NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lecture on Population Databases

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    This video presents a short lecture from the course “Population Genetics and Statistics.” The lecture is presented by Greggory LaBerge, Ph.D. Dr. LaBerge holds a Ph.D. in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    This course is hosted by the National Institute of Justice and is available at https://populations.training.nij.gov/

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yitH2OuFRk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lecture on Genetic Drift

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    This video presents a short lecture from the course “Population Genetics and Statistics.” The lecture is presented by Greggory LaBerge, Ph.D. Dr. LaBerge holds a Ph.D. in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    This course is hosted by the National Institute of Justice and is available at https://populations.training.nij.gov/

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60ThNOtWWAs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lecture on Paternity Indexes

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    This video presents a short lecture from the course “Population Genetics and Statistics.” The lecture is presented by Greggory LaBerge, Ph.D. Dr. LaBerge holds a Ph.D. in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    This course is hosted by the National Institute of Justice and is available at https://populations.training.nij.gov/

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PfdkR5ZV5Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lecture on Determining the Genotype Frequency

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    This video presents a short lecture from the course “Population Genetics and Statistics.” The lecture is presented by Greggory LaBerge, Ph.D. Dr. LaBerge holds a Ph.D. in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    This course is hosted by the National Institute of Justice and is available at https://populations.training.nij.gov/

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLGqZv9lYv4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lecture on Alleles with Low Frequencies

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    This video presents a short lecture from the course “Population Genetics and Statistics.” The lecture is presented by Greggory LaBerge, Ph.D. Dr. LaBerge holds a Ph.D. in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    This course is hosted by the National Institute of Justice and is available at https://populations.training.nij.gov/

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jJTn3zT12I

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The final of the case championship in sports management was held at the State University of Management

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The State University of Management recently hosted the final of the case championship in sports management, organized by the professional football club CSKA together with the State University of Management, bringing together talented students ready to solve real problems in the sports industry.

    The case championship was held in two stages. The most active students visited the VEB Arena, where representatives of PFC CSKA conducted an excursion to places where no ordinary person has ever set foot. Our students visited the holy of holies of football players – the locker rooms, sat in the personal seats of legendary CSKA players, feeling the atmosphere of great victories and intense matches. The students were able to touch the history of the club, the excursion became an unforgettable moment, allowing them to look behind the scenes of a professional club.

    The first stage of the championship ended with the completion of homework, which served as a ticket to the final.

    The championship final took place within the walls of the State University of Management, where students worked on projects on topics such as volunteering at sporting events, organizing and managing fan movements in sports organizations, marketing strategies for sports clubs, and attracting young people to an active lifestyle.

    During the second stage of the championship, students not only developed theoretical concepts, but also proposed solutions to improve the efficiency of management in the field of sports.

    The prepared projects were evaluated, among others, by experts from the State University of Management – Associate Professor of the Department of Management in Healthcare and the Sports Industry of the Institute of Personnel Management, Social and Business Communications Tatyana Borisova, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Marketing of the Institute of Marketing Pyotr Tazov. The experts highly appreciated the students’ proposals and gave valuable advice.

    We thank the participants, the jury and the organizers for this unforgettable experience. Until next time!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/04/2025

    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: Instinct Brothers Co., Ltd, a Japanese Vertically Integrated Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell Technology Company, to Go Public via Merger with Relativity Acquisition Corp.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Instinct Brothers Co., Ltd has entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Relativity Acquisition Corp.
    • The combined company, to be named Instinct Bio Technical Company Inc., will have an implied pro-form enterprise value of approximately $242 million, assuming no further redemptions by Relativity’s public stockholders prior to the closing of the business combination.

    NEW YORK, NY, TOKYO, JAPAN, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Instinct Brothers Co., Ltd., along with its affiliated entities—Hiroki Global Co., Ltd, Artisans Production Co., Ltd, Instinct RAS Co., Ltd (collectively, “Instinct Brothers” or the “Company”)—a vertically integrated regenerative medicine and stem cell technology company based in Japan, and Relativity Acquisition Corp. (“Relativity”), a special purpose acquisition company, today announced that they have entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) that will result in Instinct Brothers becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Relatively upon the closing of the transaction contemplated therein (the “Proposed Transaction”) in accordance with the terms and conditions in the Merger Agreement.

    Upon closing the Proposed Transaction, the combined company will operate under the name Instinct Bio Technical Company Inc. (the “Combined Company”) and intends to list on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘BIOT’.

    A Pioneering, Vertically Integrated Platform for Regenerative Medicine

    With a mission to harness the transformative power of stem cell science, Instinct Brothers has built an ecosystem that integrates stem-cell-based cosmeceuticals, research and development, university partnerships, proprietary manufacturing, industry-leading alliances, global distribution, branding, direct-to-consumer retail, medical consulting and total coordination service for franchise medical clinics, and clinical application research in regenerative medicine.

    By leveraging a high-quality stem cell culture medium with over 380 cytokines and growth factors, Instinct Brothers has positioned itself in the field of stem cell-derived skincare. Through its franchise GENREVER Clinic, the Company has developed a structured model for stem cell-based regenerative therapies targeting anti-aging, immune support, regenerative treatments, and disease prevention.

    Additionally, Instinct Brothers owns and operates ARTISANS PRODUCTION CO., LTD, an ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facility, allowing for seamless production of cosmeceuticals and medical-grade regenerative products. This facility enables precision manufacturing, stringent quality control, and continuous innovation, reinforcing Instinct Brothers’ commitment to excellence in stem cell technology and regenerative medicine.

    The Instinct Brothers management team, led by its founder Tomoki Nagano, will continue to run the Combined Company after the closing of the Proposed Transaction.

    Tomoki Nagano, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Instinct Brothers, said:
    “This transaction marks a transformational milestone for Instinct Brothers, positioning us to accelerate our global expansion and enhance access to cutting-edge stem cell-based therapies. Going public will allow us to scale our operations, broaden our clinical footprint, and fuel the development of new regenerative treatments that improve health and longevity. We are committed to bringing life-changing solutions to a global audience with plans to expand our clinic model into Malaysia and Indonesia, construct new clinics in Japan, and advance our Cell Processing Center joint venture.”

    Tarek Tabsh, Chief Executive Officer of Relativity Acquisition Corp., commented:
    “Perinatal stem cells have an intrinsic capacity to repair and regenerate targeted tissues, and unique adaptability that makes them a promising frontier for regenerative medicine application potential. Instinct Brothers has built a well-integrated business that delivers scientific innovation from the bench to the bedside. Their vertically integrated platform, spanning research, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and clinical application, positions them uniquely for expansion into adjacent markets. We are excited to support their journey as they continue to deliver the next generation of regenerative medicine.”

    Transaction Overview

    Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Relativity will acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Instinct Brothers, making it a wholly owned subsidiary of Relativity. As part of the Proposed Transaction, Instinct Brothers will become a publicly traded entity under the name “Instinct Bio Technical Company Inc.” The Proposed Transaction values the Combined Company at an estimated pro forma enterprise value of approximately $242 million. The Proposed Transaction is expected to close in Q3 2025, subject to approval by Relativity’s stockholders and other customary closing conditions outlined in the Merger Agreement.

    Advisors

    Chardan Capital Markets LLC is the exclusive M&A and Capital Markets advisor to Instinct Brothers Holdings. Darryl, Edward & Co. is a legal advisor for Instinct Brothers Holdings.

    Loeb & Loeb LLP and Barnett & Linn LLP serve as legal advisors to Relativity Acquisition Corp.

    About Instinct Brothers

    Instinct Brothers is a vertically integrated Japanese company specializing in stem cell technology and regenerative medicine, encompassing research and development, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and clinical applications. Founded in 2017, Instinct Brothers is led by industry expert Tomoki Nagano, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, an industry expert with a vision to drive innovation in regenerative medicine. The Company’s mission is to advance stem cell science, enhance patient outcomes, and pioneer the next generation of stem cell-based therapies.

    About Relativity Acquisition Corp.

    Relativity Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company sponsored by Relativity Acquisition Sponsor LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Relativity and Instinct Brothers intends to file a Registration Statement on Form F-4 (the “Form F-4”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ( the “SEC”), which will include a preliminary prospectus with respect to its securities to be issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction and a preliminary proxy statement with regard to Relativity’s stockholder meeting at which Relativity’s stockholders will be asked to vote on the Proposed Transaction. Relativity’s investors, stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the Form F-4, including the proxy statement/prospectus, any amendments thereto and any other documents filed with the SEC, because these documents will contain important information about the proposed business combination. After the Form F-4 has been filed and declared effective, Relativity will mail the definitive proxy statement/prospectus to stockholders of Relativity as of a record date to be established for voting on the business combination. Relativity stockholders will also be able to obtain a copy of such documents, without charge, by directing a request to: Relativity Acquisition Corp., 3753 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 200 Las Vegas, Nevada 89169; e-mail: info@relativityacquisitions.com. These documents, once available, can also be obtained, without charge, at the SEC’s website www.sec.gov.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Relativity and its directors and officers may be deemed participants in soliciting proxies of Relativity’s stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of Relativity’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation by reading Relativity’s final prospectus filed with the SEC on February 14, 2022, the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC in connection with the business combination when they become available. Information concerning the interests of Relativity’s participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different from those of their stockholders generally, will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the business combination when it becomes available.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction in connection with a proposed potential business combination among Relativity and Instinct Brothers or any related transactions, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, such offer, solicitation or sale may be unlawful. Any offering of securities or solicitation of votes regarding the proposed transaction will be made only by means of a proxy statement/prospectus that complies with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or pursuant to an exemption from the Securities Act or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release may include, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may include “forward-looking statements”. Statements regarding possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Form F-4 and prospectus to be filed with the SEC. The Company and Relativity undertake no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release except as required by law.

    Contact Information

    Instinct Brothers Co., Ltd.

    Email: ir@instinct-biot.com

    Website: https://instinct-bro.com/

    Relativity Acquisition Corp.

    Email: info@relativityacquisitions.com

    Website: www.relativityacquisitions.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NowVertical to Attend the 37th Annual ROTH Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NowVertical Group Inc. (TSXV: NOW) (“NowVertical” or the “Company”), a leading data and AI solutions provider, today announced they will be attending the invite-only 37th Annual ROTH Conference.

    The 37th Annual ROTH Conference will take place on March 16-18, 2025, in Dana Point, CA, bringing together leading institutional investors and high-growth companies across multiple sectors. As a prestigious, invite-only event, the conference provides a valuable platform for innovative companies like NowVertical to engage directly with investors, industry leaders, and analysts. NowVertical’s inclusion in this exclusive event reflects its strong market position and continued growth in AI and data-driven solutions and services.

    The event will consist of 1-on-1 / small group meetings, analyst-selected fireside chats, industry keynotes and panels with executive management attending from approximately 450 private and public companies in a variety of growth sectors including: Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Insurance, Resources, Sustainability and Technology, Media & Entertainment.

    To learn more and submit a registration request, visit https://ibn.fm/Roth2025Registration

    About NowVertical Group Inc.

    The Company is a global data and analytics company which helps clients transform data into tangible business value with AI, fast. Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions and services the Company enables clients to quickly harness the full potential of their data, driving measurable outcomes and accelerating potential return on investment. Enterprises optimize decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and unlock long-term value from their data using the Company’s AI-Infused first party and third-party technologies. NowVertical is growing organically and through strategic acquisitions. For further details about NowVertical, please visit www.nowvertical.com.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For more information, visit www.nowvertical.com.

    For further information, please contact:

    Andre Garber, CDO
    IR@nowvertical.com
    T: +1(647)947-0223

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (together “forward-looking statements“), including, the alignment of the Company’s leadership and shareholders, and the associated results of the transactions contemplated in this press release on NowVertical’s business, finances and operations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies, certain of which are unknown. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including: adverse market conditions; risks inherent in the data analytics and artificial intelligence sectors in general; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies of acquisitions or dispositions; that market competition may affect the business, results and financial condition of the Company and other risk factors identified in documents filed by the Company under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Representatives of 185 countries took part in the Olympiad of the Global Universities Association for admission to Russian universities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The announcement of the winners for the PhD and postdoc tracks was a big success result the eighth international Olympiad. The organizers of the intellectual competitions are 24 Russian universities – members of the association “Global Universities”, successfully developing in the global market of education and research.

    “The Olympiad of the Global Universities Association contributes to achieving one of the indicators of the national project “Youth and Children” – increasing the number of foreign students by 2030 to 500 thousand. In 2024, about 150 thousand people from 185 countries took part in it, which is more than twice the results of the previous year. The winners of the Olympiad will have the right to study in Russia locally within the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation for foreign citizens,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    As noted by the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Valery Falkov, a special feature of the 2024 selection was the launch of a postdoc track, which is aimed at attracting young foreign scientists to work in scientific projects of Russian universities. Holders of a candidate of science or PhD degree from a foreign university are given the opportunity to find employment in one of the research projects offered by the organizing universities.

    “We see that the trend for academic mobility remains stable throughout the world, the number of foreign students in Russia is growing. And one of the successful tools of this work is holding such large-scale events as the international Olympiad,” the minister said.

    The track for undergraduate students also started for the first time. The winners and prize winners were 2,129 people, the master’s track – 3,928 people, the postgraduate track – 234 people, and among postdocs – 11. In total, this year the participants filled out almost 362 thousand portfolios. The organizers noted the increase in the activity of the participants and a significant improvement in the quality of their preparation: the average score increased at all stages of the intellectual competitions, despite the increased entry requirements for applicants.

    The Olympiad is held in 14 broad subject profiles:

    — Computer and Data Science

    — Business and management

    — Engineering and technology

    — Clinical medicine and public health

    — Biology and biotechnology

    — Political science and international relations

    — Applied Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence

    — Education and psychology

    — Earth and Environmental Sciences

    — Economics and econometrics

    — Linguistics and modern languages

    — Physical and technical sciences

    — Urbanism and civil engineering

    — Chemistry and Materials Science

    The International Olympiad (known internationally under the brand Russian Scholarship Project Open Doors) has been held since 2017. During this time, more than 500 thousand people from 222 countries of the world took part in it, about 90% of them live in Asia and Africa. More than 12 thousand winners and prize winners received the right to free education in the best Russian universities.

    The universities that are members of the Global Universities Association include the universities that are members of the Global Universities Association and the organizers of the Olympiad.

    1. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research University “Higher School of Economics”

    2. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev”.

    3. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research University ITMO”

    4. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research Tomsk State University”

    5. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin”

    6.Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Far Eastern Federal University”

    7. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University)”

    8. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Moscow Polytechnic University”

    9. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Tyumen State University”

    10. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University”

    11. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Siberian Federal University”

    12. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University”

    13. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University”

    14. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation”

    15. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky”

    16. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Novosibirsk National Research State University”

    17. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research Technological University “MISIS”

    18. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research Nuclear University MEPhI”

    19. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Southern Federal University”

    20. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University “LETI” named after V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin)”

    21. Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education “Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba”

    22. Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering”

    23. Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University)

    24. Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Bauman Moscow State Technical University (National Research University)”, as well as the university – co-organizer of the Olympiad in the postgraduate track

    25. Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Siberian State Medical University” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation

    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 Security: Port Saunders — Port Saunders RCMP responds to fatal snowmobile crash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Port Saunders RCMP is investigating a fatal snowmobile incident that occurred over this past weekend. A 66-year-old man, who was traveling alone, was located deceased.

    Shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, Port Saunders RCMP responded to a report of a snowmobile crash in a remote area of the back country, near Eddies Cove West. Two snowmobilers came upon an overturned snowmobile and discovered the body of an unresponsive individual underneath the machine.

    Only accessible by snowmobile, police attended the area with those who reported the incident. The man’s body was transported out of the wooded area and was further transported to Western Memorial Hospital in Corner Brook as part of the investigation.

    The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lecture on Random Mating

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    This video presents a short lecture from the course “Population Genetics and Statistics.” The lecture is presented by Greggory LaBerge, Ph.D. Dr. LaBerge holds a Ph.D. in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    This course is hosted by the National Institute of Justice and is available at https://populations.training.nij.gov/

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2Jsw4_4e6I

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lecture on Statistical Probabilities

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    This video presents a short lecture from the course “Population Genetics and Statistics.” The lecture is presented by Greggory LaBerge, Ph.D. Dr. LaBerge holds a Ph.D. in Human Medical Genetics from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    This course is hosted by the National Institute of Justice and is available at https://populations.training.nij.gov/

    (Opinions or points of view expressed represent the speaker and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. Any product or manufacturer discussed is presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Justice.)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loCHPJq8m6o

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn School of Business to Induct Five Distinguished Business Executives into ‘Hall of Fame’

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The School of Business will induct five alumni business leaders into its ‘Hall of Fame’ during a dinner and ceremony on Friday, April 11 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

    The School’s signature event typically draws hundreds for a night of celebration.

    “This year, we proudly induct five exceptional alumni into the UConn School of Business Hall of Fame. Their remarkable achievements, leadership, and dedication to service place them among the most distinguished executives in their fields,’’ says Professor Greg Reilly, interim dean of the School of Business.

    “A highlight of the evening is hearing their reflections on their time at UConn and the invaluable advice they offer to students and young alumni,’’ he says. “The Hall of Fame celebration stands as one of the most inspiring and anticipated events of the year.”

    Tickets to the event, which is black-tie optional, are $175 each. There is still time to become an event sponsor as well. For reservations or additional information, please visit: alumni.business.uconn.edu.

    This year’s inductees include:

    Entrepreneur Trisha Bailey Believes in Exceptional Service

    Trisha Bailey, ’99 (CLAS) ’23 (HON) is an entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Bailey’s Pharmacy & Medical Equipment & Supplies, a company built on a culture of exceptional service. She oversees her flagship company, as well as other successful enterprises, employing more than 500 people and generating revenue in the hundreds of millions annually. She is also the mother of five.

    Tricia Bailey (contributed photo)

    Bailey graduated with a bachelor’s degree from UConn in 1999, majoring in human development and family relations, and received an honorary degree from the School of Pharmacy in 2023.

    A track standout at Weaver High School in Hartford, Bailey has been a generous donor to UConn Athletics and became the first woman to have a building named in her honor on campus. She is also involved in real estate development and housing; is a minority owner of NBA teams; and is the owner of the largest equestrian farm in Florida.

    A native of Jamaica, she is deeply committed to community impact, supporting underserved communities in her native land and in the U.S., supporting nursing programs, and food and toy drives.

    Her autobiography “UNBROKEN’’ addresses her complex life journey and shares her deeply held values of compassion, excellence, and empowerment.

    Laurie Havanec Led 300,000 Employees at CVS Health

    Laurie Havanec ’82 (BUS), ’94 JD recently retired from CVS Health, where she served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. In that role, she was responsible for 300,000 employees. Prior to joining CVS, Havanec served as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Otis Worldwide Corporation, including during its transition from United Technologies Corporation to an independent, publicly traded company.

    Laurie Havanec (contributed photo)

    Havanec earned her bachelor’s degree, with a marketing major, from the School of Business in 1982. Six weeks after the birth of her second child, she returned to UConn to fill her longtime desire to study law at the UConn Law School. She completed her degree with honors.

    In 2019, Havanec endowed a need-based scholarship, through UConn Women and Philanthropy, to help women in their path to law school. She has served on the Board of Directors of American Water, as a member of the Board of Trustees for both the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Governor’s Committee on Workforce and Education. A two-time cancer survivor, Havanec has told her story many times to help educate women about the importance of breast-cancer detection and prevention.

    Inclusivity Always Important to John Hodson

    John Hodson ’85 (BUS), is the Founder and President of True Benefit, a division of AmWINS, a company that goes beyond traditional employee benefits to foster a culture of inclusivity, ethical practices, and community engagement. The company’s mission is to serve both business and the broader community and he has championed diversity, equity, and belonging throughout his career.

    John Hodson (contributed photo)

    Hodson earned his bachelor’s degree, with a marketing major, in 1985 and worked at The Travelers and ConnectiCare. He then became an insurance broker and eventually founded True Benefit. Since its inception, the company has grown to become the exclusive program and risk manager for ADP Total Source, the largest professional employer organization in the nation. True Benefit now serves more than 750,000 employees nationwide, overseeing more than $4 billion in healthcare premiums and delivering healthcare savings and solutions for small- to mid- sized businesses.

    A dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equity, Hodson has worked to improve insurance policies for the transgender community, addressing gaps in coverage and access to mental health care. He is also a proud supporter of UConn’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiatives, with a focus on promoting mental health and the wellbeing of students. He is actively involved with several professional organizations and serves on the Board of Trustees at Sarah Lawrence College, which two of his children attended.

    Greg Lewis Served as SVP and CFO of Honeywell

    Greg Lewis ’91 (BUS) is the former Senior Vice President and CFO of Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company. This month, he will be stepping down from those roles and is serving as a special advisor to the CEO of the company, where he has worked since 2006.

    Greg Lewis (contributed photo)

    During his time at Honeywell, he served as a catalyst for digital transformation, launched the company’s Enterprise Information Management Strategy and made significant changes for greater operational excellence. He built a culture with data at the forefront of strategic decision making and provided critical leadership in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic economic and geopolitical environment during the last five years.

    Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree from the School of Business in 1991, with a major in finance, and four years later earned an MBA from Fordham University.

    Over the last three years, Lewis has been involved with the School of Business,  engaging with faculty and students, and mentoring teams. Lewis is a champion of diversity and inclusion and is the executive sponsor of the All-Abilities Employee Network at Honeywell with over 2,500 associates. He chairs the Charlotte (NC) Small Business Innovation Fund and is a board member for Roof Above, a Charlotte-based organization fighting homelessness. He is also an independent director on the board of Medtronic.

    Lewis’ wife, Barbara, is a 1989 graduate of the School of Business. They have established a scholarship here, providing opportunities based on academic achievement and need.

    Rob Skinner Named a Top Financial Advisor

    Rob Skinner ’93 (CLAS) is a Founder and Managing Partner of IEQ Capital, an independent wealth management advisory firm which integrates investing and intellectual and emotional decisions.

    Robert Skinner (contributed photo)

    Skinner began his career at Fidelity Investments in 1995 and later joined Merrill Lynch as First Vice President of Investments. In 2008, he co-founded Luminous Capital, where he served as Chief Investment Officer, Co-Head of Investment Research, and Co-Manager of Portfolio Construction.  Luminous Capital managed $5.5 billion of assets when it was acquired by First Republic Bank in 2012. At First Republic, Skinner served as Senior Managing Director and Wealth Manager.

    Skinner has been lauded for his expertise, including being named as one of America’s Top Wealth Advisors by Forbes and as one of America’s Top 100 Financial Advisors by Barron’s.

    Skinner earned a bachelor’s degree from UConn in 1993, with a major in political science. He is active in a host of community programs, serving on the board of directors for The First Tee of Monterey County and also the Pebble Beach Company Foundation. He is a trustee of PGA REACH, the charitable arm of the PGA of America, as well as the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation, and serves on multiple investment advisory boards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health chief meets GZ’s vice mayor

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau met a delegation led by Guangzhou Vice Mayor Lai Zhihong today to discuss the deepening of medical co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

    At the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on various cross-boundary medical collaboration measures, including the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme, cross-boundary access to electronic health records via the eHealth mobile application, and the strengthening of exchanges between healthcare professionals from the two places.

     
    Prof Lo stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to cross-boundary medical collaboration, and has long been committed to it as way of enhancing healthcare across the Greater Bay Area (GBA) for the benefit of the region’s residents.

     
    He said the Health Bureau is pressing ahead with the pilot scheme’s extension to all of the GBA’s nine Mainland cities, as set out in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, and aims to announce more details in the first half of this year.
     

    He also iterated that that the bureau will fully leverage the eHealth platform to expand the sharing of cross-boundary medical records.
     

    “I have every confidence that under the guidance of key policies such as the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the National 14th Five-Year Plan, as well as the Resolution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, Hong Kong and Guangzhou will take forward healthcare integration and innovation in the GBA through concerted efforts in accordance with the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, thereby contributing to the needs of national development.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Pepfar funding to fight HIV/Aids has saved 26 million lives since 2003: how cutting it will hurt Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Eric Friedman, Researcher, Georgetown University

    The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has been a cornerstone of global HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment for over two decades. Pepfar has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the US, but its future is now uncertain. Public health scholars Eric A. Friedman, Sarah A. Wetter and Lawrence O. Gostin explain Pepfar’s history and impacts, as well as what may lie ahead.

    The early years

    Many people today have forgotten the sheer devastation that the Aids pandemic wrought on the African continent, first spreading widely in east Africa in the 1980s. By the end of the 20th century, life expectancy in the region had decreased from 64 to 47 years.

    Millions of children were infected and many grew up as orphans, with HIV taking the life of one or both of their parents. Children, especially girls, were taken out of school to nurse sick relatives or because school fees were unaffordable.

    Underfunded health systems were near collapse, as were the economies of many African countries.

    Infection rates in several countries on the continent topped 30% of their adult populations.

    These devastating figures persisted despite the discovery of highly effective antiretroviral therapies in the 1990s. These drugs rapidly became widely available in rich countries, beginning in 1996, leading to an 84% decline in death rates over four years.

    But cost kept the drugs out of reach for African countries.

    Only about 100,000 of the 20 million people infected with HIV in Africa were accessing drug treatment in 2003.

    The turnaround

    A major breakthrough came when US president George W Bush proposed a bold global initiative, Pepfar, in his 2003 State of the Union Address. Pepfar would dedicate US$15 billion over five years with the goals of preventing 7 million new infections, treating 2 million people, and caring for another 10 million infected with HIV or orphaned by the disease.

    By 2005, more than 800,000 people were being treated for HIV in Africa – an eightfold increase from only two years prior. Under Pepfar, the costs of antiretroviral treatment per person per year in low- and middle-income countries fell from US$1,200 in 2003 to just US$58 in 2023.

    Pepfar maintained bipartisan support throughout both Democratic and Republican-led administrations and Congresses. Through 2018, it had been reauthorised three times, each for five years.

    The programme has lived up to its promise. The investment of over US$110 billion since being launched has been transformative, with sub-Saharan Africa benefiting the most.

    Globally, Pepfar has saved 26 million lives and prevented nearly 8 million babies from being born with HIV. In 2024, more than 20 million people were receiving HIV treatment through Pepfar, which was also supporting well over 6 million orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers, and enabled nearly 84 million people to be tested for HIV that year.

    Its importance extends beyond Aids. The programme directly supports more than 340,000 health workers, a tremendous contribution in Africa especially, given severe health worker shortages in much of the continent.

    Pepfar-supported health services integrate HIV services with tuberculosis care, treatment and prevention. And since 2019, Pepfar has been part of a partnership for screening and treating women with HIV for cervical cancer, focused on 12 high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

    But the past two years have been ones of political discord and major disruption.

    Troubles begin

    The trouble began in May 2023, with Pepfar due for a five-year reauthorisation.

    A key member of Congress, along with organisations against abortion, raised concerns that Pepfar was supporting abortions, even though there was no such evidence at the time. In fact, by law Pepfar is prohibited from supporting abortions.

    House Republicans sought to include abortion restrictions in the Pepfar reauthorisation. But Congress passed a reauthorisation bill without abortion provisions in March 2024, to last until 25 March 2025.

    Ever since then, the threats posed to a five-year Pepfar reauthorisation have grown.

    The Trump effect

    In January, Pepfar reported to Congress that its own investigators had found that four nurses in Mozambique had used Pepfar funding to perform abortions (which are legal in Mozambique), 21 in all. Pepfar officials froze funds to the four nurses and required staff to attest to understanding that they were prohibited from providing abortion as part of US-funded health services.

    Days later Pepfar, along with most other US foreign assistance programmes, suffered a severe blow. President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing all further disbursements and new obligations of foreign assistance funds for 90 days, pending a sweeping review.

    Four days later, secretary of state Marco Rubio issued a directive that went even further, also requiring organisations to stop work, even those that had already received funds needed to operate.

    By 27 January, virtually all US foreign assistance programmes had come to a halt, including Pepfar programmes.

    Following an outcry, Rubio issued a waiver for lifesaving humanitarian assistance on 28 January. With confusion over what was covered, including whether the waiver encompassed HIV medicines, he issued another waiver on 1 February, covering Pepfar treatment and care programmes, including prevention of and treatment for TB and other opportunistic infections, as well as prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes.

    But organisations receiving US foreign assistance funds needed to get individual approval to resume, and the administration had put much of USAid’s staff on administrative leave. USAid (along with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has a central role in administering Pepfar. Many others, including contractors embedded in USAid operations, have been furloughed or fired.

    Very few people existed to process requests to resume work. Furthermore, USAid’s payment system appeared not to be working.

    The decisions of the Trump administration are being challenged in court in the US on the grounds that they are illegal and unconstitutional because they are usurping Congress’s power to determine how the US government spends funds, among other violations of the law.

    Nonetheless, as of this writing, despite a court order to resume funding, it remains entirely frozen, and most programmes are still shut down. The day after the court ordered the government to pay nearly US$2 billion it owes organisations for work already done, the administration revealed that it had terminated the vast majority of foreign assistance awards, including some for Pepfar. Details have not been made public. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court put a short-term pause on the lower court’s order to immediately pay the money already owed.

    The impact

    The impact has been immediate. People on HIV treatment could not pick up additional medicine, leading to treatment interruption. Pepfar-funded health services had to turn away patients. Health workers supported by Pepfar, among them 40,000 in Kenya, could no longer be paid.

    Many organisations that relied on Pepfar funds also had to lay off staff. Community groups have been affected and many have suspended their services entirely.

    It remains unclear what the future holds – how severe the cuts will be, and to what programmes. In the near term, much depends on the courts and whether the administration implements court orders, as it has yet to do. In the longer term, Congress could seek to resume Pepfar to its former strength, though this would mean acting against the administration’s wishes. Even then, it is not clear whether the administration would spend the money allocated, and the damage already done to Pepfar programmes and trust in the US government will not be repaired quickly.

    Pepfar is currently funded at US$7.5 billion annually. It accounts for over 10% of all US foreign assistance and over half of US global health assistance.

    The separate Pepfar waiver suggests the deepest support for Pepfar is for HIV treatment programmes, as well as others meant to be protected under the waiver. Barring vast cuts to foreign assistance and Pepfar, these programmes are most likely to be at least spared, though the administration has terminated even some grants that had been covered by the waiver.

    Other Pepfar programmes, particularly with respect to HIV prevention, are most vulnerable.

    Rethinking priorities

    The vulnerability of different African countries to Pepfar cuts varies widely. Some fund most of their own HIV programmes. South Africa’s HIV programmes are 74% domestically funded, with the balance coming from Pepfar (17%) and the Global Fund (7%).

    But Pepfar funding accounts for about 90% of all HIV funding in Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire, and more than half of HIV medicines purchased for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Zambia are purchased by the US.

    If there are significant Pepfar funding cuts, it is doubtful that other wealthy countries will be able to compensate. And because the US, through Pepfar, is the largest contributor to the Global Fund, it is unlikely that the Global Fund could fill the gap either.

    Under these circumstances, unless countries increase their domestic HIV spending, the dramatic progress in combating HIV/Aids in Africa could begin to become undone.
    The conversation in Africa must focus on ending reliance on foreign assistance and developing resilient financing mechanisms to continue the fight to end Aids.

    – Pepfar funding to fight HIV/Aids has saved 26 million lives since 2003: how cutting it will hurt Africa
    – https://theconversation.com/pepfar-funding-to-fight-hiv-aids-has-saved-26-million-lives-since-2003-how-cutting-it-will-hurt-africa-250413

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Addis Ababa Declaration by Religious, Interfaith, Ethical, and Scientific Organisations on Reparations

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

    We, the delegates participating in the Conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 27 to 28 February 2025, under the theme “The Role of Faith Communities and Ethical Organisations in Advancing Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” along with representatives from religious organisations, scientific and ethical institutions, and cultural associations of African and international civil society,

    EXPRESS our deep gratitude to His Excellency Mr. João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), and to His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for their unwavering support to faith communities and ethical organisations in implementing Africa’s Agenda 2063.

    RECOGNISE, with appreciation, the decision of the African Union to dedicate the theme for the year 2025 to “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

    NOTE WITH DEEP SATISFACTION the work and recommendations from the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, which reflect a collective commitment to advancing restorative justice and healing for Africans and people of African descent.

    RECALL that in November 2022, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) adopted resolution ACHPR/Res.543 (LXXIII) 2022, reaffirming that accountability and redress for historical mass crimes—including slavery, the African slave trade, colonisation, and racial segregation—are essential to combating persistent systemic racism and promoting the human rights of Africans and people of African descent.

    RECALL ALSO the conclusions and recommendations from the Accra International Conference of November 2023 on “Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations for Africans,” and those from the Accra Summit on Reparations and Racial Healing held in August 2022, organised at the proposal of the Government of Ghana.

    SUPPORT the call for a collective commitment to confront the historical injustices and severe crimes perpetrated against Africans and people of African descent throughout the slave trades, colonialism, and apartheid. We also commit to addressing the narratives and policies that foster negrophobia and racial hatred in all contexts, and to tackling the inequalities that exist in the international economic and political systems.

    EMPHASISE our individual and collective recognition of the profound and lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, racial discrimination, and neo-colonialism on Africans and people of African descent. We acknowledge how these injustices continue to inflict immense suffering, cultural disruption, economic exploitation, emotional trauma, and enduring discrimination on Africans and people of African descent throughout history.

    AFFIRM that the implementation of reparations is both a moral and legal imperative, grounded in the principles of justice, human rights, and human dignity. The demand for reparations signifies a concrete step toward addressing historical wrongs and fostering healing among the peoples of Africa and those of African descent.

    RECOGNISE the concept of ecological debt as a critical component of reparations, acknowledging the severe environmental degradation caused by colonial exploitation, industrial pollution, and resource extraction. We affirm that historical and ongoing environmental destruction, including deforestation, water contamination, soil depletion, and biodiversity loss, has disproportionately affected African communities, leading to food scarcity, health crises, and climate vulnerability.

    SUPPORT the commitments made at the Accra Conference on Reparations and the recommendations directed to the Member States of the African Union. These call for the establishment by the African Union Commission and the inauguration of a Committee of Experts on Reparations, in consultation with Member States and AU Organs, aiming to develop a unified African policy on reparations and implement an African Programme of Action on Reparations, in line with due process and considering the following proposals:

    1. To act as the primary reference point for the African Union on issues related to reparations and ethical healing;
    2. To solicit, cultivate, and promote knowledge on restorative justice within the African Union by developing and implementing reparations-related knowledge among various AU organs, Member States, and the global African community;
    3. To establish an official programme for the African Union and its Member States, along with other institutions, to commemorate historical events that necessitate strong actions for justice and reparations for Africans and individuals of African descent;
    4. To liaise with and support the role of an AU Special Envoy on Reparations for Africa and the Sixth Region of the Diaspora;
    5. To undertake other tasks as assigned and determined by the African Union.

    PROPOSE the formation of an Ethical Reference Group, in close coordination with the African Union Commission, to assist the AU Committee of Experts and the AU Special Envoy by providing ethical guidance on the issue of reparations. This includes best practices of restorative justice based on indigenous African traditions, sources, and spirituality. The Ethical Reference Group will also offer thought leadership and counsel, drawing on global case studies to inform policy and advocate for the application of international standards in support of restorative justice.

    RESOLVE to centre “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations” within the African Peace Initiative, in pursuit of a Civilisational Truce aimed at transforming a world marked by conflict, war, and dysfunction into societies characterised by dialogue, reconciliation, and reparations. This aligns with the principles of Ubuntu philosophy and the teaching of the Golden Rule, which states, “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” as well as the objectives of the AU’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to advance the vision of the AU of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.” 

    PROPOSE to the AU to consider a decade of reparations.

    INVITE all religious, ethical, scientific, and cultural organisations, along with African citizens—particularly the youth and women—to embrace and promote the call for reparations. It is essential to prioritise the protection of human beings and to respect the sanctity of human life, as this focus will help build centres of shared interest.

    May Peace Prevail in Africa

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pepfar funding to fight HIV/Aids has saved 26 million lives since 2003: how cutting it will hurt Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Eric Friedman, Researcher, Georgetown University

    The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has been a cornerstone of global HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment for over two decades. Pepfar has enjoyed broad bipartisan support in the US, but its future is now uncertain. Public health scholars Eric A. Friedman, Sarah A. Wetter and Lawrence O. Gostin explain Pepfar’s history and impacts, as well as what may lie ahead.

    The early years

    Many people today have forgotten the sheer devastation that the Aids pandemic wrought on the African continent, first spreading widely in east Africa in the 1980s. By the end of the 20th century, life expectancy in the region had decreased from 64 to 47 years.

    Millions of children were infected and many grew up as orphans, with HIV taking the life of one or both of their parents. Children, especially girls, were taken out of school to nurse sick relatives or because school fees were unaffordable.

    Underfunded health systems were near collapse, as were the economies of many African countries.

    Infection rates in several countries on the continent topped 30% of their adult populations.

    These devastating figures persisted despite the discovery of highly effective antiretroviral therapies in the 1990s. These drugs rapidly became widely available in rich countries, beginning in 1996, leading to an 84% decline in death rates over four years.

    But cost kept the drugs out of reach for African countries.

    Only about 100,000 of the 20 million people infected with HIV in Africa were accessing drug treatment in 2003.

    The turnaround

    A major breakthrough came when US president George W Bush proposed a bold global initiative, Pepfar, in his 2003 State of the Union Address. Pepfar would dedicate US$15 billion over five years with the goals of preventing 7 million new infections, treating 2 million people, and caring for another 10 million infected with HIV or orphaned by the disease.

    By 2005, more than 800,000 people were being treated for HIV in Africa – an eightfold increase from only two years prior. Under Pepfar, the costs of antiretroviral treatment per person per year in low- and middle-income countries fell from US$1,200 in 2003 to just US$58 in 2023.

    Pepfar maintained bipartisan support throughout both Democratic and Republican-led administrations and Congresses. Through 2018, it had been reauthorised three times, each for five years.

    The programme has lived up to its promise. The investment of over US$110 billion since being launched has been transformative, with sub-Saharan Africa benefiting the most.

    Globally, Pepfar has saved 26 million lives and prevented nearly 8 million babies from being born with HIV. In 2024, more than 20 million people were receiving HIV treatment through Pepfar, which was also supporting well over 6 million orphans, vulnerable children and their caregivers, and enabled nearly 84 million people to be tested for HIV that year.

    Its importance extends beyond Aids. The programme directly supports more than 340,000 health workers, a tremendous contribution in Africa especially, given severe health worker shortages in much of the continent.

    Pepfar-supported health services integrate HIV services with tuberculosis care, treatment and prevention. And since 2019, Pepfar has been part of a partnership for screening and treating women with HIV for cervical cancer, focused on 12 high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

    But the past two years have been ones of political discord and major disruption.

    Troubles begin

    The trouble began in May 2023, with Pepfar due for a five-year reauthorisation.

    A key member of Congress, along with organisations against abortion, raised concerns that Pepfar was supporting abortions, even though there was no such evidence at the time. In fact, by law Pepfar is prohibited from supporting abortions.

    House Republicans sought to include abortion restrictions in the Pepfar reauthorisation. But Congress passed a reauthorisation bill without abortion provisions in March 2024, to last until 25 March 2025.

    Ever since then, the threats posed to a five-year Pepfar reauthorisation have grown.

    The Trump effect

    In January, Pepfar reported to Congress that its own investigators had found that four nurses in Mozambique had used Pepfar funding to perform abortions (which are legal in Mozambique), 21 in all. Pepfar officials froze funds to the four nurses and required staff to attest to understanding that they were prohibited from providing abortion as part of US-funded health services.

    Days later Pepfar, along with most other US foreign assistance programmes, suffered a severe blow. President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing all further disbursements and new obligations of foreign assistance funds for 90 days, pending a sweeping review.

    Four days later, secretary of state Marco Rubio issued a directive that went even further, also requiring organisations to stop work, even those that had already received funds needed to operate.

    By 27 January, virtually all US foreign assistance programmes had come to a halt, including Pepfar programmes.

    Following an outcry, Rubio issued a waiver for lifesaving humanitarian assistance on 28 January. With confusion over what was covered, including whether the waiver encompassed HIV medicines, he issued another waiver on 1 February, covering Pepfar treatment and care programmes, including prevention of and treatment for TB and other opportunistic infections, as well as prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes.

    But organisations receiving US foreign assistance funds needed to get individual approval to resume, and the administration had put much of USAid’s staff on administrative leave. USAid (along with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has a central role in administering Pepfar. Many others, including contractors embedded in USAid operations, have been furloughed or fired.

    Very few people existed to process requests to resume work. Furthermore, USAid’s payment system appeared not to be working.

    The decisions of the Trump administration are being challenged in court in the US on the grounds that they are illegal and unconstitutional because they are usurping Congress’s power to determine how the US government spends funds, among other violations of the law.

    Nonetheless, as of this writing, despite a court order to resume funding, it remains entirely frozen, and most programmes are still shut down. The day after the court ordered the government to pay nearly US$2 billion it owes organisations for work already done, the administration revealed that it had terminated the vast majority of foreign assistance awards, including some for Pepfar. Details have not been made public. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court put a short-term pause on the lower court’s order to immediately pay the money already owed.

    The impact

    The impact has been immediate. People on HIV treatment could not pick up additional medicine, leading to treatment interruption. Pepfar-funded health services had to turn away patients. Health workers supported by Pepfar, among them 40,000 in Kenya, could no longer be paid.

    Many organisations that relied on Pepfar funds also had to lay off staff. Community groups have been affected and many have suspended their services entirely.

    It remains unclear what the future holds – how severe the cuts will be, and to what programmes. In the near term, much depends on the courts and whether the administration implements court orders, as it has yet to do. In the longer term, Congress could seek to resume Pepfar to its former strength, though this would mean acting against the administration’s wishes. Even then, it is not clear whether the administration would spend the money allocated, and the damage already done to Pepfar programmes and trust in the US government will not be repaired quickly.

    Pepfar is currently funded at US$7.5 billion annually. It accounts for over 10% of all US foreign assistance and over half of US global health assistance.

    The separate Pepfar waiver suggests the deepest support for Pepfar is for HIV treatment programmes, as well as others meant to be protected under the waiver. Barring vast cuts to foreign assistance and Pepfar, these programmes are most likely to be at least spared, though the administration has terminated even some grants that had been covered by the waiver.

    Other Pepfar programmes, particularly with respect to HIV prevention, are most vulnerable.

    Rethinking priorities

    The vulnerability of different African countries to Pepfar cuts varies widely. Some fund most of their own HIV programmes. South Africa’s HIV programmes are 74% domestically funded, with the balance coming from Pepfar (17%) and the Global Fund (7%).

    But Pepfar funding accounts for about 90% of all HIV funding in Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire, and more than half of HIV medicines purchased for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Zambia are purchased by the US.

    If there are significant Pepfar funding cuts, it is doubtful that other wealthy countries will be able to compensate. And because the US, through Pepfar, is the largest contributor to the Global Fund, it is unlikely that the Global Fund could fill the gap either.

    Under these circumstances, unless countries increase their domestic HIV spending, the dramatic progress in combating HIV/Aids in Africa could begin to become undone.
    The conversation in Africa must focus on ending reliance on foreign assistance and developing resilient financing mechanisms to continue the fight to end Aids.

    Lawrence O. Gostin is Director of the WHO Collaborating Center on Global Health Law

    Eric Friedman and Sarah Wetter do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Pepfar funding to fight HIV/Aids has saved 26 million lives since 2003: how cutting it will hurt Africa – https://theconversation.com/pepfar-funding-to-fight-hiv-aids-has-saved-26-million-lives-since-2003-how-cutting-it-will-hurt-africa-250413

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Child mental health waiting times target met

    Source: Scottish Government

    Minister says progress is “encouraging” and thanks staff for their dedication.

    The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the first time.

    Latest Public Health statistics show 90.6% of those who were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from October to December– the Scottish Government standard is 90%.

    The figure is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.

    Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said:

    “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.

    “We want everyone to get the support they need, when they need it. Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.

    “However, we are on the right path and the £123 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”

    Background

    Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Quarter ending December 2024 – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times – Publications – Public Health Scotland

    The national CAMHS standard was set in 2014.

    CAMHS is only the right service for a small proportion of children and young people. To provide an alternative, the Scottish Government has provided targeted investment of over £65 million in community-based mental health support, between 2020 and 2024-25, and £16 million annual spend on school counselling services is in addition to this.

    The National CAMHS specification is clear that children and young people whose referral is not accepted are sensitively and appropriately signposted to a more suitable service, such as those provided within community.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public urged to reduce their electrical waste to mark NI Repair Week

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Public urged to reduce their electrical waste to mark NI Repair Week

    4 March 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council and Repair and Share Foyle are highlighting ways to repair household electrical items and keep them out of landfill as part of NI Repair Week.

    Events, workshops and tutorials are being hosted across Northern Ireland to celebrate Repair Week from March 3rd to 9th and encourage people to consider repairing their old items and learning the skills needed to do it.

    Locally, a repair cafe will be held this weekend at the Repair and Share Foyle Headquarters in Rathmore Business Park.

    A successful repair café event also took place at the weekend in Strabane’s Fountain Centre.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, urged the public to consider ways they can reduce their own electrical waste.

    “Electrical waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world,” she noted. “Many household items such as handheld fans, electric toothbrushes, smart phones, TVs and white goods are presenting longevity and repairability challenges.

    “Many of these items can be repaired or used for parts which keeps them in use for longer rather than committing them to landfill.

    “The workshops being hosted locally this week are an opportunity to learn more about safely repairing some of those items which can benefit the environment and your pocket by saving you money on purchasing replacement items.”

    Repair and Share Foyle launched their first repair café in 2022 and are led almost entirely by volunteers.

    They have embraced waste head on by sharing skills and resources in the community, including the North West’s first tools and equipment library the ‘Library of Things’.

    The group accept donations of small working household electricals for their ‘rehome your electricals’ campaign and encourage community groups to sign up as redistribution partners.

    In addition to small household electricals, Repair and Share Foyle’s in-house ‘Laptop Doctors’ have been collecting unwanted laptops from drop-off points across the district.

    The laptops are professionally wiped of data before being given a new lease of life and a new battery or charger.

    Caroline McGuinness-Brooks, Managing Director, explained more about their service: “If you or someone in your community is in need of say a kettle, a lamp, a hoover, your local community organisation can make a request to us for a donation of such an item if we have it in stock,” she said.

    “Anything with a plug, battery, or cable can and should be recycled.

    “Donated items can be dropped off to our workshop at the RathMor Business Park Monday through to Saturday or during Repair Café events.”

    To learn more and stay up to date with Repair and Share Foyle, you can subscribe to their e-newsletter via their website at linktr.ee/repairandsharefoyle

    The Repair Cafe will take place this Saturday March 8th at Repair and Share’s premises in Rathmore from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

    Items that can be fixed include small household electricals, laptops, textiles and leather, toys, sewing machines and small pieces of furniture.

    Unwanted laptops can be dropped off at the Foyle Hospice Furniture Outlet, the Guildhall, Eglinton Community Centre, Waterside Shared Village, Strahans Road Recycling Centre and the Alley Theatre.

    Full details about how NI Repair Week is being marked locally are available at derrystrabane.com/repair.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Georgia: Malaria-free certification ‘a huge milestone worth marking’

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Health

    The country of Georgia has been certified malaria-free following a nearly century-long fight to combat the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday. 

    It now joins 45 countries and one territory that have achieved this milestone.

    “Today we congratulate the people of Georgia for their decades of targeted and sustained actions to eliminate malaria, one of the world’s leading killers,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General. 

    About WHO certification

    Malaria is spread by some types of mosquitoes and is mostly found in tropical countries. The infection is caused by a parasite and does not spread from person to person. The disease is both preventable and curable.

    Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening, Mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache, while severe ones include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. 

    WHO certifies a country as malaria-free after it has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.

    Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said Georgia’s achievement “is a huge milestone worth marking” as it brings Europe another step closer to being certified as the first malaria-free region in the world.

    “This doesn’t happen in a vacuum, this was made possible thanks to sustained investment, dedication of the health workforce and targeted efforts in prevention, early detection and effective treatment of all malaria cases,” he said.

    A long battle

    Malaria has plagued Georgia since ancient times, WHO noted.

    Before the introduction of systematic control efforts in the early 1900s, at least three malaria parasite species – P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. vivax – were endemic there. In the 1920s, roughly 30 per cent of the population suffered from malaria caused by the P. vivax malaria species.

    By 1940, large-scale mosquito control programmes had helped reduce malaria cases significantly through improved access to diagnostic and treatment facilities. However, the Second World War caused cases to surge again due to population movement and the strain on health facilities. 

    During the post-war period, Georgia launched an intensive programme focused on eliminating malaria, using newer medicines, insecticide spraying and robust entomological surveillance. The campaign successfully interrupted the transmission of P. falciparum by 1953, P. malariae by 1960 and P. vivax by 1970. 

    The country remained malaria-free for 25 years, but by 2002 the disease had reemerged, with 474 cases reported.

    Renewed commitment

    In 2005, Georgia and nine other countries in the WHO European Region signed the Tashkent Declaration, reaffirming its pledge to eliminate malaria. 

    The intensified interventions that followed significantly reduced malaria incidence in Georgia, with the last indigenous case recorded in 2009. By 2015, all 53 countries of the WHO European Region, including Georgia, reported zero indigenous cases.

    To prevent further re-establishment of malaria transmission in the region, the original signatories of the Tashkent Declaration issued the Ashgabat Statement in 2017, committing to take all efforts to remain malaria-free. 

    Türkiye is the only country in the WHO European Region still to be certified. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: My Dog Has Cancer: What Do I Need to Know?

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

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    Any pet owner who has been told their animal has cancer knows the two emotions: anxiety for the beloved pet’s life, and hope for an effective treatment.
    “Many people consider their dogs and cats members of the family,” says Food and Drug Administration veterinarian Lisa Troutman. “Just as the FDA reviews drugs for humans for safety and effectiveness before they can go on the market, the agency does the same for treatments for animals.”
    Take, for instance, cancer, which accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over 10 years of age. Although pets of any age can have cancer, the longer they live, the greater the likelihood of developing it. Dogs get cancer at roughly the same rate as humans.
    “Pets are living longer because of preventative health care. And we’re able to diagnose cancers earlier. As a result there is an increased need for better cancer treatments,” Troutman notes.
    Until very recently, the only drugs available to treat cancer in animals were those approved for use in humans. But in the last few years, veterinary drug sponsors (the pharmaceutical companies developing the drugs) have brought to market treatments meant specifically for animals.
    Troutman explains, “the FDA works closely with these companies to discuss how they can demonstrate that their innovative veterinary drugs are safe and effective, and to address questions that arise while working toward approval of their drug.”
    FDA Evaluates Safety and Effectiveness of Medicines
    To evaluate the safety of any new veterinary drug, companies typically conduct a study in a small number of healthy animals in the same species that the drug is intended for. For example, if the drug is for dogs, it will be tried first in healthy dogs. The findings help the veterinarian anticipate potential side effects when the drug is used to treat a patient and help minimize adverse events that might affect the pet’s quality of life.
    Companies also must show in controlled studies that the drug works — that it is effective when used according to the label. For example, for a drug intended for a particular kind of cancer, companies typically run a clinical trial at multiple animal hospitals where pets are being treated for that cancer. In these studies, the patients may receive either the drug being studied or a control. Although the owners and veterinarians are aware that their pets and patients could receive either the experimental drug or the control — a placebo — they don’t know which treatment they actually get. In either case, owners have the option to drop out of a study at any time.
    When the goal is to treat a form of cancer that affects smaller numbers of animals, drug companies can use a pathway called conditional approval to bring drug treatments to market more quickly. Conditional approval allows a company to make its drug available to patients after proving the drug fully meets the FDA standard for safety and showing that there is a reasonable expectation that the drug is effective for the intended purpose.
    “Often small exploratory studies are conducted to support a reasonable expectation of effectiveness,” Troutman says.
    Conditional approvals have both pros and cons. On the plus side, they allow veterinary drug sponsors to provide patients quicker access to innovative treatments without waiting for the development of “substantial evidence” of effectiveness that would satisfy the requirement for a full approval.
    “On the other hand, because the studies used to support a reasonable expectation of effectiveness are small, the drugs may not turn out to be effective when they are used in greater numbers of animals,” Troutman says.
    The FDA may allow, through annual renewals, the conditionally-approved products to stay on the market for up to five years while the company collects the remaining effectiveness data required to support a new animal drug application for full approval. Conditional approval automatically expires at the end of five years and the drug is removed from the market if the company has not fully demonstrated that the drug is effective.
    FDA-Approved Drugs for Cancer in Dogs
    Troutman says that sponsors are continuing to develop innovative treatments for different types of cancer in dogs.
    “We’re looking at therapies that are more targeted now,” she says. Scientists are identifying proteins or other substances unique to cancer cells and developing treatments that target those substances without harming healthy cells.
    Currently, three drugs are approved, and another drug is conditionally approved to treat cancer in dogs:

    Palladia (toceranib phosphate), to treat mast cell tumors, was approved in 2009; 
    Stelfonta (tigilanol tiglate injection), to treat mast cell tumors, was approved in 2020;
    Tanovea-CA1 (rabacfosadine for injection), to treat lymphoma, conditionally approved in 2016 and fully approved in 2021; and
    Laverdia-CA1 (verdinexor tablets), to treat lymphoma, conditionally approved in 2021

    To date, there are no FDA-approved treatments for cancer in cats. Most cancer treatments for dogs and cats use drugs the FDA has approved for use in humans.
    What are the Warning Signs?
    The warning signs of cancer in dogs are similar to those in people, Troutman says: a lump or bump, a wound that doesn’t heal, any kind of swelling, abnormal bleeding. But generally, a pet owner should keep an eye out for what Troutman calls “the basics —changes in the normal functions of eating, drinking, peeing, pooping and sleeping — and contact their veterinarian if they have concerns.
    “Emotional state, such as being withdrawn and irritable, can be another sign,” she says.
    Both general veterinary practitioners and veterinary oncologists, as well as other specialists, treat cancer in cats and dogs. In general, veterinary practitioners work with veterinary oncologists to provide the diagnosis and the follow-up care for the pet during treatment, which may include blood work and imaging, such as x-rays or ultrasound examinations, to monitor the animal’s progress.
    There’s a fundamental difference between treating cancer in pets versus people. “Side effects from cancer treatment are usually fewer than those seen in people, and veterinarians work very hard to manage those side effects and maintain quality of life,” Troutman says. “There are even drugs that have been brought to market with the intent of managing common side effects, like vomiting or lack of appetite.”
    Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian
    Questions that pet owners may want to ask their veterinarian and veterinary oncologist when their pet has been diagnosed with cancer include:

    What treatments are available?
    What is the prognosis with each treatment?
    What are the side effects of each treatment and how will they affect my pet’s quality of life?
    How long will I need to treat my pet?
    Will this treatment cure my pet’s cancer? Will it make him more comfortable?
    What is the cost of each treatment?
    How many visits back to the veterinarian are needed?

    Pet owners who want to investigate clinical trials for their animal can go to the American Veterinary Medicine Association website.
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Outsmarting Poison Ivy and Other Poisonous Plants

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    [embedded content]

      Espanol
    First comes the itching, then a red rash, and then blisters. These symptoms of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can emerge any time from a few hours to several days after exposure to the plant oil found in the sap of these poisonous plants. The culprit: the urushiol oil. Here are some tips to avoid it.
    Recognizing Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac

    Poison Ivy: Found throughout the United States except Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of the West Coast. Can grow as a vine or small shrub trailing along the ground or climbing on low plants, trees and poles. Each leaf has three glossy leaflets, with smooth or toothed edges. Leaves are reddish in spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall. May have greenish-white flowers and whitish-yellow berries.
    Poison Oak: Grows as a low shrub in the Eastern and Southern United States, and in tall clumps or long vines on the Pacific Coast. Fuzzy green leaves in clusters of three are lobed or deeply toothed with rounded tips. May have yellow-white berries.
    Poison Sumac: Grows as a tall shrub or small tree in bogs or swamps in the Northeast, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast. Each leaf has clusters of seven to 13 smooth-edged leaflets. Leaves are orange in spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall. May have yellow-greenish flowers and whitish-green fruits hang in loose clusters.

    Poison Plant Rashes Aren’t Contagious
    Poison ivy and other poison plant rashes can’t be spread from person to person. But it is possible to pick up the rash from plant oil that may have stuck to clothing, pets, garden tools, and other items that have come in contact with these plants. The plant oil lingers (sometimes for years) on virtually any surface until it’s washed off with water or rubbing alcohol.
    The rash will occur only where the plant oil has touched the skin, so a person with poison ivy can’t spread it on the body by scratching. It may seem like the rash is spreading if it appears over time instead of all at once. But this is either because the plant oil is absorbed at different rates on different parts of the body or because of repeated exposure to contaminated objects or plant oil trapped under the fingernails. Even if blisters break, the fluid in the blisters is not plant oil and cannot further spread the rash.
    Tips for Prevention

    Learn what poison ivy, oak, and sumac plants look like so you can avoid them.
    Wash your garden tools and gloves regularly. If you think you may be working around poison ivy, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into boots, and impermeable gloves.
    Wash your pet if it may have brushed up against poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Use pet shampoo and water while wearing rubber gloves, such as dishwashing gloves. Most pets are not sensitive to poison ivy, but the oil can stick to their fur and cause a reaction in someone who pets them.
    Wash your skin in soap and cool water as soon as possible if you come in contact with a poisonous plant. The sooner you cleanse the skin, the greater the chance that you can remove the plant oil or help prevent further spread.

    Tips for Treatment
    Don’t scratch the blisters. Bacteria from under your fingernails can get into them and cause an infection. The rash, blisters, and itch normally disappear in several weeks without any treatment.
    You can relieve the itch by:

    Using wet compresses or soaking in cool water.
    Applying over-the-counter topical corticosteroid preparations or taking prescription oral corticosteroids.
    Applying topical OTC skin protectants, such as zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, and calamine dry the oozing and weeping of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Protectants such as baking soda or colloidal oatmeal relieve minor irritation and itching. Aluminum acetate is an astringent that relieves rash.

    See a doctor if:

    You have a temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
    There is pus, soft yellow scabs, or tenderness on the rash.
    The itching gets worse or keeps you awake at night.
    The rash spreads to your eyes, mouth, genital area, or covers more than one-fourth of your skin area.
    The rash is not improving within a few weeks.
    The rash is widespread and severe.
    You have difficulty breathing.

    Content current as of:
    06/09/2021

    Regulated Product(s)

    Health Topic(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA 101: Dietary Supplements

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

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    Español
    Multivitamins, vitamin D, echinacea, and fish oil are among the many dietary supplements lining store shelves or available online. Perhaps you already take a supplement or are thinking about using one. Dietary supplements can be beneficial to your health, but they can also involve health risks. So, it’s important that you talk with a health care professional to help you decide if a supplement is right for you.
    Read on to learn what dietary supplements are, are not, what role the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has in regulating them, and how to make sure you and your family use supplements safely.
    What Are Dietary Supplements?
    Dietary supplements are intended to add to or supplement the diet and are different from conventional food. Generally, to the extent a product is intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases, it is a drug, even if it is labeled as a dietary supplement. Supplements are ingested and come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, powders, bars, gummies, and liquids.
    Common supplements include:

    Vitamins: such as multivitamins or individual vitamins like vitamin D and biotin
    Minerals: such as calcium, magnesium, and iron
    Botanicals or herbs: such as echinacea and ginger
    Botanical compounds: such as caffeine and curcumin
    Amino acids: such as tryptophan and glutamine
    Live microbials: commonly referred to as “probiotics”

    What Are the Benefits of Dietary Supplements?
    Dietary supplements can help you improve or maintain your overall health, and supplements can also help you meet your daily requirements of essential nutrients.
    For example, calcium and vitamin D can help build strong bones, and fiber can help to maintain bowel regularity. While the benefits of some supplements are well established, other supplements need more study. Also, keep in mind that supplements should not take the place of the variety of foods that are important for a healthy diet.
    What Are the Risks of Dietary Supplements?
    Before buying or taking a dietary supplement, talk with a health care professional—such as your doctor, nurse, registered dietician, or pharmacist—about the benefits and risks.
    Many supplements contain ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Additionally, some supplements can interact with medications, interfere with lab tests, or have dangerous effects during surgery. Your health care professional can help you decide what supplement, if any, is right for you.
    When taking dietary supplements, be alert to the possibility of a bad reaction or side effect, also known as an adverse event.
    Problems can occur especially if you:

    If you experience an adverse event while taking a dietary supplement, immediately stop using the supplement, seek medical care or advice, and report the adverse event to the FDA.
    How Are Dietary Supplements Regulated?
    The Law
    The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was amended in 1994 by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, often referred to as DSHEA, which defined “dietary supplement” and set out the FDA’s authority regarding such products. Under existing law:

    The FDA does NOT have the authority to approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness, or to approve their labeling, before the supplements are sold to the public.
    Under the FD&C Act, it is the responsibility of dietary supplement companies to ensure their products meet the safety standards for dietary supplements and are not otherwise in violation of the law.
    Dietary supplement labels are required to have nutrition information in the form of a Supplement Facts label that includes the serving size, the number of servings per container, a listing of all dietary ingredients in the product, and the amount per serving of those ingredients. They also must have a statement on the front of the product identifying it as a “dietary supplement” or similar descriptive term, e.g., “herbal supplement” or “calcium supplement”. 

    In general, even if a product is labeled as a dietary supplement, a product intended to treat, prevent, cure, or alleviate the symptoms of a disease is a drug, and subject to all requirements that apply to drugs.
    The FDA’s Role and Actions to Help Keep You Safe
    Even though the FDA does not approve dietary supplements, there are roles for the agency in regulating them.

    Since companies can often introduce a dietary supplement to the market without notifying the FDA, the agency’s role in regulating supplements primarily begins after the product enters the marketplace.
    The FDA periodically inspects dietary supplement manufacturing facilities to verify companies are meeting applicable manufacturing and labeling requirements.
    The FDA also reviews product labels and other labeling information, including websites, to ensure products are appropriately labeled and that they do not include claims that may render the products drugs, e.g., claims to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent diseases.
    The FDA monitors adverse event reports submitted by dietary supplement companies, health care professionals, and consumers as well as other product complaints for valuable information about the safety of products once they are on the market.
    If a product is found to be unsafe or doesn’t otherwise comply with the law, the FDA can:

    Work with the company to bring the product into compliance.
    Ask the company to voluntarily recall the product.
    Take action to remove a dangerous product from the market.

    Tips to Be a Safe and Informed Consumer
    Before taking a dietary supplement, talk with your health care professional. They can help you decide which supplements, if any, are right for you. You can also contact the manufacturer for information about the product.

    Take only as described on the label. Some ingredients and products can be harmful when consumed in high amounts, when taken for a long time, or when used in combination with certain drugs or foods.
    Do not substitute a dietary supplement for a prescription medicine or for the variety of foods important to a healthy diet.
    Do not assume that the term “natural” to describe a product ensures that it is safe.
    Be wary of hype. Sound health advice is generally based upon research over time, not a single study.
    Learn to spot false claims. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

    Why Is It Important to Report an Adverse Event?
    If you experience adverse event, also known as a side effect or bad reaction, the FDA encourages both you and your health care professional to report the adverse event to the FDA.
    You can help the FDA, yourself, and other consumers by reporting an adverse event. A single adverse event report can help us identify a potentially dangerous product and possibly remove it from the market.
    For a list of potential serious reactions to watch for, and to learn how to report an adverse event, please see the FDA’s webpage, How to Report a Problem with Dietary Supplements.
    Adverse events can also be reported to the product’s manufacturer or distributor through the address or phone number listed on the product’s label. Dietary supplement firms are required to report serious adverse events they receive about their dietary supplements to the FDA within 15 days.
    As a part of FDA modernization efforts for field operations, all of our Centers now directly receive reports of problems or adverse reactions with FDA-regulated products. Please direct concerns to the appropriate FDA center by visiting our SmartHub webpage, which will guide you to the appropriate webform or phone number.
    If you are not able to use the SmartHub, you may also call 1-888-INFO-FDA and follow the prompts to report a problem. If you require the use of a Relay Service, please call the Federal Relay Services at 800-877-8339. This is a toll-free relay service to call federal agencies from TTY devices.
    NOTE: The ORA consumer complaint coordinator telephone numbers previously available are no longer in use.
    Additional Resources:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

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    Español
    When you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, do you also take a vitamin, mineral, or other dietary supplement? Have you considered whether there is any danger in mixing medications and dietary supplements?
    There could be. Certain dietary supplements can change absorption, metabolism, or excretion of a medication. If that happens, it can affect the potency of your medication, which means you may get either too much or too little of the medication you need.
    Dangers of Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements
    Dietary supplements are widely used and include vitamins, minerals, and other less familiar substances—such as amino acids, botanicals, and botanical-derived ingredients. Tens of millions of people in the U.S. take some kind of dietary supplement along with a prescription medication.
    Combining dietary supplements and medications could have dangerous and even life-threatening effects. For example, drugs for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, depression, treatments for organ transplants, and birth control pills are less effective when taken with St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement. Depending on the medication involved, the results can be serious.
    In addition, warfarin (a prescription blood thinner), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin, and vitamin E (a supplement) can each thin the blood. Taking any of these products together may increase the potential for internal bleeding or stroke.
    Don’t Assume “Natural” Means Safe
    Some consumers may believe that a so-called “natural” product, such as an herbal supplement or fish oil, can’t hurt them. Natural does not always mean safe.
    For example, many weight loss products claim to be “all-natural” or “herbal,” but their ingredients may interact with medications or may be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions.
    Precautions for Children and for Those Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
    Children, in particular, could be harmed by taking both supplements and medicines. Children’s metabolisms are unique, and at different ages they metabolize substances at different rates. For kids, ingesting dietary supplements together with other medications make adverse events a real possibility. And if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you’ll want to discuss any dietary supplements with their health care professional.
    Considerations Before Surgery
    If you’re planning a surgery, be aware that some dietary supplements can interact in a harmful way with medications you need to take before, after, or during that surgery. Your health care professional may ask you to stop taking dietary supplements two or three weeks before the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or bleeding risk.
    What Is the FDA’s Role in Dietary Supplements?
    Although the FDA has oversight of the dietary supplement industry, the supplement manufacturers and distributors are responsible for making sure their products are safe before they’re marketed. Manufacturers are required to produce dietary supplements that meet minimum quality standards, do not contain contaminants or impurities, and are accurately labeled.
    The FDA does not review supplements for effectiveness (as it does for OTC and prescription medications) before they enter the market. If the dietary supplement contains certain new dietary ingredients, the manufacturer must submit data on that ingredient’s safety—but not its effectiveness—for the FDA’s review before the manufacturer markets a dietary supplement containing the ingredient.
    The FDA can take enforcement actions against manufacturers if their products are found to be adulterated (for example, if an ingredient is unsafe) and/or misbranded (for example, if their labeling is false or misleading). To the extent a product marketed as a dietary supplement bears claims that the product is intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent a disease, the FDA may also consider whether it is appropriate to take action against products that are unlawfully marketed as drugs.
    Talk With Your Health Care Professional Before Using Supplements
    Before you take any dietary supplement or medication—over-the-counter or prescription—it is important to discuss it with your health care professional.

    Every time you visit a health care professional’s office, bring a list of all the dietary supplements and medications you are currently taking. Include the dosages and how many times a day you take them. Some people find it easiest to throw all their dietary supplements and medications in a bag to bring to the medical visit.
    If you’re thinking of adding a dietary supplement to your daily routine, call your health care professional first, and let them know what other supplements and medications you’re taking.
    Also, tell your health care professional if your health status has changed, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have had any recent illnesses or surgery.

    Additional Resources:
    Dietary Supplements, FDA Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements, FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA TO HOST NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK FAIR

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA TO HOST NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK FAIR

    Posted on Mar 3, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    DCCA TO HOST NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK FAIR

    Annual Event Brings Together Dozens of Organizations

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 3, 2025

    HONOLULU — National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) starts today, March 3, 2025, and serves as a significant annual event dedicated to raising awareness about consumer rights and educating the public on avoiding frauds and scams. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) will commemorate NCPW by hosting a free Consumer Protection Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6 on the fourth floor of the State Capitol at 415 South Beretania Street. Metered parking is available for the public.  

     

    “Consumer awareness is the first line of defense against fraud and exploitation. As we commemorate National Consumer Protection Week through our annual fair, the DCCA remains committed to providing the public with the resources and support necessary to navigate the complexities of today’s marketplace,” said DCCA Director Nadine Ando.

     

    Organizations participating in the National Consumer Protection Week Fair on Thursday, March 6, include:

    • Better Business Bureau
    • Blood Bank of Hawai‘i
    • Elderly Affairs Division – City and County of Honolulu
    • Tax Relief Section – City and County of Honolulu
    • Real Property Assessment Division – City and County of Honolulu
    • Executive Office on Aging – Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
    • Hawai‘i Credit Union League
    • Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA)
    • Hawai‘i Family Caregiver Coalition
    • Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center
    • Hawai‘i Pacific University
    • Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Hawai‘i SHIP)
    • Hawaiian Community Assets
    • Hawaiian Electric Co.
    • HMSA
    • Honolulu Fire Department – City and County of Honolulu
    • IRS – Taxpayer Advocate Service
    • Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – State of Hawai‘i
    • Neighborhood Commission Office
    • 911 Board – State of Hawai‘i
    • Dept. of Taxation – State of Hawai‘i
    • Public Utilities Commission – State of Hawai‘i
    • Mediation Center of the Pacific
    • U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Hawai‘i
    • The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA)
    • Business Action Center
    • Investor Education Program
    • Consumer Education Program
    • Division of Financial Institutions
    • Insurance Division
    • Office of Consumer Protection
    • Personnel Office
    • Public Utilities Commission
    • Real Estate Branch
    • Regulated Industries Complaints Office – Consumer Resource Center

    ###

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760
    Email:     [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Open day connects NHS staff with cybersecurity experts as part of Cyber Scotland Week

    Source: University of Abertay

    Open day connects NHS staff with cybersecurity experts as part of Cyber Scotland Week

    The Abertay cyberQuarter recently welcomed over 80 NHS Scotland and public sector leaders for a special tour of the NHS’s cybersecurity operations during Cyber Scotland Week.

    As a specialist board of NHS Scotland with a broad focus on infrastructure, NHS National Services Scotland’s (NSS) Digital and Security Directorate is a founding partner of the Abertay cyberQuarter. Their Cyber Security team, headquartered at the cyberQuarter, hosted a special Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE) Open Day as part of the event.

    Held on Thursday 27 February 2025, the event attracted participants from NHS Scotland’s Health Boards, providing them with valuable insights into the Security Operations Centre (SOC). Attendees explored cutting-edge innovations in cybersecurity and participated in hands-on sessions led by experts from both industry and academia

    Supported by CCoE partners and the Scottish Government Digital Health and Care, the Open Day featured a variety of interactive workshops aimed at engaging both public sector leaders and operational cyber experts.

    Participants had the opportunity to meet NHS Scotland SOC analysts, experience an immersive cyber crisis simulation, and learn more about the 24/7 cybersecurity operations that help safeguard Scotland’s healthcare infrastructure.

    Professor Lynne Coventry, Director of Abertay cyberQuarter, delivered an academic talk highlighting the importance of industry-academia partnerships and an understanding of human behaviour to tackle evolving cyber threats .

    Professor Coventry said:

    Hosting the NHS CCoE Open Day at Abertay cyberQuarter is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how academia and industry can work together to enhance Scotland’s cyber resilience. The event provided valuable discussions, hands-on experience, and a chance to build connections that will help drive future innovation in cyber security.

    Guided tours of the cyberQuarter also gave visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how the state-of-the-art facility fosters collaboration, research, and skills development in the cyber security sector.

    A panel discussion provided a platform for attendees to explore key challenges in cyber security, with the event encouraging open dialogue on the threats faced by healthcare organisations and the strategies needed to stay ahead.

    Nils Krichel, Head of the CCoE at NSS, commented:

    We are very thankful to Abertay and all our partners for their support in making this event a great success. It was wonderful to welcome a diverse group of collaborators, partners, and experts, all united by our goal to ‘defend as one’ against the cyber challenges we face. The discussions were very insightful, and we see great value in continuing to hold events like this in the future.

    NHS NSS was announced as the Abertay cyberQuarter’s first tenant back in 2021, creating 30 new jobs in Dundee.

    The Abertay cyberQuarter opened in 2022, receiving a total of £5.7 million in funding from the UK Government and £6 million from the Scottish Government as part of the Tay Cities Deal. Since launching, the hub has attracted over 12 partners, including prominent organisations like the NHS Scotland Cyber Centre of Excellence, NCRAtleos, and ScotlandIS. 

    Since its launch, the facility has hosted a diverse range of conferences, industry workshops, and learning sessions, boosting collaboration among organisations to help address global cybersecurity challenges. These initiatives not only enhance the skills of students and professionals in the field but have also contributed to strengthening the cyber resilience of the local community.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Overview of VA Veteran Justice Outreach Programs Incl. Legal Services for Veterans Grant 02.19.2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    This webinar provides a brief overview of the benefits and services provided by the VA’s Veteran Justice Outreach Program, including the Legal Services for Veterans Grants Program. This briefing is open to Veterans, their families, and the general public.

    The panelists for this training are:

    1. Sean Clark, National Director, Veterans Justice Programs (VJP), VHA Homeless Programs Office, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    2. Madolyn Gingell, National Coordinator, Legal Services for Veterans, Veterans Justice Programs (VJP), VHA Homeless Programs Office, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN0Nhhr4wEU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Practical Action Publishing

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    As the specialist publishing arm of global change-making organisation Practical Action, Practical Action Publishing (PAP) partners with the brightest minds to publish the latest development perspectives.

    PAP puts affordable knowledge into the hands of people who need it most, whatever their location, in a language and format that suits them best. Rooted in hands on community development experience, PAP innovates and respond to what change-makers need – from practical ‘how to’ manuals to academic texts and journals; online, in print and open access formats. As an independent publisher PAP is the exclusive publisher and distributor for prominent international partners and PAP publishes for a variety of international organisations and academic research institutions. External partnerships have been invaluable in building our holdings catalogue of 2000+ books and 3000+ journal articles published since 1974. All of PAP’s resources are peer reviewed by experts in relevant fields and produced according to professional publishing standards. During 2019 PAP added to its catalogue of knowledge resources by taking over the management of Health Books International and Practical Action’s knowledge service Practical Answers.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: End-of-life Care crisis in the capital?

    Source: Mayor of London

    In London, by 2035, the number of people aged above 60 years is predicted to rise by 48 per cent and the number aged above 80 is set to rise by 70 per cent. This compares to a 12 per cent increase in the numbers aged under 60 over the same period.1 This will have implications for end-of-life care provision in the capital.

    Marie Curie has stated that end-of-life care in the UK is “in crisis”, with one in four people not getting the care they need, one in three dying in overwhelming pain, and one in five unable to access GPs in the last three months of life.2

    End-of-life care (EOLC) is usually defined as care for people likely to die within a year.3

    It is intended to enable people to live as well as possible until they die, and to die with dignity.

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Health Committee will:

    • Assess the state of end-of-life care provision in London, with a particular focus on end-of-life care for elderly
    • Explore variations in access to quality end-of-life care across London
    • Understand what action national and local government and the Mayor can take to support equitable access to end-of-life care for elderly patients in London.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – 10:00 – 11:25

    • Dr Katherine Buxton – Clinical Director for Palliative and end of life care network, NHS England, London
    • Sarah Scobie – Deputy Director of Research, Nuffield Trust
    • Dr Lyndsey Williams – GP and Clinical lead, North West London Integrated Care Board Palliative and End of Life Care Programme

    Panel 2 – 11:30 – 13:00

    • Becca Trower – Joint CEO and Clinical Director, St Raphael’s Hospice
    • Ruth Driscoll – Associate Director for Policy & Public Affairs, Marie Curie
    • Dr Armita Jamali – Consultant in Palliative Medicine, The Royal Marsden and Royal Brompton Hospitals
    • Dr Libby Sallnow – Associate Professor, Head of Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London (UCL)

    The meeting will take place on Wednesday 5 March from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Rapid expansion’ of synthetic drugs reshaping illicit markets, UN anti-narcotics body warns

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Law and Crime Prevention

    Synthetic drugs are rapidly transforming the global drug trade, fuelling an escalating public health crisis, according to the UN administered International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

    In its 2024 Annual Report, released on Tuesday, the INCB explains that unlike plant-based drugs, these substances can be made anywhere, without the need for large-scale cultivation, making them easier and cheaper for traffickers to produce and distribute.

    The rise of powerful opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes – potent enough to cause overdoses in tiny doses – has worsened the crisis, driving record-high deaths.

    “The rapid expansion of the illicit synthetic drug industry represents a major global public health threat with potentially disastrous consequences for humankind,” said INCB President Jallal Toufiq.

    “We need to work together to take stronger action against this deadly problem which is causing hundreds of deaths and untold harm to communities,” he continued.

    Traffickers stay ahead of regulations

    Criminal groups are constantly adapting to evade law enforcement.

    By exploiting legal loopholes, they develop new synthetic compounds and use artificial intelligence to find alternative chemicals for drug production.

    New smuggling methods – including drones and postal deliveries – make these drugs harder to detect.

    As a result, seizures of synthetic substances are now outpacing those of traditional plant-based drugs like heroin and cocaine.

    Patchwork response

    Despite efforts to curb synthetic drugs, responses remain fragmented, allowing traffickers to stay ahead.

    The INCB is calling for stronger global cooperation, including partnerships between governments, private companies and international organizations, to disrupt supply chains and prevent harm.

    Medication out of reach

    While synthetic drugs flood illegal markets, millions of people in low- and middle-income countries still lack access to essential pain relief medication.

    The report highlights that opioid painkillers such as morphine, remain unavailable in regions like Africa, South Asia and Central America – not due to supply shortages, but because of barriers in distribution and regulation.

    The INCB is urging opioid-producing nations to increase production and affordability to improve palliative care and pain management.

    Regional hotspots concerns

    The report identifies several regions where synthetic drug trafficking is expanding.

    In Europe, the looming heroin deficit following Afghanistan’s 2022 opium ban could push more users toward synthetic alternatives while in North America, despite efforts to curb the crisis, synthetic opioid-related deaths remain at record highs.

    The manufacture, trafficking and use of amphetamine-type stimulants are increasing across the Middle East and Africa, where treatment and rehabilitation services are often inadequate.

    Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, methamphetamine and ketamine trafficking continues to grow, particularly in the Golden Triangle.

    Call for urgent action

    The INCB is urging governments to strengthen international collaboration, improve data-sharing and expand drug prevention and treatment services.

    Without decisive action, the synthetic drug trade will continue to evolve, putting more lives at risk.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –