healthy babies and the relief in mothers’ eyes are the greatest reward. It is a reminder that, even in the most challenging circumstances, we can make a difference, one vaccine at a time.”

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-04-04T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/headquarters/teams/uhc—life-course-(uhl)/maternal-newborn-child-adolescent-health-ageing-(mca)/maternal-health-(mah)/administering-a-tetanus-diptheria-vaccine.jpg?sfvrsn=e76a6a66_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-04-04T06:00:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/fatima–crossing-deserts-to-protect-mothers-and-newborns-in-pakistan”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”Article”};
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    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chair appointed for Creative Scotland review

    Source: Scottish Government

    Evidence-led review to report by November.

    A new Chair has been appointed to lead the independent review of Creative Scotland, Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced.

    Angela Leitch CBE will replace Dame Sue Bruce, who withdrew from the role on health grounds in March.

    In a letter to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs & Culture Committee, Mr Robertson said Ms Leitch would be supported in the role by Stuart Currie as Vice Chair.

    The Culture Secretary also confirmed that the timeframe to publish recommendations would be extended until November, to allow the new Review team sufficient time to gather and consider evidence from the sector.

    Mr Robertson said:

    “I am delighted to report that Angela Leitch CBE has agreed to lead the independent review, supported by Stuart Currie as Vice Chair. Both Angela and Stuart bring a wealth of local government and public sector experience.

    “With the 2025-26 Scottish Budget including a record £34 million uplift for culture, including an additional £20 million for Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme, the review will consider Creative Scotland’s functions and remit to maximise the impact of this increase and ensure it can meet the culture sector’s needs.

    “In the meantime, I welcome the fact that our survey seeking the culture sector’s views on how culture and the arts are currently supported and areas for change, received more than 750 responses from individuals and organisations across Scotland. This feedback, which will be published later this Spring, will no doubt inform the independent Creative Scotland review.”

    Ms Leitch said:

    “Culture and the arts provide us with a sense of belonging, preserving our history and traditions, and promoting an understanding of different perspectives. It’s well recognised that the sector and the people who work within it contribute significantly to Scotland’s society, our communities, and the economy.

    “It’s also recognised that the context cultural organisations and artists are now operating in has changed considerably since Creative Scotland was established in 2010. I welcome the opportunity to work with colleagues in Creative Scotland and across the sector to review its remit and functions with a view to ensuring it continues to be relevant today.”

    Background:

    Angela Leitch has more than thirty years’ experience in local government, having worked in West Lothian and the City of Edinburgh councils before becoming Chief Executive firstly in Clackmannanshire Council and then East Lothian Council. In 2019 Angela was appointed as the Chief Executive of the newly formed Public Health Scotland, which amongst other responsibilities, played a crucial role in producing data, evidence and advice throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. She stepped down from this role in April 2023.

    Angela was Convenor of the Board of the Scottish Local Authority Remuneration Committee which presented its report on changes to the payments to elected members, in December 2023, to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and Scottish Government Ministers.

    She is a member of the Accounts Committee and the Scottish Police Authority. She is also Chair of YouthLink Scotland and is a Trustee of the homelessness prevention charity Cyrenians.

    The independent review into Creative Scotland was first announced in the 2024-25 Programme for Government, as the first review of Creative Scotland since its establishment in 2010. The Scottish Budget 2025-26 provides an increase of £34 million to culture in Scotland, including £20 million for Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme.

    Following Dame Sue Bruce’s withdrawal on health grounds, and the appointment of Angela Leitch CBE as the new Chair, the independent review is now expected to publish recommendations in November 2025. Further details on the review process, including the terms of reference, will be set out to Parliament in due course.

    Chair of Creative Scotland review confirmed – gov.scot, 13 January 2025

    Letter from the Cabinet Secretary, Constitution, External Affairs and Culture in relation to the Culture Sector Review, 4 March 2025

    The full text of the Culture Secretary’s letter to update the CEEAC Committee on the appointment of Angela Leitch CBE as Chair of the independent review of Creative Scotland is as follows:

    2 April, 2025

    Dear Clare,

    INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF CREATIVE SCOTLAND

    As I shared in my previous letter of 4 March 2025, unfortunately Dame Sue Bruce has had to withdraw from leading the Review of Creative Scotland on health grounds.

    The process for appointing a successor to chair the Review of Creative Scotland has now concluded and I am delighted to report that Angela Leitch CBE has agreed to lead the Review. Angela brings a wealth of public sector experience having worked at senior level in local authorities for over two decades and served as Chief Executive for Public Health Scotland for four years. I am also pleased to confirm that the Chair will be supported by Stuart Currie who has agreed to act as Vice Chair. Stuart brings a wide range of skills and knowledge in both local government and the public sector. 

    I know the Committee shares my view that the Review will be immensely valuable work and should be completed without undue delay. Unfortunately Dame Sue’s withdrawal means that the timescale for completion will be longer than originally anticipated. I am sure you will agree that whilst the delay is unfortunate it is important that the Chair has time to undertake an evidence led Review of Creative Scotland. I have therefore asked the Chair to provide the Scottish Ministers with recommendations and a written report in November. I can also confirm that good progress is being made with consideration of the responses to the sector wide survey which took place earlier this year and the analysis of the consultation responses will be published later this Spring.

    The key objectives of the Review will be to:

    1. consider Creative Scotland’s functions and remit, as set out in the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, to ensure they continue to be relevant for the culture sector and meet Ministers’ aspirations;
    2. evaluate how Creative Scotland delivers its functions including appropriateness of existing governance arrangements; and
    3. maximise the impact of the funding Creative Scotland provide to the culture sector by ensuring Creative Scotland use and distribute funding appropriately and effectively.

    I appreciate the Committee’s continued interest and involvement in the work to date and I would like to thank you for your patience whilst the appointment process has been underway. I know that the Chair will be keen to meet with you to discuss the final remit of the Review. The Secretariat of the Creative Scotland Review would be happy to help in arranging a meeting and can be contacted at creativescotlandreview@gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: DOE National Lab and Nuclear Weapons Directors Voice Support for Commonsense Permitting Reforms

    Source: US Department of Energy

    GOLDEN, COLORADO—U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright received strong support from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Lab and nuclear weapons assembly plant directors after he announced expedited permitting reforms for construction projects on Energy Department lands. These common sense reforms will save at least hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars and rapidly accelerate project completion dates, helping better unleash American innovation, restore energy dominance, and modernize America’s nuclear stockpiles. 

    What America’s National Lab Directors Are Saying:

    “The recent guidance issued by the Department of Energy related to how the Laboratory executes our construction activities is intended to provide new tools to improve our operations and increase our effectiveness. This guidance will have positive impacts on our construction scheduling, budgeting, work execution and safety. We believe this guidance will have a net positive impact on most of our construction activities now costing less than $300,000,000 including, Energetic Materials Characterization modular facilities and Pajarito Corridor Office Complexes (PCOCs). The new guidance will save the federal government tens of millions of dollars on projects at LANL like these by reducing costs and avoiding overruns due to delays. In addition, allowing the Laboratory to better utilize existing Occupational Health and Safety Administration standards (OHSA) will increase the number of construction companies that can bid on work at LANL and provide a more competitive bidding process that will assist in lowing the costs of construction.” — Los Alamos National Laboratory Director Thom Mason

    “I appreciate Secretary Wright’s bold action to empower the National Laboratories to more efficiently deliver transformative scientific and technological outcomes that will benefit American taxpayers.  This is the most substantive and quickest change in improving lab operations that I have seen in my many years with DOE.” —Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Director Dr. Steven Ashby

    “Secretary Wright’s decisive actions in easing permitting rules and regulations for construction projects at the Department of Energy’s National Labs are welcome progress. These reforms are a significant step forward in accelerating critical infrastructure improvements, ensuring that our National Labs can continue their vital work. Ames National Laboratory is soon to launch several major infrastructure improvement projects across its campus, projects that are necessary to continue to meet our scientific mission and the mission of the Department of Energy. These reforms will expedite our ability to meet the needs of our researchers and engineers, and continue our pursuit of delivering critical materials solutions to the nation.” — Ames National Laboratory Director Adam Schwartz

    “Sandia National Laboratories welcomes the Department of Energy’s move to simplify permitting for critical infrastructure upgrades. These improvements will help us respond faster to national security threats and technology challenges. One clear example of where streamlined permitting has the potential to benefit Sandia is the planned Power Sources Capability project. This new $400 million facility will replace a 75-year-old structure that serves as the primary research, design, surveillance and production location for power sources within the Nuclear Security Enterprise. That includes a range of advanced technologies such as primary batteries, thermal batteries, and energy conversion systems. Streamlined permitting processes could accelerate construction timelines, allowing us to quickly consolidate operations, improve efficiency and better support our employees with a modern and reliable workspace. Ultimately, this new facility ensures Sandia can continue providing innovative, reliable power source solutions essential to national defense and security.” — Sandia National Laboratories Director James Peery

    “I’m excited to see Energy Secretary Wright taking significant early action to help the National Labs — including Brookhaven — operate more effectively. In particular, the changes announced last week will help us build America’s next collider, the Electron-Ion Collider, faster and more efficiently. His ongoing engagement with the national lab directors is greatly appreciated and will help us all achieve our — and DOE’s — crucial missions.” —Brookhaven National Laboratory Director JoAnne Hewett

    “As the Chair of the National Laboratory Directors’ Council, I want to thank Secretary Wright and his team for acting quicky to remove bureaucratic barriers and create operational flexibility for the DOE National Labs. These decisive actions will have immediate and long-lasting positive impacts on operations, accelerating the delivery of the research and development infrastructure needed to ensure global leadership in energy, science and technology. I applaud Secretary Wright’s bias for action and look forward to continuing to partner with him and DOE staff to identify and develop further actions to enhance efficiency.”  — Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner

    “Pantex anticipates receiving contractual direction associated with the implementation of the recent DOE Secretarial Order released on March 21, 2025 regarding strengthening efficiency and mission execution throughout the department. We anticipate a number of benefits that will improve our ability to deliver the mission at Pantex once the changes are incorporated.” — Pantex Nuclear Weapons Assembly Plant President Dr. Kelly Beierschmitt 

    “Because of the transformative updates to DOE Order 413.3B and the culture of efficiency it drives, Jefferson Lab will be able to more quickly occupy the Applied Research Center – a request for proposal approval that would normally take 6 months only took a few days. Similarly, revising the compensation clauses affords Jefferson Lab the flexibility needed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This could result in up to 40% time savings in onboarding key personnel critical to our mission at Jefferson Lab. These recent actions reflect a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, and position Jefferson Lab to more effectively deliver the scientific and technological advancements essential to the nation.” —Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility Director Kimberly Sawyer 

    “NETL is a proud member of the DOE National Laboratory system and excited to be a part of Secretary Wright’s reform activities that will strengthen the efficiency and mission execution of the national labs. We look forward to pursuing the opportunity to expand the delegated project authority at DOE’s fossil energy government-owned and government-operated research lab. Streamlining the strategic partnership projects/cooperative research and development agreement process will accelerate America’s energy innovation.” — National Energy Technology Laboratory Director Marianne Walck

    “As the energy systems laboratory, NREL stands ready to support the Secretary of Energy and the administration in shaping our nation’s energy future. Reducing barriers to innovation will enable us to move faster, increase value, and accelerate science and engineering for advanced energy solutions. This will unleash America’s energy innovation—making energy more abundant, reliable, secure, and affordable for all Americans” — National Renewable Energy Laboratory Director Dr. Martin Keller

    “Thank you Secretary Wright for your efforts to ease burdensome rules and regulations at our country’s 17 National Labs. These reforms are vital to helping the Labs more efficiently and effectively fulfill the national labs’ missions and ensure the U.S. remains the world leader in advanced science and technology. As the Secretary has said, ‘We must protect and accelerate the work of the Department’s national laboratory network to secure America’s competitive edge and security.’” —  Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Director Mike Witherell   

    “Argonne National Laboratory strongly supports Secretary Chris Wright’s actions to streamline permitting and modernize project delivery across the DOE National Laboratories. These reforms will enhance Argonne’s ability to advance cutting-edge science and technology with greater agility and impact—accelerating innovation, reducing delays, and focusing resources on mission execution. By lifting these administrative rules, the Department is empowering Argonne and its peers to more effectively contribute to national priorities in energy, security, and scientific leadership. We appreciate Secretary Wright’s vision and commitment to helping drive this new era of innovation and operational excellence.”  — Argonne National Laboratory Director Paul Kearns

    “Thank you to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright for taking action to help the labs more efficiently and effectively fulfill our critical missions. I greatly appreciate his early and active engagement with the national lab system.”  — Oak Ridge National Laboratory Director Stephen Streiffer 

    “The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory extends appreciation for the construction-related reforms outlined in Secretary Wright’s March 21 memo. Thanks to the Department of Energy’s support through initiatives like the Science Laboratories Infrastructure (SLI) program, we have been able to upgrade our facilities, enabling world-class science that benefi ts the U.S. and humanity. As we embark on the construction of the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center — our first new building in almost 50 years — we’re excited to establish a state-of-the-art hub for fusion research and plasma science that will drive scientific innovation and uphold U.S. leadership in critical industries. We are eager to see how reforms implemented under Secretary Wright’s leadership will accelerate construction processes, enabling us to deliver on mission critical facilities as we enter a new era at PPPL. We are thankful for Secretary Wright’s commitment to advancing energy abundance and for being a strong advocate for the national labs. As a longstanding leader in the science and engineering behind the development of fusion, a potentially limitless energy source, PPPL looks forward to collaborating with Secretary Wright and the DOE staff to ensure energy resiliency. Secretary Wright’s leadership is instrumental and will allow the National Labs to continue producing groundbreaking research.” — Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Director Steve Cowley

    “At Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, we are grateful for Secretary Wright’s early and active engagement with the national lab system. These decisive actions will strengthen the national labs with greater efficiency and effectiveness to fulfill their critical missions. These reforms will provide increased productivities for Fermilab’s construction projects in support of the lab’s growth in particle physics and breakthroughs in emerging fields such as quantum science and AI. As a global leader in fundamental research, Fermilab depends on the kind of forward-thinking leadership shown by Secretary Wright to remain at the cutting-edge of discovery. We look forward to building on this momentum in partnership with DOE to keep Fermilab as the country’s premier particle physics laboratory delivering transformative science.” — Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Interim Director Young-Kee Kim

                                                                                                         ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos highlights unmet need for mpox prevention in HIV patients, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos highlights unmet need for mpox prevention in HIV patients, says GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    A recent study reveals that a single dose of Bavarian Nordic’s Jynneos vaccine demonstrated 58% overall effectiveness in preventing mpox infection. Among the participants without HIV, effectiveness rose to 84%, while those with HIV showed only 35% effectiveness. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced mpox prevention strategies for vulnerable, high-risk populations, particularly those with HIV, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The study, which was carried out at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, marks the first comparison of effectiveness between individuals with and without HIV.

    Stephanie Kurdach, Infectious Disease Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Mpox is a viral illness, spread through close contact with another infected individual, contaminated objects, or infected animals. Symptoms can include a blistering rash, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. While mpox symptoms are often mild, immunocompromised patients, such as those with uncontrolled HIV, are at a greater risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from this infection.”

    According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the ongoing clade II 2022 mpox outbreak has been responsible for over 100,000 infections among 122 countries to date across North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Clade II mpox has a >99% survival rate. Conversely, clade I is more likely to cause severe illness and death, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. A clade I outbreak has been ongoing in Central and Eastern Africa since 2024 and has been responsible for over 21,000 infections to date.

    Jynneos, also marketed under the name Imvanex, is approved in the US and Canada as a 2-dose vaccine for the prevention of mpox and smallpox in high-risk individuals 18 years of age and older, and in Europe for high-risk individuals 12 years of age and older. The reduced effectiveness of Jynneos in HIV-positive patients is likely attributable to a reduced T-cell response following vaccination in comparison to HIV-negative individuals, according to the study researchers. Ensuring patients receive the full 2-dose vaccination regimen is therefore particularly important for those with HIV.

    Kurdach continues: “According to GlobalData, there are currently only two other vaccines approved for the prevention of mpox, KM Biologics’ mpox LC16m8 vaccine, and Emergent BioSolutions’ ACAM2000. Of these, the LC16m8 vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in people with well-controlled HIV.”

    In the Jynneos study, over 3,600 participants received two doses of the mpox vaccine to analyze vaccine safety. Local reactions occurred in 70% of individuals after the first dose and 57% of individuals after the second dose. Systemic reactions occurred in 22% of individuals after the first dose and 18% of individuals after the second dose. Severe local and systemic reactions were rare.

    Kurdach concludes: “The recent safety and effectiveness data regarding mpox vaccination by Jynneos is important and timely given the ongoing, global outbreak. Unfortunately, there are still clear unmet needs for more research on mpox in patients with HIV and increased, effective vaccination options for this at-risk population.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tourism unaffected by tobacco control

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Health Bureau today expressed regret over the inaccurate and misleading content in a report published by Sing Tao Daily on April 3 which quoted individuals’ remarks on alternative smoking products (ASPs) and waterpipe tobacco.

    The bureau rebutted the report’s claim that tobacco control policies would negatively impact tourists’ perceptions, saying that it fully considered the tourism sector’s situation when formulating the 10 short-term tobacco control measures which will not affect tourists’ willingness to visit Hong Kong.

    Regarding ASPs, it highlighted that Hong Kong has prohibited the import of ASPs, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as well as any related devices, parts and accessories since April 2022. Both the sale or possession of ASPs for commercial purposes are also illegal, while possession for personal use remains permitted.

    Tourists therefore, have been unable to bring ASPs into Hong Kong or purchase them upon arrival for three years. Three years after the implementation of the ban, Hong Kong’s tourism sector has not been adversely affected and the number of passenger arrivals last year has even returned to pre-pandemic levels, with the number of passenger arrivals at land boundary control points exceeding pre-pandemic levels.

    Additionally, Thailand and Singapore have also banned ASPs without any noticeable impact on their tourism numbers.

    The bureau pointed out that claims that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s plan to further prohibit the possession of ASPs would deter tourists totally disregarded the fact that ASPs have already been banned from import and sale for three years.

    It added that the report also omitted to explain the fact that tourists are currently unable to bring ASPs into Hong Kong or purchase them upon arrival, misleading both the public and tourists.

    Moreover, ASPs are by no means “harm-reducing” products, as the report suggested. In fact, ASPs have been proven to release various toxic substances that can cause cancer, and damage the nervous and respiratory systems. The World Health Organization has also clearly stated that there is no evidence to suggest that ASPs could help with quitting smoking.

    The bureau also pointed out that e-cigarette devices have been recently used as tools for drug abuse by way of inserting psychoactive substances such as etomidate, commonly known as “space oil”, and heating to generate aerosol for smoking. Young people may become addicted to drugs by smoking e-cigarettes containing “poisonous capsules” without realising it.

    The bureau has proposed banning the possession of related products to prevent harmful products like ASPs from continuing to circulate locally and to tackle the problem of “poisonous capsules” at its root.

    As for flavoured tobacco products, the Government’s proposed legislation to ban the sale of flavoured conventional smoking products, which also applies to waterpipe tobacco, will not affect tourists visiting Hong Kong.

    The proposal is to ban the sale of flavoured conventional smoking products, but not their consumption. 

    Inbound travellers, including tourists, are still permitted to bring into Hong Kong 19 cigarettes duty-free or declare and pay duty on cigarettes exceeding this quantity under the existing mechanism, regardless of whether the cigarettes are flavoured or not.

    The bureau reiterated that tourists and outside talent would consider a variety of factors when deciding to come to Hong Kong, such as overall tourism experience, development opportunities, humanistic literacies, quality of environment. Tobacco control work will not in any way affect the desire of tourists to visit Hong Kong.

    On the contrary, the work will enable citizens and tourists to enjoy a fresher environment, in addition to making Hong Kong a healthier and more vibrant city, thereby enhancing the attractiveness to tourists and outside talent, which is also welcomed by most of the general public, it added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 80 years since the capture of Bratislava

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On April 4, 1945, during the Bratislava-Brno operation, Soviet troops liberated Bratislava from the German invaders.

    The offensive operation was carried out by the forces of the 2nd Ukrainian Front under the command of Marshal Rodion Malinovsky. They were confronted by the 200,000-strong Army Group “South” in convenient natural and well-fortified defensive positions.

    The 1st Guards Cavalry-Mechanized Group under the command of Lieutenant General Issa Pliev especially distinguished itself in the battles on the approaches to the city. Its sudden and stunning raids on the enemy’s rear terrified the Germans and did not allow them to organize a defense on the borders of the Nitra, Vah, and Morava rivers.

    By April 1, the Red Army had reached the city limits. The enemy had carefully prepared for defense, creating numerous reinforced concrete firing points, anti-tank ditches, and minefields. Barricades, anti-personnel and anti-tank obstacles were erected on the streets of Bratislava. The eastern outskirts were especially strongly fortified, since the northern part of the city was protected by the Little Carpathians, and the southern part by the Little Danube and the Danube. In order to avoid protracted battles and the destruction of the city, the command decided to attack with simultaneous strikes from the northeast and southeast. The Danube Flotilla was involved in the assault, its ships made a 75-kilometer dash from Komárno to Bratislava along a mined fairway, and the sailors took direct part in the city battles.

    On April 2, Soviet troops broke through the enemy’s outer fortifications and stormed into the city. Fierce fighting for every house lasted for two days, assault groups systematically moved from street to street and by midday on April 4 they reached the center of Bratislava. The remnants of the German garrison fled toward Vienna.

    During the Bratislava-Brno operation, the troops of the 2nd Ukrainian Front advanced 200 kilometers, occupied the Bratislava and Brno industrial districts, completed the liberation of Slovakia, and created conditions for a rapid advance on Prague. In honor of the capture of Bratislava, a ceremonial salute was given in Moscow – 24 volleys from 324 guns. For the heroism and military valor displayed during the liberation of Brno and Bratislava, 99 formations and units were awarded orders, and 15 received the honorary title of “Bratislava”.

    On the territory of modern Slovakia there are about 160 graves of Soviet soldiers who died during the liberation of this country from fascism. More than 60 thousand Soviet soldiers are buried in military cemeteries. In memory of them, about 100 different monuments and memorial signs have been erected. Eternal memory to the heroic liberators!

    The State University of Management congratulates on this memorable date and recalls our scientific regiment-employees who fought as part of the 2nd Ukrainian Front on the territory of Czechoslovakia:
    -Hero of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gureev, artillery colonel, vice-rector and deputy director of the MIE-Miu-Gau-Guu for administrative work (1972-2008);
    -Anatoly Petrov, head of the radio station of the 1st Guards Airborne Brigade, foreman, doctor of economic sciences, head of the planning department of the national economy of the MIEI MIU;
    -Boris Rodionov, Major Engineer, graduate of MIE, Doctor of Economics, Head of the Department of Organization and Planning of Mechanical Engineering MIE-Miu.

    #Scientific regiment

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04.04.2025

    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: Groupama Group 2024 annual results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Premium income (insurance premiums and other income) of €18.5 billion, up +8.9%

    • Growth in activity in all business lines: property and casualty insurance (+5.2%), health & protection (+15.2%) and savings & pensions (+8.1%)
    • Sustained growth in France (+8.9%) and in international subsidiaries (+8.3%)
    • Insurance revenue (IFRS 17) of €16.3 billion

    Net income of €961 million

    • Economic operating income of €954 million, up €52 million
    • Moderate weather loss experience
    • Combined ratio of 95.1%

    Solvency ratio of 185% without transitional measure

    • Solvency ratio of 241% without transitional measure on underwriting reserves
    • Group’s IFRS equity of €10.5 billion, up +€0.6 billion
    • Contractual service margin of €3.8 billion

    “Groupama is showing very satisfactory results, both in terms of revenue growth and profitability. Despite a turbulent economic and geopolitical environment, the group demonstrates the solidity and strength of its mutual model, which forms the foundation of an ambitious development strategy as well as investments for the future. I would like to thank our elected representatives and our employees for their commitment.”, stated Laurent Poupart, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Groupama Assurances Mutuelles.

    “The group’s results are very positive, with net income supported by a robust operating income from our insurance activities. These results stem from all our operations, including property and casualty as well as life and health insurance, both in France and internationally. They enable us to navigate the complex and uncertain economic environment on solid foundations and to generate investment capacity for our development.”, added Thierry Martel, CEO of Groupama Assurances Mutuelles.

    The Board of Directors of Groupama Assurances Mutuelles met on 3 April 2025, under the chairmanship of Laurent Poupart, and approved the Group’s combined financial statements for fiscal year 2024.

    Activity (insurance premiums and other income)

    At 31 December 2024, Groupama’s combined premium income stood at €18.5 billion, +8.9% increase from 31 December 2023. The increase stemmed from the development of property and casualty insurance (+5.2%), sustained growth in health & protection insurance (+15.2%) and the return to growth in the savings & pensions business (+8.1%).

    Groupama premium income at 31 December 2024

    in millions of euros 31/12/2024 Like-for-like change
    Property and casualty insurance 9,241 +5.2%
    Health & Protection 5,900 +15.2%
    Savings & Pensions 3,115 +8.1%
    Financial businesses 246 +15.6%
    GROUP TOTAL 18,503 +8.9%

      

    In France

    Insurance premium income in France at 31 December 2024 amounted to €15.2 billion, up +8.9% compared with 31 December 2023.

    In property and casualty insurance, premium income amounted to €7.0 billion at 31 December 2024, up +4.3%, driven by strong growth in business and local authority insurance (+8.1%), home insurance (+5.1%) and, to a lesser extent, by the increase in motor insurance (+2.8%) and agricultural insurance (+2.9%).

    The health & protection business saw strong growth (+14.8%) to €5.5 billion as at 31 December 2024, underpinned by increases in both group health (+23.5%) and individual health (+7.2%).

    In savings & pensions, premium income rebounded with a growth of 9.7%, reaching €2.7 billion as of December 31, 2024. This growth was driven by an increase in individual savings & pensions (+12.6%), particularly in unit-linked savings & pensions (+22.5%), which benefited from the success of Telluma.

    International

    At the end of 2024, business reached €3.1 billion, up +8.3% at constant scope and exchange rates compared with 31 December 2023, benefiting from strong business growth in Hungary (+19.1%) and sustained growth in Romania (+7.4%) and Italy (+5.9%).

    Property and casualty insurance premium income totalled €2.3 billion as at 31 December 2024, up +8.2% from the previous period. This growth was driven by property and casualty insurance for businesses and local authorities (+15.6%), mainly in Romania, by motor insurance (+6.7%), which grew significantly in Hungary, Bulgaria and Italy, as well as by strong performances in home insurance (+11.7%), particularly in Greece and Bulgaria.

    Premium income in savings & pensions was virtually stable (-0.6%) at €0.5 billion, with growth in individual savings & pensions in unit-linked products (+25.5%) being offset by the decline in the group savings& pensions business (-41.8%).

    In health and protection, business grew significantly (+21.8%) to €0.4 billion, benefiting from growth in group insurance (+40.0%), mainly in Romania and Bulgaria, and from the increase in individual protection (+14.1%).

    Financial businesses

    The Group’s premium income was €246 million, including €238 million from Groupama Asset Management and €8 million from Groupama Epargne Salariale.

    Results

    Economic operating income increased to €954 million at 31 December 2024, up 52% compared with 31 December 2023.

    It came from property and casualty insurance for €429 million (€316 million as at 31 December 2023) and health and protection insurance for €299 million (€233 million as at 31 December 2023). The Group’s non-life combined ratio was 95.1% at 31 December 2024, an improvement of -1.7 points compared with 31 December 2023. This change is linked to the decrease in claims related to natural disasters, for which the cost net of reinsurance amounted to €637 million in 2024 compared with €968 million in 2023, as well as the improvement in the attritional loss experience and the increase in prior year reserve bonuses. Conversely, the discount effect is less than in 2023. The operating costs ratio was virtually stable at 28.1% as at 31 December 2024.

    Economic operating income from savings & pensions was €327 million at 31 December 2024 (€156 million at 31 December 2023). It benefited in particular from the result of the switch of the share reinsured by Groupama Gan Vie to CNP Retraite in the PREFON Retraite reinsurance treaty, effective 1 January 2024.

    Economic operating income from financial activities amounted to +€44 million and that of the Group’s holding company activity was -€146 million at 31 December 2024.

    The transition from economic operating income to net income includes non-recurring items, in particular the realisation of capital gains or losses, the change in the fair value of financial assets, and financing expenses. The Group’s overall net income totalled €961 million at 31 December 2024, compared with €510 million at 31 December 2023.

    Balance sheet

    Group’s IFRS equity totalled €10.5 billion at 31 December 2024 compared with €9.9 billion as at 31 December 2023. This change is mainly due to the positive contribution of income for the financial year and the perpetual subordinated debt issue in early July 2024 for €600 million, mitigated by the redemption in May 2024 of the perpetual subordinated notes issued in 2014 for €871 million.

    The Group’s contractual service margin, which represents the deferred future profits of outstanding contracts in savings and pensions and long-term protection, amounted to €3.8 billion at 31 December 2024, up +€162 million compared with 31 December 2023.

    Insurance investments totalled €67.2 billion, down -€3.2 billion, mainly due to the disposal of assets from the Prefon portfolio and changes in the financial markets (rise in government bond yields).

    At 31 December 2024, the Solvency 2 ratio, without transitional measure on underwriting reserves, was 185%. The 12-point decrease in the rate compared with end-2023 was mainly due to unfavourable market effects reflecting the widening of government bond spreads as well as the redemption in May 2024 of perpetual subordinated bonds issued in 2014 for €871 million, partially offset by the net income for the fiscal year and by the issue of perpetual subordinated debt in July 2024 for €600 million. The ratio with transitional measure on underwriting reserves, authorised by the ACPR, was 241%.

    The Group’s financial strength was highlighted by Fitch Ratings, which affirmed Groupama’s rating at ‘A+’ with a ‘Stable’ outlook on 9 December 2024.

    Group Communications Department

    For the financial statements as at 31/12/2024, the Group’s financial information consists of:

    • this press release, which is available on the website groupama.com,
    • the universal registration document of Groupama, which will be filed with the AMF on 28 April 2025 and posted on the www.groupama.com website on the same day.

    Appendix: Groupama key figures

    Premium income (insurance premiums and other income)

    € million 31/12/2023
    pro forma*    		 31/12/2024 Change **
    as %
    > France 13,919 15,154 +8.9%
    Property and Casualty 6,686 6,974 +4.3%
    Health & Protection 4,804 5,515 +14.8%
    Savings & Pensions 2,429 2,665 +9.7%
    > International & Overseas territories 2,866 3,103 +8.3%
    Property and Casualty 2,096 2,268 +8.2%
    Health & Protection 316 385 +21.8%
    Savings & Pensions 453 450 -0.6%
    TOTAL INSURANCE 16,785 18,257 +8.8%
    Financial businesses 213 246 +15.6%
    Groupama premium income 16,997 18,503 +8.9%

    * Based on comparable data
    ** Change on a like-for-like exchange rate and consolidation basis

    Economic operating income

    € million 31/12/2023 31/12/2024
    Insurance – France 544 856
    Insurance – International 161 200
    Financial businesses 35 44
    Holding companies -113 -146
    Economic operating income* 627 954

    * Economic operating income: net income restated for realised capital gains and losses, allocations to and reversals of provisions for long-term impairment and unrealised gains and losses on financial assets recognised at fair value from property and casualty, health/personal protection, financial and holding company activities (these items being net of corporate income tax). Non-recurring transactions net of tax, impairment of goodwill (net of tax) and external financing expenses are also restated.

    Net income

    € million 31/12/2023 31/12/2024
    Insurance – France
    Insurance – International    		 572
    141    		 906
    161
    Financial businesses 35 44
    Holding companies -128 -151
    Disposal of activities in Turkey -110 –
    Net income 510 961

    Balance sheet

    € million 31/12/2023 31/12/2024
    Group’s IFRS equity 9,862 10,487
    Subordinated debts 3,009 2,741
    – classified as Group’s IFRS equity  871 600
    – classified as “Financing debt” 2,138 2,141
    Contractual service margin 3,649 3,810
    Total balance sheet 91,949 89,396

    Main ratios

      31/12/2023 31/12/2024
    Combined non-life ratio 96.8% 95.1%
    Debt ratio 21.8% 18.7%
    Solvency 2 ratio (with transitional measure*) 267% 241%
    Solvency 2 ratio (without transitional measure*) 197% 185%

    * transitional measure on underwriting reserves

    Financial strength rating – Fitch Ratings

      Rating * Outlook
    Groupama Assurances Mutuelles and its subsidiaries A+ Stable

    * Insurer Financial Strength (IFS)

    About Groupama Group

    For more than 100 years, Groupama Group has based its actions on timeless, humanist values to enable as many people as possible to build their lives in confidence. It relies on humane, caring, optimistic and responsible communities. The Groupama Group, one of the leading mutual insurers in France, carries out its insurance and service business activities in ten countries. The Group has 12 million members and customers and 32,000 employees throughout the world, with premium income of €18.5 billion.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese scientists use AI model in colorectal cancer treatment

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Chinese researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce unnecessary surgical resection in colorectal cancer patients after local excision, the South China University of Technology (SCUT), located in Guangdong Province in south China, said on Wednesday.
    The team developed and validated an AI prediction model to assess the risk of recurrence following local excision of colorectal cancer, using pathological images of endoscopically or transanal surgically resected T1 rectal cancer (RC) specimens.
    Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for around 10 percent of all cancer cases. For patients with early-stage colorectal cancer, local resection serves as the primary treatment. However, some high-risk patients still require additional surgeries to prevent recurrence, which not only increases the physical burden but also significantly diminishes their quality of life.
    Researchers from the SCUT and Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital developed an artificial neural network model to predict recurrence risk in T1 RC patients — thereby providing physicians and patients with guidance for post-excision decision-making.
    The AI-based prediction model has helped reduce unnecessary additional surgeries by about 34.9 percent in all enrolled patients, compared with the current U.S. guideline in this regard.
    The model not only aids physicians in decision-making but also demonstrates the remarkable performance and potential of histopathology image-based AI in predicting tumor behavior, researchers said.
    The study has been published in the European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China steps up hospice care to enable peaceful, dignified end-of-life journeys

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Whenever Chen Yun misses her father, she gazes at a photo from his 94th birthday celebration in the hospice ward of Jiangsu Province Hospital in east China. In the picture, her father, wearing a birthday hat, smiles as he enjoys longevity noodles, surrounded by dishes like ribs and tofu, and a birthday cake.
    In April 2024, Chen’s father was urgently hospitalized due to cancer-related pleural effusion. He was struggling to breathe and unable to lie down.
    The hospice team, including geriatrics, oncology and nutrition specialists, swiftly intervened with a thoracic puncture to drain the pleural effusion, restoring his ability to rest and sleep. They adjusted his chemotherapy dosage to suit his age and tolerance, focusing on symptom control and comfort rather than eliminating cancer cells. Paired with pain relief, this strategy stabilized his condition and eased the breathing difficulties.
    In hospital, nurses monitored his condition daily, offering comfort and guidance whenever he felt fearful or anxious, thus improving the health of the patient both emotionally and physically. He regained strength and began walking around the ward, while his appetite returned.
    After nine months, Chen’s father passed away peacefully in the ward. “We thought he had only days left after the diagnosis, but the hospice team gave us another precious nine months,” Chen said. “My father passed away painlessly in his sleep, leaving us with no regrets.”
    Hospice care, which provides comprehensive support for the terminally ill and elderly, aims to manage pain, improve quality of life, and ensure a decent, peaceful passing through multidisciplinary care.
    Driven by rising quality of life and education levels, more patients and families in China are seeking hospice services, with decisions by patients to forgo treatment being respected when their quality of life can no longer be guaranteed, according to Duan Yu, director of the geriatric medicine department at the hospital.
    To bolster its hospice care team, the hospital has gathered over 300 medical professionals from geriatrics, oncology, pain management and other fields to form an interdisciplinary clinical team. They also promote hospice care concepts across the hospital through consultations and referrals.
    Beyond clinical duties, Duan and her colleagues are committed to educating medical students on hospice care, thereby disseminating hospice concepts and knowledge to future medical workers.
    Yet, China’s aging society still faces a significant gap in terms of hospice care access, with less than 7 percent of patients having received such services by late 2023, noted Wang Yan, president of Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital Xiamen University in east China.
    Since 2019, Jiangsu Province Hospital has partnered with more than 20 hospitals and community health centers to establish a two-way referral system, linking hospitals with communities and families.
    Through training, community medical teams can provide basic symptom control, such as pain relief, sedation and bronchodilation, as well as care services like feeding and cleaning. If patients opt for community or home care, doctors can refer them for transfer to nearby qualified facilities.
    A cancer patient, diagnosed at the provincial hospital, wished to spend his final days at home. The hospital collaborated with a community facility to develop a follow-up plan for the patient, including regular check-ups and medication adjustments. With a pain-relief pump in place, the patient returned home, celebrated his birthday with family, and later passed away peacefully.
    Since 2017, China’s National Health Commission has launched hospice care pilot programs in 185 cities and districts. Many local governments are prioritizing hospice infrastructure. The city of Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, aims to have at least one hospice area per county or development zone by 2025, while Beijing plans to provide 1,800 hospice beds by the end of this year.
    The Third People’s Hospital of Zhenjiang in Jiangsu Province is set to open a new building with about 140 hospice beds this year. This beige structure will feature a brick walkway leading to a serene garden and lake with ducks swimming in it.
    Ge Chunhua, head nurse of this hospital’s hospice department, looks forward to the opening of the new building, because patients there will be able to immerse themselves in natural surroundings to gain comfort.
    “Patients often feel lonely and helpless at life’s end. Even a simple touch or conversation can bring them strength,” said Ge. “My job is really meaningful, as it can support patients through their final passage in peace and dignity.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: FIT football players are winners of the inter-faculty Spartakiad

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – For almost a month, the sports complex’s game room hosted vivid battles at a football tournament dedicated to Nikolai Petrovich Dyakov, who created the NSU football club and trained a large number of athletes. The competition was included in the Spartakiad among the university’s faculties and institutes, and 10 teams divided into 2 subgroups took part in it.

    In the final, FIT defeated the IFP team with a score of 6:0, and in the match for third place, the NSU SUNC won against the EF students by only 1 goal with a score of 4:3.

    As usual, the following were singled out and awarded:

    Best Goalkeeper – Fedor Brykin, FIT

    Best defender – Alexander Chulzhanov, NSU SUNC

    Best forward – Maxim Ermolaev, FIT

    Best player – Mikhail Korotkov, FIT

    As a result, the places in the Spartakiad were distributed as follows:

    1st place – Faculty of Information Technology: Nikolay Balyasnikov, Ivan Sheldyakov, Sergey Netesov, Saveliy Trushkov, Mikhail Korotkov, Maksim Ermolaev, Dmitry Kravchuk and Fedor Brykin 2nd place – Institute of Philosophy and Law: Saveliy Nekhoroshev, Arseniy Tikhanchik, Ivan Polyakov, Sergey Budyakov, Vladislav Gerasimov, Nikita Pyatakov, Maksim Uporov and Ivan Ugrovatov 3rd place – SUNC NSU: Aleksandr Chulzhanov, Pavel Zinoviev, Aleksandr Plasteyev, Viktor Rudenko, Anton Kan, Artem Bakhetkin, Aleksandr Kornilov and Aleksandr Ruban 4th place – Faculty of Economics

    5th place – Faculty of Geology and Geophysics

    6th place – Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics

    7th place – VKI

    8th place – Faculty of Natural Sciences

    9th place – Institute of Intelligent Robotics

    10th place – Zelman Institute of Medicine and Psychology competitions

    Congratulations to the winners and prize winners, thanks to all the teams for their participation, coach Sergei Mezentsev for organizing, and football veterans, NSU graduates, for helping to hold the tournament!

    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 USA: THOMPSON, KELLY INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH ACCELERATOR ACT

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

    Washington – Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-16) re-introduced the bipartisan Mental Health Research Accelerator Act to incentivize private companies with financial resources to collaborate with academic or nonprofit research institutions on neurological and mental health research to tackle the root causes of mental health conditions.

    “Investing in brain research is key to addressing the root causes of mental health conditions, not just managing the symptoms,” said Rep. Thompson. “Mental illness is often at the core of challenges like homelessness, substance abuse, and workplace struggles. Simply funding symptom management isn’t enough—we must get ahead of the problem by advancing research that can prevent these issues from arising in the first place. I’m proud to partner with Rep. Kelly to support this critical work and help drive meaningful progress.”

    “When it comes to addressing mental health access and care, we must utilize every tool in our toolbox,” Rep. Kelly said. “This new legislation allows us to make America’s tax system work for the American people by incentivizing research partnerships into brain health. I’m proud to work with my Ways and Means Committee colleague, Rep. Mike Thompson, on this vital legislation.”

    “Today, more than 60 million Americans suffer from a mental illness. Recent work by Price Water House Coopers estimated that the economic burden of mental illness was more than $1 trillion annually, not counting the value of human life associated with the almost 50,000 deaths by suicide. Research from the pharmaceutical industry has moved away from mental illness drugs because of the cost and risks involved. H.R. 2085 will provide necessary economic incentives for industry to partner with research universities across our country to engage in public-private partnerships that will have the potential to find new drugs and treatments but also to provide new jobs. This is a non-partisan issue and merits the support of everyone,” said Garen Staglin, Founder of the One Mind Foundation.

    BACKGROUND

    The Mental Health Research Accelerator Act provides $10 billion in allocable tax credits over a six-year period. The credits are available to nonprofits, state and local agencies, and private companies who collaborate on neurological research.

    Because of the high cost of neurological research, and the challenges in producing market-viable products, there is not enough investment in cutting edge neurological research. The credit is capped at 25 percent of allowable expenses and is a competitive credit to be allocated based on merit, as determined by the Treasury Department. Any credits not allocated by the end of the window are simply deemed moot and returned to Treasury unless the credit is extended by Congress.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: If a child has extra needs, support can be hard to find. This new approach can help make it easier and quicker

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Trembath, Professor of Speech Pathology, Griffith University

    Lukas/Pexels

    If your child is struggling with certain everyday activities – such as playing with other kids, getting dressed or paying attention – you might want to get them assessed to see if they need additional support.

    Currently, the way a child is assessed is often fragmented and time-consuming for families. If there’s a concern, you might be talking to your child’s school, have a referral to see a speech pathologist and be on a wait-list to see a psychiatrist.

    We’ve developed a framework – in collaboration with 23 other community and professional organisations – to help make this approach more consistent for all Australian children aged 0–12 years.

    The framework focuses on a child’s functional strengths (what they can do day-to-day) as well as their challenges and aspirations, to work out what support they might need.

    This is useful for all children and it means support can start sooner, whether or not a child has a diagnosis now or might have one in the future.

    Working out what support is needed

    All children have support needs. But when these needs go beyond what might be expected for their age, or that the people around them can manage, they may need additional help.

    Take communication, for example.

    Parents use strategies to help their children learn to talk, such as by encouraging them and showing them how to do it.

    But for about 3.2% of children, communication difficulties substantially impact their ability to participate in everyday activities. An older child who is struggling to talk will find it harder to play and make friends with other children at childcare.

    Understanding each child’s need as well as their day-to-day functioning is the first step to getting appropriate support.

    However, there are two main problems with how assessments are currently done.

    The framework is for all children, not just those with a diagnosis.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

    A fragmented and inconsistent picture

    The first problem is inconsistency. Doctors, teachers, childcare workers and allied health practitioners (such as physiotherapists or psychologists) all work hard to understand each child’s strengths and needs. But they tend to do assessments differently.

    This is not surprising – they are focusing on different things.

    But this means information can be sometimes duplicated or missed, making it harder to join the dots.

    For example, let’s say a child with intellectual disability and minimal spoken language is avoiding eating most foods.

    A psychologist may look at the child’s behaviour, a speech pathologist at their swallowing, and a doctor at their nutrition. But unless they work together, it may take longer to understand the underlying issue – in this case, that the child has strong sensory sensitivities.

    Without a consistent approach, it is difficult to form a holistic picture of a child’s strengths and support needs across settings, let alone come up with a good plan for support.

    Focusing on diagnosis, not function

    The second problem is assessment often focuses too much on diagnosis and not enough on support.

    Yet even children with the same diagnosis can have significantly different needs.

    For example, among three autistic children, one may need 24-hour supervision and support to be safe.

    The second may face challenges with a specific activity such as communicating at school, and benefit from targeted support from a speech pathologist.

    The third child may not need any additional support at this point in time, beyond what is provided for all children.

    Support needs also differ based on a range of personal and environmental factors, such as other health conditions, the quality of supports already in place (such as ramps for a wheelchair), or assistive technology (including mobility and communication aids).

    What does the new framework recommend?

    The framework focuses on what children can actually do and what they need help with, rather than a diagnosis.

    It encourages each professional doing an assessment – whether an educator or health professional – to consider the child’s existing context, including what supports they already have, their strengths and challenges. And it should consider their aspirations (what is most important to them and their hopes for the future).

    The framework recognises a child’s strengths and needs can change as they grow, and recommends follow-up assessments when there is a change, rather than following a set schedule.

    We developed this framework by reviewing the evidence, looking at how assessments work in other countries, consulting widely with the disability community and yarning with Aboriginal parents and health professionals.

    It outlines an approach that can be used consistently whenever a child is assessed across health, education, disability and community services.

    What needs to happen next?

    The framework is already available and is beginning to be used in practice.

    But to make the approach consistent, we need to also provide training for professionals who assess children’s strengths and needs, and a tool to gather and share the information consistently across different settings.

    We’re currently working on these. They will be ready by the end of the year, along with recommendations to government for supporting their roll-out across health, education, disability and community services.

    If you’re a parent, you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis to start seeking support for your child. You can talk to a professional you trust, such as your family doctor or child’s teacher about your concerns.

    David Trembath receives funding from the Autism Cooperative Research Centre (Autism CRC), the Commonwealth Government, and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation. The research featured in this article was commissioned by the Autism Cooperative Research Centre with support from a federal government Department of Social Services Information, Linkages, and Capacity-Building grant.

    Rachelle Wicks receives funding from the Autism Cooperative Research Centre, the Commonwealth Government, and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation. She also receives a small quarterly honorarium as Chair of the Autism Queensland Advisory Committee.

    – ref. If a child has extra needs, support can be hard to find. This new approach can help make it easier and quicker – https://theconversation.com/if-a-child-has-extra-needs-support-can-be-hard-to-find-this-new-approach-can-help-make-it-easier-and-quicker-253339

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Codeproof Technologies Unveils chatMDM: The World’s First Conversational AI for Mobile Device Management.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sunnyvale, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Codeproof Technologies Inc., the go-to mobile security partner for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), today announced chatMDM – delivering enterprise-grade device management through an AI chatbot that works like natural texting.

    Why chatMDM Changes Everything

    Traditional MDM systems demand specialized training and involve cumbersome navigation. chatMDM breaks down these barriers by offering:

    • Type-to-Command: Simply type requests like “lock all Finance team devices” or “show apps on iPhone 12” to execute actions effortlessly.
    • Bulk Actions: Seamlessly manage thousands of devices with intuitive chat prompts for rebooting, wiping, messaging, and more.
    • Real-Time Insights: Instantly query critical information—battery levels, security status, installed apps, and more.
    • Role-Based Security: Benefit from enterprise-grade controls and comprehensive audit logs that ensure compliance with SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR.

    “chatMDM replaces complex menus and tabs with one text command – like giving every IT team an AI co-pilot for their device fleet,” said Satish Shetty, CEO of Codeproof Technologies. “What took 10 clicks now takes 10 seconds. For SMBs juggling limited staff and growing security needs, this isn’t just an upgrade – it’s survival.”

    Key Use Cases

    • Help Desks: Resolve employee device issues 3x faster with AI-guided troubleshooting.  For example, Resolve “My iPad won’t update” issues via chat.
    • Retail/Healthcare: Manage kiosks, tablets, and BYOD fleets hands-free.  For example, Push apps to all store tablets with a typed request.
    • IT Teams: Quickly isolate or datawipe compromised devices via chat.
    • Education: lock stolen student devices via SMS-like commands.

    Availability

    chatMDM launches today as a free upgrade for all Cyber Device Manager® customers. For additional details, please refer to the chatMDM User Guide.

    About Codeproof Technologies Inc.

    Codeproof Technologies is a Silicon Valley-based cybersecurity innovator specializing in AI-driven endpoint management. Our flagship platform, Cyber Device Manager®, simplifies mobile security for businesses of all sizes—combining enterprise-grade protection with intuitive controls. Trusted by 10,000+ organizations with strategic partnerships including T-Mobile, Verizon and Hyperion Partners, we’re redefining unified endpoint management for the conversational AI era.

    For more information about chatMDM or to request a demo, please contact sales@codeproof.com or 1.866.986.BYOD

    ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

    Codeproof® and Cyber Device Manager® are registered trademarks of Codeproof Technologies Inc. © 2025, All rights reserved.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Daylight saving time ends Sunday. Why do we change our clocks? And how does it affect our bodies?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Meltem Weger, Research Fellow, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland

    Kampus Productions/Pexels

    As summer fades into autumn, most Australian states and territories will set their clocks back an hour as daylight saving time ends and standard time resumes.

    About one-third of the world also adjust their clocks seasonally, moving forward in spring and back in autumn (remember: spring forward; fall back).

    In spring, losing an hour of sleep can leave us feeling tired, groggy and out-of-sync, making it hard to shake off that lingering sleepiness in the following days.

    Although getting an extra hour of sleep in autumn might sound great, it’s not entirely positive either, as biannual time shifts – whether you’re gaining or losing an hour – can disrupt our biological clock.

    This is why sleep experts and scientists who study the body clock (chronobiologists) often oppose the biannual clock changes. They argue we should eliminate daylight saving time and stick to standard time year-round.

    So why do we have daylight saving time in the first place? And why is it contentious?

    What’s daylight saving time for?

    Daylight saving time was first introduced during World War I as a wartime measure to conserve fuel.

    However, modern research shows that daylight saving time does not meaningfully reduce overall energy use. It can even increase it: while Australians use less power for lighting during daylight saving time, we use more for air conditioning during hot weather.

    These days, daylight saving is debated mainly for its potential economic and social benefits, such as extended evening daylight for recreation, shopping and traffic safety, as well as for its health implications.

    What happens in our body?

    Humans have a longstanding, evolutionary-conserved biological or circadian clock.

    Our biological clock regulates our sleep and many other bodily functions, including when to eat and when we can achieve optimal physical and cognitive performance.

    To keep everything running smoothly, the biological clock depends on natural daylight. Exposure at the right time is particularly important for sleep. Morning sunlight helps wake you up, while evening light signals your body to stay awake, meaning you stay up later and get up later in the morning.

    When we adjust the time on our clocks by one hour, we shift our social schedules, such as work or school times and social activities, and the timing of light exposure. When we switch our clocks back to standard time, most people experience sunrise and sunset earlier relative to their biological clock.

    When our clocks change, our schedules change.
    Raissa Lara/Unsplash

    Conversely, under daylight saving time, morning light is delayed, so we encounter sunlight later in relation to our internal clock. This “circadian misalignment” can throw our biological clock out of sync, adversely affecting bodily functions.

    This is especially problematic for people who already experience a persistent circadian misalignment (social jetlag), such as shift workers and those who prefer to stay up late in the evening and wake up later in the morning (night owls).

    How the ‘spring forward’ can affect your health

    Most research on biannual clock changes has historically focused on the spring switch, the transition from standard time to daylight saving.

    The spring switch can cause sleep deprivation across the week following the time change and is linked with a 5.7% increase in work related injuries.

    It’s also associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and mental health problems, with studies reporting a 4–29% increase in heart attacks and a 6% increase in mental health crises and substance misuse. These are attributed to the acute disruptions in sleep and the body clock.

    Losing sleep might make it harder to concentrate.
    Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

    Daylight saving time is also linked to long-term health consequences, even after several months.

    On standard time, mornings are bright and evenings are dark. But with daylight saving time, sunlight comes later, so you might stay up later and still need to wake up at the same time due to social obligations.

    When that pattern persists, it can cause longer-term circadian misalignment. This “social jetlag” has been associated with poorer cognitive performance and mental health.

    How the ‘fall back’ can affect your health

    The autumn transition from daylight saving time back to standard time is often perceived as beneficial because of the extra hour of sleep gained.

    However, some research shows the autumn transition from daylight saving time back to standard time can disrupt wellbeing too. It is linked with increased restlessness during the night that compromises sleep.

    It has also been linked to a rise in depressive episodes in Denmark, up to ten weeks after the transition to standard time. This may be due to the sudden start of earlier sunsets, which signals the start of a long period of short days.

    The days get shorter soon after daylight saving time ends.
    Son Tuyen Dinh/Shutterstock

    Where does this leave the debate?

    The European Union and United States are on the path to abolishing biannual clock changes.

    The EU’s proposal to end biannual clock changes was approved in principle and awaits final agreement by all members states.

    The US Senate has passed the Sunshine Protection Act, which now needs additional approval to become law.

    From a circadian health perspective, permanent standard time aligns better with our biological clocks than permanent daylight saving time.

    But people do not have to sacrifice their lifestyle preferences to live in tune with their biological clocks. Daylight saving time doesn’t provide more sunlight, it only shifts the timing.

    So simple lifestyle adaptions, such as flexible work hours, can let people start working earlier in summer months and enjoy longer evenings even without changing the clock twice a year.

    Meltem Weger has received funding from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (PhD fellowship; 2010-2012) and from the European Commission (Marie Curie Curie Postdoctoral fellowships; 2014-2016, 2017-2019).

    Benjamin Weger receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council
    and the Alzheimer’s Association.

    – ref. Daylight saving time ends Sunday. Why do we change our clocks? And how does it affect our bodies? – https://theconversation.com/daylight-saving-time-ends-sunday-why-do-we-change-our-clocks-and-how-does-it-affect-our-bodies-252518

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists from Akademgorodok have established that terahertz radiation affects the metabolism of melanoma cells

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Scientists from Novosibirsk State University, together with colleagues from the Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology (NIIKEL, a branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, ICG SB RAS), the Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS (ICG SB RAS) and the G. I. Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP SB RAS) have established that terahertz radiation affects the energy metabolism of melanoma cells. To this end, they conducted experiments to study the effects of this type of electromagnetic radiation on human melanoma cells. This work is of a fundamental nature and expands our understanding of the biological effects of terahertz radiation, as well as cellular reactions to its effects. The results are published in the journal “Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids”.

    Terahertz radiation (THzI) is electromagnetic waves whose frequency lies between the infrared and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) ranges: from 100 GHz to 10 THz. Modern technologies based on the use of electromagnetic waves in the terahertz range are widely used in biomedical sciences. For example, terahertz spectroscopy can be relevant in medical practice for the diagnosis of oncological diseases. At the same time, the THz region has not been fully studied, so fundamental research into the radiation of this electromagnetic spectrum and, first of all, the study of its biological effects on living systems are relevant.

    — Our work is devoted to studying the fundamental mechanisms of the impact of non-ionizing radiation on biological objects, in this case, on human melanoma cells. However, the purpose of the study is not to develop treatment methods using terahertz radiation. We chose a melanoma cell line as a model, since it is a stable and well-studied system. This allows us to minimize the impact of side factors and be sure that the observed changes are associated with the impact of THz radiation, and not with the features of the cells’ vital activity, — the first-year postgraduate student commented Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU (major in biology), junior researcher at the laboratory of cell technologies at the Research Institute of Cellular and Electron Microbiology and Genetics, a branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterina Butikova.

    These studies were conducted at the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser (NFEL) of the Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. Only this facility can generate radiation with the parameters required for these experiments: the frequency of the radiation used was 2.3 THz, and the average intensity was 0.05 W/cm2. The specialists exposed human melanoma cells grown in culture flasks to THzI. Irradiation at a radiation frequency of 2.3 THz was carried out at the user station of the Novosibirsk Free Electron Laser.

    – The Novosibirsk LSE is a unique source of teragerz and infrared radiation. In terms of average power, it is many orders of magnitude exceeds any sources existing in the world, which allows you to conduct absolutely unique experiments in a very wide area of ​​wavelengths with various biological objects. The fact is that biopolymers, such as proteins, have four spatial levels of organization. If the primary structure is determined by covalent bonds, then the secondary, tertiary and higher are determined by hydrogen bonds, the energy of which lies precisely in the area of ​​TGC-radiation. Therefore, if we affect the TGCI on living systems, we can quite much affect the operation of their cells, on the processes that pass inside them. Such experiments are of interest from the point of view that no living organism has formed any protective mechanisms from TGC radiation, since it is completely absorbed by the atmosphere, which means that it affects the biological objects, it can be explored how they adapt, which protection mechanisms include. For such biological experiments, a special user station was created on NLSE, which implemented the technology for adjusting the average and peak radiation power, as well as the intensity of exposure. Since we work with living systems that feel comfortable in a very narrow temperature range, which was important for the purity of experiments to equip the station with a wiper and thermal imager – these devices support and control the desired temperature. Thanks to this, we understand that we get the reaction of the system precisely to the influence of irradiation, and not to the increase or decrease in temperature, ”explained Vasily Popik, senior researcher at the Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the Physical and Mathematics.

    Three groups of cells participated in the experiment. One was irradiated with terahertz radiation, the second with infrared radiation (IR), and the third was a control group and was not affected in any way. The terahertz and IR groups were irradiated for 10 and 45 minutes. On the day of irradiation, specialists conducted cytotoxic tests on the cells. On the third day, they conducted metabolomic screening – an analysis of metabolites, or organic molecules involved in metabolism.

    – Metabolites are small organic molecules that are involved in the metabolism in living organisms. They can be intermediate or final products of biochemical reactions, provide cells with energy, serve as a building material for cells or perform regulatory functions. In the course of complex biochemical transformations, some substances are synthesized, others are destroyed, ensuring the energy balance, biosynthesis and the regulation of cellular functions. To study the biochemical state of cells and tissues, one of the most effective tools is metabolo screening. It allows you to fix changes in the metabolic composition of the body associated with physiological processes, diseases or external influences. Analysis of a wide range of metabolites helps to look into the molecular world of the cell and understand how it functions. In our laboratory, we conduct metabolon screening by the method of highly effective liquid chromatography with tandem mass-spectrometric detection (VEZH-MS/MS). Two years ago, we developed an approach that allows you to analyze about 400 metabolites (including both polar compounds and lipids) in less than 30 minutes of analysis. This was made possible thanks to the use of a monolithic column for VEGH, created by the employees of the Catalysis Institute SB RAS Yu.S. Sotnikova and Yu.V. Patrushev, ”said the laboratory assistant of the laboratory of the molecular pathology of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technology of NSU, junior researcher at the Laboratory of Physiologically active substances of the Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry named after N.N. Vorozhtsova SB RAS (Nioh SB RAS) Nikita Basov.   

    The scientists have previously applied their metabolomic screening approach to plasma and dried blood spots, but its use in cell culture studies remained unexplored. In this work, they developed and tested a cell sample preparation protocol, assessed its limitations, and combined it for the first time with an analytical method to study the effects of terahertz radiation on melanoma cells.

    Using metabolomic screening data and bioinformatics tools, the team of scientists concluded that terahertz radiation primarily affects the cell’s energy metabolism. To do this, they used the ANDSystem tool, an automated system that combines data from numerous biological databases and scientific publications, allowing them to identify functional links between genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways.

    — Our studies show that THz radiation caused changes in the content of 40 metabolites, mainly in the pathways of purine and pyrimidine metabolism, and it also affects the level of ceramides and phosphatidylcholines. Analysis of genetic networks conducted by our colleagues from the Laboratory of Computer Proteomics of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences identified mitochondrial membrane proteins as key regulators of the biosynthesis of these metabolites. In addition, THz radiation apparently disrupts the structure of lipid rafts, which affects mitochondrial transport, but does not affect the integrity of proteins. Metabolic effects were specific to THzI and differed from the thermal effects observed with infrared radiation, — added Ekaterina Butikova.

    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 New Zealand: Legislation – Nurses’ union backs call to scrap anti-Treaty bill

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    “The people have spoken, and it is a big fat no to that bill,” says New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku.
    Parliament’s Justice Committee has released its report into the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill and has recommended it does not proceed.
    “The call to scrap the bill is common sense and to show the nation it is listening, this Coalition Government should do away with it right now,” Nuku says.
    In January, Nuku with chief executive Paul Goulter, delivered a submission on the bill to the select committee.
    “As advocates for more than 60,000 nurses, midwives and healthcare workers, we argued that if those principles were removed or tampered with, it would cost more lives starting with Māori lives.”
    The bill was the most submitted on proposed law in the history of this country, opposed by 90% of the 300,000 submitters.
    Nuku also said the coalition should see the opposition to this bill as a warning for other similar legislation it had in the pipeline.
    “They also need to save the nation, Parliament and themselves another headache, or walk to nowhere, and scrap another planned bill [Regulatory Standards Bill] which not only undermines the Treaty but puts our already struggling health workforce at risk.”
    Later this month, Nuku and other representatives from NZNO will head to the United Nations in New York to request that a special rapporteur travel to Aotearoa to investigate the series of attacks by the Government on Māori health.
    “Even if these anti-Treaty bills are scrapped, there are still other attacks happening on Māori health, so we still intend to ask the UN to do what they can to help us. If the UN can’t stop these attacks, then at least they can let the world know what’s happening to Māori,” Nuku says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Supports Dr. Oz as CMS Administrator

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by a vote of 53-45.  In remarks delivered on the Senate Floor before the vote, U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) called on his colleagues to support the nomination, emphasizing Dr. Oz’s years of experience as an acclaimed physician and strong desire to modernize CMS and encourage healthy lifestyles for all Americans.

    Click here or above to watch Crapo’s remarks

    As delivered:

    “I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the motion to invoke cloture on Dr. Mehmet Oz, who is nominated to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

    “The CMS Administrator is responsible for overseeing health care programs that cover tens of millions of Americans, including Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

    “At his hearing, Dr. Oz spoke strongly about his desire to modernize CMS and encourage a healthy lifestyle for all Americans.  His vision for treating the underlying causes of chronic disease and equipping providers with innovative technologies to serve patients will also be a much-needed sea change at CMS. 

    “I am confident that his years spent as a leading physician and public health advocate make him duly qualified to accomplish these goals, and I look forward to working with him, if confirmed. 

    “Dr. Oz also clearly met the standard of the Finance Committee’s arduous nomination process, and I thank him for the diligence and accessibility he displayed during the extensive meetings he had with Committee members and staff, in addition to responding to hundreds of questions for the record.

    “I strongly encourage my colleagues to join me in advancing this nomination.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Heroin found in cocaine and ‘ice’, and snorting a line can be lethal

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Darren Roberts, Conjoint Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent’s Healthcare Clinical Campus, UNSW Sydney

    Skrypnykov Dmytro/Shutterstock

    Authorities in New South Wales and Victoria have been warning the public about worrying cases of heroin overdoses after people thought they had taken cocaine or methamphetamine.

    We know the issue is also relevant to other parts of Australia. And it’s particularly concerning because heroin can cause life-threatening opioid overdoses, particularly in people inexperienced with heroin who snort it.

    Our new research sheds more light on what happens to people who accidentally took heroin thinking it was something else.

    What we did and what we found

    We are part of a NSW Health program that helps to find and quickly respond to concerning illicit and recreational drug poisonings and trends. The program is a collaboration between many government health services, including hospitals, the NSW Poisons Information Centre and labs.

    We searched our database and found 34 cases of opioid overdoses after using what people thought to be a stimulant drug between January 2022 and June 2024. A total of 19 people thought they were taking cocaine and 15 methamphetamine.

    Most of these 34 people had a severe opioid overdose requiring treatment by paramedics and in hospital. Sadly, two people died.

    Heroin was the opioid in all cases where we specifically tested for it, and we suspect all the cases.

    Cases occurred across NSW but most cases (68%) were in Sydney. In the last eight months of our study we identified multiple cases each month which may indicate these cases are becoming more common.

    In the United States, drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine are sometimes mixed with the potent opioid drug fentanyl. This unintentional use of opioids is causing many deaths in the US. But we didn’t find any evidence that fentanyl was the cause of the overdoses we examined.

    What happens when you take heroin by accident?

    Cocaine and methamphetamine are stimulant drugs. These are drugs that make a person feel more energetic and confident, and their pupils become larger.

    They have the opposite effect to heroin, which is an opioid and sedative. Heroin and other opioids make a person feel relaxed and often drowsy, with smaller pupils.

    When overdosing, opioids cause loss of consciousness and a person’s breathing slows or even stops, which is life-threatening. Severe opioid overdose without prompt treatment is lethal.

    If you expect to be taking cocaine or methamphetamine, but it is actually heroin, or has some heroin in it, you will very likely overdose. This is particularly true if you don’t usually take opioids, or if you use it for the first time. People can overdose from as little as snorting a line.

    Why is this happening?

    Sometimes people get a different drug than they wanted. This can happen because the drug is mixed with something else or swapped.

    This can happen for many reasons, including during manufacturing and distribution. It can happen intentionally or unintentionally by the dealer or people using the drug.

    One major reason is that you sometimes can’t tell heroin apart from cocaine or methamphetamine just by looking at them. So if drugs are mixed or swapped, you can’t always tell until you take them.

    What can we do about it?

    Opioid deaths are preventable. Government and community groups are working together to respond to the problem, either via issuing drug alerts or by educating their members.

    But people who take illicit or recreational drugs can reduce their risk by avoiding using drugs alone, and by making sure one person in their group is able to get help if needed.

    Unexpected sleepiness is a reason to seek help, not to simply rest. Start CPR if someone is not responsive and call 000.

    If someone is not responsive, start CPR and call 000.
    PanuShot/Shutterstock

    How about naloxone?

    Definitely, if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose, give them naloxone as soon as possible.

    Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose. It comes in an easy-to-use nasal spray, and as a pre-filled injection.

    It’s available for free and without a prescription via the national Take Home Naloxone program. You can also order it online and get it by post.

    Naloxone is for anyone who may experience, or witness, an opioid overdose or adverse reaction.

    NSW authorities recommend it for people who use any illicit drugs including opioids, stimulants (like cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA), ketamine and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, due to the risk of drugs being mixed with something else or swapped. Call 000 even if you have given naloxone.

    You can report unexpected overdoses to the Poisons Information Centre from anywhere in Australia on 131 126. In an emergency in Australia, call 000.

    Darren Roberts is the Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre and a clinical toxicologist and addiction medicine specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

    Jared Brown is affiliated with NSW Ministry of Health and NSW Poisons Information Centre.

    Peter Chisholm is a is a public health registrar in Drug and Alcohol Services at The Langton Centre and Prince of Wales Hospital.

    – ref. Heroin found in cocaine and ‘ice’, and snorting a line can be lethal – https://theconversation.com/heroin-found-in-cocaine-and-ice-and-snorting-a-line-can-be-lethal-253348

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Te Whatu Ora restructuring creating danger to patient health

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora’s constant restructuring is not only putting the lives of patients at risk but is traumatising staff, New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO).
    Chief executive Paul Goulter says NZNO members are disillusioned as critical events and serious issues continue to occur daily at Te Whatu Ora services.
    “Our members don’t have any confidence that the leadership team at HNZ are across these risks. They’re failing in their duty to keep the public safe.”
    Recent findings of a Te Whatu Ora investigation into a mistaken identity incident, revealed the dangers arising from the constant restructuring in the name of ‘budget’.
    One of the findings stated: “At the time of this event, the current escalation pathway did not reflect Health NZ’s structure which had changed due to restructuring. In particular, the current escalation pathway included the disestablished role of National Director Hospital and Specialist Services and did not include the recently established role of National Chief Mental Health and Addiction.”
    “This is dangerous to all. Restructuring needs to be halted immediately to allow proper risk evaluations and any consequent changes to be addressed. Patient safety cannot be compromised,” Paul Goulter says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Votes to Confirm Oz to Lead CMS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting to confirm Dr. Mehmet Oz as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):

    “Ensuring that Medicare and Medicaid remain strong and accessible for millions of Americans, including many in my state of West Virginia, remains a priority. Dr. Oz brings a wealth of medical knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges facing patients and providers alike. His experience as a physician and communicator uniquely positions him to lead CMS at an important time for our healthcare system. I look forward to working with him promote healthcare solutions, and improve health outcomes for families across our country,” Senator Capito said.

    Senator Capito previously met with Oz in February to discuss his nomination and learn more about his vision to lead CMS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Telehealth Access

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) Peter Welch (D-Vermont), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), and 53 of his Senate colleagues in introducing the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. 
    This legislation would expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. Current flexibilities are set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless Congress extends them.
    “Telehealth is an essential part of our health care system – especially for those who live in rural America,” said Senator Marshall. “The CONNECT for Health Act is a critical step to ensure Medicare beneficiaries in all areas of the country – including Kansas – can connect with their doctors regardless of where they live. I’m glad to work with my colleagues to expand health care access for all Americans.”
    “While telehealth use has rapidly increased in recent years, our laws have not kept up,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live.”
    “We live in a digital world, and our health services should reflect that. In the past decade, telehealth has made medical care more accessible for patients across the state and country,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care.”
    “Telehealth services have proven to be a safe and effective form of medical care. Through the expansion of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients have received quality, affordable care,” said Senator Warner. “I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it.” 
    “Even before the pandemic, Mississippi recognized the vital role of telehealth. Across America, rural communities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges have long struggled to access traditional healthcare,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services.”
    “The COVID-19 pandemic proved that telehealth not only works, but is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Rural and underserved areas in Vermont and across the country desperately need solutions to address the widening gap in health care access, and increasing telehealth services must be part of the answer. This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology.”
    “Telehealth is a critical for rural states like Wyoming,” said Senator Barrasso. “It has given folks access to specialized care no matter where they live. This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need.”
    Joining Senators Marshall, Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, Welch, and Barrasso are Senators Alex Padilla (D-California), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Ben Ray Lujan (D-New Mexico), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Angus King (I-Maine), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Adam Schiff (D-California), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), and John Boozman (R-Arkansas).
    Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Mike Thompson (D- California-4), Doris Matsui (D-California-7), David Schweikert (R-Arizona-1), and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio-12).
    The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
    This legislation has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
    The CONNECT for Health Act would:

    Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
    Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
    Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
    Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirements for telemental health services;
    Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
    Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, its impacts on quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.

    The full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Pens Op-Ed in The Daily Signal: Dr. Oz Will Save Medicare, Strengthen Medicaid, Secure a Healthier America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) penned an op-ed in The Daily Signal in support of President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz.

    You may click HERE.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s op-ed include:  
    “Medicaid and Medicare are on a path that should concern all Americans, but with the right leadership, we can turn their trajectory around.
    On its current course, Medicare, the government-run health insurance program for seniors, will fall off a financial cliff in as little as a decade – maybe even sooner. Meanwhile, Medicaid, the program that pays for health care for the poor, now covers more people than Medicare, placing an enormous strain on both state and federal budgets. 
    As a nation, we face a chronic disease epidemic, and along with it, a crisis of unsustainable rising costs, high demand, and worsening patient outcomes. Over the past five years, Medicaid spending has surged by some 50% – another unsustainable trend that diverts funds from schools, roads, bridges, and high-speed internet.
    Together, Medicare and Medicaid will each spend roughly a trillion dollars this year. That’s why we urgently need a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator who can rescue Medicare and fortify Medicaid.
    As both programs fall under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, we need a leader with a fresh perspective – one who prioritizes patient care while ensuring financial stability. This role demands someone who has experienced these programs at the grassroots level, where patients, doctors, and hospitals intersect. 
    This person must be an exceptional communicator, capable of managing a $2 trillion budget and transforming an organization of 6,000 employees who oversee the health needs of 140 million Americans. This budget accounts for nearly a quarter of federal spending in a system that already overspends by $2 trillion annually. 
    Above all, we need someone who can help us in our mission to Make America Healthy Again.
    Thankfully, we have just the person for the job: Dr. Mehmet Oz.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bipartisan Senate Leaders Urge Trump Admin. to Reverse Course on LIHEAP Staffing Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and ten of their Senate colleagues who are LIHEAP champions today sent a letter urging the Trump Administration to reverse course on the recent reported elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) workforce.

    The letter comes in response to the Trump Administration’s reduction of about 10,000 employees from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  These cuts reportedly include the entire staff running the $4.1 billion LIHEAP, which helps millions of American households afford their heating and cooling bills.

    The federally funded LIHEAP program is a crucial lifeline that helps over 6 million low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes afford their energy bills, including those who use natural gas, propane, electricity, and home heating oil.  Without this assistance, many Americans may not be able to afford their utility bills and could end up falling victim to extreme weather.

    Today, the 13 Senators sent a bipartisan letter to HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., writing: “We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE).”

    In addition to Reed, Collins, and Murkowski, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Edward J. Markey (D-MA) Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).

    The Senators also expressed concerns that the termination of the entire staff that oversees LIHEAP could holdup hundreds of millions of dollars in funding that Congress already appropriated to assist low-income Americans — especially with summer heat approaching. 

    “As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month.  Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season,” the Senators wrote.

    Senators Reed, Collins, and Murkowski led the successful effort to provide a total of $4.1 billion for LIHEAP this fiscal year, with $4 billion through appropriations and $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds.

    HHS has already released 90 percent of those federal funds to state partners.  The remaining 10 percent, almost $400 million, used by states to pay for summer cooling, and emergency funding for households that need additional assistance and weatherization, cannot be released until HHS determines the state-by-state allocation.  Now, it’s unclear how the remaining funds could be disbursed to the states.

    “Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents,” the 13 Senators wrote.

    Full text of the letter follows:

    The Honorable Robert Kennedy, Jr.

    Secretary of Health and Human Services

    200 Independence Avenue SW

    Washington, DC 20201

    Dear Secretary Kennedy:

    We write regarding reports that you have terminated staff responsible for administering the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP). If true, these terminations threaten to devastate a critical program dedicated to helping Americans afford their home energy bills.

    For over 40 years, LIHEAP has been the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors pay their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months. Each year, more than six million households across the country rely on LIHEAP to afford their energy bills. It is an indispensable lifeline, helping to ensure that recipients do not have to choose between paying their energy bills and affording other necessities like food and medicine.

    We are concerned that the reported staff terminations will undermine the HHS’s ability to deliver this critical funding to low-income seniors and families. We are also concerned that the local community action agencies that help enroll qualified beneficiaries could be weakened by other actions and funding cuts being undertaken by HHS and the “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). As you know, our states are expecting HHS to release nearly $400 million in FY25 funding later this month. Any delay in providing this funding will set back efforts to provide summer cooling grants, weatherize low-income homes, and plan for the next winter heating season.

    Access to affordable home energy is a matter of health and safety for many low-income households, children, and seniors. To that end, we urge you to reverse course on any staffing or funding cuts that would jeopardize the distribution of these funds to our constituents.

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Whitireia and WelTec celebrate over 1,000 students in April graduation ceremonies

    Source: Whitireia and WelTec

    On Wednesday 2 April Whitireia and WelTec proudly celebrated the achievements of graduating ākonga (students) from the School of Health and Wellbeing, Pacific Health, Social Practice, and Te Wānanga Māori at a ceremony held at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
    This special occasion marked the first of two graduation ceremonies in April, where over 1,000 ākonga will take their next steps equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in their communities.
    The heartfelt whakapōtaetanga (graduation) ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr Te Taku Parai (Ngāti Toa Rangatira), Porirua City Council Mayor Anita Baker, and Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health Lorraine Hetaraka, is a significant milestone for graduates, their whānau and friends.
    Lorraine Hetaraka (Tapuika, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kahu) delivered an inspiring keynote address. With her extensive background in nursing leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes for Māori and high-needs populations, Ms Hetaraka shared valuable insights with the graduates.
    Congratulating the graduands, Ms Hetaraka shared her excitement for the future and the role they will play in it, stating “I am so proud to be here to honour our graduating students. The commitment, dedication and sometimes sacrifices you have all made to be able to graduate is a testament to the hard work you have done to become our future workforce. Future leaders and innovators who will no doubt positively contribute to the overall wellbeing of New Zealanders. Our future heroes are amongst you.”
    Wendy Haywood, Bachelor of Nursing graduate, represented the ākonga body as speaker. Offering a perspective on the journey and aspirations of the graduating class and emphasising the importance of the support received by graduands from whānau, friends, tutors and support staff.
    Mrs Haywood said, “we built strong bonds, we studied together, shared our hopes and our fears, offered each other a hug or tissue as needed. We leave not as individuals but as friends and colleagues. Yet we must remember that no one succeeds without the help of others, and we need to thank those that have supported us and those who are with us today. Thank you, our rocks, our cheerleaders. You have believed in us even when we have doubted ourselves. Your sacrifices, love and encouragement have brought us to this moment.”
    This graduation highlights the commitment Whitireia and WelTec has to producing skilled professionals in health, wellness and social practice. The diverse range of qualifications awarded, from diplomas to postgraduate degrees, underscores their comprehensive approach to education in these critical fields.
    Whitireia and WelTec Executive Director Mark Oldershaw spoke to the gathered cohort about the hard work and commitment it takes to reach this milestone. “Gaining skills and knowledge can be a truly life changing experience. Seeing our graduates excited and ready for the future reflects what is possible for everyone. We know your next steps will bring credit to yourself, to your families, and to the communities in which you live and work.”
    The ceremony not only celebrated academic achievements it also emphasised the importance of culturally responsive and community-focused healthcare and social services. As these graduates enter their respective fields, they are poised to make significant contributions to the health and wellbeing of communities across New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Order Restoring $11 Billion in Critical Public Health Funding

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, April 3, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Bonta today issued a statement on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island’s decision granting a temporary restraining order that immediately restores $11 billion in critical public health funding to state and local public health agencies across the country, including $972 million to California.

    “Two days after filing our 9th lawsuit against the Trump Administration, we have secured a temporary order that restores public health funding and ensures communities nationwide are prepared for public health threats,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As our lawsuit continues, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure state and local health agencies have what they need to keep Americans healthy and safe.”

    Beginning on March 24, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) abruptly, with no advance notice or warning, issued termination notices to state and local public health agencies across the country, purporting to end federal funding for grants that provide essential support for a wide range of urgent public health needs, including identifying, tracking, and addressing infectious diseases; ensuring access to immunizations; and modernizing critical public health infrastructure. The federal funding was appropriated by Congress to ensure the United States is better prepared for future public health threats.

    On Tuesday, Attorney General Bonta announced co-leading a coalition of 23 states and the District of Columbia in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s HHS and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. over the unlawful termination of public health funding. Today, the court responded by granting the requested temporary restraining order. 

    The order temporarily restores essential public health funding and vital programs that serve millions of Californians, including children, rural communities, and nursing homes, including: 

    • Over $800 million that the California Department of Public Health intended to use, in part, to vaccinate 4.5 million children statewide and assist hospitals in directing injured and ill patients to available health facilities during all types of emergencies, where efficient routing saves lives. 
    • $119 million to the California Department of Health Care Services which supports key programs, including substance use disorder prevention and early intervention services for youth in at least 18 counties. 
    • $45 million to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to use in part, to strengthen the County’s efforts to prevent the spread of measles, and seasonal and avian influenza. 

    A copy of the order will become available here. 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amidst Trump Attacks on Education, Sen. Markey and Rep. Hayes Announce Bill of Rights for Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Resolution Text (PDF)
    Washington (April 3, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) today announced the reintroduction of the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights, a resolution calling for dignified wages, benefits, and working conditions for paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers, and other essential school staff who far too often work for low wages, few benefits, and without job security. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    “Paraprofessionals and education support staff are the backbone of our education system. They deserve higher pay, better benefits, and improved working conditions. But instead of working to make that happen, we are forced to fight the Trump administration’s slashing of public education.” said Senator Markey. “Setting our sights higher for paraprofessionals and education workers is part of the fight, and the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights will move us forward in guaranteeing these workers are treated with the dignity, respect, and recognition they have long deserved.” 
    “Paraprofessionals and support staff are an invaluable part of student learning. And yet, they struggle to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Resolution highlights the urgent need to improve wages, increase access to benefits, and formally recognize the efforts of these dedicated workers. This legislation strives to attract and help retain support staff which are critical in our schools.”
    The Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights resolution calls for paraprofessionals and education support staff to have:
    Livable, competitive wages, and access to benefits, including health care and paid leave;
    The supplies, resources, and training they need to do their jobs;
    Meaningful voice in workplace policies and the right to negotiate for better working conditions;
    The dignity of safe, healthy, and adequate staffed workplaces and
    Year-round job security and opportunities for growth.
    The resolution is endorsed by National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Autism Society of America, Citizens for Public Schools, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Inc., Education Leaders of Color, First Focus on Children, Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, National Rural Education Association (NREA), Network for Public Education, and the Arc of the United States.
    “We applaud Senator Markey for standing with the paraprofessionals and education support professionals who are the heart of our classrooms, and yet are struggling to make ends meet and often working two to three jobs to support themselves. ESPs play critically important roles in our public schools in Massachusetts and nationwide, providing instruction and care to students with disabilities, assisting in early education classes, driving busses, preparing meals and so much more, and they need and deserve to be able to care for themselves and their families. Beyond being good for the ESPs themselves, schools need to be able to recruit and retain qualified and support staff. This is why, in Massachusetts and beyond, ESPs need a living wage, affordable health insurance and paid family and medical leave once and for all,” said Max Page, President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and Deb McCarthy, Vice President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
    “Paraprofessionals and education support staff are on the frontlines of helping students learn, ensuring their safety, and keeping our schools and colleges running. But too often, their salaries and benefits are far lower than other educators’, forcing them to work second and third jobs that make it harder for them to forge sustainable careers. The Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights makes sure those who cook and clean in schools, drive our students, and work in front offices and classrooms are treated with dignity and respect, with fairer pay, better benefits, improved workplace safety and access to training. I am grateful for the leadership of Sen. Edward Markey and Rep. Jahana Hayes and thank them for taking action on this front,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers.
    “Education support professionals play a critical role in strengthening our schools and communities, dedicating themselves to ensuring students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day, while also helping to create positive, supportive learning environments. Unfortunately, they often don’t receive the compensation, benefits, or recognition they truly deserve. Their contributions are critical to the success of our students, especially now, as the Trump Administration targets public education,” said Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. “Passing the Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights would show that Congress recognizes and values the essential contributions these dedicated workers make both inside and outside the classroom. We want to thank Senator Markey and Representative Hayes for their leadership in introducing this important legislation and urge Congress to act quickly in passing it. This will send a clear message to our Education Support Professionals that, as a nation, we respect and appreciate all they do for our students.”
    “School support staff are the people who greet students at the start of each day, serve meals, support kids with disabilities, and keep classrooms clean and safe. They’ve been underpaid, overworked, and overlooked for too long. Now, Trump and his billionaire allies are trying to dismantle the Department of Education and weaken the very schools these workers hold together. Passing this resolution is an important way to show school support staff the respect they’ve earned—with real pay, real protections, and the dignity every worker deserves,” said Heather Conroy, Executive Vice President of the Service Employees International Union.
    “Paraprofessionals and school staff play an invaluable role in our classrooms and are at the heart of our public school — helping students learn, grow, and meet their basic needs,” said American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang. “Outside of the classroom, they’re important members of the community, many have kids and grandkids in the schools and live in the communities they serve. For far too long, paraprofessionals have been forced to work multiple jobs, or rely on public assistance, just to make ends meet. One job should be enough. It’s time our paraprofessionals receive the fair wages, benefits, and respect that reflects the important work they do every day,” said Jessica Tang, President of American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts.
    Senator Markey is fighting back against the Trump administration’s attacks on education and standing up for students, educators, and their families. On March 20, Senator Markey slammed Trump’s Executive Order to dismantle the Department of Education. On March 11, Senator Markey delivered remarks on the Senate Floor to spotlight Trump’s plan to gut the Department. On February 27, Senator Markey introduced the No Cuts to Public Schools Act, which would prevent any cuts to federal education formula funding during the Trump administration. On February 10, Senator Markey held a press conference in Boston with Massachusetts educators and teachers’ unions on Trump’s vow to dismantle the Department, and the impact on Massachusetts students, educators, and communities.
    On February 6, 2025, Senator Markey, members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation, along with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, released a joint statement after President Trump vowed to dismantle the Department of Education.
    In January 2024, Senator Markey introduced the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, legislation that would establish a grant program to help schools recruit, train, and retain paraeducators by funding pipeline and credentialing programs, high-quality professional development, and higher wages. In September 2023, Senator Markey introduced the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act, legislation that would invest $1.6 trillion over the next decade in public and Bureau of Indian Education schools to upgrade every public school building in the country; reduce hazardous pollution; give schools the resources to hire hundreds of thousands of educators, paraprofessionals, and counselors; invest in schools serving low-income students; and fully fund education for students with disabilities. Senator Markey first introduced the Paraprofessional and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights in November 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –