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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESS RELEASE – EU Delegation Assesses Progress of Nofotane Samoa Social Enterprise (NSSE) Project

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    On February 11 2025, the delegation from the European Union (EU) led by Mr. Dirk Homann (the head of finance and contract), along with Mr. Geshneel Verma (the financial officer) and Mr. Gianluca Vannini (the programme manager), had a meeting with SVSG in respect to the Nofotane Samoa Social Enterprise (NSSE) project to evaluate its progress in the first year.

    The project focuses on sustainable income generation and self-employment for Nofotane women. To continue empowering these women economically, SVSG successfully applied to the European Commission for funding to transition the Nofotane Program into a social enterprise. The NSSE project aims to contribute to six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using an innovative approach to address gender-based violence against Nofotane women in Samoa:

    1. No Poverty – Ensuring steady income and improved living standards for Nofotane women and their families.

    2. Good Health and Wellbeing – Promoting healthier lives and enhanced quality of life for Nofotane women and their families.

    3. Quality Education – Providing access to formal, non-formal, and informal learning opportunities for Nofotane women.

    4. Gender Equality – Ensuring Nofotane women are recognized within their homes, communities, and workplaces.

    5. Decent Work and Economic Growth – Empowering Nofotane women to contribute to the Samoan economy.

    6. Reduced Inequalities – Establishing a national network of Nofotane women with a collective voice against inequality.

    The EU team visited the SVSG Nofotane stores at our main office and in the villages of Luatuanuu, Siumu, and Faleasi’u. The women involved in the project expressed great joy in meeting the EU delegation, expressing their gratitude for the support provided. Many highlighted that the project has been instrumental in helping them support their families, cover children’s school fees, and overcome financial hardships. Additionally, the initiative has encouraged personal development, enabling them to acquire new skills and achieve sustainable income

    The SVSG President and the entire organization would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the EU for their support and continued dedication to our Nofotane community.

    Your generous contribution have been instrumental in empowering women and creating opportunities for self-employment and sustainable income. With your support, we are able to tackle critical social issues like gender-based violence and uplift families in need. We are truly grateful for your ongoing partnership and look forward to working together to build a more resilient community.

    EU Photos.

    END.

    SOURCE – Samoa Victim Support Group

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Infection prevention and action against antimicrobial resistance to meet the UN’s political declaration – E-002833/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a major pillar of the EU efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), given that over 70% of its health impact is linked to healthcare-associated infections (HAI)[1].

    The Commission, together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is working on EU Guidelines for IPC in human health.

    Action on IPC is also part of the EU co-funded joint action on AMR with a budget of EUR 62.5 million[2]. In addition, IPC forms an integral part of the prevention, preparedness, and response planning capacities of Member States, pursuant to the regulation on serious cross-border health threats[3].

    These capacities, together with capacities on AMR and HAI, are subject to regular ECDC assessments and possible Commission recommendations to support Member State action[4].

    The Commission also funds research and development activities through the research and innovation framework programmes[5] and, develops and implements, in close collaboration with Member States, innovative actions to secure the availability and accessibility of antimicrobials and other AMR medical countermeasures.

    The proposal for the reform of the pharmaceutical legislation[6] is expected to offer additional opportunities for tackling AMR once adopted.

    The 2023 Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat AMR in a One Health approach[7] sets various targets regarding AMR and human health that go in the same direction as the United Nations political declaration adopted in September 2024[8].

    The Commission, together with EU agencies, is closely following Member States’ progress, and regularly exchanges with Member States’ competent authorities on best practices and follow-up actions in the AMR One Health Network.

    • [1] https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/EAAD-infographic-2022.pdf
    • [2] EU JAMRAI 2, https://eu-jamrai.eu/prevention-control/
    • [3]  Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2371/oj
    • [4] As per Articles 8 and 9 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2371.
    • [5] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/health/antimicrobial-drug-resistance-amr_en
    • [6] https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/pharmaceutical-strategy-europe/reform-eu-pharmaceutical-legislation_en
    • [7] Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach C 220, 22.6.2023, p. 1.
    • [8] https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/world-leaders-commit-decisive-action-antimicrobial-resistance#:~:text=New%20York%2C%2026%20September%202024%20%E2%80%93%20Global%20leaders,reducing%20the%20estimated%204.95%20million%20human%20deaths%20

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to disease outbreak of unknown cause in the DRC

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment to an unknown disease breakout in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

    Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, University of East Anglia (UEA), said:

    “This is another cluster of fatalities in one of the poorer African countries. These are not rare. We saw another such cluster in DRC last November/December time. That last one turned out to be malaria and the was likely more severe as a result of increased malnutrition.

    “So far I am not aware of much information about the current problem other than it is in the northwest of the country there are apparently two separate clusters in the area.  The earlier cluster was reported in 21 January 2025 and is centred on Boloko Village in Bolomba Health District. The more recent cluster is in Bomate Village in Basankusu Health Zone and this was reported on the 9th February. No link is known between these two clusters. So far test results are negative foe Ebola and Marburg.

    “The only other bit of information is that in the earlier cluster some of the children who died had apparently consumed bat carcasses. But the relevance of that is not yet known.

    “What is causing these two clusters is not yet known or indeed whether the same thing is responsible for both. It is certainly possible that we have a similar issue to last autumn with malaria and malnutrition. But we need to wait the results of ongoing investigations to know the cause.”

    Declared interests

    Prof Paul Hunter “None”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to new research that found a bat-infecting coronavirus that can enter human cells similarly to COVID-19

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New research published in Cell found a bat-infecting coronavirus can enter human cells in a similar way to COVID-19. 

    Dr Samuel Ellis, Research Fellow, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), University College London (UCL), said:

    “Virologists have been studying coronaviruses in bats and mammals for a long time, with the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrating the significant risks if such viruses evolve the ability to infect humans. This latest study has identified a new member of the coronavirus family that is able to infect some cells by targeting the human ACE2 receptor, similar to SARS-CoV-2. This similarity means it should be further studied as part of surveillance for future threats, but the researchers do highlight that this virus is currently suboptimal for human adaptation and not to exaggerate any immediate risk. Furthermore, this research only showed infection of cells in the lab not animals or humans, and promisingly they found that antibody and antiviral drug therapies developed for COVID-19 could also be effective against this new virus. This sort of study is an example of the important work scientists are performing around the world to identify risks early and develop countermeasures to try and prevent future viral pandemic threats.”

     

    Prof Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in Cellular Microbiology, University of Reading, said:

    “The finding of another bat coronavirus that gains entry human and animal cells by unlocking them in the same way as Covid-19 is naturally of concern and will worry people, but it shouldn’t be all that surprising.  This way of accessing cells is probably far more common than we realise, and the more scientists look for these things, the more examples they’re likely to find.  Many viral infections in humans are of animal origin, so it’s important that we keep improving our understanding of possible future threats.

    “We shouldn’t get too hung up on what is just one part of the way the virus interacts with our bodies; things are much more complicated.  This coronavirus is more closely related to the one that caused MERS which was never able to spread as quickly and efficiently as SARS or Covid-19 and so far, there’s no indication that this one would be any different.”

     

    Prof Paul Hunter, Professor in Medicine, University of East Anglia, said:

    “There are very many different coronaviruses infecting bats worldwide, probably over 3,000 [1] All of these have the potential to develop into a human pathogen.

    “But that does not mean they will cause significant health problems in human populations. I really doubt that covid will be the last pandemic due to an emergent coronavirus from bats. But whether that in in 10, 20, 50 or 100 years from now I would not like to guess.

    “For a bat coronavirus to cause a pandemic in humans there needs to be a number of events.  

    “1, The virus has to infected at least one human either directly from a bat or more likely indirectly through another intermediate mammal like the civet cat in the 2005 SARS pandemic, camels with MERS, or possibly pangolins with covid. The involvement of an intermediate animal probably increases the amount of virus compared to what would be found in bats.

    “2, The virus has to then spread to other people, more likely in crowded cities then in remote rural communities

    “3, The virus needs to evolve to be more transmissible in humans. I suspect most animal to human transmission events do not spread to more than the occasional further cases. But if the virus evolves to be more infectious then we can have a problem.

    “So, is HKU5-CoV-2 something we need to worry about? Not specifically. But we do need to remain vigilant about all coronaviruses. At some point a coronavirus will trigger another pandemic, maybe not in the next few decades. When that does happen will it be  HKU5-CoV-2? Again probably not but it may be.”

    1. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/bats-are-major-reservoir-coronaviruses-worldwide.

     

    Dr Efstathious Giotis, Lecturer in Molecular Virology, University of Essex, said:

    “Scientists have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, in China that can bind to human ACE2 receptors, the same entry point used by SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19. HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to a different group of coronaviruses than SARS-CoV-2 called merbecoviruses, which include the MERS virus (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Until now, merbecoviruses were not known to use ACE2 as a receptor, making this discovery scientifically significant.

    Can it cause an epidemic?

    “There is no evidence that HKU5-CoV-2 can cause an epidemic in humans. While it can bind to human ACE2 receptors, its ability to do so appears weaker than SARS-CoV-2, making infection less likely. There are no known human cases, and no proof of human-to-human transmission.”

    Shall we be concerned?

    “There is no cause for concern at this stage. The study was conducted in laboratory conditions,  and there is no evidence that HKU5-CoV-2 is circulating in humans or if it’s able to spread among humans. Its ability to bind to ACE2 appears weaker than SARS-CoV-2, making human infection less likely. Therefore, HKU5-CoV-2 is not an immediate threat, but its ability to use ACE2 means it should be closely monitored.”

      

    Dr Gary R McLean, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, said:

    “The study in Cell is from virology groups in China that study bat coronaviruses that have potential for the jump into humans. They are based in Wuhan and Guangzhou, where previous coronavirus spillovers to human have occurred. Interestingly this newly discovered virus lineage (HKU5-CoV-2), despite evolving in bats, can effectively use human entry receptor protein ACE2 for infection of human cells and tissues. However, these are biochemical studies that show the potential for this new bat virus to infect humans cells and there is no evidence for this occurring in nature. Thus there is the potential for this new virus to spillover to human like previous coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2. Hopefully the Chinese authorities now have good surveillance systems in place and the laboratories work to rigid safety standards that minimise the risk of spillover occurring. This paper does suggest that bat coronaviruses can evolve to use human entry receptors for infection, sidestepping the traditional route of amplification via an intermediate species – yet to be unequivocally found for SARS-CoV-2.”

     

    ‘Bat-infecting merbecovirus HKU5-CoV lineage 2 can use human ACE2 as a cell entry receptor’ by Chen et al. was published in Cell on Tuesday 18th February.

     

    DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2025.01.042

     

     

    Declared interests

    Dr Samuel Ellis “I have no direct COIs to declare on this news/study, but have been involved in some previous COVID-19 trials of antiviral drugs, such as PANORAMIC (NIHR).”

    Dr Gary R McLean None

    Prof Paul Hunter None

    Dr Efstathious Giotis None

    For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: AvidXchange Announces Fourth Quarter & Full Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Healthy revenue growth coupled with gross and operating margin improvement drives strong year over year fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results
    • 2024 GAAP earnings per share swings positive with net cash provided by operating activities up more than eight-fold to $71.9 million
    • Disciplined capital allocation highlighted by paydown of high-interest bank-debt and repurchase of $50 million out of the $100 million authorized in 2024
    • Sustained strong balance sheet with cash and marketable securities of $389.3 million with $9.1 million of long-term debt at year end 2024
    • 2025 business outlook reflects continued progress on margin expansion on a choppy macro backdrop

    CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AvidXchange Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVDX), a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year-ended December 31, 2024.

    “We are very pleased with our financial results, ending 2024 on solid financial footing. 2024 saw non-GAAP gross margin expansion to 73.6% from 69.4% in 2023, while adjusted EBITDA margins grew to 19.3% from 8.0% on the back of strong operating leverage. We remain in a strong financial position due to the strong execution on our transformational value proposition of accounts payable and payments automation aimed at our middle market buyer customers and their supplier customers through our proprietary two-sided network. With AvidXchange’s best-of-breed solution, we aim to unlock efficiency, visibility and control for our buyer customers’ procure-to-pay process, while advancing efficiency, predictability and support for our supplier customers’ order to cash needs. While we expect to see continued margin expansion in 2025, we are also anticipating that continued macro headwinds will impact revenue growth. That said, given the ERP integration and strategic partnerships signed in 2024, as the ones signed in 2023 begin to scale, combined with the ramp of our differentiated products such as Payment Accelerator 2.0 and Pay 2.0 as we seek to continue to leverage AI across our business ecosystem, we believe we are continuing to strengthen our competitive position while laying the building blocks for operating performance momentum as the year progresses, thereby advancing our growth, profit and value creation objectives,” said Michael Praeger, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of AvidXchange.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

    • Total revenue was $115.4 million, an increase of 10.9% year-over-year, compared with $104.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Revenue included interest income of $12.2 million compared with $13.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • GAAP net income was $4.7 million, compared with a GAAP net loss of $(4.5) million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Non-GAAP net income was $17.3 million, compared with $9.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • GAAP gross profit was $78.8 million, or 68.2% of total revenue, compared with $67.3 million, or 64.6% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Non-GAAP gross profit was $86.4 million, or 74.9% of total revenue, compared with $74.4 million, or 71.4% of revenue in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Adjusted EBITDA was $26.3 million compared with $15.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures has been provided in the tables following the financial statements in this press release. An explanation of these measures is also included below under the heading “Non-GAAP Measures and Other Performance Metrics.”

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Key Business Metrics and Highlights:

    • Total transactions processed in the fourth quarter of 2024 were 19.9 million, an increase of 4.3% from 19.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Total payment volume in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $21.9 billion, an increase of 10.0% from $19.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Transaction yield in the fourth quarter of 2024 was $5.80, an increase of 6.4% from $5.45 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

    Full Year 2025 Financial Outlook

    As of February 26, 2025, AvidXchange anticipates its Full Year 2025 revenue, adjusted EBITDA and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) to be in the following ranges (in millions, except per share data):                                                                       

          Current
    FY 2025 Guidance    		  
        Revenue (1&2) $453.0 – $460.0  
        Adjusted EBITDA(1,2&3) $86.0 – $91.0  
        Non-GAAP Diluted EPS(3) $0.25 – $0.27  
             
    (1) The current FY 2025 guidance anticipates interest revenue contribution of approximately $44.0 million compared to $49.7 million in 2024.
    (2) The current FY 2025 guidance does not anticipate political revenues compared to approximately $6.6 million in 2024.
    (3) Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to GAAP net loss and Non-GAAP diluted EPS to basic and diluted EPS on a forward-looking basis is not available without unreasonable efforts due to the high variability, complexity and low visibility with respect to the items excluded from the non-GAAP measures.
       

    These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. Refer to the Forward-Looking Statements safe harbor below for information on the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.

    Earnings Teleconference Information
    AvidXchange will discuss its fourth quarter & full year 2024 financial results during a teleconference today, February 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. The call will be broadcast simultaneously via webcast at https://ir.avidxchange.com/. Following the completion of the call, a recorded replay of the webcast will be available on AvidXchange’s website. In addition to the conference call, supplemental information is available on the Investor Relations section of AvidXchange’s website at https://ir.avidxchange.com/.

    About AvidXchange™
    AvidXchange is a leading provider of accounts payable (“AP”) automation software and payment solutions for middle market businesses and their suppliers. AvidXchange’s software-as-a-service-based, end-to-end software and payment platform digitizes and automates the AP workflows for more than 8,500 businesses and it has made payments to more than 1,350,000 supplier customers of its buyers over the past five years. To learn more about how AvidXchange is transforming the way companies pay their bills, visit www.AvidXchange.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance and often contain words such as: “anticipate,” “assume,” “intend,” “aim,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “believe,” “outlook,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “likely,” “may,” “should,” “continue,” “will” and similar words and phrases indicating future results. The information presented or statements made in this press release, or during the earnings call, related to our beliefs and expectations of future performance, including our plans, strategies and financial performance; our 2025 guidance including our expected revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Non-GAAP Diluted EPS for the full year 2025; the solid footing and continued strength of our financial position, operating leverage, and execution on behalf of buyers and suppliers; the macroeconomic outlook and potential impacts within verticals in which we have domain expertise; expectations regarding margin expansion, scalability, value, opportunity size, transformational aspect of impacts, penetration, and momentum derived from our integration and strategic partnerships and our new and existing products, services, and systems; our ability to leverage AI within our operations, products, and services; our competitive position including our customers’ perceptions of the value proposition of our AP automation software and payments services; the impact of our operating priorities on our potential growth and margin expansion; our ability to improve the customer experience across our suite of products and services; the timing of revenue impacts; and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact, are forward-looking in nature.  These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. We therefore cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements.   

    Factors which could cause actual results or effects to differ materially from those reflected in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risk factors and other cautionary statements described, from time to time, in AvidXchange’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including, without limitation, AvidXchange’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with the SEC, which may be obtained on the investor relations section of our website (https://ir.avidxchange.com/) and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.  Any forward-looking statements made by us in this press release are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no obligation to update any of these statements in light of new information, future events or otherwise unless required under the federal securities laws.

    Non-GAAP Measures and Other Performance Metrics
    To supplement the financial measures presented in our press release and related conference call in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), we also present the following non-GAAP measures of financial performance: Non-GAAP Gross Profit, Non-GAAP Gross Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) and Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share.

    A “non-GAAP financial measure” refers to a numerical measure of our historical or future financial performance or financial position that is included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in our financial statements. We provide certain non-GAAP measures as additional information relating to our operating results as a complement to results provided in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial information presented herein should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for or superior to, the financial information presented in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered a measure of liquidity. There are significant limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures. Further, these measures may differ from the non-GAAP information, even where similarly titled, used by other companies and therefore should not be used to compare our performance to that of other companies.

    We have presented Non-GAAP Gross Profit, Adjusted EBITDA, Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) and Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share in this press release. We define Non-GAAP Gross Profit & Gross Margin as revenue less cost of revenue excluding the portion of depreciation and amortization and stock-based compensation expense allocated to cost of revenues. We define Adjusted EBITDA as our net loss before depreciation and amortization, impairment and write-off of intangible assets, interest income and expense, income tax expense (benefit), stock-based compensation expense, transaction and acquisition-related costs expensed, change in fair value of derivative instrument, non-recurring items not indicative of ongoing operations, and charitable contributions of common stock. We define Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) as net loss before amortization of acquired intangible assets, impairment and write-off of intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, transaction and acquisition-related costs expensed, change in fair value of derivative instrument, non-recurring items not indicative of ongoing operations, acquisition-related effects on income tax, and charitable contributions of common stock. Non-GAAP income tax expense is calculated using our blended statutory rate except in periods of non-GAAP net loss when it is based on our GAAP income tax expense. In each case, non-GAAP income tax expense excludes the effects of acquisitions in the period on tax expense. We define Non-GAAP Earnings per Share as Non-GAAP Net Income (Loss) per diluted share.

    We believe the use of non-GAAP financial measures, as a supplement to GAAP measures, is useful to investors in that they eliminate items that are either not part of our core operations or do not require a cash outlay, such as stock-based compensation expense. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures when evaluating operating performance and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures help indicate underlying trends in the business, are important in comparing current results with prior period results and are useful to investors and financial analysts in assessing operating performance.

    Availability of Information on AvidXchange’s Website
    Investors and others should note that AvidXchange routinely announces material information to investors and the marketplace using SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, webcasts, and the Investor Relations section of AvidXchange’s website. While not all information that AvidXchange posts to the Investor Relations website is of a material nature, some information could be deemed to be material. Accordingly, AvidXchange encourages investors, the media and others interested in AvidXchange to review the information that it shares at the Investor Relations link located at https://ir.avidxchange.com.  Users may automatically receive email alerts and other information about AvidXchange when enrolling an email address by visiting “Email Alerts” in the “Resources” section of AvidXchange’s Investor Relations website https://ir.avidxchange.com.

    Investor Contact:

    Subhaash Kumar
    Skumar1@avidxchange.com
    813.760.2309

     
    AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     Year Ended
    December 31,    		  
        2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Revenues   $ 115,438     $ 104,064     $ 438,940     $ 380,720  
    Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense)     30,593       30,846       121,781       121,307  
    Operating expenses                        
    Sales and marketing     21,730       18,577       82,529       77,523  
    Research and development     25,073       24,939       101,110       97,555  
    General and administrative     26,862       26,579       99,526       101,924  
    Impairment and write-off intangible assets     124       –       286       –  
    Depreciation and amortization     8,677       9,397       36,284       35,912  
    Total operating expenses     82,466       79,492       319,735       312,914  
    Loss from operations     2,379       (6,274 )     (2,576 )     (53,501 )
    Other income (expense)                        
    Interest income     4,595       6,070       22,973       20,890  
    Interest expense     (2,057 )     (3,413 )     (11,331 )     (13,519 )
    Other income (expense)     2,538       2,657       11,642       7,371  
    Income (loss) before income taxes     4,917       (3,617 )     9,066       (46,130 )
    Income tax expense     246       856       921       1,195  
    Net income (loss)   $ 4,671     $ (4,473 )   $ 8,145     $ (47,325 )
    Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:                        
    Basic   $ 0.02     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.04     $ (0.23 )
    Diluted   $ 0.02     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.04     $ (0.23 )
    Weighted average number of common shares used to compute net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:                        
    Basic     205,223,697       203,517,119       206,096,505       201,887,669  
    Diluted     207,252,025       203,517,119       209,158,393       201,887,669  
     
    AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (in thousands, except share and per share data)
     
        As of December 31,  
        2024     2023  
    Assets            
    Current assets            
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 355,637     $ 406,974  
    Restricted funds held for customers     1,250,346       1,578,656  
    Marketable securities     33,663       44,645  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $4,279 and $4,231, respectively     51,671       46,689  
    Supplier advances receivable, net of allowances of $1,644 and $1,333, respectively     14,080       9,744  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     15,317       12,070  
    Total current assets     1,720,714       2,098,778  
    Property and equipment, net     97,592       100,985  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets     –       1,628  
    Deferred customer origination costs, net     28,119       27,663  
    Goodwill     165,921       165,921  
    Intangible assets, net     71,068       84,805  
    Other noncurrent assets and deposits     6,297       3,957  
    Total assets   $ 2,089,711     $ 2,483,737  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity            
    Current liabilities            
    Accounts payable   $ 15,494     $ 16,777  
    Accrued expenses     46,849       56,367  
    Payment service obligations     1,250,346       1,578,656  
    Deferred revenue     13,967       12,851  
    Current maturities of lease obligations under finance leases     103       275  
    Current maturities of lease obligations under operating leases     1,207       1,525  
    Current maturities of long-term debt     4,800       6,425  
    Total current liabilities     1,332,766       1,672,876  
    Long-term liabilities            
    Deferred revenue, less current portion     11,856       14,742  
    Obligations under finance leases, less current maturities     63,025       62,464  
    Obligations under operating leases, less current maturities     1,969       3,275  
    Long-term debt     4,300       69,760  
    Other long-term liabilities     3,962       4,175  
    Total liabilities     1,417,878       1,827,292  
    Commitments and contingencies            
    Stockholders’ equity            
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023     –       –  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value; 1,600,000,000 shares authorized as of December 31, 2024 and 2023; 204,335,860 and 204,084,024 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively     204       204  
    Additional paid-in capital     1,685,644       1,678,401  
    Accumulated deficit     (1,014,015 )     (1,022,160 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     671,833       656,445  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 2,089,711     $ 2,483,737  
     
    AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands)
     
        Year Ended December 31,  
        2024     2023     2022  
    Cash flows from operating activities                  
    Net income (loss)   $ 8,145     $ (47,325 )   $ (101,284 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                  
    Depreciation and amortization expense     36,284       35,912       32,842  
    Amortization of deferred financing costs     405       431       1,357  
    Debt extinguishment costs     1,081       –       1,579  
    Provision for doubtful accounts     3,508       2,957       4,989  
    Stock-based compensation     47,235       40,856       31,838  
    Accrued interest     629       728       815  
    Impairment and write-off on intangible and right-of-use assets     286       –       2,777  
    Loss on fixed asset disposal     159       –       36  
    Loss on ROU asset abandonment     897       –       –  
    Accretion of investments held to maturity     (4,062 )     (5,326 )     (2,108 )
    Value of donated common stock     1,868       1,667       1,473  
    Deferred income taxes     187       721       216  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities                  
    Accounts receivable     (6,067 )     (8,289 )     (10,289 )
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (3,247 )     491       (2,324 )
    Other noncurrent assets     (1,208 )     1,605       (707 )
    Deferred customer origination costs     (456 )     621       (8 )
    Accounts payable     (1,286 )     2,862       (3,385 )
    Deferred revenue     (1,771 )     (1,956 )     (330 )
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities     (9,761 )     (16,981 )     14,036  
    Operating lease liabilities     (892 )     (523 )     (224 )
    Total adjustments     63,789       55,776       72,583  
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities     71,934       8,451       (28,701 )
    Cash flows from investing activities                  
    Purchases of marketable securities held to maturity     (120,223 )     (273,995 )     (385,022 )
    Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities held to maturity     135,268       345,661       276,144  
    Purchases of equipment     (2,063 )     (2,254 )     (3,149 )
    Purchases of real estate     –       –       (767 )
    Purchases of intangible assets     (17,532 )     (16,050 )     (24,655 )
    Supplier advances, net     (6,760 )     (1,416 )     (2,899 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (11,310 )     51,946       (140,348 )
    Cash flows from financing activities                  
    Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt     –       –       67,367  
    Repayments of long-term debt     (68,175 )     (1,625 )     (106,390 )
    Principal payments on land promissory note     –       (4,800 )     (4,800 )
    Principal payments on finance leases     (298 )     (521 )     (844 )
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock     5,685       1,570       1,448  
    Proceeds from issuance of shares under ESPP     2,563       2,233       1,570  
    Payment of debt issuance costs     (1,529 )     (743 )     (1,212 )
    Repurchases of common stock     (50,107 )     –       –  
    Payment of acquisition-related liability     (100 )     (100 )     (344 )
    Payment service obligations     (328,310 )     294,832       41,478  
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities     (440,271 )     290,846       (1,727 )
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted funds held for customers     (379,647 )     351,243       (170,776 )
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted funds held for customers                  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted funds held for customers, beginning of year     1,985,630       1,634,387       1,805,163  
    Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted funds held for customers, end of year   $ 1,605,983     $ 1,985,630     $ 1,634,387  
        Year Ended December 31,  
        2024     2023     2022  
    Supplementary information of noncash investing and financing activities                  
    Property and equipment and intangible asset purchases in accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 4     $ 675     $ 400  
    Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease obligations     –       81       712  
    Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations     –       362       2,831  
    Common stock issued as contingent consideration     –       –       344  
    Interest paid on notes payable     4,360       6,510       12,880  
    Interest paid on finance leases     5,941       5,857       5,774  
    Cash paid for income taxes     1,046       304       125  
     
    AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     Year Ended
    December 31,    		  
    Reconciliation from Revenue to Non-GAAP Gross Profit and Non-GAAP Gross Margin   2024     2023     2024     2023  
    (in thousands, except percentages)                        
    Total revenues   $ 115,438     $ 104,064     $ 438,940     $ 380,720  
    Expenses:                        
      Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense)     (30,593 )     (30,846 )     (121,781 )     (121,307 )
      Depreciation and amortization expense     (6,063 )     (5,949 )     (24,138 )     (22,106 )
    GAAP Gross profit   $ 78,782     $ 67,269     $ 293,021     $ 237,307  
    Adjustments:                        
      Stock-based compensation expense     1,594       1,135       6,104       4,687  
      Depreciation and amortization expense     6,063       5,949       24,138       22,106  
    Non-GAAP gross profit   $ 86,439     $ 74,353     $ 323,263     $ 264,100  
    GAAP Gross margin     68.2 %     64.6 %     66.8 %     62.3 %
    Non-GAAP gross margin     74.9 %     71.4 %     73.6 %     69.4 %
     
    AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures (Continued)
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     Year Ended
    December 31,    		  
    Reconciliation from Net Income (Loss) to Non-GAAP Net Income   2024     2023     2024     2023  
    (in thousands)                        
    Net income (loss)   $ 4,671     $ (4,473 )   $ 8,145     $ (47,325 )
    Exclude: Provision for income taxes     246       856       921       1,195  
    Income (loss) before taxes     4,917       (3,617 )     9,066       (46,130 )
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets     2,910       3,623       13,150       14,493  
    Impairment and write-off of intangible assets     124       –       286       –  
    Stock-based compensation expense     12,107       9,675       47,235       40,856  
    Transaction and acquisition-related costs (1)     290       –       1,371       (7 )
    Non-recurring items not indicative of ongoing operations (2)     861       1,133       252       5,541  
    Charitable contribution of stock     1,868       1,667       1,868       1,667  
    Total net adjustments     18,160       16,098       64,162       62,550  
    Non-GAAP income before taxes     23,077       12,481       73,228       16,420  
    Non-GAAP tax expense (3)   $ 5,746     $ 3,108     $ 18,234     $ 4,089  
    Non-GAAP net income   $ 17,331     $ 9,373     $ 54,994     $ 12,331  
                             
    Weighted-average shares used to compute Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic     205,223,697       203,517,119       206,096,505       201,887,669  
    Weighted-average shares used to compute Non-GAAP net income per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted     207,252,025       207,367,561       209,158,393       205,579,485  
                             
    GAAP Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, basic   $ 0.02     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.04     $ (0.23 )
    GAAP Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted   $ 0.02     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.04     $ (0.23 )
                             
    Non-GAAP basic net income per share attributable to common stockholders, basic   $ 0.08     $ 0.05     $ 0.27     $ 0.06  
    Non-GAAP basic net income per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted   $ 0.08     $ 0.05     $ 0.26     $ 0.06  
                             
    GAAP income (loss) per common share, basic and diluted   $ 0.02     $ (0.02 )   $ 0.04     $ (0.23 )
    Amortization of acquired intangible assets     0.01       0.02       0.06       0.07  
    Impairment and write-off of intangible assets     –       –       –       –  
    Stock-based compensation expense     0.06       0.05       0.23       0.20  
    Transaction and acquisition-related costs (1)     –       –       0.01       –  
    Non-recurring items not indicative of ongoing operations (2)     –       0.01       –       0.03  
    Charitable contribution of stock     0.01       0.01       0.01       0.01  
    Provision for income taxes     (0.03 )     (0.01 )     (0.08 )     (0.01 )
    Adjustment to fully diluted earnings per share     0.01       (0.01 )     (0.01 )     (0.01 )
    Non-GAAP diluted income per common share   $ 0.08     $ 0.05     $ 0.26     $ 0.06  
     
    AvidXchange Holdings, Inc.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures (Continued)
     
        Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		     Year Ended
    December 31,    		  
    Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA   2024     2023     2024     2023  
    (in thousands)                        
    Net income (loss)   $ 4,671     $ (4,473 )   $ 8,145     $ (47,325 )
    Depreciation and amortization     8,677       9,397       36,284       35,912  
    Impairment and write-off intangible assets     124       –       286       –  
    Interest income     (4,595 )     (6,070 )     (22,973 )     (20,890 )
    Interest expense     2,057       3,413       11,331       13,519  
    Provision for income taxes     246       856       921       1,195  
    Stock-based compensation expense     12,107       9,675       47,235       40,856  
    Transaction and acquisition-related costs (1)     290       –       1,371       (7 )
    Non-recurring items not indicative of ongoing operations (2)     861       1,133       252       5,541  
    Charitable contribution of stock     1,868       1,667       1,868       1,667  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 26,306     $ 15,598     $ 84,720     $ 30,468  
        As of and for the Year Ending December 31,  
    Annual Metrics   2024     2023     2022  
    Total payment volume (in millions)   $ 83,842     $ 75,922     $ 68,202  
    Transactions     79,123,540       75,330,634       70,168,806  
    Buyers (4)     8,500       8,000       7,400  
    Suppliers paid over the past 5 years     1,350,000       1,200,000       965,000  
    (1) For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, this amount is comprised of debt issuance costs written-off related to the repayment of the Company’s term loan.
    (2) For the year ended December 31, 2024, this amount includes $1,157 of severance costs and a net benefit of $1,808 of response costs incurred in connection with the cybersecurity incident that was detected in April 2023 in addition to $707 of net costs related to lease abandonment and other real estate related amounts. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, this amount is primarily comprised of $1,880 of restructuring costs, $507 of insurance recoveries related to the cybersecurity incident that was detected in April 2023, and $176 benefit from the adjustment of accruals related to costs incurred in connection with the cybersecurity incident. For the year ended December 31, 2023, this amount is primarily comprised of $3,698 of response costs, including professional services and legal fees, incurred in connection with the cybersecurity incident, net of insurance recoveries and $1,880 of restructuring costs.
    (3) Non-GAAP tax expense is based on the Company’s blended tax rate of 24.9 in periods the Company has Non-GAAP income before tax. In periods the Company is in a non-GAAP loss position, tax expense is based on GAAP tax expense.
    (4) Excludes Create-a-Check customers

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Radware’s Cyber Threat Report: Web DDoS Attacks Surge 550% in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAHWAH, N.J., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, released its 2025 Global Threat Analysis Report.

    Radware’s new report leverages intelligence provided by 2024 network and application attack activity sourced from the company’s cloud and managed services and threat intelligence research team. In addition, it draws from information found on Telegram, a public messaging platform often used by cybercriminals.

    2024 report highlights

    • The average duration of network DDoS attacks increases 37% over 2023
    • North America faces 66% of web application and API attacks
    • Nearly 400% year-over-year growth in DDoS attack volume strikes finance and transportation
    • Hacktivist claims rise 20% globally; governments top targets

    “Multiple catalysts drove the threat revolution witnessed in 2024, including geopolitical conflicts, bigger and more complex threat surfaces, and more sophisticated and persistent threats,” said Pascal Geenens, director of threat intelligence at Radware. “Add to that the impact of AI, which is lowering barriers to entry, multiplying the number of adversaries and enabling even novice actors to successfully launch malicious campaigns, and what you have is a threat landscape that looks very daunting.”

    Web DDoS attacks mount on geopolitical tensions
    Layer 7 (L7) Web DDoS attacks escalated significantly, linked predominately to hacktivist groups motivated by geopolitical conflicts and facilitated by easy accessibility to more sophisticated tools. During 2024:

    • Number of attacks: Total Web DDoS attacks surged 550% compared to 2023.
    • Geographic targets: EMEA remained the primary target, accounting for 78% of global incidents.

    Network-layer DDoS attacks become bigger and more prolonged
    The volume, frequency and duration of network DDoS attacks more than doubled since 2022. During 2024:

    • Attack volume: The average mitigated attack volume rose 120% compared to 2023.
    • Attack duration: The average duration of attacks increased 37% over 2023.
    • Geographic targets: Organizations in Europe faced the highest proportion of network DDoS activity, accounting for 45% of the global attack volume, followed by North America (21%).
    • Industry targets: Telecommunications bore 43% of the global network DDoS attack volume, followed by finance at 30%. Growing faster than the global average of 120%, finance experienced the steepest growth in attack volume per organization, increasing 393% year-over-year, followed by transportation and logistics (375%), e-commerce (238%), and service providers (237%).

    “The escalations in the threat landscape have significant implications for every sector from finance and telecommunications to government and e-commerce and beyond,” explained Geenens. “Organizations are operating in a dynamic environment that demands equally dynamic defense strategies. While bad actors don’t have to do their jobs perfectly to have a major impact, defenders do.”

    Application-layer DNS DDoS attacks post unprecedented gains
     Last year was a pivotal year in the evolution of L7 DNS DDoS attacks. During 2024:

    • Attack activity: The amount of DNS flood queries rose 87% over 2023.
    • Industry targets: The financial sector accounted for 44% of the total L7 DNS attack activity. Healthcare (13%) ranked second, followed by telecom (10%), and communications (8%).

    Hacktivist campaigns intensify marked by retaliation and disruption
    Propelled by political and ideological tensions, hacktivism remained a leading driver of cyberattacks. According to data gathered from Telegram in 2024:

    • Number of attacks: The total number of claimed DDoS attacks increased by 20% compared to 2023.
    • Geographic targets: Ukraine was the most targeted nation with 2,052 claimed attacks, followed by Israel (1,550). The United States became a prime target for DDoS-as-a-service providers.
    • Industry targets: Government institutions were the top hacktivist targets, accounting for 20% of hacktivist activity, followed by business services (9%), finance (9%) and transportation (7%).
    • Top claiming actors: Pro-Russian hacker NoName057(16), the most prolific threat actor in 2024, claimed 4,767 DDoS attacks, followed by RipperSec (1,388), Executor DDoS (1,002) and the Cyber Army of Russia Reborn (716).

    Web applications and APIs become prime targets for exploitation
     Attackers aim to profit from the expanding complexity and breath of the threat surface in modern organizations by exploiting known vulnerabilities. In 2024:

    • Number of attacks: Web application and API attacks climbed 41% compared to 2023.
    • Attack vector: Vulnerability exploitation remained the most prominent attack type, comprising more than one-third of all malicious requests.
    • Geographic targets: North America experienced 66% of these attacks, followed by EMEA (26%).

    Radware’s complete 2025 Global Threat Analysis Report can be downloaded here.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook,  LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, YouTube, and Radware Mobile for iOS.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    THIS PRESS RELEASE AND THE RADWARE 2025 GLOBAL THREAT ANALYSIS REPORT ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN INDICATOR OF RADWARE’S BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OR OPERATING RESULTS FOR ANY PRIOR, CURRENT, OR FUTURE PERIOD.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” For example, when we say in this press release that organizations are operating in a dynamic environment that demands equally dynamic defense strategies, we are using forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the tensions between China and Taiwan; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; a shortage of components or manufacturing capacity could cause a delay in our ability to fulfill orders or increase our manufacturing costs; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cyber security and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; our net losses in the past two years and possibility we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cyber security and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    Media Contact:
    Gerri Dyrek
    Radware
    Gerri.Dyrek@radware.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Govt to foster inclusive society

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced today that the Government will increase by 1,000 the number of vouchers under two elderly care service schemes in the next fiscal year.

    Delivering his 2025-26 Budget, Mr Chan said the number of vouchers under the Residential Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly will increase to 6,000 in total, while the total number of vouchers under the Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly will rise to 12,000.

    The two schemes will involve annual expenditure of about $1,710 million and $900 million respectively.

    Noting that the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance will come into effect next January, Mr Chan said the Government will provide an additional $186 million annually to increase emergency places for residential childcare and strengthen professional support for child abuse victims and their families.

    The Government will also support people with disabilities by setting up 14 Integrated Community Rehabilitation Centres across the city in phases to provide those who require medium to high level care with flexible and integrated community support services through a case management approach.

    In addition, 1,280 additional day community rehabilitation and home care service places will be provided for people with disabilities, involving about $160 million in additional annual expenditure.

    Mr Chan added that starting from the third quarter, the Government will regularise the Pilot Project on Enhancing Vocational Rehabilitation Services to provide training to people with disabilities, with an annual expenditure of about $100 million, benefitting some 10,000 people.

    On women’s development, the finance chief said a two‑year pilot mentorship programme will be launched, pairing female university students with female mentors to promote women’s workplace development.

    Mr Chan also outlined that the Government is progressively implementing and completing the 16 works projects, entailing total expenditure of about $190 billion, under the First Hospital Development Plan.

    He said the Government will review the distribution, scale and priority of projects under the Second Hospital Development Plan.

    Furthermore, the outcome of a review on the structure and levels of subsidisation for public healthcare will be announced this year.

    Separately, the Financial Secretary acknowledged public concerns about the problem of illegal basketball betting in Hong Kong in recent years, adding the that turnover of illegal basketball betting reached $70 to $90 billion last year according to the Jockey Club’s latest assessment.

    He said the Government will explore regulating basketball betting activities and invite the Jockey Club to submit a proposal.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK firms rake in ‘tens of millions’ in exports to India

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK firms rake in ‘tens of millions’ in exports to India

    Companies in the UK’s tech and life sciences sectors have announced expansions in India which will amount to tens of millions of pounds for the UK economy.

    • Over 600 UK companies, including in cutting-edge tech and life sciences sectors, are already based in India  

    • UK businesses exported a total of £17 billion goods and services to India in the 12 months to September 2024 

    • A trade deal which brings down barriers could make selling to this huge market easier and cheaper for businesses, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change 

    Companies in the UK’s tech and life sciences sectors are making huge strides in global markets and going for growth by announcing expansions in India. 

    UK tech and science firms are thriving thanks to deals and partnerships valued at tens of millions of pounds, involving everything from supplying internet-based learning to pupils in disadvantaged communities to helping improve outcomes for patients undergoing complex surgery in hospitals. 

    Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has been in New Delhi this week, as the UK Government relaunched talks on a trade deal with India to bring more opportunity to UK businesses and deliver on its core mission to grow the economy, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    Already an economic heavyweight, India is expected to become the fourth largest importer by 2035, presenting new opportunities for UK businesses. In the year to September 2024, UK businesses exported a total of £17 billion goods and services to India. 

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

    “Tech and life sciences are two huge growth sectors for the UK economy that feature at the heart of our Industrial Strategy.  

    “I’m proud that government support has helped some of our finest businesses in these sectors to expand into the exciting Indian market. 

    “It’s great to see them going for growth, and their successes will amount to tens of millions of pounds for the UK economy, which will see living standards improve, and put money in people’s pockets.” 

    UK businesses expanding their exports into India include: 

    • Manufacturer of RF solutions to mobile networks, defence, and aerospace markets Radio Design, headquartered in Shipley, has expanded its global operations with a manufacturing facility in India.   

    • Global Tech operations for Marcus Evans Group, London-based specialists in high-impact and bespoke events, are now established in Mumbai.  

    • Appliansys, an innovative tech company based in Coventry whose internet-based education supports students in low or no internet areas, has worked with Tata Motors and developed a pilot which will be used across almost 5,000 Indian schools.   

    • Leicester-based chemicals company Microfresh has now rolled out its smart antimicrobial technology across multiple Indian textile and leather players. 

    • A digital health tech business headquartered in London, Novocuris has begun operating in multiple Indian hospitals. 

    • Keele-based Biocomposites is supplying hospitals in India with its medical devices for use in complex bone, joint, and musculoskeletal infections. 

    • York business Optibiotix Health has entered into a long-term partnership with Morepen Laboratories with its brand “Light life” containing its patented, award-winning and clinically tested SlimBiome, used as a pre-meal and on-the-go meal product.  

    • REM3DY Health, a Birmingham based advanced manufacturing business has partnered with a leading Indian pharmacy giant to bring its innovative gummy vitamin products to India with discussions ongoing to expand into even more personalised solutions in the future.  

    Notes to editors: 

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Skills and Training Scheme expanded to help 100,000 people into work

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Skills and Training Scheme expanded to help 100,000 people into work

    Over 100,000 people looking for work to benefit from tailored training next year, providing employers with work-ready recruits.

    • Coastal towns including Blackpool and Scarborough to benefit as Minister for Employment urges more businesses to sign up to help fill vacancies.
    • New research shows Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) can boost earnings by more than £1,400.

    Thousands of employers and individuals looking for work will benefit from a new record-breaking number of workplace training schemes, the government will announce today [Wednesday 26 February]. This will mean surpassing the previous target of 80,000 and offering new opportunities in some of the country’s most deprived communities.

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern will confirm the expansion of the Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAPs) to provide 100,000 more places available over the next financial year, a boost of over a quarter from this year. 

    Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) offer participants in England and Scotland who are receiving certain benefits the opportunity of training towards a job in a particular industry, alongside a work placement and a guaranteed interview that can kickstart a new career with over 63,000 people joining the SWAPs programme to help them find employment in the last year alone. 

    This boost for people looking for work through SWAPs is a crucial part of our plan to get Britain working to unlock growth, improve living standards and break down barriers to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.

    The expansion comes as new research shows that in the two years after finishing a SWAP, participants stay in their jobs on average up to three months longer, earn up to £1,400 more, and save the taxpayer over £350 per person compared with those who don’t take part in the programme. 

    The same research finds that, while all demographics benefit from taking part in a SWAP, the impact is greater for more disadvantaged groups, such as older customers and those with restrictive health issues.

    The announcement builds on measures in the government’s Get Britain Working White Paper to overhaul jobcentres, tackle inactivity and improved outcomes for jobseekers. This will boost the nation’s skills and put more money into people’s pockets under the Plan for Change. 

    Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP said:

    The evidence is clear – SWAPs boost your earnings and keep you in your job for longer. That is why we are promising to deliver more of them than ever, as we Get Britain Working as part of our Plan for Change.

    And alongside our partnership with UKHospitality, more people in more areas of the country will be able to access the training they need to unlock the opportunities on their doorsteps.

    Anyone in receipt of unemployment benefits is eligible to take part in a SWAP via their local Jobcentre and any business can work with DWP to develop one. This enables businesses to recruit from a wider range of candidates and provide the necessary skills training tailored to an open vacancy.

    As part of this expansion, Minister for Employment Alison McGovern will announce that a hospitality SWAPs pilot, launched in partnership with UKHospitality, will be rolled out to 26 new areas in need of jobs and opportunity, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool.

    This will ensure jobs are filled in sectors with high vacancies, such as the 88,000 roles available in the hospitality industry as the government drives up opportunity as part of our wider reforms to Get Britain Working.

    Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality said:

    UKHospitality’s Sector-Based Work Academy pilot proved to be a brilliant way to provide high quality, entry-level training for both new starters and those looking to get back into work.

    I’m delighted that the government is rolling out our pilot to 26 new areas and using it as the model for its exciting plans to deliver at least 100,000 SWAP participants next year.

    This announcement gives us the impetus to expand our work across the country, help more people find rewarding jobs in hospitality, boost growth, tackle economic inactivity and continue to develop our Hospitality Skills Passport.

    Further information: 

    • SWAPs are designed to support unemployed benefit claimants on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance, who are aged 16 years and over and who do not need extra support to address a lack of basic employability skills. Participants remain on benefits during their placement.
    • The programme runs in England and Scotland. SWAPs are developed by Jobcentres in partnership with employers and training providers. These opportunities are offered in job sectors with high volumes of current local vacancies.
    • Employers interested in taking the opportunity to start a SWAP for a role in their business can contact the Employers Service Line here – Jobcentre Plus help for recruiters: Recruitment advice and support – GOV.UK.
    • The SWAP impact assessment, carried out by DWP, focused on UC customers who started a SWAP between April 2021 and March 2022 and compared their employment outcomes to individuals who were eligible to start a SWAP but did not start a placement.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Rethink Your Drink” with a new app helping Liverpool to reduce drinking

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool residents wanting to cut down on alcohol can get free expert support through a new app that promotes a healthier lifestyle.

    The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app is part of a new campaign urging people to “Rethink Your Drink.”

    The app is available to anyone living or working in Liverpool. It offers expert advice tailored to individual goals and helps people stay motivated by tracking progress.

    Around 90,000 adults binge drink each week in Liverpool, which can impact their health and well-being. Reducing alcohol can lead to better physical and mental health, weight loss, and financial savings.

    The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app is for anyone who feels their alcohol intake is increasing and wants to reduce or modify the amount they drink.

    The app offers practical techniques, advice and support to gradually reduce alcohol to the recommended limit of 14 units per week over three days.

    The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app helps identify reasons for regular drinking and suggests strategies to manage them. It supports healthier lifestyle choices, and preparing for situations where drinking may be tempting. The app also offers guidance on staying relaxed and social without relying on alcohol.

    To download ‘Lower My Drinking’, click below or search ‘Lower My Drinking’ in your app store.

    Download for Android | Download for iOS

    Visit this website to calculate alcohol intake: www.drinklessfeelgood.com 

    More information on alcohol support: Liverpool Community Alcohol Service (LCAS) 

    Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing said: “The ‘Lower My Drinking’ app is a great resource for anyone looking to make small, positive changes to their drinking.

    “Cutting back on alcohol has many benefits, from improving your health to saving money. With the app’s support, users can set personal goals and see their progress, helping them stay on track and live a healthier, happier life.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Anyone can save a life

    Source: Mayor of London

    The chances of surviving a cardiac arrest drop by about 10% with every minute that passes. While defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse can produce survival rates up to 50-70%.

    So, it is crucial for patients to receive bystander intervention before an ambulance arrives.

    Growing public knowledge of CPR and defibrillation, increases the chance of people being able to save a life.

    Analysis by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) has revealed that 150 neighbourhoods are ‘defibrillator deserts’ – where there is little or no access to a lifesaving device.

    The London Heart Starters Campaign aims to raise funds for an additional 200 public-access defibrillators in unlocked cabinets where they are needed most. In addition, the London Lifesaver Campaign aims to make the capital a city of lifesavers by equipping Londoners with CPR skills and helping them become familiar with using a defibrillator.

    The Transport for London (TfL) estate has 500 Public Accessible Defibrillators (PAD). Last year those PADs were called upon to be used over 60 times.

    Tomorrow, Members of the London Assembly Health Committee will visit Liverpool Street Station, where they will observe a pop-up London Lifesaver training. Also, a commuter whose life was saved will be reunited with the LAS crews who worked on him.

    MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THIS FILMING/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT

    Location: Liverpool Street Station, Main Ticket Hall

    Date:  Thursday 27 February 2025

    Time: 10.30am-12pm  

    Interviewees will include:

    • Krupesh Hirani AM – Chair of the London Assembly Health Committee
    • Samantha Palfreyman Jones – Head of Community Resuscitation and Paramedic, LAS
    • Danny Bliss – Senior SHE Business Partner, TfL
    • Paul Benson – had a cardiac arrest at Liverpool Street Station. He was helped by bystanders and TfL staff using the station’s defibrillator. This joint effort kept him alive until LAS crews arrived, and he was later taken to a Heart Attack Centre.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 26 February 2025 News release WHO strengthens support for grassroots crowdsourcing campaign: a global movement of unity and solidarity

    Source: World Health Organisation

    What started as a grassroots initiative by a WHO staff member has grown into a global movement for health. Building on the success of the 1 Dollar 1 World campaign, the World Health Organization (WHO) is now amplifying and evolving the initiative to encourage more people around the world to show their solidarity.

    Inspired by an individual’s initiative, WHO is now backing the 1 Dollar 1 World movement, encouraging regions, countries, champions, and its own workforce to unite behind the effort. Together with the WHO Foundation, WHO will strengthen its efforts to create awareness about its critical work and engage communities worldwide.

    With this initiative, WHO is embracing a new approach by leveraging crowdfunding to support its mission. For the first time, WHO is activating its existing infrastructure – spanning 150 country offices – alongside the WHO Foundation’s reach, to amplify this grassroots movement. This strategic shift not only strengthens community engagement but also aligns with WHO’s broader strategy to diversify funding sources and support its ongoing Investment Round.

    Since its launch in early 2025, almost 5000 people from over 140 countries have contributed to the campaign through the WHO Foundation, created to bring together funders and high impact health initiatives to further the mission of WHO. The high level of success and engagement demonstrates that there is a broad sense of solidarity and shared commitment to global health. This campaign is not just about crowdfunding – it’s about people standing together to remind us that health is a right, not a privilege.

     “The power of the 1 Dollar, 1 World movement comes from the people. In particular, I would like to thank my colleague Tania Cernuschi for her inspiration to launch this initiative,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It shows that in times of crisis, people everywhere can unite and commit to protecting and promoting the health of others. WHO is proud to stand behind this initiative, which embodies the values of solidarity, action, innovation and hope.”

    A moment for action

    The challenges global health has faced in recent years – from pandemics to humanitarian crises – make it clearer than ever that no one is safe until everyone is safe. The 1 Dollar 1 World movement is a chance for people everywhere to turn concern into action and show that solidarity, just like health, knows no borders.

    “This campaign started with one person, but it belongs to all of us,” said Tania Cernuschi, the WHO staff member who launched the original initiative. “It’s proof that individuals can make a difference, and that together, we are stronger.”

    Join the movement

    Media and the public are invited to support and share this movement. Every action – whether a donation, a post, or a conversation – helps spread the message that health should be for all, not just for some. Every stakeholder – whether a person, an organization, a community or a government – has a role in building efficient and effective collaboration for health.

    A grassroots campaign with global impact

    The 1 Dollar 1 World movement invites everyone to take action for global health in three simple ways:

    • Donate through the WHO Foundation – Every dollar counts. Contributions support WHO’s lifesaving work worldwide.
    • Share – Post a photo holding up your index finger to symbolize unity. Use #1Dollar1World & #HealthForAll, and link to the donation page.
    • Amplify – Encourage others to join the movement. More information is in the communications toolkit.

    All donations, collected by the WHO Foundation, support lifesaving efforts around the world, with a strong focus on country-level initiatives. These resources are essential in driving impactful implementation where it matters most based on the decisions of WHO’s 194 Member States. Together, we can drive real change.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA and MOHW jointly form Taiwan public healthcare team to boost export of smart medical care

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    February 14, 2025  

    No. 039  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan convened a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 14. A decision was made to form a cross-ministerial consultation task force and to invite medical institutions, healthcare businesses, industrial associations, and other experts that often participate in international cooperation projects to organize a Taiwan public healthcare team in conjunction with staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). By integrating public and private sector resources and harnessing the spirit of integrated diplomacy, the team will jointly implement a flagship initiative on smart medicine and healthcare as part of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, deepening Taiwan’s public health and medical cooperation with allies and other friendly countries.

     

    As the first leader of Taiwan to hail from the field of medicine, President Lai Ching-te has drawn on his medical expertise and background to commit to growing Taiwan’s leading status in global healthcare. During his 2024 tour of the South Pacific, entitled “Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region,” President Lai bolstered cooperation with other countries through medical diplomacy, highlighting Taiwan’s contributions to global healthcare development.

     

    Minister Lin and Minister Chiu expressed their hope of leveraging Taiwan’s competitiveness in public health and medical care to further enhance partnerships with diplomatic allies and other friendly countries. This would involve combining the strengths that Taiwan had developed in biotechnology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and ICT over the years under the Five Plus Two Innovative Industries and Six Core Strategic Industries programs implemented by former President Tsai Ing-wen. The ministers said they wanted the healthy Taiwan envisioned by President Lai to benefit the world while also assisting related Taiwanese industries to expand into overseas markets.

     

    Minister Lin invited Minister Chiu and MOHW staff to attend today’s meeting at MOFA to discuss ways of sharing Taiwan’s public health experience and smart medical solutions with allies and other friendly countries through a smart healthcare cooperation program. Both parties agreed that human resources, technology, and capital should serve together as the three pillars for expediting the export of comprehensive smart medical care and health systems. They said that this would effectively assist allies in increasing healthcare capacity, as well as raise the efficiency of public health management, enhance people’s well-being, and advance local prosperity. They also said that by employing a model that uses medicine to steer a path for industry, they looked forward to helping create business opportunities for Taiwan’s smart healthcare sector and promoting further development in the global healthcare industry.

     

    In addition, the ministers reviewed the highlights and successful results of Taiwan’s public health and medical care cooperation projects. One example was an initiative to enhance Paraguay’s health information management system, which had successfully laid the foundation for healthcare digitalization and would continue to be optimized and serve as a demonstration point for Taiwan’s smart healthcare projects in South America. Elsewhere, they said, a smart healthcare collaboration project between Taiwan and Belau National Hospital in Palau would continue to expand so as to increase Palau’s public health capacity. Views were also exchanged as to strengthening business participation mechanisms and improving the outcome of Taiwan’s joint endeavors with Guatemala, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini, and other allies.

     

    During the meeting, Minister Lin pointed out that Taiwan’s medical assistance to allies could also benefit Taiwanese people. Citing his delegation’s involvement in a car accident that took place during his recent trip to Palau as President Lai’s special envoy, Minister Lin said that injured MOFA colleagues had been able to receive timely professional care and return safely to Taiwan due to the medical services provided in Palau by Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital. He said this amply demonstrated the common good and value inherent in international medical cooperation.

     

    In the future, MOFA and the MOHW will continue to work hand in hand with partners worldwide to deepen healthcare cooperation and make greater contributions to global public health and smart healthcare development based on the vision of a healthy Taiwan. They will also take joint steps to expand the presence of related Taiwanese industries in the international market and transform Taiwan into an economy on which the sun never sets. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA and MOHW jointly form Taiwan public healthcare team to boost export of smart medical care

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan 3

    February 14, 2025  
    No. 039  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan convened a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 14. A decision was made to form a cross-ministerial consultation task force and to invite medical institutions, healthcare businesses, industrial associations, and other experts that often participate in international cooperation projects to organize a Taiwan public healthcare team in conjunction with staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). By integrating public and private sector resources and harnessing the spirit of integrated diplomacy, the team will jointly implement a flagship initiative on smart medicine and healthcare as part of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, deepening Taiwan’s public health and medical cooperation with allies and other friendly countries.
     
    As the first leader of Taiwan to hail from the field of medicine, President Lai Ching-te has drawn on his medical expertise and background to commit to growing Taiwan’s leading status in global healthcare. During his 2024 tour of the South Pacific, entitled “Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region,” President Lai bolstered cooperation with other countries through medical diplomacy, highlighting Taiwan’s contributions to global healthcare development.
     
    Minister Lin and Minister Chiu expressed their hope of leveraging Taiwan’s competitiveness in public health and medical care to further enhance partnerships with diplomatic allies and other friendly countries. This would involve combining the strengths that Taiwan had developed in biotechnology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and ICT over the years under the Five Plus Two Innovative Industries and Six Core Strategic Industries programs implemented by former President Tsai Ing-wen. The ministers said they wanted the healthy Taiwan envisioned by President Lai to benefit the world while also assisting related Taiwanese industries to expand into overseas markets.
     
    Minister Lin invited Minister Chiu and MOHW staff to attend today’s meeting at MOFA to discuss ways of sharing Taiwan’s public health experience and smart medical solutions with allies and other friendly countries through a smart healthcare cooperation program. Both parties agreed that human resources, technology, and capital should serve together as the three pillars for expediting the export of comprehensive smart medical care and health systems. They said that this would effectively assist allies in increasing healthcare capacity, as well as raise the efficiency of public health management, enhance people’s well-being, and advance local prosperity. They also said that by employing a model that uses medicine to steer a path for industry, they looked forward to helping create business opportunities for Taiwan’s smart healthcare sector and promoting further development in the global healthcare industry.
     
    In addition, the ministers reviewed the highlights and successful results of Taiwan’s public health and medical care cooperation projects. One example was an initiative to enhance Paraguay’s health information management system, which had successfully laid the foundation for healthcare digitalization and would continue to be optimized and serve as a demonstration point for Taiwan’s smart healthcare projects in South America. Elsewhere, they said, a smart healthcare collaboration project between Taiwan and Belau National Hospital in Palau would continue to expand so as to increase Palau’s public health capacity. Views were also exchanged as to strengthening business participation mechanisms and improving the outcome of Taiwan’s joint endeavors with Guatemala, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini, and other allies.
     
    During the meeting, Minister Lin pointed out that Taiwan’s medical assistance to allies could also benefit Taiwanese people. Citing his delegation’s involvement in a car accident that took place during his recent trip to Palau as President Lai’s special envoy, Minister Lin said that injured MOFA colleagues had been able to receive timely professional care and return safely to Taiwan due to the medical services provided in Palau by Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital. He said this amply demonstrated the common good and value inherent in international medical cooperation.
     
    In the future, MOFA and the MOHW will continue to work hand in hand with partners worldwide to deepen healthcare cooperation and make greater contributions to global public health and smart healthcare development based on the vision of a healthy Taiwan. They will also take joint steps to expand the presence of related Taiwanese industries in the international market and transform Taiwan into an economy on which the sun never sets. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World-first technology can see ‘previously undetectable’ cancer spread A groundbreaking new scanner developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen could change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, meaning patients could receive fewer surgeries and more individually-tailored treatments.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Side by side image of same breast tissue in MRI and FCI. (l) MRI image of breast with cancerous tumours circled in red (r) FCI image of same breast shows same tumour in red with secondary tumour spread in blue. Spread not visible in MRI. The patient had a mixed tumour i.e two different types of tumour and one of them is not visible in MRI.A groundbreaking new scanner developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen could change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, meaning patients could receive fewer surgeries and more individually-tailored treatments.

    Scientists from the University, in collaboration with NHS Grampian, used a prototype version of the new Field Cycling Imager (FCI) scanner to examine the breast tissue of patients newly diagnosed with cancer. They found that the FCI scanner could distinguish tumour material from healthy tissue with more accuracy than current MRI methods.  

    This innovation could change the course of treatment for millions of people with cancer.  Currently, around 15 percent of women need a second surgery after a lumpectomy as the edges of the tumour may still be involved. This new technique could potentially more accurately outline these tumours and reduce the need for those repeat operations.  

    A University of Aberdeen innovation, the FCI scanner follows in the footsteps of the full body MRI scanner, also invented at the University around 50 years ago which has gone on to save millions of lives around the world. The Field Cycling Imager derives from MRI but can work at ultra-low magnetic fields which means it is capable of seeing how organs are affected by diseases in ways that were previously not possible.   

    While similar to MRI in that MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body without touching it – the FCI scanner can vary the strength of the magnetic field during the patient’s scan.  This means the FCI acts like multiple scanners in one and can extract multiple different types of information about the tissue.  

    A further benefit of this new technology is that it can detect tumours without having to inject dye into the body, known as contrast, which has been associated with kidney damage and allergic reactions in some patients. 

    Dr Lionel Broche, senior Research Fellow in Biomedical Physics and lead researcher in the study said: “We found that images generated from FCI can characterise breast tumours more accurately. This means it could improve the treatment plan for the patients by improving the accuracy of biopsy procedures by better detecting the type and location of tumours, and by reducing repeated surgery so really, the potential impact of this on patients is extraordinary.  

    “My colleagues in the University of Aberdeen built the world’s first clinical MRI in the 1970s so it is both fitting and exciting that we are making waves again with an entirely new type of MRI called Fast Cycling MRI – FCI. 

    “This is a truly exciting innovation and as we keep improving the technology for FCI, the potential for clinical applications is limitless.” 

    Dr Gerald Lip, consultant radiologist in NHS Grampian and co-investigator in the study, has recently been appointed President of the British Society of Breast Radiology.  

    He added: “This data is very promising, and we still need more prospective work, but these results will really support future clinical applications. 

    “We treat between 400 and 500 women with breast cancer in NHS Grampian every year and the potential this technology has to reduce the need for women to return for extra surgery is huge, benefitting them and reducing wait times and operating theatre resource. 

    “We hope it will have a future role in supporting cancer diagnosis and management.” 

    The research is published in Nature Communications Medicine  

    … it could improve the treatment plan for the patients by improving the accuracy of biopsy procedures by better detecting the type and location of tumours, and by reducing repeated surgery so really, the potential impact of this on patients is extraordinary.” Dr Lionel Broche

    To find out how you can help support medical research at the University of Aberdeen please contact giving@abdn.ac.uk. If you would prefer to make a gift of your time, please contact alumni@abdn.ac.uk to find out more about our alumni volunteering opportunities.

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Pushes for Answers on UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare Advantage Billing Practices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    Read more from the Wall Street Journal HERE

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a former Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to UnitedHealth Group Chief Executive Officer Andrew Witty demanding detailed information on the company’s Medicare billing practices.

    Grassley’s letter cited reports of apparent fraud, waste and abuse at UnitedHealth Group, including efforts to diagnose enrollees with obscure revenue-generating diagnoses that were irrelevant or inaccurate. According to reporting, this resulted in $8.7 billion in extra payments in 2021 alone.

    “Despite these oversight efforts, [Medicare Advantage Organizations] continue to defraud the American taxpayer, costing them billions of dollars a year … The apparent fraud, waste, and abuse at issue is simply unacceptable and harms not only Medicare beneficiaries, but also the American taxpayer,” Grassley wrote.

    In the letter, Grassley requested UnitedHealth provide its training manuals, guidance documents, compliance program details, audit results and other documents.

    Since 2015, Grassley has pressed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Justice to recover improper payments made to Medicare Advantage Organizations, including UnitedHealth Group.

    Text of the letter to UnitedHealth Group follows:

    February 24, 2025

    VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION

    Mr. Andrew Witty

    Chief Executive Officer

    UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

    Dear Mr. Witty:

    Twenty-five years ago, I helped shepherd Medicare Part C into law, and I have repeatedly advocated for the program.[1]  Further, since 2015, I have pressed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to recover improper payments made to Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAO), including UnitedHealth Group.[2]  Despite these oversight efforts, MAOs continue to defraud the American taxpayer, costing them billions of dollars a year.[3] 

    On February 21, 2025, the Wall Street Journal published an article titled, “DOJ Investigates Medicare Billing Practices at UnitedHealth,” which reported that the DOJ launched an investigation into UnitedHealth Group’s Medicare billing practices.[4]  According to the Journal, UnitedHealth Group used in-home health risk assessments (HRA) and chart reviews to diagnose enrollees with obscure revenue-generating diagnoses that were irrelevant or inaccurate.[5]  Further, according to the reporting, the inappropriate diagnoses resulted in extra payments of $8.7 billion in just 2021.[6] 

    On October 24, 2024, the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) released a report titled, Medicare Advantage: Questionable Use of Health Risk Assessments Continues To Drive Up Payments to Plans by Billions.[7]  The HHS OIG found that UnitedHealth Group received more money from CMS for diagnoses only made during in-home HRAs and chart reviews than any other MAO.[8]  The OIG, which reviewed all MAO enrollees, noted that, “the lack of any other follow-up visits, procedures, tests, or supplies for these diagnoses…raises concerns that either: (1) the diagnoses are inaccurate and thus the payments are improper or (2) enrollees did not receive needed care for serious conditions reported only on HRAs or HRA-linked chart reviews.”[9]  In this context, UnitedHealth Group benefited financially more than any other MAO, which raises serious questions about its practices.  The apparent fraud, waste, and abuse at issue is simply unacceptable and harms not only Medicare beneficiaries, but also the American taxpayer.  

    For Congress and the American public to better understand UnitedHealth Group’s billing practices, please provide answers to the following questions no later than March 10, 2025:

    1. What steps has UnitedHealth Group taken to review all diagnoses submitted to CMS for its Medicare Advantage enrollees (“enrollees”) that were identified only by HRAs or chart reviews (either manual or artificial intelligence) and to identify all submitted diagnoses that are obscure, irrelevant, or inaccurate?  Quantify the number and amount of inappropriate payments identified as a result of these actions.  Provide all records.[10]
    1. Provide all records that relate to the compliance program that UnitedHealth Group had in place from 2019-2024 to monitor the accuracy and appropriateness of the diagnosis codes submitted to CMS for enrollees, including the design and results of all audits conducted.
    1. Provide all training manuals and guidance documents for conducting HRAs and manual chart reviews, a list of all software used during the course of an HRA and a manual chart review, and the logic rules for all electronic decision support tools embedded in the software.  Does UnitedHealth Group use artificial intelligence to conduct the aforementioned processes?  Are all diagnoses identified by artificial intelligence confirmed by a trained medical record reviewer?
    1. Provide all policies and procedures for obtaining diagnostic confirmation from an enrollee’s primary care provider and ensuring the receipt of treatment for a new diagnosis identified by an HRA or a chart review.  Provide all documentation related to compliance audits of this process.

    Thank you for your prompt review and response.  If you have any questions, please contact Tucker Akin with my Committee staff at (202) 224-5225.

    Sincerely,

    Charles E. Grassley

    Chairman

    Committee on the Judiciary

    -30-

    [1] Thomas Oliver, Philip Lee, and Helene Lipton, A Political History of Medicare and Prescription Drug Coverage, The Millbank Quarterly (June 2004), https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2690175/; Webpage, Cuts to the Medicare Advantage Program, Off. of Senator Charles E. Grassley (Feb. 27, 2014), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/video/watch/cuts-to-the-medicare-advantage-program; Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley, Chairman, Senate Comm. on Finance, to Seema Verna, Administrator, Cntrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Srvcs. (Mar. 29, 2019), https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/03292019%20Medicare%20Advantage%20Letter.pdf.

    [2] Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley, Ranking Member, Senate Comm. on the Budget, to Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator, Cntrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Srvcs. (Dec. 16, 2024), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/grassley_to_cms_-_radv_final_rule.pdf;

    Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley, Chairman, Senate Comm. on the Judiciary, to Seema Verna, Administrator, Cntrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Srvcs. (Apr. 17, 2017), https://www.grassley.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2017-04-17%20CEG%20to%20CMS%20(Risk%20Score%20Follow%20Up).pdf; Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley, Chairman, Senate Comm. on the Judiciary, to Andrew Slavitt, Administrator, Cntrs. for Medicare & Medicaid Srvcs. (May 19, 2015), https://media.npr.org/documents/2015/may/grassley_cms.pdf; Letter from Senator Charles E. Grassley, Chairman, Senate Comm. on the Judiciary, to Loretta Lynch, Attorney General, Dept. of Justice (May 19, 2015), https://media.npr.org/documents/2015/may/grassley_doj.pdf.  

    [3] Medicare Advantage Provider Independent Health to Pay Up To $98M to Settle False Claims Act Suit, Dept. of Justice (Dec. 20, 2024), https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/medicare-advantage-provider-independent-health-pay-98m-settle-false-claims-act-suit; Oak Street Health Agrees to Pay $60M to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Liability for Paying Kickbacks to Insurance Agents in Medicare Advantage Recruitment Scheme, Dept. of Justice (Sep. 18, 2024), https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/oak-street-health-agrees-pay-60m-resolve-alleged-false-claims-act-liability-paying-kickbacks.

    [4] Christopher Weaver and Anna Wilde Mathews, DOJ Investigates Medicare Billing Practices at UnitedHealth, The Wall Street Journal (Feb. 21, 2025), https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-medicare-doj-diagnosis-investigation-66b9f1db?msockid=1979114121c76140288a04d6207560b1.

    [5] Id.; Christopher Weaver, Anna Wilde Mathews, and Tom McGinty, UnitedHealth’s Army of Doctors Helped It Collect Billions More From Medicare, The Wall Street Journal (Dec. 29, 2024), https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/unitedhealth-medicare-payments-doctors-c2a343db?msockid=1979114121c76140288a04d6207560b1; Anna Wilde Mathews et al., The One-Hour Nurse Visits That Let Insurers Collect $15 Billion From Medicare, The Wall Street Journal (Aug. 4, 2024), https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/medicare-extra-payments-home-visits-diagnosis-057dca8b?msockid=1979114121c76140288a04d6207560b1; Christopher Weaver et al., Insurers Pocketed $50 Billion From Medicare for Diseases No Doctor Treated, The Wall Street Journal (July 8, 2024), https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/medicare-health-insurance-diagnosis-payments-b4d99a5d?msockid=1979114121c76140288a04d6207560b1.

    [6] Weaver & Mathews, supra note 4.

    [7] U.S. Dep’t of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Medicare Advantage: Questionable Use of Health Risk Assessments Continues To Drive Up Payments to Plans by Billions, OEI-03-23-00380 (Oct. 24, 2024), https://oig.hhs.gov/documents/evaluation/10028/OEI-03-23-00380.pdf.

    [8] Id.

    [9] Id.

    [10] Records” include any written, recorded, or graphic material of any kind, including letters, memoranda, reports, notes, electronic data (e-mails, email attachments, and any other electronically-created or stored information), calendar entries, inter-office communications, meeting minutes, phone/voice mail or recordings/records of verbal communications, and drafts (whether or not they resulted in final documents).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergey Netesov, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Laboratory of Bionanotechnology, Microbiology and Virology of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU: “The new coronavirus does not pose a visible danger to people yet”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Sergey Netesov, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Laboratory of Bionanotechnology, Microbiology and Virology Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU: “The new coronavirus does not yet pose a visible danger to people”

    — Having studied the primary sources — articles published in February 2025 in the journals Cell and Nature — I can say that the discovery of the HKU5-CoV-2 virus, which is a type of the HKU5 virus, is an interesting fact, but so far this virus does not pose a visible danger to humans.

    The HKU5 virus was first identified in bats in China back in 2006. The above-mentioned articles indicate that one of its variants seems to have a binding site in the S protein for the same human cell receptors as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19. However, this virus has not yet caused disease in any human, although it has the potential to do so. However, almost any animal virus has this potential.

    It should be noted that the bats from whose organisms it was isolated are carriers of hundreds of different viruses, but only a few are capable of infecting people. This means that the danger of the newly discovered virus to people is highly questionable.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Community has its say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Community has its say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site

    Published: 26 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Health

    The community and stakeholders have had their say on the future of the David Berry Hospital site, with the overwhelming majority of respondents to the recent Have Your Say survey (87%) expressing a preference for the continuation of health and wellness services at the site.

    The NSW Government has released the David Berry Hospital Community Engagement Report, which summarises the key findings from nearly 1,200 responses received during the consultation.

    The report is available for the community to review on the Have your say website.

    The feedback gathered will enable focused discussions, working groups and broader consultation opportunities with local residents, clinicians and staff, the Aboriginal community, environmental and heritage groups, and other interested parties to continue over the coming months.

    When health services relocate to the $448 million redeveloped Shoalhaven Hospital in 2026, the David Berry site will take on a new role with the help of the local community.

    In the meantime, residents will continue to receive safe, high-quality care from the dedicated health team at David Berry Hospital.

    The Have Your Say survey gathered nearly 1,200 responses on the site’s historical and cultural value, potential future uses, and partnership opportunities.

    As well as strong support for health and wellness services, respondents also showed an interest in preserving the site’s historical aspects and green spaces, and a preference for community-led initiatives over commercial or residential developments.

    Responses also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the future use of David Berry Hospital appropriately acknowledges and includes Aboriginal perspectives.

    The Minns Labor Government will consider any amendments required to the David Berry Hospital Act 1906 once the future use of the site has been identified. This legislative process will take some time to complete and additional consultation will be required on amendments to the Act. 

    For the latest information on the future of the David Berry Hospital site, including future opportunities to have your say, to read the Community Engagement Report or to contact the team, visit the Have your say website.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “I want to thank everyone who responded to the survey, including local residents, healthcare professionals, heritage groups, and other community organisations.

    “The nearly 1,200 responses reflect the community’s strong interest in the site’s future, and we will ensure stakeholders are listened to and kept well informed about next steps.

    “Although no longer suitable for its original purpose, this government will ensure the David Berry Hospital site will continue to serve the community.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC:

    “I’ve heard from many people how important the David Berry Hospital Site is to the local community, and it’s been fantastic to see this represented in the number and variety of responses we have received so far.

    “I am confident that with ongoing consultation we can have this site remain a suitable and valuable asset to the community.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 20 thousand fragments: how 19th century mosaic icons were restored

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Specialists have restored mosaic panels with the faces of St. Olga and St. Panteleimon on the facades of the buildings of the former St. Olga Children’s Hospital. This is one of the stages of complex work to preserve the architectural ensemble of the late 19th century, located at 2a Orlovo-Davydovsky Lane. It includes four buildings and a park.

    A mosaic panel with the face of the healer Panteleimon decorates the facade of one of the buildings (it once housed an outpatient department), and an icon of St. Olga decorates another building (this building historically housed the main hospital building). All buildings in the ensemble are made of red brick in the eclectic style according to the designs of architects Konstantin Bykovsky and Vasily Barkov.

    “The smalt mosaic panels are an important part of the facade decoration of the former hospital buildings. Special attention was paid to their restoration. The icons are made of 20 thousand fragments of colored opaque glass, which are dated 1897-1899. The icon of St. Panteleimon is well preserved, so the work was carried out directly on the facade. And the condition of the panel with the image of St. Olga was critical, so it was dismantled and moved to a restoration workshop. There, specialists carefully cleaned the icon, made up for the losses, and then returned it to its historical place,” said the head of the Department of Cultural Heritage of the city of Moscow.

    Alexey Emelyanov.

    The comprehensive restoration of the architectural ensemble, the first in its entire existence, began in 2022. At the same time, they began to put the historical icons in order. Specialists did a large amount of work: they selected and agreed on the restoration technique, conducted a chemical analysis of the mosaic material at the Ilya Glazunov Russian Academy of Painting.

    It is planned to fully complete all work for the architectural ensemble of the former St. Olga Children’s Hospital in 2025. It is a cultural heritage site of regional significance, so the restoration is being carried out under the supervision of specialists from the Moscow City Department of Cultural Heritage.

    The complex of buildings is located in the Meshchansky district. It was built according to the design of the architect Konstantin Mikhailovich Bykovsky using funds from Count Sergei Vladimirovich Orlov-Davydov. This is how he decided to perpetuate the memory of his beloved mother, Olga Orlova-Davydova. The institution was named in honor of her patroness, Saint Olga.

    It was a small hospital town, on the territory of which there was a two-story brick building with one-story buildings adjoining it on the sides, as well as several wooden buildings of the outpatient building, auxiliary services and a chapel.

    In May 1885, the foundation stone of a large stone building for a children’s hospital was laid; outpatient treatment began in December 1886, and an inpatient department was opened in January 1888.

    Ten years after the medical institution was founded, Count Sergei Orlov-Davydov petitioned the committee of the Imperial Philanthropic Society to begin expanding the hospital. The design for the new buildings was commissioned from Moscow architect Vasily Vasilyevich Barkov. The wooden buildings were replaced with stone ones. At the same time, mosaic panels with images of the healer Panteleimon and the patroness of the hospital, Saint Olga, appeared on the facades of the buildings. The grand opening of the new buildings took place on December 11, 1899.

    Thus, by the beginning of the 20th century, the ensemble of stone buildings of the St. Olga Children’s Hospital was formed in the then widespread style of red-brick eclecticism. A characteristic feature of this architectural trend is decorative elements made of white brick and stone.

    Over the past 14 years, more than 2.3 thousand cultural heritage sites have been restored in Moscow. The restoration of the historic buildings of the former St. Olga Children’s Hospital in Orlovo-Davydovsky Lane fully complies with the goals and objectives of the national project “Culture”.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150591073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Developments by enterprises of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ have won grants from the Russian Science Foundation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Developments by enterprises of the special economic zone (SEZ) Technopolis Moscow have won grants from the Russian Science Foundation (RSF) in the field of Microelectronics. Seven companies of the SEZ Technopolis Moscow presented projects in the field of microelectronics. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy Anatoly Garbuzov.

    “The Technopolis Moscow Special Economic Zone is a center for the development of high technologies. Here, companies create unique and innovative products that have no analogues either in Russia or in the world. Seven Moscow enterprises became winners of the competition held by the Russian Science Foundation. They presented 10 scientific and scientific-technical projects. According to the terms of the competition, the foundation will conclude agreements on further cooperation with the winners. At the next stage, contractors will be selected for the work on proposals that will be financed by the RSF. The projects must be implemented within three years,” said Anatoly Garbuzov.

    The Russian Science Foundation allocates grants for fundamental research and supports applied developments within the framework of strategic initiatives defined by the President of Russia. According to Deputy Chairman of the Scientific and Technological Council of the Russian Science Foundation, Doctor of Technical Sciences Sergey Gavrilov, one of the criteria for assessing the results of scientific activity can be the level of science intensity and demand for products manufactured by enterprises of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ. According to this indicator, companies based in the Technopolis Moscow SEZ occupy leading positions in their fields, he added. They become winners of the RSF competitions, which confirms the high scientific level of research and development of companies. Subsequent implementation of scientific and technical projects on selected technological proposals will make a breakthrough in the development of the radio-electronic industry and raise it to a new level of competence and capabilities.

    “The development and implementation of these proposals will allow Russia to achieve technological sovereignty in the field of microelectronics. In addition, the active replacement of foreign software and equipment allows companies to increase their profits,” emphasized Gennady Degtyarev, General Director of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ.

    For example, the Elta company, one of the winners of the competition, proposed the development of silicon CMOS photodetectors and an optoelectronic unit for the rapid determination of glycated hemoglobin in the blood. As General Director Yuri Glukhov noted, today in Russia they produce devices that analyze it and are necessary for monitoring and screening in clinics to detect diabetes or prediabetes. The development of an optoelectronic unit for the creation of a domestic portable medical analyzer will allow for the import substitution of such medical equipment.

    Another resident of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ, the Research Institute of Molecular Electronics, presented a project to create domestically produced ultra-pure materials for the microelectronics industry. As noted by General Director Alexander Kravtsov, precursors (organometallic compounds) will be used to develop structures for ferroelectric and resistive memory, as well as to form a gate dielectric in transistors of a topological level of 45 nanometers and less.

    In addition, the winners of the RSF competition included such companies as NM-Tech, Epiel, Proton Plant, Zelenograd Nanotechnology Center, and Lassard.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/150522073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Politics – Prime Minister uninformed to suggest nurses replace doctors – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Suggestions that nurses replace doctors at GP clinics to address chronic staff shortages are uninformed, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
    NZNO’s College of Primary Health Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says the Prime Minister’s comments shows a complete lack of understanding about how frontline primary and community care best operate.
    “Evidence continually shows a team based approach creates the best health outcomes in primary care. That means integrating health care workers based on their professional skills and experience; from practice nurse, to nurse practitioner, to allied health professional (such as physio or occupational therapists), to the GPs.
    “The nursing workforce can’t be stabilised and the much needed team approach developed with a high turnover of primary health care staff.
    “This is despite them having the same skills and qualifications,” Tracey Morgan says.
    “Instead of making uniformed suggestions, the Prime Minister must pay nurses in GP and community clinics the same as their hospital counterparts.
    “Only then will the Government be able to fix the chronic staff shortages in primary care which are resulting in people not being able to get to see their GPs, ending up in hospital even sicker and putting more pressure on already stretched hospitals.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy champions bill to make hospital prices clear to patients

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today reintroduced the Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act to increase penalties for hospitals that hide the true costs of their items and services from patients.
    “It’s unfair for hospitals to keep the costs of their services hidden from patients. My Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act would make sure that health care providers make their prices publicly available and understandable for Americans seeking care,” said Kennedy.
    The Trump administration’s Hospital Price Transparency Rule, which went into effect in January 2021, requires hospitals to establish and make public a list of the prices that they charge for items and services. Hospitals must also display charges in a consumer-friendly manner. A November 2024 study of 2,000 hospitals found that only 421—or 21%—were fully compliant. 
    Currently, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires non-compliant hospitals with 30 or fewer beds to pay a penalty of $300 per day, those with 31 to 550 beds to pay between $310 and $5,500 per day and those with more than 550 beds to pay $5,500 per day.
    The Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act would: 
    Double the current government penalties on non-compliant hospitals. Penalties would increase to $600 per day for hospitals with 30 or fewer beds, $620 to $11,000 per day for hospitals with 31 to 550 beds and $11,000 per day for hospitals with more than 550 beds.
    Require all hospitals to comply with the higher penalties within six months of the law’s passage.
    Prohibit hospitals from shielding information on their websites using webpage coding.
    Give non-compliant hospitals 60 days after notice of non-compliance to pay their monetary penalty.
    Require CMS to publish the names of hospitals that have not complied.
    Kennedy first introduced the bill in 2022.
    Text of the Hospital Transparency Compliance Enforcement Act is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Cornyn, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Ensure Veterans’ Access to High-Quality Mental Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act, which would require an independent organization outside of the government to conduct a study to assess the quality of care veterans receive for mental and addiction health treatment from providers within and outside the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
    “Every veteran must receive the care and services they need to address the risk of suicide and addiction,” said Dr. Cassidy. “There is no room for failure.”
    “The brave men and women who served our nation should never be denied access to the high-quality care they deserve,” said Senator Cornyn. “This legislation recognizes the unique mental health challenges our veterans face and aims to improve the VA system by providing an independent evaluation of the quality of life we’re providing for our nation’s bravest.”
    Cassidy and Cornyn were joined by U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Susan Collins (R-ME), Gary Peters (D-MI), John Fetterman (D-PA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in introducing the bill.
    The VA is home to the nation’s largest integrated health care system that provides comprehensive health services to U.S. military veterans who are enrolled. However, recent estimates indicate that as many as 70% of VA-eligible veterans received their care from external providers. Given the high rate of veteran suicide due to mental and addiction health conditions, a study is needed to better understand if current practices provide our veterans with the best mental and addiction quality of care. 
    The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act would require an independent and objective organization outside of the VA to conduct a study to:
    Analyze the results of comparable instances of addiction and mental health care between inside and outside providers using objective criteria such as symptom scores and suicide risk; 
    Ascertain to what extent outside providers are using evidence-based practices in the treatment of addiction and mental health issues;
    Identify potential gaps in coordination between internal and external providers in responding to individuals seeking addiction or mental health care;
    Evaluate the availability of coordinated care for veterans who have separate or related conditions which may be impacting their mental health;
    Assess providers’ military cultural competency;
    Gauge the ease and flexibility of sharing medical records with a veteran’s health care team;
    Consider to what extent providers are conducting outcome monitoring throughout a veteran’s treatment to track progress or lack thereof;
    And measure overall patient satisfaction.
    The legislation is supported by the Disabled American Veterans Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Veteran Health Care Policy Initiative.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Blocks Democrat Attempt to Sabotage Bipartisan Effort to Address Opioid Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today blocked Democrats’ efforts to undermine his Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act on the Senate floor. The HALT Fentanyl Act, supported by Republican and Democrat lawmakers, makes permanent the class-wide scheduling of deadly fentanyl-related substances, set to expire at the end of March. 
    On Thursday, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is planning to vote on the HALT Fentanyl Act. Cassidy led the bill’s introduction on a bipartisan basis with U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). In an effort to undermine this legislative process, Democrats attempted to ram through a bill earlier today that would only temporarily extend the class-wide scheduling. This would create greater uncertainty for law enforcement who rely on the classification to combat the opioid crisis.  
    “For years, Congress has failed to make the Schedule I classification of fentanyl-related substances permanent. Our law enforcement cannot continue to have this uncertainty,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We must pass the HALT Fentanyl Act as soon as possible to make this classification permanent. Democrat attempts to undermine these bipartisan efforts only embolden the drug cartels exploiting our communities with deadly drugs.” 
    After blocking Democrats legislation, Cassidy asked for a Senate vote on the House companion to the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives this month by a strong bipartisan vote of 312 to 108, with 98 House Democrats voting in favor. Senate Democrats blocked this bipartisan legislation from passing the Senate floor.  
    Click here to watch Cassidy’s full remarks objecting to Democrats’ legislation.       
    See below for the remarks as prepared for delivery. 
    Mr. President,
    For years, Congress has refused to make a definitive, a permanent decision. It has failed to make the Schedule I classification of fentanyl-related substances permanent. Law enforcement needs this permanent change to combat the opioid crisis and go after the criminals flooding our communities with deadly drugs.  
    Congress’ inaction only emboldens China, drug cartels, and other criminals who exploit our communities. That cannot happen. We need a lasting solution. 
    Mr. President, there is no reason to do a temporary extension. We have the bipartisan votes to make the Schedule I classification permanent. 
    This Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee, with the support of Judiciary Chairman Grassley and Senator Heinrich, is marking up the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act. This legislation permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances.  
    Let’s be clear, the HALT Fentanyl Act is not controversial. For two consecutive Congresses, it passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. There are enough votes to pass HALT in Judiciary Committee, and on the Senate floor this Congress.  
    My Democrat colleague’s delays that permanency. Schedule I classification will once again be in jeopardy when the next deadline comes around. Our law enforcement cannot continue to have this uncertainty.  
    That is why after my objection, I will ask unanimous consent to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act. This legislation has already passed the House of Representatives and has bipartisan support in the Senate. I hope all my Democrat colleagues join me in supporting this bill. 
    We have a responsibility to provide law enforcement the tools they need to address the scourge of deadly drugs in our communities. Failure to act puts Americans in harm’s way.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SiriusPoint Announces Pricing of Secondary Offering of 4,106,631 Common Shares by Entities Associated with Daniel S. Loeb and Repurchase of 500,000 Shares by SiriusPoint

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SiriusPoint Ltd. (“SiriusPoint” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SPNT) today announced the pricing of its previously announced registered secondary offering by entities associated with Daniel S. Loeb (colllectively, the “Loeb Entities”) of an aggregate of 4,106,631 common shares at a price to the public of $14.00 per share. The offering is expected to close on February 27, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    SiriusPoint has agreed to repurchase an aggregate of 500,000 of the common shares being offered in the offering at the public offering price. SiriusPoint will cancel the 500,000 common shares it repurchases in the offering.

    Immediately following the completion of the offering and our previously announced repurchase of all of the common shares and warrants currently held by CM Bermuda, it is expected that the Loeb Entities will own approximately 9.54% of SiriusPoint’s issued and outstanding common shares.

    Under the terms of the transaction, the remaining shares owned by the Loeb Entities will be subject to a 90 day lock-up agreement with the sole bookrunning manager.

    Jefferies is acting as the sole bookrunning manager for the offering.

    The offering is being made only by means of an effective registration statement and a prospectus. The Company has previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement (including a prospectus) on Form S-3 (File No. 333-283827), dated December 16, 2024, and a prospectus supplement for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the accompanying prospectus supplement, and other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and this offering. When available, copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from: Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, by telephone at (877) 821-7388, or by email at prospectus_department@jefferies.com. Electronic copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus will also be available on the website of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations
    Liam Blackledge, SiriusPoint
    Liam.Blackledge@siriuspt.com
    + 44 203 772 3082
    Media
    Sarah Hills, Rein4ce
    Sarah.Hills@rein4ce.co.uk
    + 44 7718 882011 

    About SiriusPoint

    SiriusPoint is a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance providing solutions to clients and brokers around the world. Bermuda-headquartered with offices in New York, London, Stockholm and other locations, we are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SPNT). We have licenses to write Property & Casualty and Accident & Health insurance and reinsurance globally. Our offering and distribution capabilities are strengthened by a portfolio of strategic partnerships with Managing General Agents and Program Administrators within our Insurance & Services segment. With over $2.6 billion total capital, SiriusPoint’s operating companies have a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best, S&P and Fitch, and A3 from Moody’s.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    We make statements in this press release that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. federal securities laws. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions and conditions affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry; the adequacy of our reserves; fluctuation in the results of operations; pandemic or other catastrophic event; uncertainty of success in investing in early-stage companies, such as the risk of loss of an initial investment, highly variable returns on investments, delay in receiving return on investment and difficulty in liquidating the investment; our ability to assess underwriting risk, trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, competition, investment market and investment income fluctuations; trends in insured and paid losses; regulatory and legal uncertainties; and other risk factors described in SiriusPoint’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2024.

    Except as required by applicable law or regulation, we disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, or new information, data or methods, future events, or other circumstances after the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employers and Manufacturers say New citizen arrest powers a dangerous escalation

    Source: EMA

    The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the expansion of citizen’s arrest powers announced by the government today could significantly raise the health and safety risks faced by workers in the retail sector and seems unlikely to effectively reduce shoplifting.
    EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald says business owners are being encouraged to put themselves and their staff in harm’s way, which is in breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
    “Employers have a duty of care not to put their people in harm’s way and encouraging staff to restrain or try to make a citizen’s arrest against offenders deliberately puts employees in the frame for injury. Health and safety applies to all businesses.
    “The impact of theft is often far greater on small businesses who can’t absorb the losses so readily, but the impact of possible harm is also great on friends and families if things go wrong.
    “Our concern is that these proposals will lead to an escalation in violence. If an offender believes they will be met with aggression, they will come prepared.
    “In addition, far from discouraging thefts or aggression in retail workplaces, we believe this will result in swarming behaviour in which a number of offenders will be present to create numerical superiority. Those are outcomes that no-one wants.”
    New crime data released yesterday showed a drop in violent crime for first time since 2018.
    Ram raids have reduced 58% between 2023 and 2024 and total violent crime has reduced by 2%.
    A 40% increase in foot patrols by police has much to do with discouraging these behaviours.
    The concerning 12% increase in retail theft and related offences can be met the same way, with a heightened presence of trained police, says McDonald.
    “Police officers undergo months of training on the correct level of force that is acceptable in apprehending suspects.
    “They are the experts in de-escalating violence and their increased presence in shopping centres and other retail areas is the safest solution, alongside preventative measures, the ability to recover goods and effective trespass laws.”
    Section 48 of the Crimes Act 1961 states that you can use reasonable force in self-defense, including resisting restraint by a member of the public.
    “We are very concerned about judgement calls being put in the hands of sometimes young or inexperienced workers in the retail sector and the very real danger of violence being the outcome,” says McDonald.
    “It’s more likely that those who try to restrain offenders will also face a greater risk of prosecution themselves, if they are perceived to have stepped over the boundary of what is reasonable restraint.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – PSA appoints Fleur Fitzsimons as a National Secretary

    Source: PSA

    PSA Assistant Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons has been appointed as a National Secretary of the country’s largest union, PSA President Virgil Iraia says.
    Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is led by two National Secretaries and Fleur will join National Secretary Duane Leo as co-leader of the union.
    To ensure continuity the PSA has appointed Fleur ahead of National Secretary Kerry Davies’ retirement later in year. Kerry has spent 40 years working for the union movement, mainly with the PSA, and has been National Secretary for six years.
    Virgil says the PSA was pleased that a candidate of Fleur’s ability had stepped up to replace Kerry, whose experience and leadership had been vital to the work of the PSA.
    “Kerry has done an outstanding job for the PSA, and we were looking for a strong and able candidate to step into the senior leadership role at a time when members were facing a hostile political and economic environment.
    “Fleur will bring her considerable experience and skills to this role. Her skills will help us keep advocating for properly funded public and state services, health care, local government and community services, and for recognition of the importance of the work of our members who deliver these,” Virgil says.
    Fleur has 20 years’ experience working for the PSA as an organiser, media adviser, solicitor, Assistant Secretary, and most recently as an Acting National Secretary.
    She also served as a Wellington City Councillor for five years, and is a former President of the Victoria and New Zealand University students’ associations.
    “We have a lot of work to do in response to the Government’s attacks on public, community and health services. I am looking forward to the challenge” Fleur says.
    The PSA is the union of 95,000 members, working in the Public Service, State Sector, Health, Local Government and Community and Public Services.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Releases Snapshot Report Showing How Proposed Medicaid Funding Cuts Could Devastate WA Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.25.25

    Cantwell Releases Snapshot Report Showing How Proposed Medicaid Funding Cuts Could Devastate WA Health Care

    Central and Eastern Washington at highest risk with Medicaid on chopping block — 70% of children in Central WA’s Congressional District 4 are on Medicaid; rural hospital leaders warn of closings

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as House Republicans continue to debate whether they will make significant cuts to Medicaid, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that slashing Medicaid to fund tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy would have on Washington state’s health care system — especially in Central and Eastern Washington.

    The snapshot report includes new data on the percentage of Medicaid patients in each of the State of Washington’s U.S. congressional districts, as well as by region. Congressional District 4 (Central Washington) and Congressional District 5 (Eastern Washington) have the highest proportions of adults and total population on Medicaid. Seventy percent of children in District 4 are on Medicaid.

    The report also includes information provided by rural Central and Eastern Washington hospitals, showing how crucial Medicaid funding is for their survival. “We’re struggling to keep our doors open … the only thing left to cut is the hospital itself,” the report quotes Astria Toppenish Hospital Administrator Cathy Bambrick as saying.

    Based on interviews and statements from more than a dozen health organizations statewide, the report details how Medicaid cuts — and the subsequent service cuts by providers — would likely affect all Washingtonians.

    Children:

    47% of WA children are on Medicaid. “Babies could die,” says Dr. Jason Deen, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and pediatric cardiologist at the University of Washington who treats children across Washington state, as children like those he treats could lose access to life-saving specialty care without Medicaid.

    Farmers: 

    Rural hospitals in Central and Eastern Washington would be hardest hit by these cuts. “It is not uncommon for our small family farmers to be on a Medicaid program,” says Garfield County Hospital District CEO Mat Slaybaugh.

    People with chronic conditions:

    Without health care coverage, people with chronic conditions won’t get the consistent care they need. “People are going to be dying in their homes,” says Spokane-area nurse Jessica Grove. 

    Anyone with a medical emergency:

    Medicaid helps people avoid the emergency room; it also funds first responders in our state. Cuts to the program could mean overcrowded ERs and longer wait times for ambulances. “Every Washingtonian should be concerned about any funding cuts that could lead to slower response times in a life-threatening emergency,” says Dennis Lawson, President of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters. 

    Sen. Cantwell’s snapshot report on Washington state is available HERE. 

    Medicaid is the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities. Washington state’s Medicaid program, Apple Health, ensures that eligible Washingtonians can afford to seek health care and see providers when they need to.  The program also ensures that hospitals — which are required to treat everyone, regardless of their ability to pay — receive reimbursements for the significant number of low-income people they serve. About 1.8 million Washingtonians are enrolled in Apple Health.

    Congressional Republicans are proposing deep cuts to Medicaid through the budget reconciliation process. President Trump has said that he opposes cuts to Medicaid, however he has also said that he supports the House Republican budget plan — which includes cuts to Medicaid. Late last week, Senate Republicans launched the budget resolution process, which would allow them to fold budget cuts and policy changes into a single package for an up-down vote. The House is expected to vote on a competing budget resolution this week, and the two chambers will eventually have to reconcile their plans and finalize the package’s details. 

    During Trump’s first term, he supported — and Sen. Cantwell opposed — an effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act that would have cut Medicaid by $800 billion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Big jump in overseas visitor spend boosts tourism

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed news that New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to gather strength, according to latest data out today.

    The Tourism Satellite Account released by Stats NZ shows total tourism expenditure in New Zealand of $44.4 billion for the year ending March 2024, an increase of $5.6 billion or 14.6 per cent compared to March 2023. 

    Overseas visitor expenditure increased by $6.3 billion (59.9 per cent) to $16.9 billion

    “The big story is that international expenditure grew almost 60 per cent in the year ending March 2024,” Louise Upston says. 

    “This encouraging news reflects a healthy recovery following the end of border restrictions in June 2022 and shows that many people all over the world couldn’t wait to visit New Zealand.

    “We know tourism is critical to our economic growth. That’s why as a Government we’re laser focused on partnering with the sector to continue this growth – already this month, we’ve announced:

    • $500,000 for marketing New Zealand as the ‘go now’ destination for Australians
    • $30 million to support conservation visitor related experiences 
    • $3 million for regional tourism boost
    • $9 million for Great Rides cycle infrastructure 

    “Tourism now contributes 7.5 per cent of GDP according to this data – and continues to be our second highest export. I want to see it back at number 1. 

    “We do also recognise a drop in domestic tourism spend reported today. That’s another reason to grow our economy so New Zealanders can benefit, and get out and travel their country as well,” Louise Upston says

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Leads Massachusetts Delegation in Denouncing Trump Administration Move to Strip Unaccompanied Immigrant Infants and Toddlers of Legal Representation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    Washington (February 25, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) led the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Richard Neal (MA-01), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Jake Auchincloss (MA-04), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Bill Keating (MA-09), in writing to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging the Trump administration to maintain funding for legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children. The administration generated confusion and distress when it issued—and mere days later, rescinded—an order that would jeopardize the safety and welfare of vulnerable minors, including infants and toddlers, by stripping them of critical legal representation. In Massachusetts, several hundred unaccompanied minors stood to lose their lawyers and more than 2,000 children who receive services short of full legal representation faced the loss of assistance. The lawmakers urge the administration to renew the contract that provides immigrant minors the legal help they require.  

    In the letter, the lawmakers write, “For decades, esteemed organizations across the nation have steadfastly provided indispensable legal services, social support, and foster care to these at-risk minors. The recent stop-work order egregiously undermined this longstanding commitment to child welfare and due process. Maintaining and renewing the unaccompanied child legal services program contract is critical for fulfilling our legal obligations and abiding by the foundational principles of justice and compassion that define our nation.”

    The lawmakers request responses by March 11 to questions that include:

    • What was the internal decision-making process that led to the issuance of the February 18 stop-work order? Which officials within the Department of the Interior, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services were involved in reviewing and approving this directive?
    • What specific legal, policy, or budgetary considerations were cited as the rationale for initially terminating legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children? Was a formal impact assessment conducted before this decision was made? If so, please provide a copy? If not, why not?
    • Prior to issuing the stop-work order, were affected organizations, legal service providers, child welfare experts, or other stakeholders consulted about the potential consequences of this decision? If so, please provide documentation of these discussions and any recommendations made. If not, why not?
    • What was the internal decision-making process that led to the rescission of the February 18 stop-work order? Which officials within the Department of the Interior, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services were involved in reviewing and approving this rescission?
    • Has the Department of the Interior or the Department of Health and Human Services developed a position regarding the renewal of the unaccompanied child legal services program contract?

    MIL OSI USA News –