NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New urgent and primary care centre open in Williams Lake

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People living in Williams Lake and surrounding communities will have increased access to team-based primary health care at the new Williams Lake Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).

    “Our government is committed to making sure everyone in our province has access to quality health care that’s close to home,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new UPCC means people living in Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, and East and West Cariboo regions will have increased access to same-day primary health care so they can receive the care they need, while also easing pressure on emergency rooms and hospitals.”

    The new UPCC opened on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. The 490 square-metre (5,300 square feet) clinic is located at 47 Cameron St. When fully operational, it will provide urgent and episodic primary care, in person and virtually, seven days a week, including statutory holidays, 9:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.

    The UPCC will offer same-day care for people who need access to health care within 12 to 24 hours, but do not require an emergency department. The UPCC is available to people who do not have a primary-care provider, as well as those who are unable to schedule an appointment with their primary-care provider within a convenient timeframe.

    “This UPCC will make a real difference to the lives of people living in and around Williams Lake by providing timely primary health care,” said Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health. “We know how important it is to have access to health care close to home, especially in rural areas, and we will continue to strengthen our health-care system to accommodate the growing demand.”

    As hiring progresses, people will be cared for by more than 18 full-time-equivalent health-care providers, including family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, Indigenous patient navigators and administrative staff.

    “We are excited to welcome patients to the new urgent and primary care centre in Williams Lake,” said Diane Shendruk, vice-president clinical operations, Interior Health. “This UPCC is the first in the Interior to have a dedicated smudging space, which reflects our commitment to reconciliation by bringing Indigenous wellness practices into health care.” 

    The project will have a total capital cost of more than $4 million, with the ministry funding $2.67 million and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District funding $1.37 million.

    This UPCC marks the 41st UPCC open in the province since 2018, which combined have had approximately three million patient visits. Planning for nine more UPCCs is underway, with the goal of establishing 50 UPCCs in communities throughout B.C. This work is part of B.C.’s Primary Care Strategy, which is bringing more team-based primary-care services to people in B.C.

    Quotes:

    Al Richmond, board chair, Thompson Regional Hospital District –

    “This clinic is critical to easing the workload of the emergency room at the Cariboo Memorial Hospital, especially for those without a family doctor. Having separate spaces for emergency care and urgent care will produce the best outcomes for health-care staff and patients accessing these services.”

    Chief Willie Sellars, Williams Lake First Nations, and board director, Interior Health –

    “The opening of the Williams Lake Urgent and Primary Care Centre is a significant step toward improving health outcomes for Indigenous people and the broader community. Many of our community members are without family doctors and this facility will help fill that void by providing access to timely care. I’m proud to see this commitment to culturally safe health services that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The Williams Lake UPCC is the 11th UPCC operating in the Interior Health region, including Ashcroft, Castlegar, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Rutland, Vernon and West Kelowna. 
    • The Williams Lake UPCC is planning to facilitate more than 42,000 visits per year.
    • Interior Health UPCCs have provided care to more than 754,000 visitors since 2018 when the first UPCC opened in the health authority.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about UPCCs in the Interior Health region, visit:
    https://www.interiorhealth.ca/information-for/patients-and-visitors/urgent-and-primary-care-centres

    To read about B.C.’s primary health strategy, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/bcs-primary-care-system
    and
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2018PREM0034-001010

    To learn more about the Province’s health human resource strategy, visit:
    https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0059-001464

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025

    The Jahan-e-Khusro event has a unique fragrance, It is the fragrance of soil of Hindustan,That Hindustan, which Hazrat Amir Khusro had compared to heaven : PM

    The Sufi tradition has created a unique identity for itself in India: PM

    The civilization and culture of any country get their voice from its music and songs: PM

    Hazrat Khusro described India as greater than all the major nations of the world during his time, He considered Sanskrit the best language in the world: PM

    Hazrat Khusro regarded India’s scholars as greater than the greatest of scholars: PM

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 10:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2025, today, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi.

    Addressing the gathering at Jahan-e-Khusro, Prime Minister said that it was natural to feel elated in the presence of the rich legacy of Hazrat Amir Khusro. He noted that the essence of the Spring season, which Khusro was so fond of, is not just the season but is also present in the air of Jahan-e-Khusro today in Delhi.

    Shri Modi emphasized the significance of events like Jahan-e-Khusro for the country’s art and culture, stating they provide both importance and tranquility. He highlighted that the event, now completing 25 years, has earned a prominent place in people’s hearts, marking it as a major achievement. The Prime Minister congratulated Dr. Karan Singh, Muzaffar Ali, Meera Ali, and other collaborators for their contributions. He wished the Rumi Foundation and all associated with Jahan-e-Khusro continued success in the future. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also extended his Ramadan greetings to all attendees and citizens of the country, as the holy month approaches. Shri Modi recalled the contribution of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, whose efforts in enhancing the Sunder nursery have been a blessing for millions of art enthusiasts.

    The Prime Minister  spoke about the significant role of Sarkhej Roza in Gujarat’s Sufi tradition. He highlighted that, in the past, the condition of the site had deteriorated, but as Chief Minister, he focused on its restoration. The Prime Minister also recalled the time when Sarkhej Roza hosted grand Krishna Utsav celebrations, which were well-attended. He mentioned that even today, the essence of Krishna devotion is present in the atmosphere. “I used to regularly participate in the annual Sufi music festival held at Sarkhej Roza”, Shri Modi shared. “Sufi music represents a shared heritage that unites people from all walks of life. The performance of Nazre Krishna also reflected this shared cultural legacy”, Shri Modi emphasized.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the Jahan-e-Khusro event carries a unique fragrance, representing the soil of India. He recalled how Hazrat Amir Khusro compared India to paradise, describing the country as a garden of civilization where every aspect of culture has flourished. “The soil of India has a unique character, and when the Sufi tradition arrived here, it found a connection with the land. The spiritual teachings of Baba Farid, the love ignited by Hazrat Nizamuddin’s gatherings, and the new gems created by Hazrat Amir Khusro’s verses, which collectively embody the essence of India’s rich cultural legacy”, Shri Modi remarked.

    The Prime Minister emphasized the unique identity of the Sufi tradition in India, where Sufi saints blended Quranic teachings with Vedic principles and devotional music. He praised Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya for expressing unity in diversity through his Sufi songs. “Jahan-e-Khusro has now become a modern reflection of this rich, inclusive tradition”, Shri Modi stated.

    Shri Modi highlighted that the civilization and culture of any country get their voice from its music and songs. “When Sufi and classical music traditions merged, they gave birth to new expressions of love and devotion, evident in the qawwalis of Hazrat Khusro, the verses of Baba Farid, the poetry of Bullah Shah, Mir, Kabir, Rahim, and Ras Khan. These saints and mystics gave a new dimension to devotion”, he added.

    Shri Modi noted that whether one reads Surdas, Rahim, Ras Khan, or listens to Hazrat Khusro, all these expressions lead to the same spiritual love, where human limitations are transcended, and the union between man and God is felt.  “Ras Khan, despite being Muslim, was a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, reflecting the universal nature of love and devotion, as expressed in his poetry. The grand performance at the event also reflected this deep sense of spiritual love”, Shri Modi underscored.

    The Prime Minister highlighted that the Sufi tradition has not only bridged the spiritual distances among humans but also reduced the gaps between nations. He recalled his visit to the Afghan Parliament in 2015, where he spoke emotionally about Rumi, who was born in Balkh, Afghanistan, eight centuries ago. Shri Modi shared Rumi’s thought that transcends geographical boundaries: “I am neither from the East nor the West, I am not born from the sea nor the land, I have no place, I am everywhere.” The Prime Minister connected this philosophy to India’s ancient belief in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), drawing strength from such thoughts during his global engagements. Shri Modi also recalled reading a couplet by Mirza Ghalib during a joint press conference in Iran, reflecting India’s universal and inclusive values.

    Shri Modi spoke about Hazrat Amir Khusro, who is famously known as the ‘Tuti-e-Hind’. He highlighted that in his works, Khusro praised India’s greatness and charm, as seen in his book Nuh-Siphr. The Prime Minister emphasized that Khusro regarded India as superior to the great nations of his time and considered Sanskrit the best language in the world. Shri Modi acknowledged that Khusro respected Indians as being greater than the greatest scholars.“Khusro also took pride in how India’s knowledge of zero, mathematics, science, and philosophy spread to the rest of the world, especially how Indian mathematics reached the Arabs and became known as “Hindsa.”, Shri Modi noted. The Prime Minister further pointed out that despite the long period of colonial rule and the devastation that followed, Hazrat Khusro’s writings played a significant role in preserving India’s rich past and keeping its legacy alive.

    The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of Jahan-e-Khusro, which has been successfully promoting and enriching India’s cultural heritage for 25 years. Shri Modi acknowledged that maintaining this initiative for a quarter of a century is no small feat. Prime Minister Shri Modi concluded his address by extending his gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the celebration and expressing his heartfelt appreciation for everyone involved with the event.

    Background

    The Prime Minister has been a strong proponent of promoting the diverse art and culture of the country. In line with this, he will participate in Jahan-e-Khusrau which is an international Festival dedicated to Sufi music, poetry, and dance. It is bringing together artists from across the world to celebrate the legacy of Amir Khusrau. Organized by the Rumi Foundation, the Festival, started by renowned filmmaker and artist Muzaffar Ali in 2001, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and is being held from 28th February to 2nd March.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/VJ

    (Release ID: 2107162) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Tseung Kwan O

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Tseung Kwan O yesterday afternoon (February 28), in which a man died.

         At 6.10pm, a medium goods vehicle (MGV) driven by a 58-year-old man, a motorcycle driven by a 50-year-old man and a bus driven by a 62-year-old man were travelling along Wan Po Road southbound. When approaching the junction of Wan Po Road and Chun Yat Street, the MGV driver and the motorcyclist slowed down and stopped their vehicles due to traffic condition. The bus suspectedly failed to brake in time and rammed into the motorcycle.

         The motorcyclist was trapped between the MGV and the bus and rescued by firemen. Sustaining serious head injury, the motorcyclist was rushed to Tseung Kwan O Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 8.52pm.

         The bus driver was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital in conscious state. He was then arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

         Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 1 of Traffic, Kowloon East is under way.

         Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 0264.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP of DH responds to media enquiries on B virus human infection

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP of DH responds to media enquiries on B virus human infection
    CHP of DH responds to media enquiries on B virus human infection
    ****************************************************************

          In response to media enquiries about a case of human infection of B virus (also known as herpes simiae virus) announced by the Department of Health (DH) on April 3 last year, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, today (February 28) responded as follows:-      “In the fight against communicable diseases, the CHP adheres to the ‘3Rs’ i.e. real-time surveillance, rapid intervention and responsive risk communication. The CHP has upheld the principles of openness and high transparency in providing the public and healthcare professionals with the latest information and epidemiological situation on communicable diseases as well as relevant prevention and health education through various appropriate channels. At the same time, the CHP conducts necessary epidemiological investigations on reported cases in a timely manner and takes appropriate follow-up, prevention and control measures to minimise the threat of communicable diseases to Hong Kong citizens.           The CHP confirmed the first case of B virus human infection in Hong Kong on April 3 last year, and immediately adopted a multi-pronged approach to prevent the virus from spreading locally. Apart from issuing a press release on the same day to announce the details of the case (including the case had been receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit with critical condition) and reminding the public of the precautions to be taken against the virus, the CHP also immediately notified the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to take appropriate measures, including stepping up patrols in country parks and reminding visitors not to feed monkeys.           As this was the first case of its kind in Hong Kong, the CHP immediately stepped up local medical surveillance. On April 5 last year, the CHP added the disease to the list of “Other communicable diseases of topical public health concern” and issued letters to doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong to provide them with clinical and epidemiological information on the case, reminding them to pay attention to the disease during medical consultations and to report suspected cases to the CHP for follow-up.           To continue to educate the public and raise their awareness about the B virus, the CHP has produced promotional leaflets and continued to provide relevant health information on its website and social media since April 5 last year. In addition, the CHP has reported the latest epidemiological investigation results of the case in the Communicable Disease Watch in June last year and yesterday (February 27), reminding the public and healthcare workers to exercise caution against the B virus.           Regarding this case, there was no delay in the CHP’s investigation, disease control and prevention, and the publicity and education efforts. Nevertheless, the CHP is aware of comments that the CHP could have issued another press release on the day of the patient’s death to inform the public. The CHP will review the current practice and consider announcing the crucial changes in the clinical conditions of special infectious disease cases as soon as practicable, in addition to announcing the results of the relevant epidemiological investigations, prevention and control work, and public education.           To date, only one case of B virus human infection has been recorded in Hong Kong. However, the virus is naturally carried in the saliva, urine and stool of macaques, which are wild animals commonly found in Hong Kong. Members of the public must remain vigilant and stay away from wild monkeys, avoiding touching or feeding them. If bitten or scratched by a monkey, members of the public should rinse the wound with water as soon as possible and seek medical attention immediately.”

     
    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025Issued at HKT 20:28

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Booker Reintroduce Legislation Addressing Sickle Cell Disease

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) reintroduced the bipartisan Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act. The legislation would allow State Medicaid programs to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) through a health home model.

    Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately impacts people of African descent. Among the most notable symptoms of SCD is debilitating pain, but those with SCD also experience complications like stroke, acute chest syndrome, and organ damage. Furthermore, individuals with SCD have a significantly lower life expectancy than the overall population.

    While there have been some advancements in the treatment of SCD, many with the disease are not receiving the level of care needed to adequately manage SCD. The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act directs CMS to establish a SCD Health Home to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality, outpatient care, which will be available to Medicaid beneficiaries with SCD in states that submit a state plan amendment (SPA). Further, this program shows promise in saving money, as it aims to reduce patients’ reliance on costly emergency room care. 

    “Nearly 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease—many of whom are left without access to consistent care,” said Senator Scott. “I am glad to work on this bipartisan legislation to help treat this disease that affects thousands of Americans from minority communities. Creating access to high-quality comprehensive care to avoid costly emergency room visits continues to be a top priority of mine for folks facing diseases like SCD.”

    “Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in our country, and is a disease that primarily affects those of African ancestry,” said Senator Booker. “Despite the prevalence and the severe health consequences of the disease, Americans battling sickle cell continue to face barriers to accessing the care they need. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to support this bipartisan legislation to increase access to comprehensive, high-quality care and invest in quality treatments for patients fighting SCD.”

    Throughout his time in the Senate, Senator Scott has raised awareness for sickle cell disease and advocated for equitable funding, increased attention, and better access to treatments and care for people with SCD. The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act builds upon this work, including his bipartisan Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act that he introduced with Senator Booker and which passed and was signed into law in 2018. 

    The legislation is endorsed by: Sickle Cell Disease Partnership; American Society of Hematology; Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Deregulating for economic growth remains focus after year one

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for Regulation David Seymour says that one year in, the Ministry for Regulation is paving the way for better law-making, higher productivity, and higher wages. 
    “One year ago, the Ministry for Regulation was set up. It was given the task of cutting red tape and lifting the quality of all regulatory systems in New Zealand. Those systems are stunting economic growth and costing people money and sanity,” Mr Seymour says.    
    “After one year, the Ministry can point to a growing list of deregulation measures that are helping businesses, workers, and consumers.  
    Some examples of the Ministry’s work include: 

    Delivering the first regulatory sector review into Early Childhood Education (ECE). These recommendations will reduce compliance costs, encourage more providers into the market, and give parents more choice. Cabinet will consider its fifteen recommendations later this month.

    Delivering the second regulatory sector review into Agricultural and Horticultural Products. Cabinet accepted all of its sixteen recommendations this week. Now, implementing them will save up to $272 million by making approval processes easier and faster for farmers and growers.

    ⁠Starting a third sector review into hairdressing and barbering industry by listening to those in the industry affected by out-of-date rules. The recommendations will be delivered shortly.

    Driving regulators to change the rules for Buy Now, Pay Later customers, to keep the model viable and cost of services for consumers down. 

    Working with other agencies to make quick changes to regulations hindering Kiwis in areas such as Anti Money Laundering (AML), gift card regulation, emergency responders accessing medicines, bakers who were being regulated on the concentration of flour particles, and supporting people administering property on behalf of someone lacking decision-making capacity. 

    Working alongside MedSafe and the Ministry of Health to review the outdated and burdensome regulations which are holding back economic growth in the industrial hemp sector by 2030. 

    Triaging complaints from the ‘Red-Tape Tipline.’ Over 600 frustrated New Zealanders and businesses have reported cumbersome, costly and complex red tape that’s affecting their day-to-day lives and livelihoods. In each case that goes forward, the Ministry is doing further work, making recommendations to the relevant regulatory agency.

    Alerting relevant agencies of 122 regulatory issues that came through the tipline so that they can be resolved. The Ministry is actively working to resolve a further 150 tips. 

    Putting in place best practice guides and training modules for the entire Government regulatory workforce that will improve New Zealanders interactions with regulators at the coal face.

    Reforming the Cabinet Circular guiding Regulatory Impact Analysis, increasing the Ministry’s role in policy making. The Ministry will now be involved from the beginning of the policy making process, leading to fewer, higher quality Regulatory Impact Statements.

    Preparing and consulting publicly on the Regulatory Standards Bill, that will be a game changer for the entire economy.

    “This occurs alongside the Ministry’s work as a central agency to be the central steward of regulation across the public sector. The fourth sector review is also set to be announced shortly,” says Mr Seymour. 
    “The Ministry will also be busy in its second year supporting the Regulatory Standards Bill through the House, conducting more sector reviews, responding to red tape tips, and supporting the public sector to use more effective and efficient regulations that work for New Zealand. 
    “Bad regulation is killing our prosperity in three ways. It adds costs to the things we do; it prevents productive people from achieving innovative things that grow the economy, and it chips away at the heart of our identity and culture. It’s the fear that comes from worrying WorkSafe or some other regulator will come and shut you down. You can’t measure it, but we all know it’s there. 
    “It’s clear that now is the time for a significant reset. Many governments over the years have paid lip-service to cutting red tape. This Government is committed to doing something about it.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solving the Rural Health Care Worker Shortage: Governor Shapiro Visits Bradford County Hospital to Highlight Initiatives to Recruit More Health Care Providers in Rural Communities

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 27, 2025 – Sayre, PA

    Solving the Rural Health Care Worker Shortage: Governor Shapiro Visits Bradford County Hospital to Highlight Initiatives to Recruit More Health Care Providers in Rural Communities

    Governor Shapiro and Department of Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones visited Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Bradford County to highlight the Governor’s 2025-26 proposed budget, which strengthens his commitment to addressing Pennsylvania’s rural health care workforce shortage and supporting rural hospitals.

    The Governor’s budget proposal makes targeted investments to expand the health care workforce, ensure rural communities have access to care, and help to keep hospitals open. It includes $10 million to support rural hospitals facing service cuts or closures and expands loan repayment programs for health care workers, simialr to the successful substance use disorder (SUD) loan repayment program at DDAP. Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has successfully invested more than $40 million in helping nearly 675 professionals working in Pennsylvania’s drug and alcohol field through DDAP’s student loan repayment program.

    “Here in Pennsylvania, we are facing shortages of health care professionals – especially in our rural communities.” said Governor Shapiro. “My budget takes concrete steps to recruit more health care providers and incentivize them to work in great communities like this one in Bradford County. By strengthening our rural health care workforce pipelines, my Administration is taking action to support the dedicated professionals who care for our communities and ensure no one is left behind.”

    List of Speakers:
    Guthrie Clinic President and CEO Dr. Edmund Sabanegh
    Kevin Gibbs, a former patient at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
    Governor Shapiro
    Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Department of Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DDAP)
    Barbara Vanaskie, SUD loan repayment program awardee
    Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacey Garrity,
    Deb Raupers, Chief Nurse Executive for Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
    Senator Gene Yaw,
    Representative Tina Pickett

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EverCommerce Presents at the Citizens JMP Tech Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverCommerce Inc. (NASDAQ: EVCM), a leading service commerce platform, today announced that management will present at the following upcoming investor conferences:

    • Chief Executive Officer of EverHealth Evan Berlin and SVP & Head of Investor Relations Brad Korch will present at the Citizens JMP Technology Conference in San Francisco. The presentation is scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. PST.

    The links to the live webcasts for the conferences will be made available through the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at: https://investors.evercommerce.com.

    About EverCommerce

    EverCommerce (Nasdaq: EVCM) is a leading service commerce platform, providing vertically-tailored, integrated SaaS solutions that help more than 690,000 global service-based businesses accelerate growth, streamline operations, and increase retention. Its modern digital and mobile applications create predictable, informed, and convenient experiences between customers and their service professionals. With its EverPro, EverHealth, and EverWell brands specializing in Home, Health, and Wellness service industries, EverCommerce provides end-to-end business management software, embedded payment acceptance, marketing technology, and customer experience applications. Learn more at EverCommerce.com.

    Investor Contact:

    Brad Korch
    SVP and Head of Investor Relations
    720-796-7664
    ir@evercommerce.com

    Press Contact:

    Jeanne Trogan
    VP of Corporate Communications
    737-465-2897
    press@evercommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand HHS Secretary Kennedy Reverse Drastic Cuts to Critical Health Care Assistance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 28, 2025
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse extreme and harmful funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act Navigator program. 
    In a letter to Secretary Kennedy, Wyden and Merkley joined Senate colleagues to point out how the drastic nearly 90 percent funding cut threatens to leave millions of Americans without vital access to the medical care they need. These cuts will disrupt Americans’ ability to access quality, affordable health insurance coverage, including for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.  
    The senators wrote that the Navigator program is “a critical resource for individuals and families, especially those living in rural and underserved areas, by helping them purchase health coverage that meets their needs.”
    The lawmakers continued, “In 2017 and 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) slashed funding for the Navigator program by 84 percent. […] Unsurprisingly, ACA enrollment shrank by more than 2.5 million over the course of the Trump administration. Once Navigator funding was restored in 2021, enrollment rose and reached historic levels for the 2025 plan year,” 
    “We strongly urge the administration to reconsider this harmful decision and restore full funding to the Navigator program. Cutting these vital resources will only create more barriers for individuals and families seeking coverage, ultimately increasing the number of uninsured Americans,” the senators concluded. 
    Full text of the letter is here.
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), was signed by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Access to Telehealth Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced bipartisan legislation to make expanded access to telehealth services permanent.
    “Nevadans should have easy access to essential health care services regardless of where they live,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will ensure families in rural communities don’t have to drive for hours to go to a routine doctor’s appointment that could be conducted virtually.”
    “Many Montanans depend on telehealth services to provide health care access across our state, especially in rural communities where patients and families would otherwise have to drive long distances and face unpredictable weather conditions to receive care,” said Senator Daines. “This bipartisan bill expands the telehealth resources folks have come to rely on, and I’ll keep working to make sure Montanans have access to the care and services they need.”
    “The Alliance to Fight for Health Care applauds Representatives Arrington and Schneider and Senators Daines and Cortez Masto for leading the charge to help keep telehealth affordable,” said Katy Johnson, President of American Benefits Council. “Access to care below the deductible provides peace of mind, knowing you can quickly get the care you need to address conditions before they worsen. This is vitally important for working families and everyday Americans — especially those in rural areas or those who are seeking tele-mental health care.”
    The Telehealth Expansion Act will permanently allow full coverage of telehealth services under high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) paired with health savings accounts (HSA) without requiring a deductible. These services were first expanded during the pandemic, and this bill would make those expansions permanent – ensuring that Nevadans and all Americans can access telehealth services without the burden of first meeting a deductible. 
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. She has led legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development, and she has introduced a bipartisan bill to cut red tape for small businesses—including those in rural areas. She also ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. She also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Issues Alert for Missing Radioactive Material in Triad Area

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Issues Alert for Missing Radioactive Material in Triad Area

    NCDHHS Issues Alert for Missing Radioactive Material in Triad Area
    stonizzo

    KERNERSVILLE

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received a report that an Industrial Radiography Camera containing radioactive material was stolen in Kernersville, North Carolina. Because radioactive material can cause physical harm if handled, the department is advising caution and requesting anyone with information to call law enforcement immediately.

    A SPEC-150 Industrial Radiography exposure device like the one pictured below, known as an “IR camera,” was taken from a pickup truck in the parking lot of the Sleep Inn motel on Heartland Drive during the night of Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. The IR camera was discovered missing on Feb. 27, 2025.

    These are industrial devices that contain radioactive material that can cause physical harm. If you find the device or know where it is, you should call local law enforcement or 911 immediately. Do not approach the device, do not attempt to open it and remain at least 30 feet away.  

    You can also call Travis Cartoski with the NCDHHS Radiation Protection Section at 919-621-4797 if you have information about the stolen device.  

    Feb 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Sentencing in To’Hajiilee Manslaughter Case

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A To’Hajiilee man was sentenced to 72 months in prisonfor voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of John Doe in May 2022.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, on May 27, 2022, Cole Ray Shorty, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, went to John Doe’s residence bringing other people with him including a juvenile. Upon arrival, Shorty found John Doe sitting in his car outside his residence.

    Shorty approached Doe’s car and opened the back door. In response, Doe exited the vehicle with a bat and a struggle ensued. Doe was taken to the ground and was disarmed of the bat. Instead of leaving the scene, Shorty struck Doe in the head with the bat, leaving him injured and unconscious at the scene.

    John Doe died from their injuries at the University of New Mexico Hospital on May 30, 2022. The Office of the Medical Inspector confirmed that the cause of death was blunt head trauma and classified it as a homicide.

    Upon his release from prison, Shorty will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee, Zachary Jones, Mark Probasco, and Meg Tomlinson prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New era of ambient intelligence is helping support healthcare providers and patients

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: New era of ambient intelligence is helping support healthcare providers and patients

    Next time you’re in a public place, stop and look around. Notice how many people are head’s down, staring at their phones. This is one of the unintended consequences of technology: while the intent is to connect us more to the world, it often distracts us from what’s actually happening around us.   

    This unintended technological distraction has also had a negative impact in healthcare. Over the last decade, increasing regulations and mounting administrative burdens placed upon doctors, nurses, and radiologists, have come at a high cost to those who had dedicated their lives to caring for others. The effects of this have been well documented, with rising job dissatisfaction and burnout rates, increasing staffing shortages as clinicians leave the workforce, and the continued erosion of doctor-patient connection.1

    As a technologist who has been working on cracking some of the thorniest problems in healthcare, it’s painful to know that for years, despite our best efforts, technology has seemed one step behind in being able to restore the joy of caring for patients while simultaneously providing a more connected digital experience. 

    That is, until the introduction of GPT. With generative AI, we’ve seen an incredibly positive and disrupting force in healthcare, and these gains will only increase as this critical innovation is applied to some of the most complex problems in healthcare. In fact, over the next three years, we will begin to see a tectonic shift in the entire user experience, moving from technology that is injected into various use cases to the pervasive infusion of AI that is seamlessly embedded into the ways we live and work.   

    Discover AI-powered solutions with Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

    In healthcare, ambient intelligence will be the driving force for restoring the joy of practicing medicine and providing a better experience for patients. 

    The real story of ambient intelligence  

    There’s a lot written about technology curves and AI in healthcare, but I want to tell you the story that isn’t in the history books. The real story of how ambient intelligence was born. 

    Some of us are old enough to remember the original Star Trek from the 1960’s where there was a computer that would be listening to the crew have a conversation and then weigh in with any guidance related to the situation at hand. It wasn’t trying to take over, it wasn’t replacing the captain and officers on the bridge, it was just supporting the team by adding insights in real time to augment the decision-making process.   

    Most of us saw this as a cool sci-fi idea until one day, during a meeting with Epic, we talked about finding a way to make healthcare more intuitive, like the AI in Star Trek. The gauntlet had been thrown, and we were in.

    Charting a new course in healthcare technology 

    Inherent in ambient intelligence are two equally important variables, accurately transcribing a conversation between the doctor and patient into a text, and then turning that transcript into a clinical note.  

    That was back in 2014, when there were no large language models, patient data wasn’t widely available, systems were extremely siloed, there wasn’t a way to even capture the recording and, even if those other aspects were possible, speech recognition for clinical conversations were running at about 50% word error rate (WER). This meant that the speech recognition system was getting only correctly capturing about half of the words spoken. That was essentially the state-of-the-art for ambient medical speech recognition and simply put, it didn’t work.

    We weren’t sure if and when we’d ultimately be successful, but we knew the first challenge that we needed to tackle was getting more data to feed our models so that we could understand this emerging ambient workflow. We started a research program to boost recognition performance for ambient conversational medical speech because at that time, the major breakthroughs were being made in neural computing.

    We then turned our attention to abstractive summarization, or essentially trying to figure out how to convert the conversational transcript between the doctor and patient into a structured clinical note, which is subject to a variety of constraints and requirements necessary for appropriate documentation.

    Back then summarization was in its infancy, but the new neural summarization technology showed a lot of promise when large in-domain data sets comprised of millions of input and summarized output pairs were available. Although these data sets didn’t exist yet, there were virtual scribing workflows, where doctor-patient conversations were recorded and manually processed by human scribes. So, we made the decision to use clinical scribes to train the increasingly powerful models that were tailored to the task and then observe how their application accelerated clinical documentation. Essentially, the scribes were generating in-domain data that was then used by neural summarization machine learning to develop ambient summarization.

    Given the complexities of a clinical encounter, we started with medical specialties that had highly-repetitive scenarios, like orthopedics, and then expanded to cover all ambulatory specialties across a larger population of doctors.

    While we were making gains, they were incremental. To give you a sense of what this looked like, here is a chart that shows each new model revision as a plot point and you can see the percent of clinical encounters processed by AI and resulting human-in-the-loop edit rates, versus our forecast of where those figures would be.

    Image source: HLS Solutions Research, January 2025

    The dawn of a new era  

    It’s inevitable that anyone who’s tried to tackle an extremely thorny problem at some point will hit a wall where they ask themselves the question: Are we beating the problem or is the problem beating us? Although we had parity in converting a doctor-patient conversation to text, converting transcripts into customized clinical notes across specialties was challenging, and progress was slower than we would have liked.  We were using a human-in-the-loop to improve the quality of our model output, which wasn’t a scalable long-term solution, and we had stalled at an error rate that would not produce automation. We didn’t know the exact formula to make the problem yield.

    Then, GPT happened.

    Overnight, the scaling laws of AI changed. Major technological gains went from happening every one-and-a-half years to happening four times a year. While at the time, it had felt like we were hitting a wall, in hindsight, that time allowed us to deeply understand the requirements of how this technology would show up in the doctors’ workflow, and we partnered with the EHR companies to work through the technical details and optimize the user experience.

    We immediately put a stake in the ground and began leveraging this new AI.

    We used GPT as a shortcut to fine tune models and customize output, which allowed us to move faster while dramatically improving outcomes. We were also getting real-time feedback from clinicians who let us know what was working well and, most importantly, where the experience wasn’t optimized. It’s that latter feedback that is always the most helpful, because it enables us to triangulate the problems and work on ways to fine tune and improve the experience.

    Based on the foundational models, we could see we would have a prototype in six months, but the challenge was that out-of-the-box GPT—while good—was not as performant as our bespoke models. That’s when we decided to combine generative AI and our unique training corpus. Within six months of a blistering R&D cycle, the team delivered a level of automation that had previously been unachievable in the prior six years. It was one of the first times in history that GPT-4 had been fine tuned for healthcare.   

    The new scaling laws were bending the curve of innovation. We were at the dawn of a new era: The ambient AI market.

    Image source: Epoch, ‘Parameter, Compute and Data Trends in Machine Learning’​ 

    Over the course of 11 months, we went from zero users to creating the first clinical ambient intelligence experience for doctors that is trusted by more than 600 major healthcare systems, and producing more than 3 million episodes of care per month and growing. 

    We achieved human parity, and had achieved a level of performance that enabled automation that provided doctors with a draft clinical note that required minimal editing, the automation problem had begun to yield. 

    The future is now 

    The future that we had classified as science fiction is here today, and ambient listening has already become table stakes. In fact, we release AI improvements weekly to our speech and listening technologies, which have been trusted and used by hundreds of thousands of clinicians for years.   

    But more than that, we are witnessing a massive pivot unlike anything we’ve seen before: a new form of user experience—the combination of natural interaction and the infusion of real-time intelligence. 

    As exciting as this all is, the true promise of addressing clinician burnout, improving the patient experience, and delivering better health outcomes hinges on collaboration and partnership. Every company operating in this space is limited by the laws of single company physics, which is why it’s an exciting time to be at a partner-led company. By opening up our ecosystem, we are harnessing the power of the Microsoft platform and extending it to thousands of companies worldwide that are focused on building applications and capabilities to improve the doctor-patient experience and positively impact the episode of care.   

    We are enabling partners in the ecosystem to publish their capabilities directly into our ambient dial tone—the power of thousands of incredible minds all working to help clinicians, and solving for high-value use cases ranging from clinical condition diagnosis, autonomous clinical coding, and automating outbound healthcare consumer messaging, to enhancing data analytics and interpretation, medical literature discovery, autogenerating personalized patient educational materials, and automating clinical trial patient identification. These are just a few of the thousands of areas of innovation that are being actively worked on by healthcare companies worldwide. And this is the power of the platform. This is the ecosystem that will transform the way care is delivered, enhance patient experiences, support better outcomes across the health and life science ecosystem, and restore the joy of practicing medicine to clinicians around the world.   

    Trust above all else 

    No conversation about generative AI should happen without talking about responsibility, and no technology should be deployed without a detailed examination around what is contained in the data and how it is being used. Key responsible AI standards around fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, and transparency must take the center stage in every discussion. AI is like a massive power tool, and data is the current powering it—so everyone handling it needs to be trained properly and aware of any unintended consequences or potential harm it could cause.  

    Creating high-value use cases that deliver real outcomes 

    In the end, the real testament to building outcomes-based technology comes down to one simple fact: does using it empower the person to do and be the best version of themselves? To that end, we carefully track the performance of all our solutions to make sure we’re building technology that is living up to its promise and exceeding expectations. I recommend that anyone who is advancing an AI agenda should do the same, because this is the real path to advancing human abilities and improving the healthcare ecosystem.   

    Not every day is a win, and that’s okay—this is a marathon, not a sprint—but we continue to see powerful outcomes reported back by the people we serve. We’re seeing:  

    • 70% improvement in work-life balance for clinicians and reduced feeling of burnout and fatigue.2
    • 80% feel it reduces cognitive burden.3
    • 5 minutes save per clinician per encounter (on average).4
    • 93% of patients say their physician is more personable and conversational.5

    Hear what clinicians have to say about this AI-powered clinical automation solution:

    As great as these results are, we’re not settling. We’re going to keep pushing ahead, refining our models, working with doctors, nurses, radiologists, and leaders across the health care and life sciences ecosystem to deliver the best technologies for those who continue to dedicate their lives to helping others. We’re just at the beginning of our journey, and we will continue to relentlessly innovate, and find new ways to streamline documentation, surface information, and automate tasks for clinicians worldwide. 

    Learn more 

    Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare

    Accelerate innovation and improve healthcare experiences

    1AMA, Burnout benchmark: 28% unhappy with current health care job, May 17, 2022.

    2 Microsoft survey of 879 clinicians across 340 healthcare organizations using DAX Copilot; July 2024.

    3 Microsoft survey of 879 clinicians across 340 healthcare organizations using DAX Copilot; July 2024.

    4 Microsoft survey of 879 clinicians across 340 healthcare organizations using DAX Copilot; July 2024.

    5 Survey of 413 patients conducted by multiple healthcare organizations whose clinicians use DAX Copilot; June 2024.

    Joe Petro

    Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Health & Life Sciences

    Joe Petro is the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Health & Life Sciences (HLS) Solutions and Platforms, which develops integrated heathcare experiences that provide greater access to care, enhance the clinician-patient relationship, and improve outcomes.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Departmental update WHO consultation on addressing asymptomatic TB in the TB response

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Many people with tuberculosis (TB) do not feel unwell and do not present to health services with symptoms. People with such asymptomatic forms of TB (aTB) may only be identified during screening with so-called symptom-agnostic tools like chest X-ray or during TB prevalence surveys. Recent reviews found that about one half of people with TB detected by prevalence surveys had bacteriologically confirmed disease but reported no typical TB symptoms upon inquiry. More research is now ongoing to better characterize the full spectrum of TB, from infection to disease. 

    Interest in aTB has increased in recent years as more emphasis is being placed on screening and earlier diagnosis. The World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy stresses the importance of TB screening and active case-finding for TB in the first component of its first pillar. In 2021, WHO released updated evidence-based recommendations for systematic TB screening, alongside an operational handbook and new tools to facilitate implementation.  

    “We urge national programmes, technical agencies, funding partners, civil society and other stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that all people with TB, including asymptomatic TB, are detected early and receive appropriate treatment. Systematic screening will be critical for countries to achieve global targets on TB,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Global Programme on Tuberculosis and Lung Health. 

    WHO convened a technical consultation on 14–15 October 2024 in Geneva to agree on a framework and definition of aTB relevant for TB programmes and research, and to identify research gaps on aTB and set priorities that are critical for WHO guidance. The results of this consultation are summarized in the report being released. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Announces MA AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch as State of the Union Guest

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (February 28, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, today announced that his State of the Union guest will be Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts charter of the American Federation of Labor – Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). 

    The Massachusetts AFL-CIO represents over 800 local unions representing nearly half a million union members across Massachusetts. The mission of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is to improve the lives of the working class by working for economic, social, and racial justice in the workplace, our communities, our state, and in our nation. Chrissy Lynch, a member of Laborers Local 22 and former longtime member of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 6, was unanimously elected as the first woman President of the organization in October 2023 after previously serving as the Secretary-Treasurer and Chief of Staff. President Lynch has spent the last two decades leading legislative, political, and organizing initiatives in the Massachusetts labor movement. President Lynch and Senator Markey are fighting together on behalf of working people from the halls of Congress to the picket line.

    “At a time when labor is under attack by anti-worker, pro-billionaire forces, it is critical that workers and good-paying union jobs are at the heart of the future we are building for all Americans. Chrissy Lynch and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO know that Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE are fighting to enrich their billionaire boys club, while working people are fighting just to get by.” said Senator Markey. “A strong labor movement builds the backbone of our society. The AFL-CIO has long represented workers across the Commonwealth and the country in fighting back when billionaires like Trump and Musk try to push them down. And now once again, together we will not agonize – we will organize to stand up and fight back.”

    “In only six weeks, President Trump and unelected billionaire co-President Musk have made crystal clear that they are there to enrich themselves at the expense of working people. They are dismantling and intimidating the people running the very agencies meant to keep Americans safe and economically secure in order to give tax breaks and government contracts to their billionaire friends – leading to job loss of dedicated public servants that will cause working people and the communities where they live real pain. They’re also weaponizing massive cuts to the CDC, Medicaid, and Social Safety Nets. I am glad to join Senator Markey at the State of the Union to show Trump and Musk that we are not intimidated by the daily lies, dog whistling, and fear mongering. The Massachusetts Federation of Labor will continue to work alongside Senator Markey to fight back against these threats and to fight for an economy that works for everyone – not the billionaires cashing in on the Trump/Musk Administration,” said President Lynch.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Husky Harvest Waterbury: Innovating Food Access with Hydroponic Systems, Refrigerated Lockers, and a Transformed Pantry

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn Waterbury Husky Harvest sign (Steve Bustamante / University of Connecticut)

    Husky Harvest Waterbury is excited to announce several groundbreaking developments aimed at improving food access and supporting the well-being of UConn students, faculty, and staff. Thanks to the support of our generous partners, we’ve introduced new technologies and made significant improvements to our food assistance programs, ensuring that fresh, nutritious food is accessible when it’s needed most. These advancements include refrigerated lockers for convenient grocery pick-up, expanded hydroponic growing systems for on-site food production, and a newly revamped food pantry designed to better support healthy eating.

    Refrigerated Lockers: Convenient, Private Access for Our Guests

    One of the most exciting innovations at Husky Harvest Waterbury is the installation of refrigerated lockers, making us the first Connecticut Foodshare partner to offer this technology. These lockers allow students, faculty, and staff to pick up fresh groceries for their families at their convenience. Located near the campus parking garage with easy access to the main road, the lockers provide a discreet, private option for picking up perishable items like dairy, meat, and fresh produce.

    Husky Harvest Waterbury Refrigerated Lockers (Steve Bustamante / University of Connecticut)

    Hydroponics: A Sustainable, On-Site Solution for Fresh Produce

    We are thrilled to expand our food production with hydroponics—a sustainable, soil-free farming method, that we started in 2023. With recent funding, we have added additional systems. These systems allow us to grow a variety of fresh, nutritious crops—such as leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables—right on campus, year-round. Hydroponics enables us to provide fresh, local produce while reducing our environmental impact and strengthening our commitment to sustainability.

    The addition of hydroponics helps us supplement the food we distribute through the pantry, ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-dense options are always available to our guests. This innovation is an important part of our ongoing efforts to address food insecurity and build a more resilient food system at UConn Waterbury.

    UConn Waterbury Husky Harvest Hydroponics (Steve Bustamante / University of Connecticut)

    Transforming the Pantry: A Space for Healthy Choices

    In addition to the hydroponic systems and refrigerated lockers, we’ve also revamped the layout and design of our food pantry.  This transformation was intended to create a more welcoming and user-friendly space that encourages healthy food choices. The pantry now features clear organization, with foods categorized into three groups based on how often they should be consumed:

    – Eat Often: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy staples.

    – Eat Sometimes: Lean proteins, dairy, and foods that are part of a balanced diet.

    – Eat Rarely: Foods high in sugar and saturated fat that should be consumed in moderation.

    This updated layout makes it easier for our guests to make informed choices about their food, while promoting healthier eating habits for themselves and their families. The aesthetic changes also make the pantry feel more like a community-oriented space where individuals can access fresh, nutritious food with dignity and ease.

    Student shopping at Husky Harvest at UConn Waterbury  (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

    Looking Forward: A Commitment to a Sustainable and Accessible Future

    At Husky Harvest Waterbury, we are committed to continuing our efforts to improve food access for UConn students, faculty, and staff. The introduction of refrigerated lockers, the expansion of hydroponic systems, and the transformation of our food pantry are just the beginning of our efforts to make food security more accessible, convenient, and sustainable.

    With the ongoing support of our community and partners, we look forward to further expanding our programs and services to meet the evolving needs of our guests. At Husky Harvest Waterbury, our mission is simple: to ensure that no member of the UConn

    community needs to worry about where their next meal is coming from. These new systems and improvements bring us one step closer to that goal by providing flexible, dignified, and sustainable access to fresh groceries for families in need.

    We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our partners, including CT Foodshare, CT Community Foundation, Stop & Shop, and the many donors who contribute through initiatives like UConn Gives. In addition, the unwavering dedication of UConn Waterbury Faculty & Staff has played a crucial role in advancing our mission. Their collective support enables us to make a meaningful impact on the UConn community and continue our vital work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Power Assist Device Recall: Max Mobility/Permobil Removes SpeedControl Dial Component Used with SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device Due to Risk for Motor to Be Unresponsive to the User

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. 
    Affected Product

    Product Name: Speed Control Dial Component Used with the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device
    Part Number: MX2-3DCK, MX2-3DC
    Serial Numbers: All manufactured from August 17, 2023 to November 21, 2024

    What to Do  

    Stop using the SpeedControl Dial immediately.
    Switch to an alternate controller such as a wired or wearable controller.

    If one of the performance issues occurs before a corrected SpeedControl Dial is received:  

    Press the face of the SpeedControl Dial if continued drive or involuntary movement occurs.
    Rotate the SpeedControl Dial back to zero position and reengage power assist if power to the device is lost.
    Wait for a replacement if the device fails to start driving.

    On December 20, 2024, Max Mobility/Permobil sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter recommending the following actions:

    Stop using the SpeedControl Dial.
    Use another type of wired controller (SwitchControl buttons or SwitchControl with mono jack and mechanical switch) or wearable controller (compatible Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch once Wear OS app is released).
    Request replacement SpeedControl Dial units through the field action portal at: https://hub.permobil.com/smartdrive-scd-voluntary-field-action.
    Enter the portal and:

    Enter your contact information
    Select if you are a dealer or end user
    Acknowledge you have read and understood the Urgent Medical Device Correction letter.

    Contact Max Mobility/Permobil technical support team at 800-736-0925 at any time for assistance.

    Additional actions for customers/end users

    Complete the end user section of the requested information found at the recall portal.
    Instructions for getting replacement SpeedControl Dial units will be provided after acknowledging the letter in the recall portal.

    Make sure to have your associated provider ID (found in the letter’s attachment 1) when requesting replacement(s).

    Use the field action portal once the replacement SpeedControl Dial has been issued to verify the correction was finished.
    Destroy affected SpeedControl Dials or return them to Max Mobility/Permobil.

    Additional actions for distributors/dealers

    Dealers who have distributed affected product will be asked to select a transmission method to notify end users:

    Notify directly, including a copy of the notice with your communication and the provider ID
    Provide end user contact information to Max Mobility/Permobil through the online portal for the firm to contact them.

    Reason for Recall  
    Max Mobility/Permobil is recalling the SpeedControl Dial component used with the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device due to a circuit board issue that may cause the motor to be unresponsive to the user. Specifically, the device may continue to drive, move on its own without user input, lose power, or fail to start driving.
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences for users and bystanders, including skin irritation, minor cuts, bruises, muscle or ligament strain or tear, bone fractures, concussion, and death.  
    There have been 13 reported injuries. There have been no reports of death. 
    Device Use
    The Max Mobility/Permobil Smart Drive MX2+ SpeedControl Dial is used with the SmartDrive MX2+ Wheelchair Power Assist component. The MX2+ is attached to a mechanical wheelchair and provides motorized assistance (power assist) to move the wheels when the user pushes on the chair’s hand rails. 
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact Max Mobility / Permobil technical support team at (800) 736-0925. 
    Full List of Affected Devices  
    Additional FDA Resources  

    FDA’s Enforcement Report 

    Medical Device Recall Database

    Additional Company Resources  

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. 

    Content current as of:
    03/03/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Shaheen, Colleagues Call on Secretary Kennedy to Undo Drastic Cuts to Critical Health Care Assistance Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    The Navigator Program Has Helped Support Historic Health Care Enrollment in Recent Years

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) joined U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and a group of their Senate colleagues in a letter calling on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to reverse drastic funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act Navigator program, which helps Americans access quality, affordable health insurance coverage, including for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The nearly 90 percent funding cut threatens to leave millions of Americans without critical assistance to help save money and access the insurance they need. These cuts will lead to a reduction in health care enrollment. 

    The Senators wrote, in part: “Since its inception, Navigators have become a critical resource for individuals and families, especially those living in rural and underserved areas, by helping them purchase health coverage that meets their needs.”

    They continued: “In 2017 and 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) slashed funding for the Navigator program by 84 percent. […] Unsurprisingly, ACA enrollment shrank by more than 2.5 million over the course of the Trump administration. Once Navigator funding was restored in 2021, enrollment rose and reached historic levels for the 2025 plan year.”

    The lawmakers concluded: “We strongly urge the administration to reconsider this harmful decision and restore full funding to the Navigator program. Cutting these vital resources will only create more barriers for individuals and families seeking coverage, ultimately increasing the number of uninsured Americans.”

    Read the full text of the letter here.

    In addition to Senators Luján and Shaheen, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Rare Disease Day: How the European Reference Networks are tackling rare diseases

    Source: European Union 2

    Rare diseases represent a major health challenge for healthcare systems due to the limited knowledge available to diagnose them, the limited number of  treatment options (95% of the known rare diseases still lack an approved treatment) and their low prevalence*. That is why rare diseases have been a priority for the European Union over the past two decades, resulting in collective action to facilitate knowledge sharing and access to specialised care for patients. 

    The EU’s strategic objective for rare diseases is to improve patient access to diagnosis, information and care. It assists in pooling scarce resources spread across the EU, enabling patients and professionals to share expertise and information.

    The European response can be characterised by a combination of key elements:

    • Setting up and supporting European Reference Networks (ERNs);
    • Supporting the definition, codification and inventory of rare diseases;
    • Supporting the designation and authorisation of orphan medicinal products;
    • Building and broadening the knowledge base, also through research;
    • Empowering patient organisations.

    ERNs are cross-border networks that bring together European centres of expertise and hospitals to tackle rare, low prevalence and complex diseases and conditions requiring highly specialised healthcare.  

    ERNs enable specialists in Europe to discuss cases of patients affected by rare, low-prevalence and complex diseases, providing advice on the most appropriate diagnosis and the best treatment available. 

    On Rare Disease Day, HaDEA interviewed Professor Luca Sangiorgi, Coordinator of ERN BOND, the European Reference Network of Rare Bone Disorders, and Chair of the ERN Coordinators Group, which is the governing board of the 24 ERNs. 

    1. Can you explain the relevance of ERNs in the field of rare diseases? 

    ERNs gather over 1600 European centres of expertise dealing with rare, low prevalence and complex diseases and conditions which require highly specialised healthcare. Their relevance in the rare disease field resides in the possibility of enabling knowledge exchange and creating common patient pathways and guidelines, which will then be shared with the entire healthcare community. Patient representatives are involved and engaged in all ERNs’ processes, to ensure that their perspective is taken into account in the work of the ERNs.

    1. The ERNs have been funded by the EU since 2017. What do you consider their main successes?  

    The main success of ERNs is that they allow patients with a rare disease to have a proper harmonised pathway for diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, ERNs are favouring more homogeneous treatment of patients across participating countries.  This is done, for instance, through the ERNs’ virtual discussion tool (CPMS) that allows clinicians to discuss the most challenging cases.  

    Furthermore, ERN registries, which collect pseudo-anonymised data on patients with rare diseases, are helping to develop a clear picture of the natural history of the various disorders treated by the ERNs. This may one day make it possible to find new treatments for disorders that are currently untreatable. Very few rare diseases have a therapeutic option available and the ERNs registries make a real contribution to the discovery of new treatments. 

    ERNs have also helped the EU respond to different crises in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian’s war of aggression against Ukraine. A framework has been put in place by the Commission for Ukrainian healthcare providers to seek advice from members of the European Reference Networks on Ukrainian rare or complex disease patients. Moreover, the ERNs undertake collaboration activities, capacity building and best practice sharing for competent Ukrainian authorities and healthcare units. 

    1. What are the main objectives and expectations for the ongoing grants?  

    The main objectives are to stabilise and further increase the opportunities that ERNs are creating for the treatment of patients. We also expect to explore future possibilities for better therapeutic and better care options, such as the use of artificial intelligence. 

    1. What are the main challenges to cross-border cooperation for rare diseases in Europe, and how do the ERN grants help to face these?  

    There are still some obstacles which hinder effective cross-border cooperation. To face these limits, the ERN coordinators’ group has recently set up specific working groups. At the same time, support to Ukrainian patients has given us a clear example that cross-border cooperation is working. ERNs are not only providing treatments to those patients in countries where they are not available, but are also training referral doctors in order to facilitate knowledge transfer and the implementation of new procedures. 

    For instance, my hospital, which is part of ERN BOND and is located in Italy, will operate on a patient from another country where the surgical expertise is not currently available. Surgeons from the clinical centre which referred the patient will participate in the surgery after following a specific training. This will allow them to repeat this therapeutic strategy in their home country.

    1. How important is the support of EU funding for ERNs? 

    EU funding is essential: without this support, many of the activities I have mentioned would not be feasible. ERNs have received EU funding since their creation in 2017 and a direct grant of more than €77 million is covering their activities for the period 2023-2027. 

    There are ongoing actions aimed to raise awareness in EU countries of the importance of ERNs as a strategic initiative  to support rare diseases patients. This is one of the main objectives of the Joint Action on integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems (JARDIN). The support of the EU to ERNs, by facilitating interaction between EU countries, is essential for the existence of ERNs and for the rare disease community. 

    * Prevalence: the proportion of a particular population found to be affected by a medical condition at a specific time

    Background 

    European Reference Networks  

    HaDEA manages the 24 ERN grants running from 2023 to 2027 with a total EU contribution of €77.4 million. HaDEA also manages the Joint Action on integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems (JARDIN), for a total EU contribution of €15 million. 

    HaDEA has also managed the contract on the independent evaluation of ERNs: ERNs evaluation results report – Independent Evaluations of European Reference Networks and of Healthcare Providers – European Commission 

    EU4Health is the fourth and largest of the EU health programmes. The programme provides funding to national authorities, health organisations and other bodies through grants and public procurement, contributing to a healthier Europe. 

    HaDEA manages the vast majority of the total EU4Health budget and implements the programme by managing calls for proposals and tenders from 2021 to 2027. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the press [please scroll down for Arabic]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media,  

    I want to start by expressing my deep concern about information received in the last 48 hours by UN agencies — as well as many humanitarian and development NGOs — regarding severe cuts in funding by the United States. 

    These cuts impact a wide range of critical programmes.

    From lifesaving humanitarian aid, to support for vulnerable communities recovering from war or natural disaster.

    From development, to the fight against terrorism and illicit drug trafficking.  

    The consequences will be especially devastating for vulnerable people around the world. 

    In Afghanistan, more than 9 million people will miss out on health and protection services, with hundreds of mobile health teams and other services suspended. 

    In north-east Syria, where 2.5 million people need assistance, the absence of US funding means programmes are leaving large populations even more vulnerable.

    In Ukraine, cash-based programming — a key feature of the humanitarian response, reaching 1 million people in 2024 — has been suspended in key regions.

    In South Sudan, funding has run out for programmes to support people who have fled the conflict in neighbouring Sudan, leaving border areas dangerously overcrowded.

    Meanwhile, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime will be forced to stop many of its counter-narcotics programmes, including the one fighting the fentanyl crisis, and dramatically reduce activities against human trafficking. 

    And funding for many programmes combatting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and cholera have stopped. 

    We have been extremely grateful for the leading role the United States has provided over the decades. 

    For example, thanks to the generosity of donors — led by the United States — the UN assists and protects more than 100 million people every year through our humanitarian programming.

    From Gaza to Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine and beyond. 

    American funding directly supports people living through wars, famines and disasters, providing essential health care, shelter, water, food and education — the list goes on. 

    The message is clear. 

    The generosity and compassion of the American people have not only saved lives, built peace and improved the state of the world. 

    They have contributed to the stability and prosperity that Americans depend on.  

    United Nations staff members around the world are deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together — as partners. 

    Now going through with these cuts will make the world less healthy, less safe and less prosperous. 

    The reduction of America’s humanitarian role and influence will run counter to American interests globally. 

    I can only hope that these decisions can be reversed based on more careful reviews, and the same applies to other countries that have recently announced reductions in humanitarian and development aid. 

    In the meantime, every United Nations agency stands ready to provide the necessary information and justification for its projects.

    And we look forward to working with the United States in this regard.  

    All humanitarian coordinators in the field are urgently updating strategies on how to protect as much lifesaving work as possible. 

    The Inter-Agency Standing Committee, which brings together UN humanitarian agencies and our partners, has agreed on an ambitious plan for efficiency and prioritization.

    Our absolute priority remains clear. 

    We will do everything we can to provide life-saving aid to those in urgent need.

    And we will continue our efforts to diversify the pool of generous donors who support our work.  

    We remain committed to making the global humanitarian effort as efficient, accountable and innovative as possible while continuing to save lives. 

    Dear ladies and gentlemen of the media, 

    Next Tuesday, I will be in Cairo to join the Extraordinary Summit of the League of Arab States to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza. 

    Since the horrific attacks of terror by Hamas in Israel on October 7, the ensuing hostilities have unleashed an unprecedented level of death and destruction in Gaza. 

    Gaza has become a nexus of death, displacement, hunger and disease. 

    Hospitals, schools and water facilities have been destroyed and reduced to rubble.  

    And the risk of further destruction looms over the population. 

    Tuesday’s Summit is an opportunity for leaders across the Arab world to come together and discuss the elements required to deliver peace and stability in Gaza. 

    Their unified position will help guide the way forward. 

    I will outline key priorities. 
     
    First — the ceasefire and hostage release deal must hold. 

    The coming days are critical. 

    The parties must spare no effort to avoid a breakdown of this deal. 

    I urge them to uphold their commitments and implement all of them in full. 

    All hostages must be released immediately, unconditionally and in a dignified manner.

    The parties must ensure humane treatment for all those held under their power. 

    All transfers must be carried out in a dignified way and as per the terms of the deal. 

    Humanitarian aid must be maintained, protected and funded, flowing without impediment to reach people in desperate need. 

    Each moment the ceasefire holds means more people reached and more lives saved.  

    Time and again, we’ve shown what we can deliver. 

    Since the ceasefire, humanitarians have been able to scale-up and expand operations in Gaza, including to areas that were unreachable during the fighting. 

    Together with our partners, we’ve reached hundreds of thousands of people…

    Providing food to nearly everyone in Gaza.

    Delivering shelter kits, clothing and other essential items to tens of thousands of displaced people.

    And doubling the amount of clean water available to people in Gaza.  

    Meanwhile, our partners have distributed medical supplies reaching some 1.8 million people, helping health facilities continue their lifesaving work. 

    The message is clear. 

    With the right conditions and access, we can do far more.  

    The ceasefire must hold. We must keep the humanitarian lifeline open. 

    As part of this, I will once again appeal for the urgent and full support of UNRWA’s work.

    UNRWA’s unique role must be maintained. 

    Second — ending the immediate crisis is only a first step.  

    There must be a clear political framework that lays the groundwork for Gaza’s recovery, reconstruction and lasting stability. 

    This framework must be based on clear principles. 

    This means staying true to the bedrock of international law. 

    It means preventing any form of ethnic cleansing. 

    It means there should be no long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza. 

    It means addressing Israel’s legitimate security concerns. 

    It means accountability for violations of international law. 

    And it means Gaza remains an integral part of an independent, democratic and sovereign Palestinian state, with no reductions in its territory or forced transfer of its population. 

    Both Gaza and the occupied West Bank — including East Jerusalem — must be treated as one — politically, economically and administratively.

    And governed by a Palestinian government that is accepted and supported by the Palestinian people.  

    And any transitional arrangements must be designed to achieve a unified Palestinian government within a precise and limited timeframe.

    I will also call for an urgent de-escalation of the alarming situation in the West Bank.   

    Unilateral actions, including settlement expansion and threats of annexation, must stop.

    I call for an end to attacks on civilians and their property. 

    Finally, we must take tangible steps — now — towards the realization of a two-State solution.

    The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, to chart their own future, and to live on their land in freedom and security. 

    The only path to lasting peace is one where two states — Israel and Palestine — live side by side in peace and security, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.

    Palestinians deserve lasting stability and a just and principled peace. 

    And the people of Israel deserve to live in peace and security. 

    At this fragile moment, we must avoid a resumption of hostilities that would deepen the suffering and further destabilize a region that is already perched on a knife’s edge. 

    We need sustainable reconstruction and a unified, clear and principled political solution. 

    That’s what I will call for in Cairo next week. 

    Thank you.
    ******************

    حضرات السيدات والسادة الإعلاميين،

    أود أن أبدأ بالإعراب عن قلقي العميق إزاء المعلومات التي وردت في الساعات الـ 48 الماضية من قبل وكالات الأمم المتحدة – وكذلك العديد من المنظمات غير الحكومية الإنسانية والمعنية بالتنمية – بشأن التخفيضات الحادة في التمويل من قبل الولايات المتحدة.

    وتؤثر هذه التخفيضات على مجموعة واسعة من البرامج الحاسمة…

    من المساعدات الإنسانية المنقذة للحياة، إلى دعم المجتمعات الهشة التي تتعافى من الحروب أو الكوارث الطبيعية…

    ومن التنمية إلى مكافحة الإرهاب والاتجار غير المشروع بالمخدرات.

    ستكون العواقب مدمرة بشكل خاص على الفئات الضعيفة في جميع أنحاء العالم.

    ففي أفغانستان، سيُحرم أكثر من تسعة ملايين شخص من الخدمات الصحية وخدمات الحماية، مع تعليق الخدمات التي تقدمها مئات الفرق الصحية المتنقلة.

    أما في شمال شرق سوريا، حيث يحتاج 2.5 مليون شخص إلى المساعدة، فإن غياب التمويل الأمريكي يعني أن البرامج ستترك أعدادا كبيرة من السكان أكثر عرضة للخطر.

    في أوكرانيا، تم تعليق البرامج القائمة على النقد في مناطق رئيسية – وهذه البرامج تُعدّ سمة رئيسية للاستجابة الإنسانية وقد وصلت إلى مليون شخص في عام 2024.

    أما في جنوب السودان، فقد نفد التمويل المخصص لبرامج دعم الأشخاص الذين فروا بسبب النزاع في السودان المجاور، مما ترك المناطق الحدودية مكتظة بشكل خطير.

    وفي الوقت نفسه، سوف يضطر مكتب الأمم المتحدة المعني بالمخدرات والجريمة إلى وقف العديد من برامجه لمكافحة المخدرات، بما في ذلك برنامج مكافحة أزمة الفنتانيل، وتقليص أنشطة مكافحة الاتجار بالبشر بشكل كبير.

    وتوقف تمويل العديد من برامج مكافحة فيروس نقص المناعة البشرية/الإيدز والسل والملاريا والكوليرا.

    وأعربنا عن امتناننا للغاية للدور الرائد الذي قدمته الولايات المتحدة على مدى عقود.

    فعلى سبيل المثال، وبفضل سخاء المانحين – وعلى رأسهم الولايات المتحدة – تساعد الأمم المتحدة وتحمي أكثر من 100 مليون شخص كل عام من خلال برامجنا الإنسانية…

    من غزة إلى السودان وأفغانستان وسوريا وأوكرانيا وغيرها.

    يدعم التمويل الأمريكي بشكل مباشر الناس الذين يعيشون في الحروب والمجاعات والكوارث، ويوفر لهم الرعاية الصحية الأساسية والمأوى والمياه والغذاء والتعليم – والقائمة تطول.

    الرسالة واضحة.

    إن سخاء الشعب الأمريكي وتعاطفه لم ينقذ الأرواح ويبني السلام ويحسّن حالة العالم فحسب.

    لقد ساهم في تحقيق الاستقرار والازدهار الذي يعتمد عليه الأمريكيون.

    إن موظفي الأمم المتحدة حول العالم فخورون للغاية بما أنجزناه معا – كشركاء.

    إن المضي قدماً في هذه الاقتطاعات سيجعل العالم أقل صحة وأقل أمناً وأقل ازدهاراً.

    وسيتعارض تقليص دور أمريكا الإنساني ونفوذها مع المصالح الأمريكية على الصعيد العالمي.

    لا يسعني إلا أن آمل في أن يتم التراجع عن هذه القرارات بناء على مراجعات أكثر دقة، وينطبق الأمر نفسه على الدول الأخرى التي أعلنت مؤخرا عن تخفيضات في المساعدات الإنسانية والإنمائية.

    وفي غضون ذلك، تقف كل وكالة من وكالات الأمم المتحدة على أهبة الاستعداد لتقديم المعلومات والمبررات اللازمة لمشاريعها.

    ونحن نتطلع إلى العمل مع الولايات المتحدة في هذا الصدد.

    يقوم جميع منسقي الشؤون الإنسانية في الميدان بتحديث الاستراتيجيات على وجه السرعة حول كيفية توفير حماية بأكبر قدر ممكن من العمل المنقذ للحياة.

    وقد اتفقت اللجنة الدائمة المشتركة بين الوكالات، التي تجمع بين وكالات الأمم المتحدة الإنسانية وشركائنا، على خطة طموحة لتحقيق الكفاءة وتحديد الأولويات.

    وتبقى أولويتنا المطلقة واضحة.

    سنبذل كل ما في وسعنا لتقديم المساعدات المنقذة للحياة لمن هم في حاجة ماسة إليها.

    وسنواصل جهودنا لتنويع مجموعة المانحين الأسخياء الذين يدعمون عملنا.

    وسنظل ملتزمين بجعل الجهود الإنسانية العالمية فعالة وخاضعة للمساءلة ومبتكرة قدر الإمكان مع الاستمرار في إنقاذ الأرواح.

    حضرات السيدات والسادة الإعلاميين،

    سأكون يوم الثلاثاء المقبل في القاهرة للمشاركة في مؤتمر القمة الاستثنائي لجامعة الدول العربية لمناقشة إعادة إعمار غزة.

    ومنذ الهجمات الإرهابية المروعة التي شنتها حماس في إسرائيل في 7 تشرين الأول/أكتوبر، جرّت الأعمال العدائية التي أعقبت ذلك مستويات غير مسبوقة من الموت والدمار في غزة.

    فأصبحت غزة بؤرة للموت والنزوح والجوع والمرض.

    ودُمّرت المستشفيات والمدارس ومرافق المياه وتحولت إلى أنقاض.

    ويحدق بالسكان خطر التعرض للمزيد من الدمار.

    ويمثل مؤتمر القمة الذي سيُعقد الثلاثاء فرصة ليجتمع قادة العالم العربي ويناقشوا العناصر المطلوبة لتحقيق السلام والاستقرار في غزة.

    وسيساعد موقفهم الموحد في توجيه سُبل المضي قدما.

    وسأحدد فيما يلي الأولويات الرئيسية.

    أولا – يجب أن يصمد اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار وإطلاق سراح الرهائن.

    الأيام القادمة حاسمة.

    ولا يجب على الطرفين ادّخار أي جهد لتجنب انهيار هذا الاتفاق.

    وأحثهما على الوفاء بالتزاماتهما وتنفيذها بالكامل.

    ويجب إطلاق سراح جميع الرهائن فورا ودون شروط وبطريقة تصون كرامتهم.

    ويجب على الطرفين ضمان المعاملة الإنسانية لجميع المحتجزين تحت سلطتهم.

    ويجب الاستمرار في تقديم المساعدات الإنسانية وحمايتها وتمويلها والسماح بإيصالها دون عوائق إلى الأشخاص الذين هم في أمس الحاجة إليها.

    وكل لحظة يصمد فيها وقف إطلاق النار تعني الوصول إلى عدد أكبر من الأشخاص وإنقاذ المزيد من الأرواح.

    لقد بيّنا مرارا وتكرارا ما يمكننا تقديمه.

    ومنذ وقف إطلاق النار، تمكّن العاملون في المجال الإنساني من تكثيف عملياتهم في غزة وتوسيع نطاقها، بما في ذلك إلى المناطق التي تعذّر الوصول إليها أثناء القتال.

    وبالتعاون مع شركائنا، وصلنا إلى مئات الآلاف من الأشخاص…

    ووفّرنا الغذاء لجميع السكان في غزة تقريبا…

    وأوصلنا مستلزمات الإيواء والملابس وغيرها من المواد الأساسية لعشرات الآلاف من النازحين…

    وضاعفنا كمية المياه النظيفة المتاحة للناس في غزة.

    وفي الوقت نفسه، قام شركاؤنا بتوزيع الإمدادات الطبية لتصل إلى حوالي 1,8 مليون شخص، مما ساعد المرافق الصحية على مواصلة عملها المنقذ للحياة.

    رسالتنا واضحة.

    إذا ما توفرت لنا الظروف المناسبة وأُتيح لنا الوصول، يمكننا القيام بأكثر من ذلك بكثير.

    ويجب أن يصمد وقف إطلاق النار. ويجب أن نُبقي شريان الحياة الإنساني مفتوحا.

    وفي هذا الإطار، إنني أناشد مرة أخرى من أجل تقديم الدعم العاجل والكامل لعمل الأونروا.

    ويجب الحفاظ على دور الأونروا الفريد من نوعه.

    ثانيا – إنهاء الأزمة الآنية ليس سوى الخطوة الأولى.

    يجب أن يكون هناك إطار سياسي واضح يُرسي الأسس اللازمة للتعافي وإعادة الإعمار وتحقيق الاستقرار الدائم في غزة.

    ويجب أن يستند هذا الإطار إلى مبادئ واضحة.

    وهذا يعني الالتزام بأسس القانون الدولي.

    وهذا يعني منع أي شكل من أشكال التطهير العرقي.

    وهذا يعني أنه ينبغي ألا يكون هناك وجود عسكري إسرائيلي طويل الأمد في غزة.

    وهذا يعني معالجة الشواغل الأمنية المشروعة لإسرائيل.

    وهذا يعني المساءلة عن انتهاكات القانون الدولي.

    وهذا يعني بقاء غزة جزءا لا يتجزأ من دولة فلسطينية مستقلة وديمقراطية وذات سيادة، دون أي انتقاص من أراضيها أو نقل قسري لسكانها.

    ويجب التعامل مع قطاع غزة والضفة الغربية المحتلة – بما في ذلك القدس الشرقية – ككيان واحد – سياسيا واقتصاديا وإداريا…

    تحكمهما حكومة فلسطينية يقبلها الشعب الفلسطيني ويدعمها.

    ويجب أن تصمم أي ترتيبات انتقالية بهدف التوصّل إلى حكومة فلسطينية موحدة في إطار زمني دقيق ومحدود.

    وسأدعو كذلك إلى تهدئة عاجلة للوضع المثير للجزع في الضفة الغربية.

    فالمنازل والبنية التحتية المدنية تُدمّر.

    والمدنيون يُقتلون.

    والمجتمعات المحلية تُهجّر وتُمنع من العودة.

    ويُمنع الوصول إلى الرعاية الصحية.

    ويجب أن تتوقف الأعمال أحادية الجانب، بما في ذلك التوسع الاستيطاني والتهديدات بالضم.

    وأدعو إلى وضع حد للهجمات على المدنيين وممتلكاتهم.

    وأخيرا، يجب أن نتخذ خطوات ملموسة – الآن – نحو تحقيق حل الدولتين.

    يجب أن يتمتع الشعب الفلسطيني بالحق في أن يحكم نفسه بنفسه، وأن يرسم مستقبله بنفسه، وأن يعيش على أرضه في حرية وأمان.

    والطريق الوحيد لتحقيق السلام الدائم هو الطريق الذي تعيش فيه دولتان – إسرائيل وفلسطين – جنبا إلى جنب في سلام وأمن، بما يتماشى مع القانون الدولي وقرارات الأمم المتحدة ذات الصلة، وتكون القدس عاصمة للدولتين.

    يستحق الفلسطينيون الاستقرار الدائم والسلام العادل والقائم على المبادئ.

    ويستحق شعب إسرائيل أن يعيش في سلام وأمن.

    وفي هذه اللحظة الهشة، يجب أن نتجنب استئناف الأعمال العدائية التي من شأنها أن تعمّق المعاناة وتزيد من زعزعة الاستقرار في منطقة هي أصلا على شفا هاوية.

    نحن بحاجة إلى إعادة إعمار مستدامة وحل سياسي موحد وواضح وقائم على المبادئ.

    هذا ما سأدعو إليه في القاهرة الأسبوع المقبل.

    شكرا لكم.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Regard Newborn Kit Recall: ROi CPS, LLC Removes Certain Newborn Kits Due to a Recalled Component, the Neo-Tee T-Piece Resuscitator With An Undersized Controller Spring

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. 
    Affected Product

    Product Name: Regard Newborn Kit
    Lot number 104006, Exp. 9/30/2026, UDI (01)10194717119074(17)260930(10)104006
    Lot number 103486, Exp. 8/31/2026, UDI (01)10194717119074(17)260831(10)103486

    What to Do  

    Stop use and distribution of affected product.
    Provide a copy of this recall notice to all customers who may have received impacted product.
    Notify anyone who may use these devices.

    On December 26, 2024, ROi, CPS LLC sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction Notice recommending the following actions:
    Actions for customers

    Review inventory to determine if the item and lot numbers are present.
    Quarantine affected kits.
    Do not distribute affected kits to user facilities.
    Notify any customers who may have received affected product.
    Provide a copy of the notice to all customers who have received impacted product and require a response.

    Customer responses will be requested to determine effectiveness of this recall.

    Actions for end users

    Do not use affected kits. 
    Return kits to the distribution location.
    Reply to the notice by completing the reply form attached to the letter.
    ROi CPS, LLC will make sure all of the impacted Mecury Medical items are removed from the distribution location.
    Report any adverse health consequences experienced to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

    Reason for Recall  
    ROi CPS, LLC, is recalling newborn kits after receiving an Urgent Field Safety Notice for a kit component from the supplier Mercury Medical. The affected component is the Neo-Tee T-Piece resuscitator, which is being removed by Mercury Medical due to a undersized spring in the controller that may prevent the device from delivering the required pressure levels needed for effective ventilation. The issue could reduce positive pressure, affecting the patient’s breathing support.
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including low oxygen levels (desaturation), slow heart rate (bradycardia), lack of oxygen (hypoxia), high carbon dioxide levels (hypercarbia), and death.
    There have been no reported injuries or deaths associated with this issue.
    Device Use
    The ROi Regard Newborn Kit is a convenience kit containing finished medical devices to be used in Labor and Delivery. The Neo-Tee T-Piece Resuscitator included in the kit is a gas-powered emergency resuscitator intended to provide emergency respiratory support by means of a facemask or a tube inserted into a patient’s airway. It is intended for use with pediatric patients weighing less than 10kg (22lbs). The device is designed with in-line flow controller, in the circuit.
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact ROi CS, LLC.
    Additional FDA Resources  

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. 

    Content current as of:
    02/28/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Endoscope Instrument Recall: Olympus Removes Single Use Guide Sheath Kits Due to Risk for Radiopaque Guide Sheath Tip Detaching During Procedures

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. 
    Affected Product

    Product Names: Single Use Guide Sheath Kits:

    K-201 2.0MM Channel Set: Guide Sheath, Biopsy Forceps, Cytology Brush
    K-202 2.0MM Channel Set: Guide Sheath, Biopsy Forceps
    K-203 2.6MM Channel Set: Guide Sheath, Biopsy Forceps, Cytology Brush
    K-204 2.6MM Channel Set: Guide Sheath, Biopsy Forceps

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model:

    04953170245466/K-201
    04953170245480/K-202
    04953170245503/K-203
    04953170245527/K-204

    Lot Numbers: All lots   

    What to Do  

    Do not use Single Use Guide Sheath Kits with model numbers models K-201, K-202, K-203 or K-204. 

    On January 15, 2025, Olympus sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Removal letter recommending the following actions:

    Identify Single Use Guide Sheath Kits, models K-201, K-202, K-203, and K-204 in inventory.
    Do not use Single Use Guide Sheath Kits with these model numbers.
    Quarantine any affected product. 
    Contact Customer Service at 1-800-848-9024, option 2, if affected products are found in inventory, to receive a Return Material Authorization. Olympus will issue a credit upon return of affected product.
    Acknowledge receipt of the letter through the Olympus web portal.

    Enter the recall number “0467”
    Complete the form as instructed.

    Forward the notice to other users who may have received affected products.

    Reason for Recall  
    Olympus is recalling certain models of Single Use Guide Sheath Kits after receiving complaints that the radiopaque tip of the guide sheath component fell off into the patient. Olympus’s preliminary findings show that the tip detaches from the guide sheath when excessive force is applied as instruments are inserted into the guide sheath, and/or if there is damage to the distal end of the sheath.
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including bleeding and death.   There have been 26 serious reported injuries. There have been no reports of death. 
    Device Use
    Single Use Guide Sheath Kits models K-201, K-202, K-203, and K-204 contain Single Use Guide Sheaths models SG-200C and SG-201C. These instruments are designed for use with an Olympus endoscope to collect cells or tissue specimens in the organs responsible for breathing. 
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact Olympus Technical Assistance Center (TAC) at 1- 800-848-9024, option 1.
    Additional FDA Resources  

    Additional Company Resources  

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. 

    Content current as of:
    02/28/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Last Chance to Shop the Best Deals on Home Health and Fitness with Innovative Smart Appliances

    Source: Samsung

     
    The Samsung Blue Tag Sale, which is running until 2 March 2025, presents a great opportunity to get cutting-edge technology for home health and fitness. The company’s innovative range of appliances and mobile devices is transforming how consumers approach wellness, making it easier to live a healthier, more active lifestyle from the comfort of home. From smart TVs and health-tracking wearables to eco-friendly appliances that promote well-being, Samsung’s products are designed to support every aspect of a modern, health-conscious lifestyle.
     
    The cutting-edge products are set to redefine the boundaries of home wellness, offering users an integrated and seamless experience that promotes a healthier lifestyle.  As the world continues to prioritise health and wellness, Samsung’s innovative smart appliances are set to become an essential part of modern living. By seamlessly integrating technology and wellness, Samsung is empowering users to take control of their health and fitness, one smart appliance at a time.

    Samsung Smart TVs: Your Fitness Hub at Home
    Samsung’s Smart TVs are more than just entertainment hubs – they’re powerful tools for fitness. Users can stream workout routines, follow wellness content, or track fitness progress with apps like YouTube and Samsung Health. Whether you’re following a yoga session or monitoring your steps, these devices serve as an all-in-one fitness station for the modern home.
     
    Samsung Food App
    Samsung Food is making food preparation more convenient which allows you to plan meals based on users’ food preferences or support sustainable food practice goals. Samsung Food now features enhanced tools designed to support users to better maintain their health and to reach wellness goals. The platform provides nutrition-focused meal plans that track and monitor caloric intake within daily meal schedules, whether for recipes or individual food items. It offers “Tailored for You” plans, delivering weekly recipe and snack recommendations based on users’ nutritional needs,6 chosen diets and previous recipe preferences
     
     

     
    Air Conditioners: Breathe Easy, Live Healthier
    Maintaining clean air in the home is crucial for health, especially during fitness activities. Samsung’s air conditioners, equipped with air-purifying technology, improve indoor air quality, creating a more comfortable and healthier environment. These devices ensure that every workout, whether indoors or outdoors, takes place in fresh, clean air.
     
    Samsung Devices & Smartwatches: Your Health and Fitness Companion.
    Samsung’s mobile devices, especially the Galaxy series, provide comprehensive features for health and fitness management. With robust fitness apps, heart rate monitoring, and wellness tracking, users can easily access workout routines, nutrition guides, and health data from their smartphones. Samsung’s seamless device integration makes it simple to stay connected and in control of your health journey. The Samsung Galaxy Watch is an essential accessory for those looking to boost their fitness goals. With advanced features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and multiple exercise modes, it helps users stay motivated and on track. Integrated with Samsung Health, the Galaxy Watch makes it easy to monitor daily activity, set goals, and engage with a supportive fitness community.

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    User Experience
    From simplifying daily routines to fostering a health-conscious home environment, Samsung’s products are designed with the user experience in mind. Whether it’s a quick workout, a healthy meal, or cleaner air, Samsung’s innovative solutions make it easier than ever to prioritise health and fitness at home.
     
    The Samsung Blue Tag Sale is running in Samsung stores, online, the Samsung Shop App, and participating retailers until 2 March 2025. Don’t miss out!
     
    For more information, visit www.samsung.com/za

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Coastal economies rely on NOAA, from Maine to Florida, Texas and Alaska – even if they don’t realize it

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christine Keiner, Chair, Department of Science, Technology, and Society, Rochester Institute of Technology

    U.S. fishing industries, both commercial and recreational, rely on healthy coastal areas. Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images

    Healthy coastal ecosystems play crucial roles in the U.S. economy, from supporting multibillion-dollar fisheries and tourism industries to protecting coastlines from storms.

    They’re also difficult to manage, requiring specialized knowledge and technology.

    That’s why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – the federal agency best known for collecting and analyzing the data that make weather forecasts and warnings possible – leads most of the government’s work on ocean and coastal health, as well as research into the growing risks posed by climate change.

    The government estimates that NOAA’s projects and services support more than one-third of the nation’s gross domestic product. Yet, this is one of the agencies that the Trump administration has targeted, with discussions of trying to privatize NOAA’s forecasting operations and disband its crucial climate change research.

    As a marine environmental historian who studies relationships among scientists, fishermen and environmentalists, I have seen how NOAA’s work affects American livelihoods, coastal health and the U.S. economy.

    Here are a few examples from just NOAA’s coastal work, and what it means to fishing industries and coastal states.

    Preventing fisheries from collapsing

    One of the oldest divisions within NOAA is the National Marine Fisheries Service, known as NOAA Fisheries. It dates to 1871, when Congress created the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. At that time, the first generation of conservationists started to worry that America’s natural resources were finite.

    By conducting surveys and interviewing fishermen and seafood dealers, the fish commissioners discovered that freshwater and saltwater fisheries across the country were declining.

    Looking back on 150 years of NOAA’s fisheries history.

    Oil spills and raw sewage were polluting waterways. Fishermen were using high-tech gear, such as pound nets, to catch more and more of the most valuable fish. In some areas, overfishing was putting the future of the fisheries in jeopardy.

    One solution was to promote aquaculture, also known as fish or shellfish farming. Scientists and entrepreneurs reared baby fish in hatcheries and transferred them to rivers, lakes or bays. The Fish Commission even used refrigerated railroad cars to ship fish eggs across the country.

    Today, U.S. aquaculture is a US$1.5 billion industry and the world’s fastest-growing food sector. Much of the salmon you see in grocery stores started as farm-raised hatchlings. NOAA provides training, grants and regional data to support the industry.

    Men carry pails of fish specimens to a U.S. Fish Commission ‘fish car’ – a train car designed specifically for transporting fish or fish eggs to stock U.S. rivers, lakes and coastal waters – in this historical photo.
    Smithsonian Institution Archives

    NOAA Fisheries also helps to regulate commercial and recreational fishing to keep fish populations healthy and prevent them from crashing.

    The 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other laws implemented catch limits to prevent overfishing. To develop fair regulations and combat illegal practices, NOAA and its predecessors have worked with fishing organizations through regional fishery management councils for decades.

    These industries generate $321 billion in sales and support 2.3 million jobs.

    Restoring coral reefs to help marine life thrive

    NOAA also benefits U.S. coastal communities by restoring coral reefs.

    Corals build up reefs over centuries, creating “cities of the sea.” When they’re healthy, they provide nurseries that protect valuable fish species, like snapper, from predators. Reefs also attract tourism and protect coastlines by breaking up waves that cause storm-driven flooding and erosion.

    The corals of Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico and other tropical areas provide over $3 billion a year in benefits – from sustaining marine ecosystems to recreation, including sport fishing.

    However, reefs are vulnerable to pollution, acidification, heat stress and other damage. Warming water can cause coral bleaching events, as the world saw in 2023 and 2024.

    NOAA monitors reef health. It also works with innovative restoration strategies, such as breeding strains of coral that resist bleaching, so reefs have a better chance of surviving as the planet warms.

    Battling invasive species in the Great Lakes

    A third important aspect of NOAA’s coastal work involves controlling invasive species in America’s waters, including those that have menaced the Great Lakes.

    Zebra and quagga mussels, spiny water flea and dozens of other Eurasian organisms colonized the Great Lakes starting in the late 1900s after arriving in ballast water from transoceanic ships. These invaders have disrupted the Great Lakes food web and clogged cities’ water intake systems, causing at least $138 million in damage per year.

    Zebra mussels found attached to this boat at an inspection station in Oregon show how easily invasive species can be moved. The boat had come from Texas and was on its way to Canada.
    Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, CC BY-SA

    In the Northwest Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, invasive lionfish, native to Asia and Australia, have spread, preying on native fish essential to coral reefs. Lionfish have become one of the world’s most damaging marine fish invasions.

    NOAA works with the Coast Guard, U.S. Geological Survey and other organizations to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. Stronger ballast water regulations developed through the agency’s research have helped prevent new invasions in the Great Lakes.

    Understanding climate change

    One of NOAA’s most crucial roles is its leadership in global research into understanding the causes and effects of climate change.

    The oil industry has known for decades that greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels would raise global temperatures.

    Evidence and research from around the world have connected greenhouse gas emissions from human activities to climate change. The data have shown how rising temperatures have increased risks for coastal areas, including worsening heat waves and ocean acidification that harm marine life; raising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities with tidal flooding and higher storm surges; and contributing to more extreme storms.

    NOAA conducts U.S. climate research and coordinates international climate research efforts, as well as producing the data and analysis for weather forecasting that coastal states rely on.

    Why tear apart an irreplaceable resource?

    When Republican President Richard Nixon proposed consolidating several different agencies into NOAA in 1970, he told Congress that doing so would promote “better protection of life and property from natural hazards,” “better understanding of the total environment” and “exploration and development leading to the intelligent use of our marine resources.”

    The Trump administration is instead discussing tearing down NOAA. The administration has been erasing mentions of climate change from government research, websites and policies – despite the rising risks to communities across the nation. The next federal budget is likely to slash NOAA’s funding.

    Commercial meteorologists argue that much of NOAA’s weather data and forecasting, also crucial to coastal areas, couldn’t be duplicated by the private sector.

    As NOAA marks its 55th year, I believe it’s in the nation’s and the U.S. economy’s best interest to strengthen rather than dismantle this vital agency.

    Christine Keiner conducted research at the NOAA Library for her books “The Oyster Question” and “Deep Cut.”

    – ref. Coastal economies rely on NOAA, from Maine to Florida, Texas and Alaska – even if they don’t realize it – https://theconversation.com/coastal-economies-rely-on-noaa-from-maine-to-florida-texas-and-alaska-even-if-they-dont-realize-it-250016

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As flu cases break records this year, vaccine rates are declining, particularly for children and 65+ adults

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Annette Regan, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles

    It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Fat Camera/E+ via Getty Images

    In February 2025, flu rates spiked to the highest levels seen in at least 15 years, with flu outpacing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified this flu season as having “high” severity across the U.S.

    The Conversation asked epidemiologist Annette Regan to explain why this flu season is different from last year’s and what people can do to help reduce the spread.

    How do flu cases and hospitalizations this year compare with previous years?

    Beginning in late January and extending through February 2025, flu hospitalizations have been higher than any other week since before 2009.

    Most flu cases appear to be from influenza A strains, with a split between influenza A/H3N2 and influenza A/H1N1. These are two different subtypes of the influenza A virus.

    Researchers believe that historically seasons that are predominated by influenza A/H3N2 infections tend to be more severe, but infections from influenza A/H1N1 can still be very severe.

    This year’s season is also peaking “late” compared with the past three flu seasons, which peaked in early or late December.

    Unfortunately, there have been a number of deaths from flu too this season. Since Jan. 1, 2025, alone, over 4,000 people, including 68 children, have died from flu. While the number of deaths do not mark a record number, it shows that flu can be a serious illness, even in children.

    Unless directed otherwise, everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu shot.

    Why are flu cases so high this year?

    There are a number of factors behind any severe season, including poor community protection from low immunization rates and low natural immunity, virus characteristics, vaccine effectiveness and increased human contact via travel, office work or schools.

    Unfortunately, flu vaccination rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the 2023-24 flu season, 9.2 million fewer doses were administered in pharmacies and doctors’ offices compared with an average year before the pandemic.

    In addition, since 2022, fewer and fewer doses of flu vaccine have been distributed by private manufacturers. Flu vaccination rates for adults have historically been in the 30% to 60% range, much lower than the recommended 70%. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination rates were increasing by around 1% to 2% every year.

    Flu vaccination rates began dropping after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in higher-risk groups. Flu vaccination in children has dropped from 59% in 2019-20 to 46% in 2024-25. In adults 65 years and older, the group with the greatest risk of hospitalization and death, flu vaccination rates dropped from 52% in 2019-20 to 43% in 2024-25.

    Lower vaccination rates mean a greater portion of the population is not protected by vaccines. Data shows that vaccination reduces the risk of flu hospitalization. Even if a vaccinated person gets infected, they may be less likely to experience severe illness. As a result, low vaccination rates could contribute to higher flu severity this season.

    However, low vaccination rates are probably not the only reason for the high rates of flu this season. In previous severe seasons, genetic changes to the viruses have made them better at infecting people and more likely to cause severe illness.

    The effectiveness of annual flu vaccines varies depending on how well the vaccine matches the circulating virus. The effectiveness of vaccines ranges from 19% to 60% in any given season. In the 2023-24 flu season, the vaccine was 42% effective.

    Similarly, early 2024-25 data from the U.S. shows that the vaccine was 41% to 55% effective against flu hospitalizations in adults and 63% to 78% effective against flu hospitalizations in children.

    Something as simple as regular handwashing could keep you from getting the flu.

    How do seasonal flu symptoms differ from COVID-19 and other illnesses?

    It’s important to remember that people often incorrectly refer to “the flu” when they have a common cold. Flu is caused only by the influenza virus, which tends to be more severe than common colds and more commonly causes a fever.

    Many of the signs and symptoms for flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are the same and can range from mild coldlike symptoms to pneumonia and respiratory distress. Common flu symptoms are fever, cough and fatigue, and may also include shortness of breath, a sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches and headache.

    Some symptoms, such as changes in or loss of taste and smell, are more common for COVID-19. For both COVID-19 and flu, the symptoms do not start until about one to four days after infection, and symptoms seem to last longer for COVID-19.

    The only way to know what virus is causing an infection is to test. This can be done using a rapid test, some of which now test for flu and COVID-19 together, or by seeing a doctor and getting tested using a nasal swab. There are prescription antiviral medications available to treat flu and COVID-19, but they need to be taken near the time that symptoms start.

    Some people are at high risk of severe flu and COVID-19, such as those who are immunosuppressed, have diabetes or have chronic heart or lung conditions. In these cases, it is important to seek early care and treatment from a health care professional. Some doctors will also prescribe via telehealth calls, which can help reduce the strain on doctors’ offices, urgent care centers and emergency rooms when infection rates are high.

    What can people do now to help steer clear of the flu?

    There are a number of ways people can reduce their risk of getting or spreading flu. Since the flu season is still underway, it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. Even in seasons when the vaccine’s effectiveness is low, it is likely to offer better protection compared with remaining unvaccinated.

    Handwashing and disinfecting high-traffic surfaces can help reduce contact with the flu virus. Taking efforts to avoid contact with sick people can also help, including wearing a mask when in health care facilities.

    Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Exercising, eating healthy and getting sufficient sleep all help support a healthy immune system, which can help reduce chances of infection.

    Those who have been diagnosed with flu or are experiencing flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with other people, especially in crowded spaces. Covering coughs and sneezes can help reduce the amount of virus that is spread.

    Annette Regan receives research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Global Vaccine Data Network, and she is employed by the Department of Research & Evaluation at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

    – ref. As flu cases break records this year, vaccine rates are declining, particularly for children and 65+ adults – https://theconversation.com/as-flu-cases-break-records-this-year-vaccine-rates-are-declining-particularly-for-children-and-65-adults-250252

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Texas records first US measles death in 10 years – a medical epidemiologist explains how to protect yourself and your community from this deadly, preventable disease

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Pastula, Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

    Young children are especially vulnerable to measles. Bilanol via Getty Images

    On Feb. 26, 2025, Texas health officials announced the death of a child in a measles outbreak – the first measles death in the United States since 2015. The outbreak was first identified in early February in Gaines County, Texas, where just 82% of kindergartners are vaccinated against measles, compared with 93% on average across the country. As of Feb. 27, there were at least 124 confirmed cases in Texas and nearby towns in New Mexico.

    In an interview with The Conversation U.S. associate health editor Alla Katsnelson, neurologist and medical epidemiologist Daniel Pastula explains why measles is so dangerous and how people and communities can protect themselves from the virus.

    What is measles, and where does it come from?

    Measles is an ancient disease caused by a virus that probably evolved in cattle and jumped into humans around 500 B.C. One of the first written accounts of it comes from a Persian physician named Rhazes in the ninth century C.E., and measles epidemics were described in medieval Europe and western Asia regularly beginning around 1100-1200. The virus got brought over to the Americas in the 1500s, and it wiped out large populations of native people as Europeans colonized the continent.

    By the 1950s in the United States, there were 500,000 reported cases of measles each year – though the true number was probably closer to 4 million . It was so contagious, every kid was thought to have gotten measles by age 15. At that time, measles caused close to 50,000 hospitalizations annually and about 500 deaths, usually in children. It also caused over 1,000 cases of severe brain inflammation every year.

    The first measles vaccine became available in 1963, and scientists improved it over the following decades, causing the number of cases to plummet. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S.

    Since then, there have been occasional minor flare-ups, usually brought in by international travelers, but by and large, measles outbreaks have been rare. No one had died of it in the United States in nearly a decade.

    Today, measles infections in the U.S. are almost completely preventable with vaccination.

    For most people, two doses of the MMR vaccine protects against measles for life.
    Sergii Iaremenko/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

    What are the typical symptoms of measles?

    About 10 to 14 days after infection, people suffering from measles experience a very high fever, cold-like symptoms including a runny nose and sneezing, and eye inflammation called conjunctivitis.

    Next, they may develop white spots called Koplik spots inside their mouth and a diffuse, spotty, red rash that starts at the head and neck, then descends across the entire body. This rash is where the disease gets its name – the word “measles” is thought to come from a medieval Dutch word for “little blemishes.”

    Symptoms of measles infection take about three weeks to resolve. People are contagious from about four days before symptoms emerge to four days after the rash starts.

    What are the possible severe outcomes of measles?

    Epidemiologists estimate that 1 in 5 people who are infected with measles get sick enough to be hospitalized. About 1 in 10 develop ear infections, some of which may result in permanent deafness.

    About 1 in 20 people develop severe measles pneumonia, which causes trouble breathing. Reports from west Texas this month suggest that many infected children there have measles pneumonia.

    About 1 in 1,000 people develop severe brain swelling. Both measles pneumonia and brain swelling can be fatal. About 3 in 1,000 people die after contracting measles.

    In about 1 in 10,000 who get sick with measles and recover from it, the virus lies dormant in the brain for about a decade. It then can reactivate, causing a severe, progressive dementia called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which is fatal within one to three years. There is no treatment or cure for the disease. I have seen a couple of suspected cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, and none of these patients survived, despite our best efforts.

    Given how contagious measles is and how severe the outcomes can be, physicians and public health experts are gravely concerned right now.

    How does measles spread?

    Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases on the planet. The virus is so infectious that if you are in a room with an infected person and you are not vaccinated and have never had measles before, you have a 90% chance of becoming infected.

    The measles virus is transmitted by droplets released into the air by infected people when they cough, sneeze or simply breathe. Virus particles can survive suspended in the air or on indoor surfaces for up to two hours, so people can get infected by touching a surface carrying virus particles and then touching their face.

    Who should get the measles vaccine, and how effective is it?

    The vaccine for measles has historically been called the MMR vaccine because it has been bundled with vaccines for two other diseases – mumps and rubella. Most children in the U.S. receive it as a two-dose regimen, which is 97% effective against measles.

    Children generally get the first dose of the vaccine at 12-15 months old and the second dose when they are 4-6 years old. Infants who haven’t reached their first birthday generally do not receive it since their immune system is not yet fully developed and they do not develop quite as robust of an immune response. In an emergency, though, babies as young as 6 to 9 months old can be vaccinated. If an infant’s mother previously received the MMR vaccine or had been infected herself as a child, her transferred antibodies probably offer some protection, but this wanes in the months after birth.

    People born before 1957 are considered immune without getting the vaccine because measles was so widespread at that time that everyone was presumed to have been infected. However, certain people in this age group, such as some health care workers, may wish to discuss vaccination with their providers. And some people who had the original version of the vaccine in the 1960s may need to get revaccinated, as the original vaccine was not as effective as the later versions.

    In recent years, vaccination rates for measles and other diseases have fallen.

    Based on available evidence, the vaccine is effective for life, so people who received two doses are most likely protected.

    A single dose of the vaccine is 93% effective. Most people vaccinated before 1989 got just one dose. That year, an outbreak in vaccinated children with one dose spurred public health officials to begin recommending two doses.

    People with certain risk factors who received only one dose, and everyone who has never received a dose, should talk to their health care providers about getting vaccinated. Because the vaccine is a live but weakened version of the virus, those who are severely immunocompromised or are currently pregnant cannot get it.

    People who are immunocompromised, which includes those who have chronic conditions such as autoimmune disorders, are undergoing certain cancer treatments or have received an organ transplant, are more susceptible to measles even if they have been vaccinated.

    In the current measles epidemic in Texas, the vast majority of people falling ill are unvaccinated. Public health officials there are urging unvaccinated people in affected areas to get vaccinated.

    What measures can protect communities from measles outbreaks?

    Vaccination is the best way to protect individuals and communities from measles. It’s also the most effective way to curb an ongoing outbreak.

    High rates of vaccination are important because of a phenomenon called herd immunity. When people who are vaccinated do not get infected, it essentially stops the spread of the virus, thereby protecting those who are most susceptible to getting sick. When herd immunity wanes, the risk of infection rises for everyone – and especially for the most vulnerable, such as young children and people who are immunocompromised.

    Because measles is so contagious, estimates suggest that 95% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Once vaccine coverage falls below that percentage, outbreaks are possible.

    Having robust public health systems also provides protection from outbreaks and limits their spread. Public health workers can detect cases before an outbreak occurs and take preventive steps. During a measles outbreak, they provide updates and information, administer vaccines, track cases and oversee quarantine for people who have been exposed and isolation for people who are contagious.

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

    – ref. Texas records first US measles death in 10 years – a medical epidemiologist explains how to protect yourself and your community from this deadly, preventable disease – https://theconversation.com/texas-records-first-us-measles-death-in-10-years-a-medical-epidemiologist-explains-how-to-protect-yourself-and-your-community-from-this-deadly-preventable-disease-251004

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Nurse-Family Partnerships: From Trials to International Replication

    Source: US National Institute of Justice (video statements)

    David Olds, founder of the Nurse-Family Partnership Program, describes the programs long-term impact on mothers and babies who began participating in the program more than 19 years ago. The Nurse-Family Partnership maternal health program introduces vulnerable first-time parents to maternal and child health nurses. It allows nurses to deliver the support first-time moms need to have a healthy pregnancy, become knowledgeable and responsible parents, and provide their babies and later children and young adults with the best possible start in life.

    (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=hcUbJs9IFso

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster opens the first of eight newly refurbished public conveniences | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has reopened the newly upgraded public conveniences on the Victoria Embankment. These enhanced facilities, essential for the health and wellbeing of our local communities and visitors, feature a redesigned, clean and accessible layout. The upgrade is part of a wider transformation programme across Westminster, that reflects the council’s commitment to improved public toilet provision across the city. Through this investment the council is seeking to incorporate the highest standards of modern design and showcase new public artwork inspired by the local area.

    The transformed site now includes refitted women’s and men’s facilities, an onsite attendant, as well as disabled access and a Changing Places toilet. Changing Places toilets go beyond standard accessible toilets; they are larger facilities equipped with a changing bench and a hoist to support disabled people who need assistance. The inclusion of these essential facilities ensures a fairer Westminster for residents and visitors alike, enhancing the value of these important upgrade works.

    As a global hub for culture and tourism, the City of Westminster requires a strong infrastructure of services to support its multitude of outdoor spaces and public attractions. The overhaul of this key site supports wider initiatives to enhance public amenities and encourage more people to enjoy the Thames Riverside.

    Coinciding with the 150-year anniversary of the opening of Victoria Embankment Gardens, the City of Westminster had a bold creative vision for the refurbishments in Victoria Embankment, aiming to strike a suitable balance of form and function.

    The City of Westminster appointed FM Conway, its delivery partner, to carry out the works. FM Conway was supported by the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy, Harley Haddow, Healthmatic, Hugh Broughton Architects, and M&M Moran for their specialist expertise on different phases of the works.

    Artist James Lambert was commissioned to creatively integrate artwork throughout each distinct site. The Victoria Embankment facility welcomes visitors with a large artwork inspired by the nearby sphinx statues, as well as reference to the London Underground and Victoria Embankment Gardens. Inside the building the artwork continues, complemented by ‘Westminster Blue’ tiles and offset by lighter tones on the floor and ceiling. From the three-in-one integrated sinks through to the anti-fingerprint linen and platin finish on the metal cubicle doors, the facilities have been designed and built to be robust and long lasting.

    The Embankment site is part of a wider refurbishment programme covering eight public conveniences across Westminster. The next site to be delivered is one of the City of Westminster’s busiest public conveniences, situated beneath Parliament Street and linked via the subway to Westminster Underground Station. It will feature artwork that draws on the high energy of the area and includes the iconic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.

    Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, said:

    “I am thrilled to officially reopen the Victoria Embankment public toilets, which now features stunning public artwork celebrating the vibrant character of our city.

    “As part of our £12.7 million investment across eight public toilets in the West End, we are proud to provide high-quality, accessible facilities that not only serve the community’s needs but also contribute to the cultural landscape of Westminster.

    “This exciting development is part of our broader commitment to enhance public spaces for residents and visitors alike.”

    Matt Smith, Managing Director, FM Conway said:

    “I was delighted that the City of Westminster turned to FM Conway when they needed a trusted partner to deliver this important programme of works. After months of rigorous consultation and design development, I’m happy to see the first of these facilities, at Victoria Embankment, being completed and brought into public use.

    I would like to acknowledge the outstanding and valuable contributions made by our professional delivery partners including the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy, Harley Haddow, Healthmatic, Hugh Broughton Architects, M&M Moran, and, not least, our project Artist James Lambert.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Kajeet Applauds School Districts’ Overwhelming Support for E-Rate Wi-Fi Hotspot Program Amid Congressional Review

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kajeet®, a leading provider of wireless connectivity solutions for education, today celebrates the resounding endorsement from school districts nationwide for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate program expansion to include Wi-Fi hotspots for off-campus use. This support was powerfully highlighted during a recent Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition webinar (recording available here), where education leaders underscored the transformative impact of the program on student access to digital learning resources.

    The SHLB webinar, which addressed Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s initiative to enact a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the FCC’s June 2024 hotspot order, featured persuasive testimony from school district representatives.

    Jill Hobson of Gainesville City Schools recounted poignant experiences, stating, “We had students completing homework in McDonald’s parking lots, as it was their only means of accessing the internet.” She further illustrated the program’s impact with a notable example: “One student, previously struggling academically, achieved grades of A’s and B’s after receiving a hotspot, at last able to stay on pace with her peers.” These narratives underscore a widely shared conviction among districts nationwide: dependable internet access has become an essential requirement for education, rather than a mere convenience.

    Kajeet has long championed equitable access to education through its innovative connectivity solutions, partnering with schools to deploy secure, filtered Wi-Fi hotspots that meet E-Rate requirements. “We’ve seen firsthand how access to safe internet connectivity empowers students, especially in underserved communities,” said Ben Weintraub, CEO at Kajeet. “The overwhelming support from school districts during the SHLB webinar reinforces what we already know: this program is a lifeline for millions of students and families.”

    Critics argue that student connectivity through school-provided hotspots could lead to unrestricted access to platforms like TikTok, but the data tells a different story. In 2024 alone, Kajeet’s advanced filtering technology blocked over 2.7 billion attempts to access TikTok on E-Rate-funded devices, reinforcing the effectiveness of these safeguards. According to Weintraub, “Digital equity shouldn’t come at the cost of student safety—Kajeet’s data-driven approach proves that both can go hand in hand.”

    Despite this groundswell of support, the FCC’s Wi-Fi hotspot initiative faces uncertainty as Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Ted Cruz lead efforts to overturn the program via the CRA. It was also noted in the webinar recording that the program’s reversal would disproportionately harm rural and low-income students. “School districts are telling us loud and clear: E-Rate hotspots are working,” Weintraub said. Kajeet stands in solidarity with these voices, urging policymakers to preserve a program that has proven its value in closing the homework gap.

    As a trusted partner to hundreds of school districts, Kajeet remains committed to supporting educational equity through technology. “We call on Senators to listen to the educators and students who rely on this program,” Weintraub added. “Their success stories are the true measure of E-Rate’s impact.”

    For more information about Kajeet’s E-Rate solutions or to schedule an interview, please contact ljennings@kajeet.com.

    About Kajeet
    Kajeet provides optimized IoT connectivity, software and hardware solutions that deliver safe, reliable, and controlled internet connectivity to nearly 3,000 businesses, schools and districts, state and local governments, and IoT solution providers. Kajeet is the only managed IoT connectivity services provider in the industry to offer a scalable IoT management platform, Sentinel®, that includes complete visibility into real-time data usage, policy control management, custom content filters for added security and multi-network flexibility. To learn more, visit kajeet.com.

    Media Contact:

    Linda Jennings

    Ljennings@kajeet.com

    248-521-3606

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt acts fast against B virus

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it immediately adopted a multipronged approach to prevent the spread of the B virus or herpes simiae virus, after confirming the first human infection in Hong Kong on April 3 last year.

    Apart from issuing a press release that day to announce details of the case, including the treatment of the patient in a critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit and reminding the public of the precautions to be taken against the virus, the CHP notified the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department to take appropriate measures as a matter of urgency.

    As this is the first case of its kind in Hong Kong, the centre promptly stepped up local medical surveillance. On April 5 last year, it put the disease onto the list of “Other communicable diseases of topical public health concern” and issued letters to doctors and hospitals in Hong Kong, asking them to pay attention to the disease during medical consultations and report suspected cases to the CHP for follow-up.

    The CHP also produced promotional leaflets and provided health information on its website and social media since April 5 last year. In addition, it reported the latest epidemiological investigation results of the case in the Communicable Disease Watch in June last year and yesterday, reminding the public and healthcare workers to exercise caution against the B virus.

    The centre said that in the fight against communicable diseases, it adheres to the principles of real-time surveillance, rapid intervention and responsive risk communication.

    Regarding this human B virus infection case, the CHP stressed there was no delay in its investigation, disease control and prevention, and publicity and education efforts.

    The CHP also acknowledged comments that it could have issued a press release on the day of the patient’s death and said it will review the current practice and consider announcing crucial changes in the clinical conditions of special infectious disease cases as soon as practicable.

    This is in addition to announcing the results of the relevant epidemiological investigations, prevention and control work, and public education.

    So far, only one case of B virus human infection has been recorded in Hong Kong. As the virus is naturally carried in the saliva, urine and stool of macaques – wild animals commonly found in Hong Kong, people must remain vigilant and stay away from wild monkeys and avoid touching or feeding them.

    The CHP advised anyone bitten or scratched by a monkey to rinse the wound with water as soon as possible and seek medical attention immediately.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –