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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services28 February 2025 Please see below a statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, in response to the publication of the Hospital Review Panel’s report. Minister for Health and Social Services,… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    28 February 2025

    Please see below a statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, in response to the publication of the Hospital Review Panel’s report. 

    Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Binet, said: ”Today, the Hospital Review Panel released their 117-page review. Along with the New Healthcare Facilities Programme, Health and Care Jersey and Treasury teams and Minister, I will study it carefully over the coming days and respond to the findings and recommendations as soon as possible. Having read Deputy Renouf’s Forward and the Executive Summary, it is clear that the report is likely to cause a good deal of unnecessary concern. 

    “For the avoidance of doubt, there is nothing in it to suggest that progress towards the delivery of New Healthcare Facilities should be slowed and I am confident that the team will be able to address all the key findings and recommendations and assuage any public misgivings. Even the Chair of the Panel himself says that they are not saying the new healthcare facilities will fail to meet the needs of Islanders or that they are definitely unaffordable. 

    “Everyone knows the new Acute Hospital at Overdale and other healthcare facilities are desperately needed, and having worked with the highly competent delivery team for almost three years, I’m satisfied that sufficient information has been generated in this specific, Jersey context to justify the expenditure, and that the Outline Business Case will be refined to a Full Business Case in the same, appropriate way.”​​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Institute of Materials Science Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The Institute of Materials Science (IMS) at the University of Connecticut will celebrate its 60th anniversary throughout 2025, beginning with a special seminar series featuring alumni from the IMS Polymer Program, the IMS Materials Science Program, and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

    One of the oldest materials science programs in the nation, IMS was established in 1965 by an act of the Connecticut Legislature with a threefold mission to foster education, research, and outreach in the field of materials science. Since its inception, four directors have led IMS. Leonid V. Azaroff was the Institute’s first director and led IMS from 1966 to 1991. Anthony T. DiBenedetto served as director from 1991 to 1995. Harris L. Marcus served from 1995 to 2013. Today, Steven L. Suib serves as director of the Institute and has seen IMS through 12 years of growth.

    Steven Suib, director of the Institute of Materials Science, leads elected officials and University leaders on a tour of the Science 1 Research Center on June 15, 2023. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

    In fulfillment of its mission to provide educational opportunities in materials science, IMS offers superior graduate research education in the interdisciplinary fields of materials science, polymer science, materials science and engineering, and a certificate program in advanced materials characterization. Its graduates have gone on to become professors, researchers, business owners, and innovators.

    With 36 resident faculty members and 95 affiliate members from 20 departments and UConn Health, the Institute represents the spectrum of STEM disciplines. Suib notes that “the interdisciplinary and highly collaborative traits of faculty throughout IMS are big drivers in terms of new research projects. Our excellent administrative and technical staff work very hard to support our faculty members.”

    Also under the umbrella of IMS are several centers of excellence and specialized laboratories including the Electrical Insulation Research Center (EIRC), the UConn Thermo Fisher Scientific Center for Advanced Microscopy and Materials Analysis (CAMMA), Collins Aerospace Center for Advanced Materials, the Pratt & Whitney Additive Manufacturing Center (PW AMC), the Reverse Engineering Fabrication & Non-Destructive Evaluation (REFINE) lab, and the X-ray Lab. IMS enjoys a partnership with Anton-Paar, a leader in laboratory equipment manufacturing, which brought one of the company’s most high-end rheometers to IMS.

    Through its industry outreach program (the Industrial Affiliates Program or IAP), the Institute offers materials characterization and analysis services to industries throughout the state of Connecticut and beyond. From major corporations to startup operations, the IAP provides many benefits for member and non-member companies, including access to facilities and faculty at UConn, technical programming, and other resources to assist industry partners in resolving materials challenges.

    “Several new outstanding leaders from industry, state agencies, law firms, and other entities have joined our External Advisory Board. We have received excellent advice and support from this group,” Suib says.

    Originally housed in the Edward V. Gant Science Complex, the Institute eventually outgrew that space and in 2023, moved to the newly built Science 1 Research Center, which had been designed specifically for IMS and the Materials Science and Engineering Department (MSE). The move to Science 1 provided for updated laboratory spaces for faculty labs, eight IMS core labs, a state-of-the-art cleanroom, and four undergraduate teaching labs for MSE student instruction.

    “Where you work can make a big difference and this new facility has helped boost the morale of staff, faculty, students, and visitors,” Suib says.  “There are new initiatives and available facilities that have enhanced the educational, research, and outreach activities of IMS.”

    The 60th anniversary celebration began on Friday, Feb. 21, with a seminar featuring Arun Mannodi Kanakkithodi ’17 Ph.D., a Materials Science and Engineering Department graduate who is currently an assistant professor of materials engineering at Purdue University.

    On Friday, March 14, IMS will welcome Jonathan Doll ’11 Ph.D., a graduate of the IMS Polymer Science Program. Doll currently serves as technology manager for materials physics and chemistry at GE Aerospace Research.

    The series will conclude with a seminar on Friday, April 25, featuring Weina Li ’07 Ph.D., a graduate of the IMS Materials Science Program who is currently a technical fellow of non-metallic materials and chemistry at Carrier Global Corporation.  She is also a member of the IMS External Advisory Board.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rehab services complex opens

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today officiated at the opening ceremony of the Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex, the largest of its kind in the city showcasing government support and commitment to disabled people and their carers.

    Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan commended the design of the services complex which makes full use of its spatial advantages as well as incorporates smart technology and rehabilitation equipment to create a safe and comfortable living environment for the service users.

    He was also pleased to learn that the services complex smoothly implements a medical-social collaboration model, where close communication and flexible arrangements enable quality medical services for the residents with fewer hospital visits.

    Mr Chan noted that the Social Welfare Department’s (SWD) estimated recurrent expenditure on rehabilitation and medical social services has reached $12.6 billion in 2025-26, a 35% increase in comparison with that of five years ago, demonstrating the Government’s commitment in supporting people with disabilities.

    The Chief Secretary said the Government will continue to strive for service enhancements, including providing additional places for rehabilitation services so that the total number of these places will reach around 39,900 by 2028-29 to meet the keen demand.

    Accompanied by Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun and other officials, Mr Chan presided at the services complex’s unveiling ceremony. The guests also toured the residential care and day training facilities prior to the ceremony.

    Located at 12 and 20 Hong Fai Road, Siu Lam, Tuen Mun, the services complex was designed and constructed by consultants and contractors commissioned by the SWD, and started operation in phases starting December 2023.

    It is operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, SAHK and the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, providing a total of 1,150 residential care places and 560 day training places for mentally handicapped people, physically handicapped people as well as people in mental recovery.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.27.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 27, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Aaron Maguire, of Roseville, has been appointed Executive Officer of the Board of State and Community Corrections, where he has been Acting Executive Officer at the Board of State and Community Corrections since 2024, and was previously Chief Deputy Director and General Counsel from 2022 to 2024, and General Counsel from 2016 to 2022. Maguire was Owner and Managing Partner at Maguire & Pank from 2014 to 2016. He was General Counsel and Legislative Representative at Warner & Pank, LLC from 2012 to 2016. Maguire was Assistant Secretary of Legislation at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2012. He was a Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Brown from 2011 to 2012. Maguire was a Deputy Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Schwarzenegger from 2009 to 2010. He was Deputy Attorney General in the Office of the California Attorney General from 2001 to 2009. Maguire earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Arts in Literature from the University of California, San Diego. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $219,156. Maguire is a Democrat. 

    Abby Edwards, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Deputy Director of State Planning and Policy at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation. Edwards has held multiples roles at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation since 2022, including Acting Senior Deputy Director, Deputy Director of Climate and Planning Programs, and Adaption Planning Program Manager. She was Program Development and Operations Manager at CivicWell from 2019 to 2022. Edwards was a Manager for Twisted Fields from 2018 to 2019. She was a Sustainable Agricultural Specialist at the Peace Corps from 2016 to 2018. Edwards was a Course Manager at the University of California, Santa Cruz from 2014 to 2016. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Environmental Policy and Management from University of Colorado, Denver and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science from University of California, Santa Cruz. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $170,004. Edwards is a Democrat.

    Gareth Elliott, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the University of California Board of Regents, where he has served since 2015. Elliott has been Partner at Sacramento Advocates, Inc. since 2015. He was Legislative Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Edmund Brown Jr. from 2011 to 2015. Elliott was Policy Director at the Office of State Senator Alex Padilla in the California State Senate from 2008 to 2011. He held multiple roles in the Office of State Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata from 2004 to 2008, including Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Elliott held multiple roles in the Office of State Senate Don Perata in the California State Senate from 1996 to 2004, including Legislative Director and Legislative Aide. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University, Humbolt. This position requires Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Elliott is a Democrat. 

    Darnell C. Grisby, of Oakland, has been reappointed to the California Transportation Commission, where he has served since 2021. Grisby has been Senior Vice President of Beneficial State Foundation since 2022. He was Executive Director of TransForm from 2020 to 2021. Grisby was Director of Policy Development and Research at the American Public Transportation Association from 2011 to 2020. He was Deputy Policy Director at Reconnecting America from 2010 to 2011. Grisby was Government Affairs Representative at Farmers Insurance from 2007 to 2010. He was Legislative Director in the Office of Assemblymember Mike Davis from 2006 to 2007. Grisby was a Budget and Policy Analyst at the New York Independent Budget Office from 2003 to 2006. He was Legislative Assistant in the Office of Assemblymember Jenny Oropeza from 2000 to 2001. He earned a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Grisby is a Democrat. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 27, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – California and a consortium of 21 Brazilian states are partnering together to combat pollution and foster sustainable economic growth. Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Renato Casagrande of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo signed a Memorandum…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced multiple clemency actions. He granted pardons in three cases. He also sent multiple clemency cases to the Board of Parole Hearings, initiating the process for granting clemency in fifteen cases. He also sent two…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom today released a new economic vision for California’s future with a bold plan, realized locally. The unveiling comes alongside the announcement of more than $245 million in investments to help support workers statewide,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Donors making a difference: community engagement to promote, provide and protect the health and well-being of all

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO defines community engagement as “a process of developing relationships that enable stakeholders to work together to address health-related issues and promote well-being to achieve positive health impact and outcomes”.

    WHO’s partners and donors support the Organization to work in this area as there are undeniable benefits to engaging communities in promoting health and well-being. At its core, community engagement enables changes in behaviour, environments, policies, programmes and practices within communities.

    Below are some country stories that demonstrate the breadth of community engagement work that WHO conducts, resulting in more positive health outcomes for the people in these communities than before.

    Uganda trains district health workers on community-based approach to Ebola

    Uganda trains Community Health workers from Kole, Mukono and Wakiso districts on community-based approach to Ebola. Photo by: WHO/Sadat Kamugisha 

    Uganda’s Ministry of Health conducted a training on Ebola disease detection and management for Community Health Workers representatives from Kole, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Participants focused on multi-sectoral action to safeguard communities from emerging zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential such as Ebola.

    Communities play an integral role in raising awareness, supporting case identification, tracing contacts, and maintaining essential health services. The emphasis on collaboration with local leaders, volunteers, and health workers is vital for effective responses to public health emergencies. Building on lessons learned from past health crises, Uganda has already made substantial advancements in emergency preparedness.

    The three-day event was supported by WHO, and the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), which is a UK aid project funded by the Department of Health and Social care. The community protection approach is a central component of WHO’s new Health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and resilience framework.

    Visit the WHO/Uganda web page to read the full story.

    Community engagement for access to health services in Lao PDR

    CONNECT team members discuss community health priorities in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. Photo by: WHO/Enric Catala

    Developed by the Lao Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs in response to COVID-19 with the support of WHO and partners, the CONNECT initiative enhances local governance and community engagement for equitable access to public services, particularly health.

    Supported by USAID, the Australian Government and Luxembourg, as of July 2024, CONNECT reached over 230 villages across 10 provinces (including Vientiane Capital) and support already in-place for expansion to all provinces.

    An external evaluation of implementation in 12 villages found an increase in essential service uptake for maternal health and improved attitudes towards using primary care; increased trust in health providers; increased sense of ownership of health at community level; and increased vaccination uptake and confidence, especially among ethnic groups and previously unreached communities.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story.

    Côte d’Ivoire community radios boost public awareness on mpox outbreak

    Community radios, pillar of the fight against mpox. Photo by: WHO/Toiherou De Marfere Sidibe

    A network of community radio stations, known as Radio Santé, comprises 350 stations in West African, with over half based in Côte d’Ivoire. Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with major support from WHO, Radio Santé has become a preferred channel for disseminating reliable, verified health information. It brings together nearly 1000 journalists and communications specialists.

    Radio Santé is an interactive and accessible tool for mobilizing communities around health issues, throughout Côte d’Ivoire and across borders. Health authorities use Radio Santé to counter rumours and misinformation, and to strengthen community engagement, which is crucial to curbing the spread of diseases such as mpox.

    After WHO declared mpox as a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, Radio Santé devoted its health talk show to mpox. 185 Ivorian community radio stations have since broadcasted messages on mpox. Over 50 programmes have been produced and broadcast in eight countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

    Visit the WHO/Côte d’Ivoire web page to read the full story.

    Bolivia strengthens social participation in health for indigenous population

    Indigenous organizations are clear about their requests. They want free and equitable access to health care, an improved indigenous health network, incorporation of traditional medicine, and the consideration of the indigenous population’s culture, customs, and practices. Photo by: WHO/PAHO

    The Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia is engaging indigenous populations in community participation processes, creating space for them to discuss health topics, share concerns, and contribute to a health improvement plan.

    The meaningful inclusion and engagement of indigenous populations in health policy planning, taking into account the social determinants of health, is critical to ensure context-specific interventions, uptake of guidance and services, and positive health outcomes for all.

    PAHO/WHO, through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, has supported the Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia in this endeavour since 2021. The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Weaving hope in Honduras: the community wisdom that saves lives

    Maternal health in Honduras Hermelinda shares her experience. Photo by: WHO/Honduras

    In Honduras, high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality are often the result of multiple factors, including socioeconomic barriers, lack of access to adequate healthcare services, gaps in education and awareness about maternal and child health, and cultural differences.

    Hermelinda Hernández, who is familiar with the local practices and beliefs of her community and also recognizes the value of professional medical interventions, participated in the “Knowledge Dialogues Methodology” workshop organized by the Honduran Ministry of Health with the support of PAHO/WHO and funded by Global Affairs Canada.

    The workshop aimed to promote mutual understanding between midwives and healthcare providers to reach agreements that improve the health of women, and adolescent girls in situations of vulnerability within the community.

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Grassroots heroes in Cambodia

    Mrs Say Sa with her Baby in Cambodia’s Principal of Health Centre Kok Chuk. Photo by: Aforative media

    In Cambodia, village chiefs stepped up to create a healthier future for their communities. In villages across 25 provinces, 2000 village chiefs and nearly 5400 village health support groups received trainings, organised by the Ministry of Heath with support from WHO and the EU.

    This equipped the chiefs with knowledge and skills necessary to control transmission of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory diseases, and collaborate with authorities more closely on health issues facing their communities.

    The chiefs then shared their newfound knowledge during community dialogues, which then transformed how community members adopted healthier practices. Empowered with accurate information, communities embraced protective measures during times of high COVID-19 transmission.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story, and more on EU’s support to WHO in ASEAN region.

    Bolstering public awareness to help curb mpox spread in Uganda

    Dr Kenneth Kabali, WHO Field Coordinator for Busoga Sub-region sensitizes the community on mpox in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda. Photo by: WHO/Abdu Mutwalibu Seguya

    Uganda witnessed an upsurge in mpox cases, with laboratory-confirmed cases increasing from 24 as of 21 September to 413 as of 7 November 2024. Health authorities, with support from WHO and partners, worked closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease and how to stay safe, and address misinformation and stigma.

    The risk communication and community engagement team reached more than 100 fishmongers, fisherfolk, boda boda (motorbike taxi) riders, 8000 school children and 30 sex workers. In addition, 500 teachers in the district have been oriented on mpox.

    WHO is also using mass media to expand the reach of mpox response communication. With funding from USAID, WHO has contracted 10 regional radio stations and 2 national TV stations to raise awareness and promote preventative behaviour.

    Visit the WHO/AFRO web page to read the full story.

    Combating measles: a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia

    Combating measles, a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Hassen Ali

    In the districts of Sidama, Central, and South Ethiopia, access to healthcare is often challenging, exacerbated by various health emergencies. A community-led initiative made remarkable progress in combating measles, malaria, and malnutrition through collaborative efforts between local health facilities, community health workers, and government agencies.

    The initiative received significant financial support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) bolstering community-based intervention efforts.

    By leveraging collaboration between healthcare facilities, community health workers, and local communities, this initiative represents a beacon of hope in improving healthcare access and outcomes in regions of Ethiopia.

    Visit the WHO/Ethiopia web page to read the full story.

    WHO races to contain malaria resurgence in southeastern Iran

    Malaria resurgence in Iran. Photo by: WHO/Iran

    A race against time is underway in southeastern Iran, where the resurgence of malaria threatens to undo years of progress. The dramatic rise in cases has been attributed to the devastating floods in neighbouring Pakistan in September 2022 which led to an expansion of malaria breeding sites.

    WHO, with crucial support from the Government of Japan, is on the ground in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, battling this public health emergency and working to protect vulnerable communities. Japan’s generous contribution provided 4902 mosquito dome tents offering families protection from infected mosquitos, 50 000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests enabling health care workers to quickly identify and treat infected individuals, and 1655 kg of insecticides, deployed to contain mosquito populations at their source. The combined resources are estimated to benefit 77 400 people in the province.

    In December 2024, a WHO mission observed a proactive approach to malaria control demonstrated by local health workers as they conducted house-to-house screenings, distributed mosquito nets and educated communities on how to use them.

    Visit the WHO/Iran web page to read the full story.

    Mali: screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications

    Screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications, Mali. Photo by: WHO/Razzack Saizonou

    Malnutrition among children is one of the main health problems that the affected populations of Ségou had to face after severe floods hit Mali between July and October 2024. Having lost everything including their food reserves and their means of subsistence, people found themselves in a very precarious situation.

    Among the more than 370,000 people affected by these floods, children, who represent 45% of the affected population, are particularly vulnerable. To enable access to health care, WHO, with thanks to the Central Emergency Response Fund, supported the deployment of mobile clinics on relocation sites.

    In the Ségou region, three sites were set up and equipped with medical tents. Medical staff go there five times a month. Between July and October 2024, nearly 700 children suffering from malnutrition were identified in the three health districts of the Ségou region.

    Visit the WHO/Mali web page to read the full story in French.

    Effective community engagement saving lives in Tanzania during cholera outbreak

    Abdul Zachari, a young man is washing his hands. Photo by: WHO/Clemence Eliah

    The recurrence of Cholera outbreaks has been a threat to many lives in the United Republic of Tanzania for decades now. In mid-2024, situation reports from the Ministry of Health indicated that, the outbreak have been reported in 19 regions of Tanzania Mainland. Thanks to flexible funding available for responding to outbreaks such as this, WHO has been able to support the Government’s efforts to control cholera outbreaks. Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) Experts worked on the ground delivering an intensive community sensitization in over 92 households and 32 villages . The joint and community-based action plan against Cholera outbreak was built jointly, this way enhancing 54 community members and local authorities from the affected wards and districts. The community engagement strategies adopted generate local solutions tailored to control and prevent further transmissions in these areas. In addition, WHO applied behavioral science approaches to guide tailored interventions to community protection and resilience – and as a result, enhancing many lives in Tanzania.

    Visit the WHO/Tanzania web page to read the full story.

    * * * *

    Read more about the WHO’s community engagement work.

    The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Union (ECHO), France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, and the USA Agency for International Development.

    WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Departmental update WHO, WIPO, and WTO hold first joint briefing for Geneva-based officials

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) organized on 26 February the first in a series of Trilateral Cooperation briefings for health, trade, and intellectual property (IP) diplomats based in Geneva. Held as a closed meeting at WHO Headquarters, Members of the three organizations shared experiences on supporting sustainable innovation ecosystems through health, trade and IP.  

    The imperative to adopt an integrated approach to issues at the crossroads of health, IP and trade has been at the heart of the longstanding collaboration among the three Geneva-based organizations.

    Governments and policymakers are faced with the challenging task of identifying the right mix of policy options to best advance domestic policy objectives to facilitate sustainable innovation. Participants discussed how to facilitate ongoing domestic and regional policy discussions through a more coherent and comprehensive approach.

    Members with diverse levels of development and from different regions of the world shared valuable experiences about the implementation of laws and policies in support of sustainable innovation ecosystems and access to the outcomes. This was followed by a roundtable discussion and further complemented by information provided by the three organizations on trilateral and other relevant work.

    The WHO-WIPO-WTO Technical Assistance virtual Platform was also briefly introduced at the meeting. It allows Members to easily request joint technical assistance from the three organizations to access the full range of expertise at the intersection of health, trade, and IP in a coordinated manner.

    The Trilateral Briefing series is a set of closed meetings for Members.

    The next briefing session for Geneva-based health, IP and trade attachés is tentatively scheduled to take place in September 2025, after the summer break.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 News release Recommendations announced for influenza vaccine composition for the 2025-2026 northern hemisphere influenza season

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the recommendations for the viral composition of influenza vaccines for the 2025-2026 influenza season in the northern hemisphere. The announcement was made at an information session at the end of a 4-day meeting on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines, a meeting that is held twice annually. 

    WHO organizes these consultations with an advisory group of experts gathered from WHO Collaborating Centres and WHO Essential Regulatory Laboratories to analyse influenza virus surveillance data generated by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). The recommendations issued are used by the national vaccine regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to develop, produce, and license influenza vaccines for the following influenza season. 

    The periodic update of viruses contained in influenza vaccines is necessary for the vaccines to be effective due to the constant evolving nature of influenza viruses, including those circulating and infecting humans.

    The WHO recommends that trivalent vaccines for use in the 2025-2026 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following: 

    Egg-based vaccines

    • an A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
    • an A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus; and
    • a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.

    Cell culture-, recombinant protein- or nucleic acid-based vaccines

    • an A/Wisconsin/67/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
    • an A/District of Columbia/27/2023 (H3N2)-like virus; and
    • a B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus. 

    The recommendation for the B/Yamagata lineage component of quadrivalent influenza vaccines remains unchanged from previous recommendations:

    • a B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HON. FALEOMAVAEGA TITIMAEA TAFUA, MINISTER OF MCIL AT THE SIGNING OF THE SAMOA DECENT WORK COUNTRY PROGRAM 2024-2028. – 20th February 2025.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    Reverend, Houlton Faasau

    Regional Director for the ILO in the Pacific – Mr Martin Wandera,

    ILO Officials from Fiji and the National ILO Coordinator in Samoa,

    Members of the Samoa National Tripartite Forum (SNTF),

    Members of the National Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Taskforce,

    Members of the Child Labour Taskforce,

    Senior Executives of Government Agencies, Private Sector and Non-Government Organizations,

    Distinguished Partners and Guests;

    Talofa lava with a smile,

    A smile is one of the identities of the Pacific people which is part of our great hospitality to welcome all visitors to our beautiful shores.

    It is a new day and further testament to the merciful Grace of our Father in Heaven, through His divine leadership and protection over our great nation.

    In particular, the Government of Samoa and its people welcome the ILO Regional Director in the Pacific, Mr Martin Wandera with warm greetings from another Pacific Island, the paradise and the pearl of the Pacific, Samoa, Talofa lava.

    I am sure we are joined in the belief that Samoa is a blessed nation, mostly when we continue to witness on a daily basis the suffering and grief we have been spared from, the long effect of Covid-19, Whooping Cough, climate change crisis, and all its worst scenarios we foresee on media or surrounding environment in the face of developments. Yet; we are here today, building a strong future, the future of decent work and commitment to fair labour conditions for our people and for all.

    Todays’ event marks another milestone for the signing of our fourth Decent Work Country Program since Samoa became a member of the ILO. The government can not achieve the set priorities under this program without the support and contributions from our employers and workers, civil society and all others. They have played a major role to ensure public and private partnerships as well as employer and employee relationships define how we effectively implement this program as we did in the previous programs. With any labour work; we encounter problems, and with problems, we learn lessons and educate ourselves to come up with solutions.

    The Decent Work Country Programs (DWCP) is the framework for delivering ILOs support to promote Decent Work for all of its member countries. The priorities of the DWCP are aligned with the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, the United Nations Pacific Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, and its contribution to achieve the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    We acknowledge the ongoing determinations and commitment by the ILO in supporting the labour system in Samoa through a variety of activities and the development of this new DWCP. However, the end of a tunnel, is the beginning of a new journey. The journey of ensuring implementation and planning and evaluations are in good grounds, for the future of Samoa in decent work programs.

    In addition, we acknowledge the great effort and contributions from our stakeholders in the government, private sector, civil societies and everyone who have played their part to ensure we achieve the priority areas of our Decent Work Country Program within the next four years. Without your deep assurance and support, our goals could not be achieved.

    May our Lord be the center of every work we do, so that the achievements of our work today, will be enjoyed by our people living tomorrow.

    I wish you all a pleasant day.

    God Bless

    Faafetai tele lava

    Saunoaga Autu Afioga i le Minisita o Pisinisi, Alamanuia ma Leipa le afioga Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua i le sainiga o le Lona 4 o Polokalame ma Galuega Talafeagai a Samoa 2024-2028

    (Aso Tofi, 20 Fepuari 2025, Tanoa Tusitala, 9.00am)

    Susuga i le faafeagaiga, Houlton Faasau

    Faatonu Sili a le Faalapotopotoga Faavaomalo o Leipa i le Pasefika, Mr Martin Wandera;

    Faapea ma ana Ofisa Soo Upu mai le Malo o Fiti ma Samoa nei

    Sui ole Fono Aoao Faatafatolu o Samoa

    Sui a le Komiti Faafoe o le Saogalemu ma le Soifua Maloloina i Samoa

    Sui o le Komiti Faafoe mo le Faafaigaluegaina o Fanau

    Ofisa Sili o Matagaluega ma Ofisa a le Malo, Pisinisi Tumaoti ma Faalapotopotoga Tumaoti

    Ma le mamalu i Paaga ma Valaaulia

    Talofa Lava ma le laufofoga fiafia,

    Manatu o lenei faamoemoe, o lea ua tufala tulima le lupe sa talifau i le atu folasa o Tupu, ina ua mae’a ona megamega i tafua le aneanea, ae fa’atili foemuli le Tautai sa fai ma To’o taumua; ma le folauga ua tutaga eleele i lenei taeao ua manū to mai lagi. Malo afua; malo ua maua ile Alofa ma le Agalelei ole Silisili Ese.

    O paia ole taeao ma le aso e le toe faafuluina faa-ie se’ese’e a matuau’u, aua e tala-tau Toga, ae tala Tofi Samoa, ile afua mai ile matāsaua ole Tuimanua, se’ia pā’ia le si’uolefanua na malele ai le Nafanua, tali i Lagi se Ao o lou Mālo. E Faigata Tama ma o latou Aiga, Aiga foi ma Tama, usoga Tumua ma Pule, Ituau ma Alataua, Aiga i le Tai ma le Vaa o Fonoti. Ae matua le tu’u le aufai tatalo isi o tatou atunuu, Tulou, tulouna lava.

    Ua tatou aofia poto i lenei taeao, sei o tatou molimauina le sainiga o le lona 4 o Polokalame mo Galuega Talafeagai (DWCP) a Samoa, e faavae mai i fuafuaga a le Faalapotopotoga Faavaomalo o Leipa mo ona sui auai. E faafetaia ai le lagolagosua a sui ole Fono Aoao Faatafatolu a Samoa (SNTF), sui o Komiti Faafoe ole Saogalemu ma le Soifua Maloloina faapea ma le Faafaigaluegaina o Fanau, o matagaluega ma faalapotopotoga a le Malo, ma le Vaega tumaoti, aua le lauliliuina o lenei polokalama ina ia ‘ausia matāti’a ua faata’atitia, mo le atinaeina o galuega e gafatia ma talafeagai aua se soifua manuia o nai o tatou tagata.

    Ia manuia tele lo tatou faamoemoe i lenei taeao.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Korean F&B delegation visits Hong Kong to explore business opportunities (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Korean F&B delegation visits Hong Kong to explore business opportunities (with photos)
    Korean F&B delegation visits Hong Kong to explore business opportunities (with photos)
    **************************************************************************************

         ​Subsequent to the visit by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Ms Alpha Lau, to Seoul, Korea, last week (February 20 and 21) to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages, a delegation of Korean food and beverage companies visited Hong Kong from February 25 to 27 to explore business opportunities in the city. InvestHK and its Korean office, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and Korea Franchise Association, co-organised a three-day business delegation trip. The visit facilitated exchanges between the Korean and local food and beverage (F&B) companies, further promoting business opportunities in Hong Kong’s F&B industry.      On the first day of the trip, the Head of Tourism and Hospitality at InvestHK, Ms Sindy Wong, shared Hong Kong’s business advantages and the local F&B market landscape with the delegation, helping companies gain a deeper understanding of the city’s business environment. The event featured a series of themed seminars, networking sessions and business matching opportunities with local restaurant operators. The seminars included case studies and insights into the retail property market.  Additionally, the delegates visited Tai Kwun, Soho, and Tsim Sha Tsui to gain first-hand insights into the latest developments in Hong Kong’s F&B and retail property scene. These visits also provided an opportunity for them to explore the potential for Korean specialty cuisine to enter and thrive in the local market.       “Hong Kong and Korea have for a long time enjoyed strong ties across many areas, including trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges. We are a city of culinary delights, with over 17 000 places for food, including 79 Michelin-star restaurants, six of Asia’s 50 best restaurants, and nine of Asia’s 50 best bars,” said Ms Lau. At the welcome dinner on the first day of the trip, Ms Lau warmly welcomed the Korean business delegation and said, “We hope the delegation finds the programme useful and makes great business connections, and also new friends, on this trip. We are confident that they will find partners to establish their restaurants here and join our exciting F&B scene in the near future.”     ​Seeing that the visit concluded successfully with a fruitful outcome, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Miss Winsome Au, stated, “Our office is pleased to drive this first Korean business delegation mission to Hong Kong. Indeed, Korean cuisine is garnering increasing attention in Hong Kong, thanks to the global popularity of K-culture. Our office will continue our efforts in supporting this joint initiative of promoting mutual understanding between Hong Kong and Korean companies, and we hope that these efforts will lead to more investment and collaboration in various fields.”      The Chief Executive Officer of PSP F&D Co Ltd, Mr Park Sangyoung, stated, “The vibrant dining atmosphere in Hong Kong makes it an ideal platform to showcase Korean culinary culture. We are very optimistic about the market prospects. This event has given us the opportunity to share Korea’s diverse food culture and also helped us build valuable partnerships with Hong Kong’s F&B industry. This will serve as a solid foundation for our future expansion into Hong Kong and the wider Asian market.”      The Chief Executive Officer of ALL F&B Co Ltd, Mr Bang Kyoungseok, added, “Hong Kong consumers’ passion for Korean cuisine, along with their high standards for food quality, perfectly aligns with our brand philosophy. We understand more about the Hong Kong market through this event and will start planning our development here. We look forward to bringing the most authentic Korean dining experience to Hong Kong.”      The Chief Operating Officer of LUBUDS, Ms Berfa Chow, said, “Netflix’s Korean cuisine reality show ‘Culinary Class Wars’ has become globally famous, further boosting the popularity of Korean cuisine in Hong Kong’s dining scene. We are thrilled for the opportunity to explore collaboration with several renowned Korean restaurant groups. Combining their expertise with our in-depth local market knowledge, we are confident in delivering more top-notch, authentic Korean dining experiences to Hong Kong consumers while seizing this exciting market opportunity.”      The Vice Chairman of Fulum Group Holdings Limited, Professor Keith Wu, stated, “From K-dramas and K-pop to Korean cuisine, Korean culture is going viral and young consumers show a strong appetite for authentic Korean dining. We are excited to explore collaborations with well-known Korean restaurant brands, aiming to strategically enhance our offerings with more Korean elements and further enrich our brand portfolio.”

     
    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces appointments to Advisory Committee on Chinese Medicine Development Fund

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government announced today (February 28) the appointment of Ms Serena Lau Sze-wan as the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Chinese Medicine Development Fund, as well as the appointment of 16 new non-official members and the reappointment of nine incumbent non-official members to the Committee.
     
         The aforementioned appointments will take effect from March 1, 2025, for a term of two years.

         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, welcomed the new Chairperson and members to the Committee. He also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairperson, Professor Douglas So Cheung-tak, for the Committee’s effective operation under his leadership over the past six years, making a valuable contribution to the development of the Chinese medicine (CM) sector. Professor Lo also thanked the outgoing members for their insights and contributions to the Committee during their tenure. 

         Officially launched in June 2019, the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (CMDF) is the first dedicated fund set up to support CM development, with the objective of enhancing the overall standard of the CM sector to promote the high-quality development of CM in Hong Kong on all fronts. Having regard to the needs of different stakeholders in the sector, the CMDF has launched various support programmes of different aspects to provide support in areas such as talent nurturing, quality enhancement, market development, public education as well as scientific research and innovation.

         As of the end of January this year, an accumulative total of more than 8 800 funding applications were approved by the CMDF, benefitting more than 3 million members of the sector, the general public and relevant organisations, including registered and listed Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs), CM drug personnel, CM clinics, manufacturers and wholesalers of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms), retailers and wholesalers of Chinese herbal medicine (Chm), CM-related organisations, local universities and education institutions. Major achievements of the CMDF are listed below: 
     
    • Talent nurturing: Close to 3 500 CMPs and CM drug personnel have received subsidies to attend CM professional training programmes for continuously upskilling their professional knowledge and ability. The CMDF has also supported programme providers to design and organise innovative training projects, benefiting over 41 300 practitioners. The CMDF has supported 85 CMPs and CM drug personnel to participate in the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Talent Training Programme co-organised by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Health Bureau to cater for the need of establishing a talent pool;
     
    • Quality enhancement: The CMDF has supported more than 550 CM clinics and 220 Chm retailers/wholesalers to upgrade their facilities and equipment with a view to enhancing service quality and the safety and quality control of CM drugs. The CMDF has also supported nearly 180 pCm manufacturers/wholesalers to engage consultancy services or technical support for over 760 pCm products, thereby levelling up the quality of Hong Kong-registered pCm products;

    • Market development: The CMDF has provided subsidies for 12 Hong Kong-registered pCm products for external use to be registered and sold on the Mainland through streamlined approval procedures to promote industry development;

    • Research and applied studies: The CMDF has supported the commencement of 72 CM research and applied studies projects which are instrumental in driving academic and clinical research as well as the professional and industry development of CM in Hong Kong; and
     
    • Publicity and promotion: The CMDF has supported more than 1 100 CM publicity and public education activities of various forms, targeting audiences such as kindergarten, primary and secondary school students, and elderly persons.

         The membership of the Committee with effect from March 1, 2025, is as follows:

    Chairperson
    ———–
    Ms Serena Lau Sze-wan

    Non-official members
    —————————
    *Mr Au Ho-ting
    #Dr Chris Chan Kam-wa
    #Professor Chen Haiyong
    #Ms Rosanna Choi Yi-tak
    *Mr William Chung Wai-lim
    #Mr Fong Wai-leuk
    #Dr Gan Pei-tzeng
    #Ms Ada Ho Ching-ying
    #Dr Ku Ping-yui
    #Dr Kwok Tsz-kin
    #Mr Dominic Lam Chun-hong
    *Mr Lam Kar-yeung
    *Miss Anita Lee Yan-kwan
    #Ms Catherine Leung Chau-yung
    *Mr Samuel Li Hin-yeung
    *Mr Ling Kwan-yee
    #Mr Ling Wai-man
    *Mrs Vivian Mak Tang Wai-man
    #Professor Anderson Shum Ho-cheung
    *Dr Timothy Tam Tin-lok
    *Mr Sky Tang Man-chun
    #Dr Tse Man-li
    #Dr Tung Shong
    #Mr Harry Yeung Kwok-chun
    #Professor Jerry Yeung Wing-fai

    Ex-officio members
    ——————–
    Representative(s) from the Health Bureau
    Representative(s) from the Department of Health
    Representative(s) from the Hospital Authority
    Representative(s) from the Innovation and Technology Commission 
     
    Note:
    # New appointees
    * Reappointees

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Councils ongoing commitment to securing and preserving heritage buildings

    Source: City of Preston

    In recent months, Preston City Council has identified numerous empty buildings within the city centre where community safety, preventing anti-social behaviour and/or preserving their heritage value needs to be addressed.

    Most of these buildings are in private ownership and so the Council has established a task group to oversee and co-ordinate action. This includes a range of departments from the Council and representatives from the Police and Fire Service.

    A liaison group with representatives from Preserving Preston’s Heritage has also been set up.

    The Council has taken steps to obtain ownership details and make contact with owners to draw attention to the risk to their property.

    Owners of the priority buildings have been invited to meet with the task group, but so far only two have replied.

    Furthermore, for certain listed buildings identified which are showing the most deterioration, it has been necessary for the Council to assess the risk to understand the extent of deterioration and damage, assess the scope of works needed to remedy it, decide whether statutory action is warranted and what type of action is appropriate.  

    Councillor Amber Afzal, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation at Preston City Council said:

    By adopting a joined up, multi-agency approach to tackling the complex issues that have blighted these properties through years of neglect, good progress is now being made. Public safety is our main concern but it is critical that also, wherever possible, we retain our heritage buildings that are so important to Preston’s history and give the city its unique cultural identity.

    Councillor Valerie Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building and the City Regeneration portfolio at Preston City Council is also keen to see a brighter future for these neglected buildings. She said:

    Repurposing and bringing back to life these forgotten and unloved architectural gems, many of which are listed, is so important in the overall regeneration plans for the city.

    We will continue to work closely with the owners and landlords of these special interest properties to rejuvenate the city centre in the best possible way for future economic growth and architectural benefit.

    An update on the most significant cases is provided as follows:

    27 Winckley Square (former home of Edith Rigby) – Grade II listed building

    The Council has taken action and been engaging with the owners for some time in connection with community safety, preventing anti-social behaviour and/or preserving the heritage value of the building.

    Certain steps have been taken by the owners, but the Council are of the view that further work is necessary.

    The Council has previously instructed a survey of the building to assess its condition, which identified numerous concerns. Due to the condition of the building, it was not possible to complete the survey of the inside of the building.

    In December 2024 measures were taken by the owner to provide structural support to allow an internal survey to be carried out.

    The internal survey was carried out this week (week commencing 24 February), which will enable the Council to determine the scope of works necessary to remedy the deterioration and whether statutory action is warranted.

    This will be communicated to the owner in the first instance.

    The Council is aware the rooflight is open to the elements and the owner has confirmed that temporary measures will be taken to weatherproof the rooflight. This is an appropriate course of action until the scope of necessary repair works, which will include this, is determined.    

    The Old Dog Inn – Grade II listed building

    The Council has drawn the owner’s attention to the rear wall, which contains numerous cracks, some of which are significant in size and if not addressed could lead to an uncontrolled collapse.

    In an attempt to address the deterioration, the owner submitted a listed building consent application proposing to demolish and rebuild the rear wall. This was carefully assessed and following the submission of further information concerning the methodology of the work, listed building consent was granted in February 2025.

    The listed building consent was accompanied with a letter informing the owner that given the condition of the rear wall had worsened and to prevent an uncontrolled collapse of the rear wall, the Council is actively considering the use of statutory enforcement powers to execute works urgently necessary for the preservation of the building.

    To that end, the Council instructed a survey of the building, which has been carried out, to inform the owner of what steps are needed to prevent an uncontrolled collapse.

    The owner is fully aware that unless the necessary works are completed within an appropriate timeframe then the works could be carried out by the Council in default.  

    St. Joseph’s Orphanage, Mount Street – complex of Grade II listed buildings

    Planning permission and listed building consent were both granted in February 2021 for alterations to the Chapel and attached tower, demolition of five listed buildings and the erection of three apartment blocks and ten town houses.

    Three out of the five buildings have been demolished. One building, adjoining the tower, has been partially demolished.

    The other building adjacent to Mount Street was the subject of a fire in November 2024. The fire has left this building unsafe and dangerous, and Mount Street was closed as a result until the building is demolished to protect the public.

    The delays in the demolition have largely been due to satisfying the Health and Safety Executive that the demolition methodology satisfactorily addressed the removal of asbestos and the safety of the building and those adjoining, the demolition contractors and members of the public.

    Ground works commenced this week, and the demolition will start on 03 March 2025, and it is expected to be completed in 12-weeks.

    Harris Institute, Grade II* listed building

    The Council has taken action and is engaging with the owner in connection the deterioration of the building and its future preservation.

    Certain steps have been taken by the owner, which include remediation works to the party wall, repairing the roof and addressing the water ingress, and eradicating dry rot, the latter takes time to treat and remove.

    Planning permission and listed building consent were both granted in December 2024 for minor alterations, several community and office uses, and holiday lets within Regent House.

    The owner has responded positively and has recently met with the Council to provide an update on the future of the building.

    The approved scheme for the building will be delivered in phases, with the holiday lets opening first before the rest of the scheme is delivered.

    Additional Information

    • Grade II* listed – This has greater importance as a heritage asset.

    Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate.

    Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Holistic Health and Nutrition Champion Luke Coutinho’s Visits Anganwadi Centers in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Holistic Health and Nutrition Champion Luke Coutinho’s Visits Anganwadi Centers in New Delhi

    Implementation of Poshan Abhiyaan and Government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 witnessed during visit

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 2:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Renowned holistic health coach and co-founder of Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems, Mr. Luke Coutinho, visited Anganwadi Centre in Kusumpur Pahari ICDS Project AWC 55 & 59in R K Puram, New Delhi today to witness first-hand the implementation of Poshan Abhiyaan.

    The visit aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (Mission Poshan 2.0) in which social behavioural change and community participation is a major component.

     

    During his visit, Mr. Coutinho interacted with Anganwadi workers who are key stakeholders engaged in strengthening nutrition and early childhood education in the community. He also interacted with the children at the Anganwadi Centre and motivated all towards good nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.

     

    He saw how the real-time tracking of nutritional services is being done through the ‘Poshan Tracker’ application, an advanced IT governance tool that monitors the infrastructure and service delivery at Anganwadi Centres. This tool, available in 24 languages, has facilitated near real-time data collection and targeted interventions, ensuring improved service efficiency for beneficiaries.

     

    Praising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s, anti obesity campaign and clarion call for reduction of edible oil for cooking, Mr Luke talked about awareness and community mobilisation being done by MoWCD through annual Jan Andolan events i.e. Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada under Poshan Abhiyaan.

    He emphasised on involvement of males in the family for good nutrition. He also praised Ministry’s initiatives of use of millet in Supplementary Nutrition Program and use of technology for real-time tracking of nutritional services through the ‘Poshan Tracker’ application under Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Poshan 2.0.

      

     

    The Joint Secretary, Ministry of WCD mentioned that for ensuing 7 th Poshan Pakhwada 2025 from 18 th March to 2 nd April 2025, emphasis has been given on Healthy lifestyle to address Obesity in Children besides Focus on first 1000 days of life, Popularisation of Beneficiary Module and Management of malnutrition through implementation of CMAM Module.

    To encourage adoption of locally available food in the daily diet, Mr. Luke Coutinho planted Curry leave sapling.

    The Joint Secretary, Minisyry of WCD presented a copy of ‘Poshan Utsav Book’, conceptualized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and curated by the Deendayal Research Institute (DRI). It serves as a comprehensive repository for appreciation of the rich culinary heritage and nutritional diversity of the country.

    This visit by Mr. Coutinho is expected to create greater awareness about the importance of holistic nutrition and early childhood education, reinforcing the collective mission of achieving a healthier and better-nourished India.

     **** 

    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2106898) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda inaugurates 9th National Summit on Good & Replicable Practices and Innovation in Public Healthcare System in Puri, Odisha

    Source: Government of India

    Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda inaugurates 9th National Summit on Good & Replicable Practices and Innovation in Public Healthcare System in Puri, Odisha

    National Health Policy 2017 brought about a paradigm shift in approach from curative healthcare to one that encompasses curative as well as preventive, promotive and comprehensive aspects: Shri JP Nadda

    “Work done on Ayushman Arogya Mandir under the National Health Mission has strengthened the foundation of primary healthcare in the overall healthcare pyramid”

    “Decline of Maternal Mortality Rate in India is double that of the global decline which highlights the effort taken in strengthening the healthcare system from the grassroot level. The Infant Mortality Rate and Under 5 Mortality Rate has also seen a noteworthy downfall”

    “WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024 and Global TB Report 2024 acknowledges India’s significant achievements towards the goal of elimination of both the diseases”

    Shri Nadda highlights the importance of Jan Bhagidari; credits ASHA workers, SHOs and other grassroot level health workers for the achievements made in the healthcare sector

    Emphasizes the importance of making lifestyle changes to counter the threat of Non-Communicable Diseases

    Merging of Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a momentous step as people from Odisha can now access over 29,000 private hospitals across the country, benefiting over 4.5 crore people, especially the migrant workers: Shri Mohan Charan Majhi

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 2:27PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the 9th National Summit on Good & Replicable Practices and Innovation in the Public Healthcare System in Puri, Odisha today in the presence of Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister, Odisha; Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Health Minister, Odisha and Dr Sambit Patra, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Puri.

    The 2 days summit will showcase and document various best practices and innovations adopted by States and UTs for addressing their public health challenges. It will also provide an opportunity for knowledge sharing and cross-learning among the States/UTs.

    Addressing the session, Shri JP Nadda highlighted that India has made a significant stride in healthcare since 2014. He stated that the National Health Policy 2017 brought about a paradigm shift in approach from curative healthcare to one that encompasses curative as well as preventive, promotive and comprehensive aspects. Similarly, the Union Minister noted that the government has also given a lot of impetus to tertiary healthcare in addition to improving primary and secondary healthcare.

    He noted that the Union Government’s focus is on ensuring quality and affordable healthcare services for the people. On this note, he stated that the work done on Ayushman Arogya Mandir under the National Health Mission has strengthened the foundation of primary healthcare in the overall healthcare pyramid.

    Shri Nadda stated that “the decline of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in India is double that of the global decline which highlights the effort taken in strengthening the healthcare system from the grassroot level. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Under 5 Mortality Rate has also seen a noteworthy downfall.”  He also credited Odisha for its appreciable strides in IMR and MMR.

    The Union Health Minister highlighted that “the WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024 acknowledges India’s significant reduction in malaria cases. Similarly, India has witnessed a noteworthy 17.7% decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, a rate that is over twice the global average decline of 8.3% according to the WHO Global TB Report 2024”. He noted that despite the COVID-19 setback, India has not diluted its TB eradication target. He highlighted the ongoing 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign, spanning 455 districts across 33 states which has detected 5 lakh TB patients already.

    Acknowledging the importance of Jan Bhagidari for the success of any campaign, the Union Health Minister credited the ASHA workers, SHOs and other grassroot level health workers for the achievements made in the healthcare sector. He stated that Panchayati Raj Institutions should be more empowered to further strengthen the healthcare base in India.

    On the threat from Non-Communicable Diseases, Shri Nadda emphasized on the need for bringing lifestyle changes. He praised NHM for its ongoing Intensified Special NCD Screening Drive which is offering free of cost screening of Diabetes, Hypertension and 3 types of Cancer – Oral, Breast and Cervical cancer. He also highlighted a recent Lancet study which found that patients enrolled under AB PM-JAY saw a 90% rise in access to cancer treatment within 30 days, reducing delay in treatment and easing financial burden of cancer patients.

    Shri Nadda noted that every district in the country will have day care cancer centers in the next 3 years with 200 districts to be covered in this year itself. He also emphasized on tele-medicine to strengthen healthcare further.

    On the occasion, the Union Health Minister and other dignitaries released a Coffee Table Book on 9th National Summit on Best Practices, Report on the 16th Common Review Mission Report, Four Regional Conferences of NHM (2024-25) report and the Non-Communicable Diseases Conference Report (Jan 2025).

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi said that Odisha is an important pillar in the Union Government’s vision of a Swasthya Bharat. He said that under the motto of “Swasthya Odisha, Samruddh Odisha”, the state will bring more energy and focus in achieving all the UN SDG goals.

    Shri Majhi said that the merging of Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) scheme is a momentous step as people from Odisha can now access over 29,000 private hospitals across the country, benefiting over 4.5 crore people, especially the migrant workers of the state.

    He informed that a slew of national institutes is coming up in the state including National Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) and a National Institute of Speech and Hearing. He also stated that a new Government Nursing College and four dental colleges will be opened in Odisha.

    Dr Mukesh Mahaling highlighted that Odisha has made remarkable achievements in institutional deliveries which has increased to more than 92% today. He stated that “MMR and IMR cases have reduced at a fast pace. Cancer treatment and chemotherapy are already provided in the district hospitals in Odisha.” He further stated that the government is working towards ensuring that all districts in Odisha have hospitals.

    Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava noted that the NHM National Summits has developed into a powerful medium for delivery of equitable, quality and affordable health services. She noted that states will be able to share best practices and learnings from Common Review Missions (CRMs) held earlier which will help them in widening Jan Bhagidari, optimizing resources and meeting challenges. She urged states to continue to focus on enhancing quality standards and assess the areas where more resources are required for more effective service delivery.

     

    Brief Note on 9th National Summit on Best Practice:

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) organizes an annual National Innovation Summit on Good and Replicable Practices and Innovations in the Public Health System. This summit aims to showcase and document best practices and innovations adopted by States and Union Territories (UTs) to address public health challenges. It serves as a platform for knowledge sharing and cross-learning among States/UTs. The initiative began in 2013, with seven previous summits held. The eighth summit, along with Chintan Shivir, was conducted in May 2022 in Kevadia, Gujarat.

    The process for the 9th National Summit on Best Practices commenced in December 2023. A directive (D.O. No. NHSRC/21-22/KMD/Best Practices/1001_part (1)) was sent to States/UTs, inviting submissions of innovations and best practices via the National Healthcare Innovation Portal (NHInP). A total of 165 entries were submitted, which included trial and duplicate entries. After a thorough review and elimination of duplicates, selected entries for oral presentations and posters were finalized, with input from Programme Divisions and under the review of the Joint Secretary (Policy).

    Additionally, the dissemination of the report from the 16th Common Review Mission (CRM), conducted across 19 States in November 2024, will be a key part of the summit. The CRM involved a national briefing on November 18, 2024, followed by field visits from November 19-23, 2024, across 17 states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Tripura, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal) and from November 26-30, 2024 in two more states (Jharkhand and Maharashtra). A total of 19 teams, including government officials, public health experts, civil society representatives, and development partners, participated in the CRM.

    Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary & Mission Director (NHM), Union Health Ministry; Shri Saurabh Jain, Joint Secretary (Policy), Union Health Ministry; senior officials such as Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Mission Directors, Senior Nodal officials from States/UTs (including NHM), and representatives from the Union Health Ministry, National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), and Regional Resource Centre for Northeastern States (RRC-NE) were present on the occasion.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/HFM-NHM National Summit Inauguration/28th February 2025/1

    (Release ID: 2106886) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possible withdrawal from the World Health Organization – E-000607/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000607/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    There is a close strategic partnership between the EU and the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2022-2023 alone, the Commission paid the WHO USD 468 million, not including the Member States’ contributions. The Commission also negotiated – on behalf of all the Member States – the amendments to the International Health Regulations and the planned WHO pandemic treaty. In addition, health data on all EU citizens collected within the European Health Data Space is to be passed on to the WHO. The influence that the private financial interests of multi-billionaires wield over the WHO is also a source of criticism. On 20 January 2025, the US left the WHO. The reason given for this was the WHO’s poor management of the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of independence. The US stopped all payments, withdrew its government staff, terminated cooperation and cancelled the amendments to the Health Regulations and the WHO pandemic treaty.

    • 1.Is the Commission also intending to end cooperation with the WHO?
    • 2.With regard to the pandemic treaty, will the Comission negotiations on behalf of the Member States be stopped?
    • 3.Is the Commission intending to accept the offer of future cooperation with the US as the world’s leading medical and scientific power?

    Submitted: 11.2.2025

    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 28 February – Rare Disease Day – Committee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. The rare disease day is the global awareness-raising campaign, taking place on the last day of February each year. The campaign has the goal of increasing equity for people living with a rare disease, improving their lives with equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, care and social opportunity.

    SANT Committee has just launched a public consultation on Rare Diseases. We hold it to listen to citizen’s experiences, opinions and suggestions for our policy work. You can give us your opinion on the link below.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is absolutely right in his vision to combat the problem of Obesity: Mr. Luke Coutinho

    Source: Government of India

    Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is absolutely right in his vision to combat the problem of Obesity: Mr. Luke Coutinho

    We need to have regulation and awareness about junk food for children and adults, which is contributing towards the obesity epidemic: Mr. Luke

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is absolutely right in his vision of combating this problem of obesity, said Mr. Luke Coutinho while visiting an Anganwadi Center in New Delhi today. Mr. Luke Coutinho is a renowned holistic health coach and co-founder of Luke Coutinho Holistic Healing Systems. He is on a visit to Delhi to attend a media conclave.

    Talking about nutrition, Mr. Luke said that three issues need to be focused on. First, early start at child level to get their nutrition right, second, the right education about nutrition in different languages across our diverse country and, third, access to local superfoods like millet. He added that we need to have regulation and awareness about junk food for children and adults, which is contributing towards the obesity epidemic.

     

    Praising the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Mr. Luke said that “Shri Modi has encouraged us to use local superfoods. We can maintain a natural balanced diet with these foods and support the macros of proteins, carbohydrates and fat “.

    Supporting the mission against obesity, he said that “Everyone should take personal responsibility as an Indian citizen to do our part and choose the right food, exercise every day and focus on our mental & emotional health “.

    Mr. Luke said that to overcome obesity, our Prime Minister has spoken about a reduction in edible oil in our foods by 10 percent. He added that “we need awareness and mindfulness and Ghar-ka-khana (home cooked food) has to be promoted and it will require the unity of the country, honoring the Prime Minister’s vision and all of our personal responsibility to make India healthy “.

    ****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2106933) Visitor Counter : 90

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex officially opens (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex officially opens (with photos)
    Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex officially opens (with photos)
    *********************************************************************************

         The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, officiated at the Opening Ceremony of the Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex (the Services Complex) today (February 28), and joined participating guests in witnessing the launch of the largest integrated rehabilitation services complex in Hong Kong to showcase the Government’s support and commitment to persons with disabilities and their carers.     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan expressed gratitude to the organisations and groups that had contributed to the project. He commended the design of the Services Complex for making full use of its spatial advantages as well as incorporating smart technology and rehabilitation equipment to create a safe and comfortable living environment for the service users. He was also pleased to learn that the Services Complex smoothly implements a medical-social collaboration model, where close communication and flexible arrangements enable quality medical services for the residents with fewer hospital visits. He called on different sectors to continue to foster cross-sectoral collaboration and make joint efforts in taking forward innovation and improvement in rehabilitation services, as well as serving persons with disabilities and their families with compassion, thereby building a caring and inclusive community.     Mr Chan said that the Government has long been attentive to the needs of persons with disabilities and the development of rehabilitation services. The estimated recurrent expenditure of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) on rehabilitation and medical social services has reached $12.6 billion in 2025-26, a 35 per cent increase in comparison with that of five years ago, which demonstrates the Government’s commitments in supporting persons with disabilities. The Government will continue to strive for service enhancements, including the provision of additional places for rehabilitation services, so that the total number of such service places will reach around 39 900 by 2028-29 for meeting the keen demand for support services for persons with disabilities.     At the ceremony, Mr Chan, accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau; and the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To, presided at the unveiling ceremony of the Services Complex. A tour of the residential care and day training facilities of the Services Complex was also arranged for the guests prior to the ceremony to showcase to them the relevant service operations.     Located at 12 and 20 Hong Fai Road, Siu Lam, Tuen Mun, the Services Complex, which has commenced operation in phases starting from December 2023, was designed and constructed by consultants and contractors commissioned by the SWD. The Services Complex is operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, SAHK and the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, providing a total of 1 150 residential care places and 560 day training places for mentally handicapped persons, physically handicapped persons as well as persons in mental recovery. Incorporating ample communal space and large glass windows to improve ventilation and provide sufficient natural light, the Services Complex integrates with the surrounding environment to allow service users to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025Issued at HKT 19:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Task Group on New Medical School discusses next steps for evaluating proposals on establishment of third medical school (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Task Group on New Medical School, co-chaired by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, convened its third meeting today (February 28) to discuss the next steps for evaluating proposals on the establishment of the third medical school.

         At the meeting, the Task Group agreed to adopt a holistic and comprehensive approach, in accordance with the 10 key parameters as set out earlier (including the financial sustainability of the new medical school), for evaluating the proposals submitted by universities from various perspectives. The expert advisors and other members of the Task Group will conduct an in-depth evaluation of the proposals in their respective areas of expertise. Apart from evaluating the content of the proposals, the Task Group also plans to conduct interviews within the second quarter of this year with the universities which have submitted proposals to get a better grasp of the proposals for making a consolidated consideration. The Task Group expects to complete the evaluation and recommend to the Government within this year a proposal that is in line with developing Hong Kong into an international medical training, research and innovation hub.

         Professor Lo said, “I hope that the final recommendation put forward by the Task Group later this year on the establishment of the new medical school will bring the standards of medical education and research in Hong Kong to new heights. In addition, the Financial Secretary has announced in the 2025-26 Budget that the Government will set aside resources to support universities in the development of the new medical school on a matching basis. In this connection, the financial sustainability of the proposed new medical school is of great importance. The funding arrangement of the new medical school is in fact also one of the 10 key parameters for consideration as set out by the Task Group earlier. The Task Group will examine in detail whether the proposals provide for a diversified funding plan, combined with viable financial management, to ensure the long-term and sustainable development of the new medical school.”

         Dr Choi said, “The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education newly released by our nation strives to accelerate the development of world-class universities and advanced disciplines. The assessment framework for the new medical school as endorsed by the Task Group lays down clear assessment requirements and criteria, including teaching and learning quality, and research excellence. As an important part of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT), the new medical school not only can contribute to the overall development of the relevant university, but also enhance the academic and research excellence of the medical sector, which is conducive to developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub. We expect that the proposals to be submitted by the relevant institutions will set out collaborative development strategies with the higher education clusters and the medical sector in the vicinity of the NMUT to enhance the international competitiveness of Hong Kong’s post-secondary education.”

         The Task Group was established in October last year and has formulated the directions and parameters for establishing the new medical school. The 10 key parameters for consideration consist of Innovative strategic positioning, Staffing, Campus and teaching facilities, Clinical exposure and learning resources, Curriculum structure and assessment methodologies, Student admission arrangements, Funding arrangements, Implementation plan, Teaching and learning quality, as well as Research excellence. The Task Group issued a letter of invitation in December last year to local universities interested in establishing the new medical school for submission of proposals by March 17 this year, and held a briefing session to introduce to universities the relevant arrangements.    

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland and Sweden suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland and Sweden suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland and Sweden suspended
    *****************************************************************************

         ​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 28) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Kościan District of Wielkopolskie Region in Poland, and in Municipality of Kristianstad of Skåne County in Sweden, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 6 600 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland, and about 110 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Sweden last year.     “The CFS has contacted the Polish and Swedish authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025Issued at HKT 17:45

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Members meet with members of Yuen Long and Islands District Councils (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LegCo Members meet with members of Yuen Long and Islands District Councils (with photos)
    LegCo Members meet with members of Yuen Long and Islands District Councils (with photos)
    ****************************************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:     Legislative Council (LegCo) Members met with Yuen Long District Council (DC) and Islands DC members at the LegCo Complex today (February 28). They held in-depth discussions and exchanged views on issues related to community development and people’s concern.     During the meeting with Yuen Long DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including expediting the recreational and sports facility projects in the district; studying the expansion plan of Tin Shui Wai Hospital to address the increasing demand for public healthcare services arising from the anticipated population surge and the development of the Northern Metropolis; as well as seizing development opportunities in the Northern Metropolis to replan the public sewerage system and rural drainage projects in the new development areas to improve environmental hygiene.     The meeting was convened by Mr Michael Tien. A total of 23 Members attended the meeting including Professor Priscilla Leung, Mr Steven Ho, Mr Ma Fung-kwok, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Dr Junius Ho, Mr Holden Chow, Mr Luk Chung-hung, Mr Lau Kwok-fan, Mr Kenneth Lau, Ms Doreen Kong, Ms Nixie Lam, Mr Lam San-keung, Mr Kenneth Leung, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Chan Pui-leung, Mr Gary Zhang, Mr Benson Luk, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, Professor Lau Chi-pang, Dr Ngan Man-yu, Mr Yim Kong and Professor Chan Wing-kwong.     As for the meeting with Islands DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including the public facilities, public services, and ancillary transport facilities of the Tung Chung New Town Extension; the traffic congestion in the vicinity of Tung Chung Town centre and suggestions for improvements; as well as implementing initiatives from the Policy Address to develop tourist hotspots in the Islands districts to fully utilise its tourism potential.     The meeting was convened by Mrs Regina Ip. A total of 19 Members attended the meeting including Professor Priscilla Leung, Dr Chan Han-pan, Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Chan Chun-ying, Mr Kenneth Lau, Mr Tony Tse, Ms Doreen Kong, Mr Kenneth Leung, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Ms Judy Chan, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Chan Hok-fung, Mr Benson Luk, Mr Edmund Wong, Mr Kenneth Fok and Dr So Cheung-wing.

     
    Ends/Friday, February 28, 2025Issued at HKT 17:27

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Message of the Holy Father Francis to participants in the course for those responsible for episcopal liturgical celebrations of the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm (24 to 28 February 2025)

    Source: The Holy See

    Message of the Holy Father Francis to participants in the course for those responsible for episcopal liturgical celebrations of the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm (24 to 28 February 2025), 28.02.2025
    The following is the Message sent by the Holy Father Francis to participants in the course for those responsible for episcopal liturgical celebrations of the Pontifical Athenaeum of Saint Anselm (24 to 28 February 2025):

    Message of the Holy Father
    Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
    I greet the Father Abbot Primate and the Dean of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute, with the professors and students who have attended this second edition of the course for those responsible for episcopal liturgical celebrations. I am pleased to note that you have once again accepted the invitation formulated in the Apostolic Letter Desiderio desideravi, continuing to study the liturgy, not only from a theological perspective, but also in the area of celebratory praxis.
    This dimension touches the life of the people of God and reveals its true spiritual nature (cf. Dogmatic Constitution Lumen gentium, 9). Therefore, the person responsible for liturgical celebrations is not just a teacher of theology; he is not a scribe, who applies the norms; he is not a sacristan, who prepares what is needed for the celebration. He is a teacher placed at the service of the prayer of the community. While humbly teaching the liturgical art, he must guide all those who celebrate, keeping the ritual rhythm and accompanying the faithful in the sacramental event.
    As a mystagogue, he prepares every celebration wisely, for the good of the assembly; he translates into celebratory praxis the theological principles expressed in the liturgical books (Caeremoniale Episcoporum, 9). Thus assisted, the pastor can gently lead the entire diocesan community in the offering of self to the Father, in imitation of Christ the Lord.
    Dear brothers and sisters, every diocese looks to the Bishop and the Cathedral as celebratory models to be imitated. I urge you, therefore, to propose and foster a liturgical style that expresses the following of Jesus, avoiding unnecessary pageantry or prominence. I invite you to carry out your ministry in discretion, without boasting about the results of your service. And I encourage you to transmit these attitudes to the ministers, lectors and cantors, according to the words of Psalm 115 quoted in the Prologue of the Benedictine Rule: “Not to us, Lord, not to us give the glory, but to your name alone” (cf. nos. 29-30).
    In all of your tasks, do not forget that care for the liturgy is first and foremost care for prayer, that is, for the encounter with the Lord. When he proclaimed Saint Teresa of Ávila as doctor of the Church, Saint Paul VI defined the mystical experience as a love that becomes light and wisdom: the wisdom of the divine and the human (cf. Homily, 27 September 1970). May this great master of spiritual life be an example to you: indeed, to prepare and guide liturgical celebrations means bringing together divine and human wisdom. The first is acquired through prayer, meditation and contemplation; the second comes from study, the commitment to deepen, the ability to listen.
    To succeed in these tasks, I advise you to keep your eyes on the people, of whom the Bishop is pastor and father: this will help you to understand the needs of the faithful, as well as the forms and ways to promote their participation in liturgical action.
    Since worship is the work of the whole assembly, the encounter between doctrine and pastoral care is not an optional technique, but a constitutive aspect of the liturgy, which must always be incarnated, inculturated, expressing the faith of the Church. Consequently, the joys and sufferings, the dreams and concerns of the people of God possess a hermeneutical value that we cannot ignore (cf. Videomessage to the International Congress of Theology at the U.C.A., Buenos Aires, 1-3 September 2015). I like to recall, in this regard, what the first dean of the Pontifical Liturgical Institute, Benedictine Abbot Salvatore Marsili, wrote. It was in 1964: with foresight he invited us to become aware of the message of the Second Vatican Council, in the light of which no true pastoral work is possible without liturgy, because the liturgy is the peak to which all the action of the Church (cf. S. Marsili, Riforma Liturgica dall’alto, Rivista Liturgica 51 [1964] 77-78).
    As I invite you to make these words the fundamental perspective of your ministry, I hope that every one of you will always have at heart the people of God, whom you accompany in worship with wisdom and love. And do not forget to pray for me.
    From “Gemelli” Hospital, 26 February 2025
                                                                                                            FRANCIS

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Winchester City Council Approves Budget for 2025/26

    Source: City of Winchester

    Winchester City Council has approved a balanced budget for the upcoming year, which supports vulnerable people, addresses the climate emergency, improves recycling and protects our environment.  

    The budget sets out a commitment to the roll out of weekly food waste recycling collections to all households later this year with £595,000 allocated this year (£460,000 as one-off funding).

    It has a strong emphasis on supporting vulnerable people, with additional funding to help prevent homelessness (an additional £300,000) and a revision of income bands for the council tax reduction scheme – ensuring that support continues to be received after the changes to the DWPs universal credit scheme.

    Recognising the ongoing impact of the cost of living, the council has also extended the Council Tax Exceptional Hardship Fund into 2025/6.

    The budget also allocates funding to increase capacity for planning enforcement cases, to help protect the district’s communities, its heritage and the natural environment from harmful unauthorised development.

    The budget has been aligned to help achieve the council’s priorities following approval of the new council plan, which was developed following public consultation. The Plan’s priorities include:

    • Going Greener Faster
    • Thriving Places
    • Healthy Communities
    • Good homes for all

    The council has committed to do this in a way that’s:

    • Efficient and effective
    • And where it’s listening and learning

    The full council meeting also approved an average council tax increase of 2.7%.  For a Band D property, the City Council’s share of the council tax bill will be £163.66 per year (an increase of £4.30 per year).

    The council’s immediate financial position is stable. However, as with many local authorities, it faces increasing budget pressure long term, which it is addressing through its transformation programme, focusing on reviewing contracts, creating an effective and efficient digital service and generating more income.

    Speaking about the budget, Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance Cllr Neil Cutler said:

    “I’m very pleased that we continue to be able to present a balanced budget for the forthcoming year. It is a budget that ensures we continue to enhance services for our residents and invest in projects that will create healthier communities, tackle climate change, increase access to housing and make the district a more vibrant place for residents, visitors and businesses. It also recognises future funding challenges which we’re addressing ahead of time. While we don’t have the same urgency as some of our neighbours, we expect government funding to reduce in future so we need to plan for these now.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: A letter from a mother in Gaza: Hardships, heartbreak and hope

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Health

    ‘‘This story doesn’t start from day one. It starts from nine months ago – the day I learned I was going to be a mother.”

    That day was in November 2023, around a month into the war in Gaza. Ala’a is among an estimated 155,000 pregnant women and new mothers in the Gaza Strip who for the past year have been forced to give birth under fire, in tents, while fleeing bombs and often without assistance, medication or even clean water.

    “The sound of the rockets and bombs was louder than my happiness, but I decided that with my little baby, we would overcome all difficulties,” she wrote in a letter thanking the tireless health staff who helped her deliver her baby in a field hospital in Khan Younis.

    “We will survive whatever happens.”

    UNFPA

    A letter from a mother in Gaza.

    Catastrophic situation

    The situation for pregnant women in Gaza is catastrophic: Exhausted, weak from hunger, with health services nearly completely destroyed and none of the hospitals fully operational, they have few places to turn for care and treatment.

    After hundreds of attacks on medical facilities, just 17 out of 36 hospitals are even partially functioning.

    Fuel and supplies are also running dangerously short, health-care workers are being killed or forced to flee and those that remain are stretched thin at a time when Gaza’s whole population is facing a surge in injuries, illnesses and diseases, including the first case of polio in over 25 years.

    Perils of displacement

    More than 500,000 women in Gaza have lost access to vital services like pre- and postnatal care, family planning and treatment for infections. Among them, over 17,000 pregnant women are on the brink of famine.

    “After seven months, I was forced to leave my home and live in a tent,” Ala’a continued in her letter. “I cried a lot, feeling that my brave baby would never see the walls of his room that I had always dreamed of preparing for him.”

    But, her anguish didn’t end there, as she was soon evacuated yet again.

    “It was a cry from the depths of my heart [that I had] to give birth out of my home,” wrote Ala’a. “After 50 days I fled under fire, running, screaming and crying because of the bombs. At that moment, I feared I might lose my baby.”

    Some 1.9 million people are currently displaced in Gaza, many of whom have already been forced to move multiple times over the past year. Since the start of the war, miscarriages, obstetric complications, low birth weight and premature births are reported to have risen at alarming rates, mainly due to stress, malnutrition and a near-total lack of maternity care.

    Recalling her time escaping the bombardments, Ala’a wrote, “We are here, starting from nothing – no shelter, no home, not even a destiny. We built a tent again, and we promised each other again that we must survive, whatever happens.”

    A glimmer of light

    “Two weeks later I felt some pain…It was labour pains! [I thought] ‘No. It’s too early, I want to give birth at home.’”

    After four days of labour, Ala’a visited a field hospital in Khan Younis run by UK-Med, a humanitarian non-governmental organization (NGO) that has a specialised maternity unit supported by the United Kingdom and the UN agency for sexual and reproductive health, UNFPA.

    “I came for a check-up and everything was great,” she continued. “The midwife and nurses were kind and warm. I spoke to Dr. Helen, and she encouraged me to come and give birth there.”

    When the time came, they made sure Ala’a delivered her baby safely.

    “I went directly to the hospital at 2am and all the midwives were ready. But, they told me there was no way for a natural birth, it was too dangerous.”

    UNFPA provides the hospital’s maternity unit with reproductive health kits and supplies and ensures staff can offer comprehensive care, including for obstetric emergencies.

    Ala’a and her newborn Mohammad have recovered well, despite the ongoing war and lack of clean water, food or security.

    “It was the best decision to come here to give birth,” she wrote. “I like that they smile all the time even though they are under pressure. They are a great team.”

    © UK-Med

    More than 500,000 women in Gaza have lost access to vital health services.

    Health care under fire

    The impact of the war in Gaza on women and girls is staggering: More than 500,000 women have lost access to vital services like pre- and postnatal care, family planning and treatment for infections; over 17,000 pregnant women are in severe stages of hunger.

    UNFPA and its partners are dedicated to providing reproductive health support, distributing life-saving medicines, medical equipment and supplies and deploying teams of midwives and health-care workers at both official and makeshift camps.

    Six mobile maternal health units have also been set up in field hospitals to deliver emergency obstetric care to mothers and their newborns wherever they are. But it is impossible to provide continuous support without a ceasefire, full access to health services and sustained funding.

    Despite all the hardships she has endured, Ala’a refuses to lose heart.

    “From Mohammad, my son, thanks for everything,” she wrote, expressing gratitude to the staff at the hospital.

    “We are grateful for you. I hope that we meet again in better times.”

    Donate to UNFPA here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: No. 5/2025 – Notice to convene annual general meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nasdaq Copenhagen                                                                                   
    Nikolaj Plads 6
    DK-1067 Copenhagen K   

    Copenhagen, 28 February 2025
    ANNOUNCEMENT no. 5/2025

    CEMAT A/S
    Company reg. (CVR) no. 24 93 28 18
    Annual general meeting

    The Board of Directors hereby convene the annual general meeting of Cemat A/S (the “Company”) for Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at 1:00 pm at the office of DLA Piper Denmark, Oslo Plads 2, 2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark.

    Agenda

    The agenda of the annual general meeting is the following:

    1. The management’s report on the Company’s activities during the past financial year.
    1. Presentation of the audited annual report for adoption.
    1. The Board of Directors’ proposal for appropriation of profit or covering of loss according to the adopted annual report.
    1. Presentation of and indicative vote on remuneration report.
    1. Approval of the Board of Directors’ fees for the current financial year.
    1. Election of members to the Board of Directors.
    2. Appointment of auditor.
    1. Proposals from the Board of Directors or shareholders.
    1. Any other business.

    Complete proposals

    Re item 1     The management’s report on the Company’s activities during the past financial year.

    The Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting takes note of the management’s report.

    Re item 2     Presentation of the audited annual report for adoption.

    The Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting adopts the annual report.

    Re item 3     The Board of Directors’ proposal for appropriation of profit or covering of loss according to the adopted annual report.

    The Board of Directors proposes that the profit for the year as recorded in the Annual Report as adopted by the general meeting be carried forward to next year.   

    Re item 4     Presentation of and indicative vote on remuneration report.

    The Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting adopts the presented remuneration report.

    Re item 5     Approval of the Board of Directors’ fees for the current financial year.

    The Board of Directors proposes that members of the Board of Directors will receive the basic fee of DKK 220,000 for the financial year 2025.

    The chairman of the Board of Directors will receive the basic fee multiplied by a factor of 2.5, and the vice-chairman will receive the basic fee multiplied by a factor of 1.75.

    Re item 6     Election of members to the Board of Directors.

    The Board of Directors proposes to re-elect:

    Frede Clausen, chairman, born 1959
    Professional board member
    Various banking qualifications
    Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
    Elected chairman in 2018
    Other duties and offices:
    Frede Clausen Holding ApS (CEO)
    Core Poland Residential V (board member)
    Malik Supply A/S (chairman)
    Developnord A/S (chairman)
    Søndergaard Holding Aalborg ApS (chairman)
    Palma Ejendomme ApS (chairman)
    Ejendomsselskabet Gøteborgvej 18 ApS (vice-chairman)
    PL Holding Aalborg A/S (chairman)
    Radioanalyzer ApS (chairman)
    Independent
    Special qualifications: Strategic management, business development and real estate
    Languages: Danish and English

    Eivind Dam Jensen, vice-chairman, born 1951
    Estate Agent
    Member of the Danish Association of Chartered Estate Agents
    Diploma in Administration
    Elected vice-chairman in 2005
    Other duties and offices:
    Owner of Chartered Estate Agency E. Dam Jensen
    Chairman and sole shareholder of A/S Eivind Dam Jensen
    Owner of Brundtland Golfcenter (via A/S Eivind Dam Jensen)
    Non-independent
    Special competences: Purchase, sale, valuation and letting of commercial and
    investment properties and property management
    Languages: Danish, English and German.

    Joanna L. Iwanowska-Nielsen, born 1968
    Real Estate Expert
    Degree in International Trade, Organisation and Management
    from the Warsaw School of Economics
    Joined the Board of Directors in 2016
    Directorships and other managerial positions:
    Member of the board of directors of Sustainable Malkowo
    Advisor to the Board of Directors, Ecofarm Foundation
    Member of the board of directors of Coille Righ Green Energy, Scotland
    Member of the board of directors of WildaNova
    Member of the board at NielsenNielsen Ltd (UK)
    Managing Partner in NOLTA Consultants and NOLTA Career Experts
    Board Member of EPI (European Property Institute) think tank
    Member of Warsaw Women in Real Estate & Development
    Founding Member of Women in Global Health’s CEE Chapter
    No directorships in other Danish companies
    Independent
    Special qualifications:
    Experience in the real estate trade in Poland, CEE and
    internationally (development, strategy, sales and project
    management in both the commercial and residential property
    sectors, including sustainable housing, farming enterprises and energy solutions)
    EMCC accredited business coach & mentor
    Languages: Polish, English and Russian.

    Brian Winther Almind, born 1966
    Executive Vice President, DSV Group Property
    Joined the Board of Directors in 2023
    Other duties and offices:
    Shipping agent – Ellegard Transport, of which 2 years were in Verona, Italy
    Traffic manager – DFDS Transport
    Traffic manager – DHL A/S
    Executive Vice President – DSV A/S since 1997
    Directorships and other managerial positions:
    Member of the board in several companies owned by DSV A/S
    Network – European Logistics Forum (ELF), VL 111
    No directorships in other Danish companies
    Special competences:
    Generel management, business development, integration of companies. Property in relation with purchase of land, public sector handling, project management, building activities, purchase and sale, leasing, law, strategy, finances, various large projects in more than 90 countries.  
    Languages: Danish and English.

    Re item 7     Appointment of auditor.

    The Board of Directors proposes that BDO Statsautoriseret Revisionsaktieselskab be reappointed.

    Re item 8     Proposals from the Board of Directors.

    No proposals have been received from the board of directors or executive board

    General information

    The Company’s nominal share capital amounts to DKK 4,997,006.06, divided into 249,850,303 shares of DKK 0.02 each. Each share of DKK 0.02 entitles the holder to one vote.

    The Company has concluded a connection agreement with VP Securities A/S. The financial rights of the shareholders may thus be exercised through VP Securities A/S.

    Requirements for adoption

    Items 2-7 considered at the general meeting will be determined by a simple majority of votes, see article 10.1 of the Company’s articles of association as well as section 105 of the Danish Companies Act.

    The Company’s website

    This notice, including the agenda, remuneration report, information about the total number of shares and voting rights on the date of the notice and proxy, postal voting and registration forms for ordering an entry card, will be made available to the shareholders on the Company’s website, www.cemat.dk, under “Investor/General Meetings” from 28 February 2025.

    This notice has also been published via Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S, the IT system of the Danish Business Authority and the Company’s website as well as by e-mail to the shareholders having requested e-mail notification of general meetings when stating their e-mail addresses.

    Date of registration

    The shareholders will be entitled to exercise the right to vote attaching to the shareholders’ shares, by attendance at the Company’s general meetings or by post pro rata to their shareholding at the date of registration, which is one week before the general meeting.

    The date of registration is Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

    The shareholding of each individual shareholder will be determined at the end of the date of registration based on the number of shares held by the shareholder according to the register of shareholders as well as any notice of ownership received by the Company for the purpose of registration in the register of shareholders, but not yet been registered. In order to be registered in the register of shareholders and included in the calculation, notices of shareholdings must be documented by a transcript from VP Securities A/S or other similar documentation. This documentation must be received by the Company before the end of the date of registration.

    Only the persons who are shareholders of the Company on the date of registration will be entitled to participate and vote at the general meeting but see below regarding the shareholders’ timely request for entry cards.

    Accordingly, any person who has purchased shares, whether by transfer or otherwise, will not be entitled to vote on the shares in question at the general meeting, unless he or she has been recorded in the register of shareholders or has notified the Company and provided documentation of his or her acquisition, no later than on the date of registration, which is Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

    Entry cards

    In order to participate in the general meeting, the shareholders must request an entry card for the general meeting no later than Friday, 21 March 2025. Entry cards may be requested electronically via www.cemat.dk until Friday, 21 March 2025, at 23:59 using MitID or custody account number and password on the Company’s shareholder portal. Shareholders registering for the general meeting electronically will immediately receive a confirmation of their registration.

    It is also possible to request an entry card by forwarding a completed registration form to the Company’s keeper of the register of shareholders, Computershare A/S, Lottenborgvej 26D, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, which must receive the form by Friday, 21 March 2025 at 23.59. The registration form is available at www.cemat.dk.

    Please notice that ordered admission cards will no longer be sent out by ordinary mail.

    Admission cards ordered via the shareholder portal will be sent out electronically via email to the email address specified in the shareholder portal upon registration. The admission card must be presented at the annual general meeting either electronically on a smartphone/tablet or in a printed version.

    Admission cards can be picked up at the entrance of the general meeting upon presentation of a valid ID.

    Proxy

    Shareholders are entitled to attend by proxy. An electronic proxy instrument may also be submitted via the shareholder portal until Friday, 21 March 2025, at 23:59.

    The complete proxy form must be received by the Company’s keeper of the register of shareholders, Computershare A/S, by Friday, 21 March 2025, at 23:59. The proxy form is available at www.cemat.dk.

    Postal voting

    Shareholders may elect to vote by post, i.e., by casting their votes in writing, before the general meeting, instead of attending the general meeting and voting there.

    Shareholders who elect to vote by post may submit their postal vote electronically via the shareholder portal or send their postal vote to Computershare A/S where it must be received by Tuesday, 25 March 2025, at 16:00.

    Once received, a postal vote cannot be recalled. Please note that letters may sometimes take several days to reach their destination.

    Questions

    Shareholders will have an opportunity to ask questions to the agenda as well as to the other materials for the general meeting before the general meeting.

    Any questions concerning this announcement may be directed to info@cemat.dk.

    Cemat A/S

    Frede Clausen
    Chairman of the Board of Directors

    This announcement has been issued in Danish and English. In case of any inconsistencies, the Danish version will prevail.

    Please write to investor@cemat.dk to deregister from this mailing list.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City leaders reaffirm that innovation and growth remains priority

    Source: City of Leeds

    In response to the Government’s announcement of delays to the development of the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, leaders from Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to innovation and growth across the city.

    The partnership has confirmed it would continue to deliver on its long-term vision for driving innovation and growth in the city to create a healthier, greener and more inclusive future for all.

    This follows the confirmation of funding and a start date of between 2033 and 2035 for the development of the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary.

    Despite the Government’s announcement of delays to the development of the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, City leaders are pleased to announce that plans for the Leeds Innovation Village, a key neighbourhood within the city’s £2 billion Leeds innovation Arc, and one of the flagship projects of the £160 million West Yorkshire Investment Zone – will still go ahead, with ambitions to start construction later this year.

    The Village, which is set to bring about £13 billion in economic growth for the city and around 4,000 jobs will continue and is already into its first phase. This includes the redevelopment of the Old Medical School on the Leeds General Infirmary site into a cutting-edge healthtech innovation hub by one of the UK’s most active, privately-owned, mixed-use developers, Scarborough Group International.

    Dame Linda Pollard DBE DL Hon. LLD, Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:

    “Our plans for a new hospital are more than healthcare and play a pivotal role in harnessing innovation and stimulating growth across Leeds and beyond. Despite the announcement of disappointing delays to our new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, plans for the Leeds Innovation Village will still go ahead, with early phases already underway.”

    The development of a new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary, alongside wider plans to boost growth and innovation across the city, are a central part of the West Yorkshire Mayor’s local growth plan, which aims to boost the region’s fastest growing business sectors with a special focus on health and life sciences, in line with the Government’s emerging national industrial strategy.

    This latest commitment builds on a wide range of successful innovation assets across the Innovation Arc including:

    · The successful and vibrant community of innovators and entrepreneurs at Nexus, a state-of-the-art innovation hub on the University of Leeds campus. Nexus has raised £134m in private investment since launching in 2019, with a return on investment of £1.92 for every £1. To date, it has worked with 191 companies and brings together the brightest minds in business, technology and academia and cites over half of its member businesses as healthtech innovators.

    · Leeds Teaching Hospital’s fast-growing Innovation Pop Up, located in the Innovation Village on the Leeds General Infirmary site, has grown its membership to over 50 industry members

    during its first three years and is currently collaborating on around 40 projects with industry partners. The Pop Up brings work nationally and internationally to bring together world-leading clinicians and healthtech industry partners to grow innovation, research and technology for the benefit of patients.

    · Leeds Becket University’s £80m Leeds School of Art building which provides industry standard facilities for over 2500 students and 100 staff studying and researching in film, TV, technology, sound, music, drama, dance and fashion. The centre provides wider cultural and industry partnerships across Leeds.

    · An envisaged route of the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Mass Transit system would see trams run along the spine of the Innovation Arc, linking Leeds station and the South Bank to Harehills. This would bring modern, sustainable transport modes to the heart of the Innovation Arc, reducing north-south travel times, creating potential hubs around stops, and providing connections to the wider area.

    The renewed commitment will see Leeds continue its journey as one of the UK’s most stable, forward-thinking and attractive locations for health and care research and innovation. With the backing of strong collaborative leadership, Leeds ranks as the third most attractive location for healthtech firms which are ready to launch or looking to move, having the highest number of biomedical scientist undergraduates in the country and being home to nine of the top 10 investors in research and development.*”

    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

    “As the home of NHS England and Europe’s largest teaching hospital, Leeds is an international magnet for health innovation, and there is no setback that can stop us from realising our potential.

    “With our multimillion-pound Investment Zone driving the development of the Old Medical School into a world-leading centre of medical and technological innovation, we will deliver jobs and growth here in West Yorkshire while transforming the lives of patients worldwide.

    “We will also continue to make the case for the all-important new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary to be built as soon as possible, as part of our wider plans to build a well-connected Innovation Arc across the city of Leeds through our new Mass Transit system, driving growth.

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said:

    “We remain absolutely committed to our long-term vision for the city of stimulating innovation and economic growth that drives and delivers measurable impact towards a healthier, greener and inclusive future for all.

    “The Leeds Innovation Village, a key neighbourhood within the city’s £2 billion Innovation Arc, will progress as planned, and we’re excited about the potential it holds to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve healthcare. The transformation of the Old Medical School into a new cutting-edge health innovation hub will further solidify Leeds’ position as a global healthtech hub.”

    -ENDS-

    For further information, please contact Jessica Hardman, Head of Communications (BtLW), Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Jessica.hardman3@nhs.net

    Notes

    This recommitment has been made by:

    Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Cllr James Lewis, Leader, Leeds City Council; Tracy Brabin, Mayor, West Yorkshire Combined Authority; Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Leeds; Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor, Leeds Beckett University.

    *Pursing excellence report, an independent analysis of Leeds’ research and innovation in health and care, March 2024 (commissioned by Leeds Academic Health Partnership)

    The Leeds Innovation Arc, the city’s £2billion city centre science park, is a global destination for people, investment and innovation in one of the UK’s fastest growing and greenest cities with an ecosystem addressing the biggest societal challenges of our time through collaborative, diverse and innovative solutions. The Arc is home to some of the most significant innovation assets in the north of England, both public and private sector, including our two biggest universities, the hospital and Nexus at the University of Leeds, a hub for an increasing number of innovative businesses including SeeAI, Itecho Health and Atlas Endoscopy.

    Leeds City Council’s work as a city on innovation builds on our participation in the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (MIT REAP) which fueled Leeds’ drive to grow the regional innovation ecosystem and bench mark ourselves and our progress.

    The Government review into the New Hospital Programme, which the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary was part, has now concluded. The Secretary of State for Health announced on Monday 20 January that the new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary has been included in Wave 2 of the programme and will not now start construction until some time between 2033-2035.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 3 March

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS
      
    Tuesday 4 March
     
    Q&A with the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy
    Environment Committee     – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The London Assembly Environment Committee will meet with the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy for a question and answer session, exploring the progress made in achieving the Mayor’s manifesto priorities, as well as wider progress on areas in the London Environmental Strategy and London’s 2030 net zero target.

    Other topics will include noise pollution, airport expansion, the proposed new green roots fund, and swimmable rivers.

    The guests are:

    • Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy
    • Megan Life, Assistant Director for Environment and Energy, Greater London Authority (GLA)
    • Pete Daw, Head of Climate Change, GLA

    MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smith on 07763 251727 / [email protected] 
     
    Wednesday 5 March
     
    End-of-life Care in London
    Health Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The London Assembly Health Committee will ask guests about the state of end-of-life care provision in London, with a particular focus on end-of-life care for elderly people.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1: 10am – 11.25am

    •    Dr Katherine Buxton, Clinical Director for Palliative and End-of-Life Care Network, NHS England, London
    •    Dr Lyndsey Williams, General Practitioner and Clinical Lead for End-of-Life Care, North West London Integrated Care Board
    •    Sarah Scobie, Deputy Director of Research, Nuffield Trust

    Panel 2: 11.30am – 1pm

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

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832918 / [email protected]  
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: mRESVIA RSV vaccine approved to protect patients aged 60 and over

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    mRESVIA RSV vaccine approved to protect patients aged 60 and over

    A study found that around 4 months after vaccination, people who received the RSV vaccine had a 79% reduction in their risk of getting lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV, compared with those who received placebo.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved an mRNA respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (brand name mRESVIA) to protect patients aged 60 and over against lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV.

    RSV is a common virus that spreads very easily and causes respiratory tract disease in people of all ages. RSV infection can be mild, with cold-like symptoms including blocked nose, cough, and/or sore throat. However, the virus can also cause more serious problems, such as lung infections and pneumonia. Older adults are at risk of more serious complications that can lead to hospital admission and even death.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    “Keeping patients safe and enabling their access to high quality, safe and effective medical products are key priorities for us.

    “We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards for the approval of this medicine have been met.

    “As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”

    This vaccine is administered as an intramuscular injection in the top of the arm by a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. The recommended dose is 0.5 mL.

    The vaccine works by preparing the body to defend itself against RSV. It contains an active substance called messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) to carry instructions that cells in the body can use to make the same protein that is also present on the virus. This protein stimulates the body’s natural defences (immune system) to produce antibodies which help protect against lung diseases caused by RSV.

    This national approval is supported by evidence from a study in over 35,000 adults who were age 60 or older. In this study, participants were given either a single dose of the RSV vaccine or a placebo (dummy) injection.

    The study found that around 4 months after vaccination, people who received the RSV vaccine had a 79% reduction in their risk of getting lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV, compared with those who received placebo.

    The most common side effects of the vaccine, which may affect more than 1 in 10 people, include swelling/tenderness in the underarm, headache, muscle ache, joint aches, pain at the injection site, tiredness, and chills.

    As with any medicinal product, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of this RSV vaccine under close review. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this vaccine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.

    Notes to editors 

    1. The new marketing authorisation was granted on 27 February 2025 to Moderna Biotech Spain.
    2. More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    3. For more information can be found on the NHS website about respiratory tract disease and RSV
    4. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    5. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    6. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor says acquisition of Timberquay is significant milestone in university expansion plans

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor says acquisition of Timberquay is significant milestone in university expansion plans

    28 February 2025

    The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has welcomed news that the Department for the Economy and Ulster University have acquired the Timber Quay building on Derry’s Strand Road as part of plans to expand the university.

    Mayor Barr said the news marked a significant milestone for the city and district that would bolster the expansion of Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus.

    She said: “We continue to champion the growth of Magee, recognising its transformative potential to drive economic prosperity, create opportunities for our young people, and enhance our city’s vibrant cultural and intellectual landscape. The expansion of the university is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in our future. It’s about creating a dynamic learning environment that attracts and retains talent, fosters innovation, and strengthens our position as a hub for education and research. The availability of Timber Quay will enable the university to increase its student numbers and drive forward the ambition to reach 10,000 students by 2032.”

    Mayor Barr added that the expansion of the university will further contribute to the catalytic investment that is the cornerstone of the Derry and Strabane City Deal, playing a crucial role in driving economic and social transformation for the region.

    “This expansion is not merely about increasing student numbers; it’s about creating a hub of innovation, research, and skilled workforce development. Projects like the Cognitive Analytics & Digital Robotics Innovation Centre (CADRIC) and the School of Medicine are designed to attract further investment, stimulate job creation, and create class leading research that will enhance our local economy ultimately securing a prosperous future for Derry and Strabane.”

    The Mayor concluded that the acquisition of Timber Quay would also have a positive impact on the wider community including local businesses who will benefit from increased footfall, with the potential to attract further investment, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

    “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Department, Ulster University, and all the stakeholders who have played a crucial role in making this happen. This achievement is an example of successful collaboration to achieve a common goal.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank, Pandemic Fund sign agreement to leverage resources for pandemic preparedness

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

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) Group has signed an agreement to become an implementing entity of the Pandemic Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4h0TQu3). This enables the Bank to coordinate financing of the Fund’s approved projects in Africa, as well as to participate in a call for proposals for financing investments scheduled to launch next month.

    The financial procedures agreement, signed in January with the World Bank Group (the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development acted as a trustee for the Pandemic Fund), qualifies the African Development Bank to participate in a share of $500 million in Fund Secretariat financing for proposals for pandemic-related programs, projects and policies, with a focus on low and middle-income countries.

    The Pandemic Fund is a partnership among donor countries, co-investors, foundations and civil society organizations hosted by the World Bank. The World Health Organization acts as the technical lead. The Fund assists countries and regions to strengthen their health systems and increase their investments, enabling them to boost pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities. 

    “There is growing demand from African countries for support to overcome gaps in national health infrastructure exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other health crises. As a Pandemic Fund implementing entity, the African Development Bank is capitalizing on our experience combining infrastructure financing with complementary support to improve the quality of life for the people of Africa,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, Bank Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.

    The Fund’s call for proposals will be in phases: the first phase will be open to single and multi-country proposals in March 2025; the second phase launches in June 2025 for regional proposals. 

    To date, the Pandemic Fund has financed two calls for proposals and approved 47 projects impacting 75 countries in six regions across the globe. On average, 43 percent of its resources have been allocated for countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest demand for Pandemic Fund grants. Under the second call for proposals, more than half of the funds awarded went to sub-Saharan Africa.

    As an implementing entity, the African Development Bank will also play an oversight role, providing implementation support to beneficiary implementing organisations, as well as providing financial and progress reports to the Fund’s Governing Board.

    The Bank’s collaboration with the Pandemic Fund aligns with its Strategy for Quality Health Infrastructure in Africa that seeks to enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve health outcomes in Africa.

    In June 2023, the Bank approved approximately $124 million in financing for healthcare access expansion in Morocco. The country’s “Program to Support Inclusive Access to Healthcare Infrastructure” inboosts the country’s specialized healthcare services in women and children’s centers, supports building and equipping hospitals, and equips remote sites with telemedicine and teleconsultation facilities.

    Dunford says continued collaborating with the Pandemic Fund can help more Africans experience the benefits of strengthened healthcare systems.

    “As Africa’s premier financial institution, we are ready to provide relevant support to beneficiary implementing organisations, the Bank’s regional member countries, and regional economic communities in the Pandemic Fund’s third call for proposals. The Bank will leverage resources from the Fund, alongside our funding instruments, for bigger and better results,” she added.

    The Pandemic Fund was established in September 2022 with the Bank participating as an observer and formally announced two months later at the Group of 20 (G20) meetings in Bali, Indonesia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Joint News Release New WHO and ITU standard aims to prevent hearing loss among gamers

    Source: World Health Organisation

    “Everyone can take steps today to ensure good hearing health throughout their life,” said Dr Jérôme Salomon, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases. “The WHO/ITU safe listening standard supports governments, manufacturers, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster safe listening environments, so that people of all ages can protect their ears and hearing, and even when playing video games, do not risk hearing loss.” 

    Video gameplay and esports are rapidly becoming one of the largest entertainment industries worldwide. About 3 billion people play video games on devices such as personal computers, video game consoles, and mobile phones, yet most devices and games lack safe listening features to protect users from harmful noise. However, gamers risk permanent hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud sounds while gaming or listening to music. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their lower sound tolerance and growing interest in gaming. 

    Through the provision of information, warnings and safe listening features, the new standard aims to inform video game players of the risk to hearing loss from loud video gameplay activities and raise awareness about how they can practice safe listening. 

    “As video gaming and esports continue to grow and gamers use a wider array of devices to access their content, safe listening standards are vital to help protect the hearing of users, especially children, from sounds which could damage their hearing,” said Seizo Onoe, Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, International Telecommunication Union. “Creating effective technical standards requires collaboration which leverages each other’s strengths. We are grateful to our partners at WHO for their insight and experience advancing safe listening, and are pleased to launch this update on World Hearing Day.” 

    Standards protect hearing for all types of video game players 

    The WHO-ITU Global standard on safe listening for video gameplay and esports is designed to protect hearing for all types of video game players, across a wide range of gameplay scenarios and equipment. The standard provides separate guidelines for video gameplay devices (video game consoles, handheld or mobile devices and personal computers, headphones and headsets), and video game software.  

    For video gameplay devices, the standard recommends: 

    • Sound allowance tracking to measure the player’s sound exposure.  
    • Safe listening messages that provide players with information on sound usage, including predictions on when their sound limit will be reached. 
    • A user-friendly volume control system that can be easily adjusted. 
    • A “headphone safety mode” that automatically adjusts the volume when a player changes between headphones and loudspeakers. 

    For video gameplay software titles, the standard recommends: 

    • Safe listening warnings and messages for players about the risk of hearing loss from loud sounds and prolonged exposure during gameplay activities.  
    • Independent volume controls for different sound categories, allowing players to adjust levels and mute various sounds within the game. 
    • Adapting the soundtrack, genre and sound design of each game with safe listening features 
    • A “headphone safety mode” within the software that is capable of detecting a switch of audio output between headphones and speakers and automatically reduces the volume.  

    The new standard was developed under WHO’s Make Listening Safe initiative which seeks to improve listening practices especially among young people, drawing on the latest evidence and consultations with a range of stakeholders including experts from WHO, government, industry, consumers, and civil society.  

    Notes to editors 

    About the World Health Organization  

    Dedicated to the health and well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere, an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. 

    About the International Telecommunication Union

    The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, it is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. Learn more: www.itu.int  

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-02-28T10:30:00.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/headquarters/teams/uhc—communicable-noncommunicable-diseases-(ucn)/noncommunicable-diseases-rehabilitation-and-disability-(ncd)/sensory-functions-disability-and-rehabilitation-(sdr)/147_who-russia.jpg?sfvrsn=4803540e_3″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-02-28T10:30:00.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/28-02-2025-new-who-and-itu-standard-aims-to-prevent-hearing-loss-among-gamers”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
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    MIL OSI United Nations News –