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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Food Minister Daniel Zeichner: Good Food Cycle speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Food Minister Daniel Zeichner: Good Food Cycle speech

    Speech by Food Minister Daniel Zeichner launching the Good Food Cycle at Darley Street Market in Bradford.

    Well, good afternoon everybody and thank you. First of all, thank you to Andrew, and to all our brilliant contributors – really fantastic.

    Politicians often say they’re really pleased to be in places. And I am pleased to be in places – but I have been really thrilled to be here. I’ve not been to Bradford before, and I’ve been absolutely knocked out by what I’ve seen this morning. I’m so pleased to be here.

    I’m told you’re one of the UK’s youngest, most diverse, and dynamic cities. I represent Cambridge, and we probably could have a little discussion about that – but I think you may be winning! What I know for sure is that you’ve got a rich food culture here. I’ve been seeing it outside, I’ve been hearing about it, and I’m so thrilled that we made the decision that Bradford should be the place to come and talk about the government’s vision for our food system. What we’re calling the Good Food Cycle.

    And I hope that’s a phrase that will stick in your minds – because that’s what this is all about.

    Let me start, though, by thanking some of the people who’ve made this morning possible: Bradford 2025, the local council – I’m delighted to be here working with you – and Inn Churches. Very impressed by the work you’re doing.

    I’ve heard about Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food, I’ve seen some of the demonstrations that are being done outside with some of the children – I’ve met some of the children – who are extraordinarily confident and well-informed about raw beans! Very good for them!

    Living Well, the wider community, all the efforts being made to empower, educate, and inspire as many people as possible to cook great-tasting, healthy food for themselves and their families. I think this project here, which I’ve been hearing about – clearly a long time in the making – what a fantastic achievement in this year of 2025.

    It really does show how communities, local government, food producers and processors can work together for the community. Because it shows that good, healthy food can be accessible to everyone, and help bring communities together.

    And just in my brief tour around, I could see how that’s being brought to life.

    I’m told it’s £31 million of investment into the heart of Bradford – it shows what can be done to support local food producers, what you’re making, and how we used to have those strong local food production systems. What a chance to re-energise that!

    But of course, this sits in a wider context – one that includes household-name food businesses with a national footprint, like Morrisons, like Marks and Spencer. They all play a part in our national food system.

    And let’s pay tribute to that national food system, because it is one of the most extraordinary and advanced in the world. Huge, huge things. I remember, I was the shadow minister during the Covid crisis, and there was a point where it wasn’t entirely clear that we could carry on feeding the nation. But people stepped up. And it really showed what an amazing system this is.

    But we also have to be aware that the current food system does have some challenges.

    Henry Dimbleby – a lot of you will be aware – did a lot of work a few years ago on this. He called it the junk food cycle. Which, at one level, is harsh. But what he was pointing out was that there are internal dynamics within the system that keep producing negative feedback loops.

    That’s the thing we want to address.

    I think it can be addressed. I think there are many people in this room who have been working on this for many, many years. But it’s possible to do something about it. To do it differently.

    And that’s why I’ve come here today – to launch what we’re calling the Good Food Cycle. We think it’s a really significant step in the change we want to take together.

    And I think this is actually a very special moment because it’s the first time, as far as I can see, that the whole of government is aligned on a vision for the food system, looking ahead to the future. And it’s one which puts people and the planet at its heart.

    Now, we haven’t done this alone. This is not just about government. We’ve worked across the food system.

    Sarah [Bradbury, IGD CEO] has been saying this – and our colleagues involved in the systems process have told us too – we’ve worked with industry, trying to do what only government can do: convene and coordinate action on food.

    And the reason we’re doing this is not just because it’s a good thing to do – it’s because what we’re hearing from people, right across the country, across generations and communities, is that this is really, really important.

    Because the one thing we all do – is eat. And we should take joy and celebration in that. It’s really important.

    So, over the last six months – in the early part of this government – we’ve spoken to over 400 individuals. That’s been coordinated through the process – thank you to everyone who helped make that happen.

    We’ve heard from organisations, from businesses. We’ve been asking the question: What would a good food system look like?

    I’m very grateful to the people who’ve been sitting on the Food Strategy Advisory Board – some of you may have read about that – Sarah has been providing the secretariat and more; keeping together a complicated group of people with very different views, but we’re working well together – and the Systems Advisory Council. Also, the F4 – that’s the grouping of the key parts of industry. All of them have been involved in this discussion. So many people from academia as well – I see leading academic figures locally.

    All have given time and effort to help us develop what we believe is a shared vision.

    [Political line removed]

    Well, I’m absolutely determined, as the food minister, that we will not make that mistake.

    We will listen. We’ll work alongside those in the food system who make key decisions – and also those who play key roles in that system. Whether that’s a supermarket boss, or someone who’s making the Sunday lunch. Or someone working in a shop.

    All those people are going to be involved in this discussion.

    This is a vision for a healthier, more affordable, sustainable, and resilient 21st-century UK food system that grows the economy, feeds the nation, nourishes people, and protects the environment and climate – now and in the future.

    So, for the next steps to make our Good Food Cycle vision a reality, we’ve identified ten priority outcomes that we’ll be working with people to deliver.

    Those outcomes are focused on:

    • Ensuring everyone has access to healthier and more affordable food
    • Creating the conditions for a thriving and growing food sector, with more investment in healthy, sustainable, affordable food
    • Ensuring a secure, sustainable and resilient food supply
    • Building on vibrant local food cultures – like we’ve seen here in Bradford

    We know there’s a huge prize for investing in the UK food system, which is why we are focused on creating the right conditions to bring money and talent into the UK food system.

    Because when we grow, make, and sell healthy food, frankly, everyone benefits.

    Now, the cost of healthy food is a key concern for working people across the country. And we’re focused on food and nutritional security, from a household to a national level.

    One way to support a secure and more resilient food system is to enhance our food security monitoring – in response to continued volatility from geopolitical and climate shocks.

    It’s critical that this information is transparent and available to people across the food system.

    Today I am committing to a new annual food security statistics publication to be published in the years between the triennial UK Food Security Report, starting this year.

    It will be a more frequent and focused publication, designed to ensure that key UK food security analysis is made public in order to capture emerging trends, and to support both policymakers and the public.

    That’s a government step we’re announcing today – to ensure we continue to support a more secure food supply chain in this country, so we can build a stronger future.

    I believe now is the time to act and make positive change to support our nation. Because with climate, health, and economic pressures growing, we stand to lose out if we don’t act now. Action on improving the food system isn’t just for national government – frankly, it’s for all of us.

    So, I’d like to say just a little bit about what I’ve heard is happening here in Bradford – and I hope you’ll find it as inspirational as I do.

    I understand that in February of this year, the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, in collaboration with others, unveiled over 30 innovative projects as part of its Creative Health programme, harnessing the transformative power of culture and creativity to tackle some of the district’s most urgent health and social challenges. 

    And we’re already seeing great outcomes from this work.

    The Cookery School, run by Inn Churches in this Market, in partnership with Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food,  teaches children and adults how to make healthy, fresh, tasty meals from scratch for themselves and their families.  

    Living Well is an initiative led by Bradford Council Public Health, the NHS Bradford and Craven Health and Care Partnership and a wide range of key stakeholders and community groups. They are helping to address the rising levels of obesity and reduce the high levels of early and preventable deaths within the district. 

    I’d like to thank the initiatives leaders, the Bradford Council and Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership for all their hard work in helping individuals to live well.  

    This government wants to work across the food system to make the healthy choice the easy choice for people in Bradford and across the country.  

    But a healthy food system is not only about what we eat, it is also about how our food is produced and the impact it has on the environment.  

    When we come together to eat – we are sharing in something incredibly powerful. Culture. 

    Which brings me back to why I am here in Bradford today. Culture and Community are closely interlinked. Communities build culture. This building is the site of a shift in culture. One which is about connecting people with their local food producers, as well as supporting them to have the skills to use this amazing bounty of British ingredients. 

    Everyone should be able to take pride and joy in what they grow and eat. And we want local producers to grow more of what we eat and communities to eat more of what we grow. 

    This Government is here to enable, protect and prepare. Enable health, growth and productivity. Protect food standards. Prepare for the impacts of a more extreme weather and more volatile world.

    This is a cross-government strategy, and we will work collaboratively to ensure we take the right steps to address the needs of the nation. 

    This is a milestone in our commitment to transform the food system. So today, we set out what we want to achieve, and why it’s important.

    Now and in the future, we’ll work with citizens, with civil society, with farmers, with fishers, with food businesses to agree how to reach that vision, and how we will measure our progress.

    If we can replicate some of the energy and commitment I have seen today and enable the growth of other Darley Street markets in other towns across the country; enable every class of school children to enjoy healthy, delicious food; enable investment in responsible food businesses , we will be well on our way. 

    Friends, together we can make the healthy, sustainable choice the easy and obvious one – for everyone. Together, we can create the Good Food Cycle.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council and police team up for Safer Streets day of action

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It is part of the Home Office backed Safer Streets initiative which will see a series of activities focused on retail crime and anti social behaviour on high streets in Bilston, Wednesfield and Wolverhampton city centre throughout the summer months.

    Officers will be speaking to shoppers about how they can avoid becoming victims of scams and talking with business and market traders about a range of issues including anti social behaviour and shoplifting.

    Licensing offers will also be visiting establishments to encourage businesses to sign up to the Ask for Angela initiative, through which people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking ‘for Angela’. 

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “The Safer Streets initiative is all about ensuring our high streets continue to be safe and welcoming places for everyone, and about sharing information and advice with residents and businesses to help them avoid becoming victims of crime.

    “This day of action is just one of a series of activities which will be taking place in Wolverhampton, Bilston and Wednesfield over the coming weeks, and if you are in Bilston town centre on Friday, please catch up with our officers to find out more.”

    Inspector Steve Edwards, from Bilston Police Station, added: “We regularly run operations like this to tackle business crime and issues in the local area to make sure everyone visiting Bilston feels safe.

    “Working with our partners as we enforce the national Safer Streets initiative means people will see increased police presence, more crime prevention work and enforcement action this summer.”

    For further crime prevention tips and advice, or to report information anonymously, please visit the Crimestoppers website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Patients who feel heard are more likely to stick with medical treatment

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Diana Pérez-Arechaederra, Associate Professor of Organizational Psychology, ESCP Business School

    In the 2000s, when I worked as a psychologist in long-term elderly care and primary healthcare services, many of the patients I saw were living with chronic or complex conditions. These situations required that patients trust care providers, consistently adhere to treatments and, often, receive care over an extended period of time.

    But what stood out to me were the differences in how those protocols were applied. Some practitioners took time to explain something clearly, asked questions that showed genuine care, or invited patients into a conversation about their treatment. I also noticed how differently patients responded when none of that happened.

    The quality of communication – the level of respect, attention and clarity – often made the difference between patients’ cooperation and resistance, between their motivation and withdrawal.

    These observations led me to systematically investigate the psychological processes involved in how patients perceive fairness in healthcare.

    What I found, in collaboration with colleagues, is that this “soft” dimension of care – how people perceive their treatment, how information is shared with them, and how much time and space they are given to take part in the process – has very real effects on behaviour. Patients’ perception of respect – what we call interactional fairness – often hinges on whether they are given the chance to ask questions, make sense of information, weigh different options and even participate in making decisions. For patients to follow a practitioner’s recommendations, they need to feel informed, heard, respected and involved – not just treated.

    What fairness looks like in practice

    In our study, we examined two forms of what psychologists call organizational justice in healthcare settings:

    • Interactional justice – the sense of being treated with dignity, attentiveness and respect

    • Informational justice – the perception that shared information is clear, complete, timely and relevant

    We surveyed over 850 patients in Spain and the United States who had visited a healthcare provider in the previous six months. We asked them how they experienced their interactions with health professionals, how much they trusted those professionals, how satisfied they were with the service, whether they followed medical advice, and whether they intended to return to the same provider.

    What we saw was a clear pattern. Patients who perceived fairness – being treated with respect and given clear and appropriate information – were more likely to trust their healthcare provider. That trust, in turn, shaped whether they felt able to engage with treatment and sustain their relationship with (or, in the language of our study, their “loyalty” to) the healthcare service or physician. What we call informational fairness had a particularly strong direct link to adherence to treatments or clinical advice, showing its importance for understanding patient behaviour.

    In healthcare, patients are navigating uncertainty, vulnerability, and long-term relationships with systems and providers. Their ability to understand, participate in and trust that process is integral to care.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    Insights across borders

    Despite the structural and institutional differences between Spain, with its predominantly public healthcare system, and the United States, where healthcare is largely organised through the private sector, our goal was to identify common patterns in how patients interpret and engage with services. Specifically, we sought to understand whether similar cognitive and emotional processes create the patient experience, regardless of the broader healthcare system in place.

    Using path analysis models, we assessed the relationships between patients’ perceptions of fairness and their resulting levels of trust and satisfaction, and then, the relationship between those perceptions and patients’ adherence and loyalty to the service. While patients in the United States exhibited slightly stronger associations between perceived fairness and both trust and satisfaction, the overall nature of the relationships was highly consistent across both countries.

    These findings suggest that despite differences in how care is delivered and financed, patients in both countries respond to their healthcare interactions in fundamentally similar ways. This matters for healthcare providers and policymakers across diverse settings who are aiming to enhance patient-centred care.

    Recognizing patients as agents

    At the heart of this is an ethical question: Are patients treated as agents in their own care, or simply as objects of intervention?

    Medicine is not a closed, flawless system. It is a developing field of research being translated into practice, and its shortcomings are shaped by social and structural biases, and by the fact that patients may not be given all of the options they should receive. In areas such as women’s health, chronic pain, mental health and rare diseases, patients often offer insights that clinical protocols miss. When their lived experience is ignored or dismissed, we lose opportunities for better diagnoses, more responsive and efficient care, and more sustainable treatment plans.



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    Doctors need to talk through treatment options better for black men with prostate cancer

    When I was working in elderly care, I remember the testimony of a resident who was very upset because his parenteral treatment (an injection) had been changed to an enteral one (a drink). Nobody informed him about the change. When I asked him why he was so unhappy, he said: “I much preferred the injections because the clinician who came to administer them was very nice to me. We were friends. Now, I’ll never see her again.”

    I’m not sure whether continuing with the parenteral administration was even possible, but what was certain is that nobody asked him what he preferred. And that had an impact on him.

    Listening to patients is not merely being polite: it is recognizing that they have information that professionals lack. And that the ethical foundation of health care depends not only on what medical professionals do to patients, but on how they work with them.

    What can be done

    Creating fairer care involves the following concrete practices, which come from our findings:

    • Designing information systems that support timely, accessible and patient-centred communication

    • Designing procedures and allocating enough time for professionals to conduct themselves in accordance with interactional and informational fairness principles

    • Training for professionals in relational and communication skills that foster patients’ perceptions of respect and dignity

    • Educating patients about what care can reasonably provide to help set appropriate expectations

    • Reframing patient participation so that patients are not just surveyed after the fact, but listened to and given agency throughout the care process



    À lire aussi :
    Power to the patient: Person-centred care and how you can take your health into your own hands

    None of this is separate from clinical quality. On the contrary, it is what allows clinical care to work best and for all. When patients feel that they matter – that they are respected and informed – they are more likely to collaborate, follow through and return for more care if they need it. That would benefit patients, their practitioners, healthcare systems and society.

    The scientific article referred to in this piece was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), whose projects, RD24/0005/0018, were co-funded by the European Union and the Facility for Recovery and Resilience (MRR). The Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS) was involved in the development of RD24/0005/0018. Projects PI22/01677 and PI20/00321 were co-financed by the European Union. The government of Castilla y León also collaborated in the funding of this study through research projects BioSan 2009 and BioSan 2011. These funders played no role in the study design, data analysis, results reporting or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication.

    – ref. Patients who feel heard are more likely to stick with medical treatment – https://theconversation.com/patients-who-feel-heard-are-more-likely-to-stick-with-medical-treatment-260750

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Registration of proprietary Chinese medicines and import and export of Chinese herbal medicines

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

         Regarding the registration of proprietary Chinese medicines (“pCms”) and the import and export of Chinese herbal medicines, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the respective quantities and total values of imported and exported Chinese herbal medicines in each of the past five years;

    (2) of the following information on the applications for registration of pCms received by the Chinese Medicines Board under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong in each of the past five years: (i) the number of applications, (ii) the number of cases in which the Certificate of registration of pCms (the Certificate) was issued, (iii) the number of cases in which the Certificate was not issued, and (iv) among such cases, the main reasons for rejecting the applications for registration;

    (3) given that the National Medical Products Administration and the Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration respectively promulgated the notice regarding the streamlining of approval procedures for Hong Kong and Macao registered traditional pCms for oral use in January this year and the notice regarding the streamlining of approval procedures for Hong Kong and Macao registered traditional pCms for external use in August 2021, so as to streamline the approval procedures for Hong Kong pCms on the Mainland, whether the Government knows the following information on the applications for registration and selling of pCms on the Mainland submitted by holders of traditional pCms for oral and external use in Hong Kong through the above measures since August 2021: (i) the number of applications, (ii) the number of approved applications, and (iii) the number of types of pCms involved in the approved applications;

    (4) whether it knows the registration and selling status of Hong Kong pCms in overseas countries; and

    (5) of the measures put in place by the authorities to assist Hong Kong Chinese medicine traders in making full use of the advantages of Hong Kong’s trade, testing and certification, and registration systems, etc to actively expand their business on the Mainland and overseas, so as to promote the development of the Chinese medicine industry, thereby developing Hong Kong into a bridgehead for promoting the internationalisation of Chinese medicine?

    Reply:

    President,

         In consultation with the Census and Statistics Department and the Department of Health, the consolidated reply is provided by the Health Bureau as follows:

         According to the statistics from the Census and Statistics Department, the quantity and value of imports and total exports of Chinese herbal medicines (Chms) (Note 1) of Hong Kong during the period of 2020 to 2024 are tabulated as follows:
     

    Year Imports Total exports
    Quantity
    (kg)    		 Value
    ($ million)    		 Quantity
    (kg)    		 Value
    ($ million)
    2020 16 815 982 2,930.6 3 681 447 733.8
    2021 17 849 891 2,745.6 3 619 227 709.0
    2022 12 878 024 2,193.1 3 531 117 785.4
    2023 12 677 674 3,287.2 6 646 149 704.4
    2024 12 182 088 3,489.8 2 959 551 692.8

         The figures indicate that the value and quantity of imports and total exports of Chms of Hong Kong have exhibited a downward trend over the past five years, with a cumulative drop of nearly 28 per cent and 20 per cent in volume of imports and total exports respectively. The Chinese medicines (CMs) industry relayed that such downward trend is mainly attributable to changes in global procurement practice of Chms, as purchasers prefer sourcing Chms directly from places of origin to ensure stable supply and reduce cost, thus affecting the volume of intermediary trade in Hong Kong. In addition, rising costs of Chms may have led to reduced local demand, thereby impacting the overall transaction quantity in the Chms market.

         Regarding registration of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), under the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549), all pCm must be registered with the Chinese Medicines Board (CMB) under the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (CMCHK) before they can be sold, imported or possessed in Hong Kong. For a pCm to be registered, it must fulfill the stringent safety, quality and efficacy requirements set out by CMB. According to records, during the period of 2020 to 2024, annual figures received by the CMB under the CMCHK related to pCm registration applications, and the number of cases granted or not granted for a “Certificate of Registration of a pCm” (HKC) are tabulated below:
     

      Number of cases (Year) Total
    2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
    New applications for a HKC 24 95 137 266 96 618
    Cases granted for a HKC (Note 2) (Note 3) 390 800 810 835 888 3 723
    Cases not granted for a HKC (Note 2) (Note 3) 174 234 149 131 75 763

         The main reasons for refusal of registration applications and the number of associated cases are tabulated below:
     

      Number of cases (Year) Total
    2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
    Failure to submit the required documents, information, samples, and/or other materials specified by the CMB for the evaluation of the pCm registration application; and/or failure to meet the safety, quality, and efficacy requirements for pCm registration as stipulated by CMB 103 103 75 57 19 357
    Withdrawal of application by the applicant 64 98 45 44 23 274
    Non-renewal renounce by the HKC holder, or renewal application not approved by CMB 7 33 29 30 33 132

         According to the official website of the National Medical Products Administration, as of June 30, 2025, a total of 16 Hong Kong-registered traditional pCms for external use have been approved for marketing in the Mainland through the streamlined approval procedure. Currently, no Hong Kong- and Macao- registered traditional pCms for oral use has been registered in the Mainland through the streamlined approval procedure. Regarding registration and marketing data for Hong Kong-registered pCms in overseas countries, the Department of Health does not maintain relevant records.

         The Government has all along been promoting the internationalisation of Chinese medicine (CM) and developing Hong Kong into a bridgehead for the internationalisation of CM through various initiatives. The permanent premises of the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI) is expected to be commissioned in phases starting from the end of this year. The GCMTI will continue to promote the standardisation and internationalisation of CMs and strengthen the quality control of CMs industry on its products through technology transfer. By leveraging Hong Kong’s strong reputation in the Mainland and overseas, and by establishing the brand image and standards of CMs in Hong Kong, the GCMTI promotes internationalisation of CM.

         Regarding regulation, with the conclusion of the transitional registration system for pCm on June 30, 2025, all pCms sold in Hong Kong must hold valid formal registration (i.e. HKC). This milestone marks a new era in the regulatory regime of CM in Hong Kong, signifying that all pCms sold in Hong Kong have strictly complied with the three core registration requirements, namely safety, quality and efficacy, and fully satisfied the requirements of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance in respect of packaging and labelling. The full implementation of the pCm registration system not solely enhances the protection of public health, but also significantly strengthens international confidence in regulatory regime for CMs in Hong Kong. This would facilitate local registered pCms to go global, and consolidate the strategic position of Hong Kong as an essential hub for the internationalisation of CM.

         In addition, the Government also encourages CMs traders to make good use of the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (CMDF) and other trade supporting measures. To align with the national policy on streamlining the approval procedures for Hong Kong- and Macao- registered traditional pCms for external use, the CMDF launched the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area pCm Industry Development Support Scheme (A5 Scheme) in February 2024 to assist Hong Kong pCm manufacturers or wholesalers to explore the Mainland market. To date, a total of 12 applications have been approved. The Health Bureau will further expand the scope of the A5 Scheme in a timely manner in light of the latest policy directives of extending the scope of the streamlined approval procedures to pCms for oral use. In parallel, various platforms also provide resources and support to the industry to strengthen brand promotion and business development, including the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund), the SME Export Marketing Fund, and participation in the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products, which is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the industry, with a view to expanding their markets outside Hong Kong, strengthening international exchanges, and exploring co-operative trade opportunities.

         The Government will continue to fully leverage the role of Hong Kong as a gateway connecting the world, and further strengthen the role of Hong Kong as a bridgehead for internationalisation of CM, thereby promoting the high-quality and high-standard development of CM in Hong Kong on all fronts.

    Note 1: Chms refers to dried or processed forms of herbal medicine specified in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance.

    Note 2：Including new applications for a HKC, conversion cases from a “Notice of confirmation of transitional registration of pCm” to a HKC, and renewal cases for a HKC.

    Note 3：The actual processing time for a pCm registration application is subject to the completeness of documentation submitted by the applicant, the complexity of different application categories, and the current caseload of the CMCHK Secretariat. Depending on the submission time and circumstances of each application, the processing of an application may extend beyond the calendar year of initial submission.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Procedures for healthcare personnel to compile and modify medical records

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that several medical incidents involving the subsequent modification of medical records have previously occurred in public hospitals, sparking controversy (e.g. a medical incident at Queen Mary Hospital in 2020 where a girl was suspected to have gone into a vegetative state due to delayed blood transfusion, which involved doctors modifying the medical records after surgery, and the family considered that the relevant contents had a critical impact on understanding the incident’s circumstances). There are views that under the existing mechanism, there is no effective procedure to ensure the necessity and legitimacy of modifying medical records, which lacks protection for both healthcare personnel and patients. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it knows, among the complaints received by the Hospital Authority (HA) in the past five years, the respective numbers of complaints involving the procedures for compiling medical records, the accuracy of the contents of records and the subsequent modification of the contents of medical records;
     
    (2) whether it knows if HA has currently formulated relevant guidelines on the procedures and conditions for healthcare personnel to compile medical records and modify their contents; if HA has, of the details, and whether it has plans to improve such guidelines;

    (3) whether it knows, with respect to modifications made by healthcare personnel to the contents of the complied medical records, if HA currently has a mechanism in place to verify the accuracy of the modified contents; if HA has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that and the difficulties involved;

    (4) as there are views pointing out that in the past, a single doctor was responsible for recording medical procedures and confirming all surgical steps in some surgeries, which might affect the accuracy of the records, whether the Government knows if HA will consider amending the relevant procedures to require two or more healthcare personnel to be responsible for recording and confirming, so as to avoid unnecessary disputes; if HA will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (5) whether it knows if HA will consider introducing different tools to record surgical procedures (e.g. making audio or video recordings with patients’ consent) to protect both healthcare personnel and patients and reduce disputes; if HA will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:
     
    President,

         Having consulted the Hospital Authority (HA), our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:

         Healthcare personnel must comply with the relevant guidelines issued by their respective professional bodies, such as the Code of Professional Conduct issued by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. Besides, for the compilation and amendment of the medical records, healthcare personnel should also follow the requirements set forth in the HA’s Clinical Data Policy Manual and Manual of Good Practices in Medical Records Management. 

         When compiling medical records, healthcare personnel, including doctors, must always uphold their professional ethics and are responsible for maintaining systematic, true, adequate, clear, and contemporaneous medical records. Given that healthcare personnel must prioritise the patient’s clinical condition during treatments like surgeries, detailed real-time documentation may not always be feasible. To ensure the accuracy of medical records, healthcare personnel may from time to time need to compile, amend or supplement medical records subsequently. The HA has also in place mechanism for subsequent amendment of medical records. In cases where relevant medical records should be amended or supplemented with details, the electronic medical record system will automatically log the time and specifics of all updates, while preserving the original records to ensure transparency and traceability of all amendments.

        The HA recognises the importance of accurately documenting surgical procedures to uphold patient safety and ensure transparency in healthcare. Currently, medical records are primarily compiled by the attending doctor based on the actual situation, and should be in line with the HA’s clinical data policies and pertinent specialty guidelines. Subsequently, responsible healthcare personnel would upload these records to the clinical management system following verification and provision of electronic signature.

         In fact, the HA’s practice of requiring the responsible healthcare personnel to compile and verify medical records is consistent with the standard practice in the medical sector (including professionals in the private sector). Comparing to the approach commonly adopted in the sector, the HA’s current arrangements for managing medical records and recording subsequent amendments via the electronic clinical management system ensures a higher level of transparency and traceability.

         The HA is also proactively enhancing healthcare quality by, inter alia, incorporating medical equipment with recording capabilities and upgrading the electronic medical record system to facilitate maintaining medical image records. In instances where it is practically necessary (e.g., for clinical, educational, or research purposes) and practicable, the HA may record surgical procedures for future reference upon obtaining patient consent. Such arrangements must adhere strictly to patient privacy policies and data protection regulations, while ensuring that the recorded materials are utilised solely for specified purposes.

         Over the past five years, the number of complaints received by public hospitals concerning the issuance or content of medical records/reports/medical certificates is tabulated as follows:
     

    Year 2020-21 Year 2021-22 Year 2022-23 Year 2023-24 Year 2024-25
    27 37 79 41 41

         The HA does not maintain breakdown of complaints related to the medical record compilation procedures, the accuracy of record content, or subsequent amendments to medical records.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Promoting efficient district governance

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

         The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs pointed out during a media interview last month that the District Councils, “the three district committees” (i.e. the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committees and the District Fire Safety Committees) and the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) are the troika of district governance, with clear divisions of work and high levels of collaboration. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) how it will continue to strengthen co-operation among the aforesaid three parties;

    (2) given that the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs mentioned in the aforesaid interview that the scope of work of the Care Teams is under review, of the current progress of the relevant work; and

    (3) whether it will, by drawing on the district governance experiences of the Mainland and Singapore, continue to enhance support in terms of systems, policies and resources, so as to provide more care services for the communities and residents (such as establishing government centres in districts with single-window services from various government departments)?

    Reply:

    President,

         With regards to the member’s question, our reply is as follows:

    (1) Under the improved district governance system, the District Councils (DCs) play the role of complementing and supporting the Government, assisting the Government to gauge public opinions and local sentiments, implement policies and measures, and respond to public aspirations, as well as promoting community involvement activities. The “three district committees” (i.e. the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committees and the District Fire Safety Committees) offer advice to the Government according to their respective purviews (e.g. fire prevention, combat crime, etc), and help organise community activities. The District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) are Government-led service teams working in sub-districts to provide people with a wide range of caring and support services, and assist in handling incidents and emergencies. District Officers, as DC Chairmen and Commanders of Care Teams, are responsible for leading the “troika” to collaborate with each other, achieve synergy and provide services to people in need.

    The “troika” are highly integrated. Since April 2024, the Government appointed all incumbent DC members to be members of the “three district committees” with a view to strengthening the connection and collaboration between both sides. DC members also often work with Care Teams to organise various district activities to strengthen community cohesion and allow caring services to reach the community. Each District Office has also established a mechanism to swiftly mobilise and co-ordinate members of the “troika” to assist in handling incidents and emergencies within the district. For example, for the recent drinking water incidents at Queens’ Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court, members of the North DC, members of the “three district committees” and Care Teams conducted over 1 500 home visits over a weekend, set up street booths at each key location to provide residents with the latest water information, and register residents’ requests for assistance and make referrals.

    The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Home Affairs Department and District Offices will continue to enhance co-ordination of the DCs, the “three district committees”, Care Teams and other district organisations and groups to collaborate with the Government. We will also keep under review the actual operational experiences and listen to the views of different sectors to continuously improve the collaboration mechanism, so as to enhance the efficacy of district governance.

    (2) and (3) Since the full launch of 452 Care Teams in 18 districts in the third quarter of 2023, Care Teams have been actively engaging and serving residents in the sub-districts. In addition to the swift mobilisation for incidents and emergency responses as mentioned above and caring for the needs of affected individuals, Care Teams also provide caring services to residents in the districts, including visiting or contacting elderly households and other households in need (e.g. households in subdivided flats and chronic patients, etc), establishing connections with them and providing relevant service information, assisting them in applying and setting up appointments for public services. Care Teams also offer home or other support services to those in need (e.g. basic home repairs and cleansing). As at end June 2025, Care Teams have visited about 530 000 elderly households and other households in need, provided about 76 000 times of basic home or other support services, and organised about 38 000 district-level activities, such as free Chinese medicine consultations, vaccination services, mental well-being support programmes, national security and civic education activities. In terms of promoting government policies, Care Teams have been proactively assisting the Government in promoting various policies, such as distributing promotional leaflets for the Department of Health to disseminate messages about disease prevention to the public, collaborating with district Police Community Relations Office to disseminate messages relating to fraud prevention. Besides, Care Teams in 18 districts also participate in the Social Welfare Department’s District Services and Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers. Through visits or contact with singleton/doubleton elderly households, and carers of elderly persons and persons with disabilities, Care Teams would help identify needy cases and refer them to relevant social welfare units for follow up. They will also assist in referring eligible elderly persons and persons with disabilities to install and use emergency alarm systems.

    The first term of the service agreements for Care Teams in 18 districts will be concluding in September to October this year. With a view to improving the effectiveness of Care Teams’ work in the next term, we are reviewing various aspects of Care Teams. The Government adheres to the principle of “people-oriented and local circumstances suited” when planning and promoting work in districts. Hong Kong has a highly dense population and a diverse community structure. Each district has different demographics, geographical environments, social facilities and residents’ needs. Therefore, while we may draw reference from the governance experience of Mainland China and Singapore, we shall fully take into account the uniqueness of each district in Hong Kong and flexibly adapt the service models in accordance with local conditions and needs.

    As announced in 2024 Policy Address, the Government will regularise Care Teams, and increase funding amount by 50 per cent in the next term of service in support of their work. Building on the established district networks and the foundation of the caring works, Care Teams will continue to strengthen and further extend their services at the district level through the effective use of the additional resources in the next term of service. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen the collaboration mechanism among the DCs, the “three district committees” and Care Teams – the “troika” – to comprehensively enhance service effectiveness and continuously improve people’s sense of well-being and fulfilment.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 16). Young persons in custody (PICs) obtained satisfactory results in the examination this year.

    A total of 20 young PICs from Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI), Pik Uk Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution (LKCI) enrolled in the HKDSE Examination this year. They took a total of 100 examination papers and obtained level 2/”Attained” or above in 92 papers, or 92 per cent of all papers taken. Four of them met the general entrance requirements for local universities, among whom one candidate at STCI scored the highest 20 marks in the best five subjects and obtained an “Attained” in Citizenship and Social Development, with level 5* in Chinese Language and 5 in Mathematics respectively. Two candidates at LKCI and STCI also attained remarkable results of 5** and 5* in Mathematics and the extended part of Mathematics (M1) respectively.

    The examinations sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Citizenship and Social Development, as well as two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies etc.

    The Superintendent of STCI, Mr Poon Ho-lam, said, “The Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to providing diversified rehabilitation programmes and encouraging young PICs to sit for public examinations and obtain recognised academic qualifications to enhance their further education or employment prospects, preparing them for reintegration into society after release.”
     
    Mr Poon said that although the young PICs had encountered many difficulties in the course of their preparation for the HKDSE Examination, they had not given up their academic pursuits. With unwavering perseverance and diligence, and family support as well as assistance from correctional officers and dedicated guidance from teachers, the young PICs continuously made strides and strived for good results, which was truly commendable. He called on the public to give rehabilitated persons fair opportunities and accept and support their reintegration into society.
     
    The CSD has provided education to help young PICs below 21 years of age to gain accredited qualifications and develop positive values, hoping that they can further their studies, take up employment and reintegrate into society after release.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ8: Measures to encourage childbirth

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is a question by the Hon Shang Hailong and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

         It has been reported that Hong Kong’s fertility rate has remained persistently low in recent years, with the total fertility rate for 2023 standing at only 0.8, which is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain the population level. This situation presents profound challenges to Hong Kong’s future economic development, public service demands and workforce structure. The latest report published by the United Nations Population Fund indicates that the primary cause of the global decline in fertility rates is insufficient “reproductive autonomy”, which includes structural barriers such as economic pressure, gender inequality, lack of partner support and want of comprehensive reproductive health services. There are views that Hong Kong’s current pro-natalist policies largely focus on providing short-term economic incentives (e.g. allowances and increased maternity leave) without formulating long-term strategies to address the aforementioned structural barriers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it will conduct a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the existing pro-natalist measures, and propose ground-breaking policies to address the current structural economic issues faced by citizens (such as high housing costs, intense educational competition, and job instability); 

    (2) given that a survey has reportedly indicated that only 22 per cent of enterprises offer family-friendly measures beyond those required by law, whether the authorities will consider implementing a “family-friendly workplace certification” programme, through which enhanced subsidies would be provided to enterprises to offer more flexible working arrangements and childrearing support; 

    (3)whether the authorities will consider drawing on overseas and the Mainland experiences to actively expand the childcare service network, such as by exploring the introduction of a “neighbourhood childcare voucher scheme”, subsidising parents to use qualified private childcare services within their communities, or making better use of idle government sites or community facilities in commercial areas to establish more childcare service centres; and 

    (4) whether the authorities will consider allowing “top talent”, “quality migrants” and “professionals” admitted under various talent admission schemes to apply for the Newborn Baby Bonus scheme, with a view to encouraging more talent to stay in Hong Kong and contribute to its development?

    Reply:

    President,

         The issue of childbearing straddles across a number of policy areas and bureaux, including the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Health Bureau and the Housing Bureau. A consolidated reply by relevant government bureaux and departments is as follows:

    (1) Childbearing is a major life decision which involves different considerations. Fertility cannot be boosted substantially by Government’s policies alone. Various government bureaux and departments have adopted a range of measures to encourage fertility.

         In respect of child care, the Government has been supporting parents who cannot take care of their children temporarily through subsidising NGOs to provide a variety of day child care services, including Child Care Centre (CCC) services for children aged from birth to under three, After School Care Programme and Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project (NSCCP). To strengthen support for working families in childbearing, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) is setting up 11 aided standalone CCCs in phases over the three years starting from 2024, doubling the total number of service places to reach around 2 000. The SWD is also extending the After School Care Programme for pre-primary children to cover all districts in phases, and increasing the number of service places under the NSCCP to 2 500 with the estimated number of beneficiaries increasing to 25 000. The Government has also launched the School-based After School Care Service Scheme to provide focused support for students in need (particularly those from single-parent families) to stay in school after school hours for care and learning support, thereby allowing their parents to take up jobs. Over 120 primary schools covering 18 districts across the territory participated in the scheme in the 2024/25 school year, providing about 6 000 places. We will encourage more schools to participate in the scheme in the 2025/26 school year without imposing any quota. Meanwhile, the Government reviews the Working Family Allowance (WFA) Scheme from time to time. The rates of the household and child allowances under the WFA Scheme have been increased by 15 per cent across the board with effect from April 2024, benefiting all households receiving the WFA. The WFA Scheme provides additional allowances for relevant childbearing families, and increasing the rates of the WFA helps further alleviate the burden of grassroots working families. Taking a four-person household with two eligible children as an example, the maximum monthly WFA they may receive have increased from the original amount of $4,200 to $4,830 at present.

    Hong Kong’s education system values equity and diversity. The government provides 12 years’ free primary and secondary education through public sector schools, and ensures the provision of sufficient public sector school places for students eligible for receiving education in Hong Kong. Regardless of students’ backgrounds, all are given access to quality education. Diversified support mechanisms are in place to cater to individual differences and promote whole-person development. Our competitive edge is clearly reflected in the excellent performance of Hong Kong students in international studies and assessments. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results underscore Hong Kong’s outstanding performance in educational equity. Hong Kong ranked second among countries or economies with high academic achievements, indicating that the family socio-economic status of Hong Kong students, including occupation and education level of their parents, had minimal bearing on their performance. This demonstrates that, under our education system, schools are able to provide ample and appropriate education support services for students with different socio-economic backgrounds. The results reaffirmed the merits of the Hong Kong education system in providing all students with quality and equal education opportunities, thereby facilitating social mobility. Besides, the Government has launched the Kindergarten Education Scheme since the 2017/18 school year with the objectives of providing good quality and highly affordable kindergarten education, and enhancing the accessibility of students to different modes of services that suit their specific needs. About 90 per cent of half-day kindergartens are currently free of charge, while the school fees for whole-day kindergartens are maintained at a low level. Families with financial needs may apply for fee remission under the Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme (KCFRS). At present, parents can receive full level of fee remission under the KCFRS.

         The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has been supporting the work of the Family Council (the Council) in promoting a culture of loving families to the general public through organising different publicity programmes and activities. In October 2024, the HYAB and the Council launched the five-year Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education (the Scheme). With annual funding of $8 million, the Scheme subsidises non-profit-making community projects in promoting family education to meet the needs of different families. For the 2024-25 round of applications, a total of 12 projects have been approved. On the other hand, the Council has been encouraging the wider adoption of more diversified and flexible family-friendly employment practices (FFEPs) in the community. These measures will also help promote a childbearing-friendly environment. Since 2023-24, the Council has been launching promotional videos entitled “Family-friendly Workplace” featuring various FFEPs adopted by local companies with sharings by employers and employees. The FFEPs presented include breastfeeding-friendly arrangements, allowing employees to bring their children to work during summer vacation, work-from-home arrangement and flexible work hours, etc. The Council has also collaborated with the Radio Television Hong Kong to produce radio programmes to promulgate different FFEPs. The Council will continue the relevant promotion work.

         In terms of tax measures, the basic child allowance and the additional child allowance for each child born during the year of assessment (YA) have been raised to $130,000 starting from YA 2023/24. Moreover, starting from YA 2024/25, for taxpayers who live with their children born on or after October 25, 2023, and meet the prescribed conditions, the deduction ceiling for home loan interest or domestic rents may be raised from $100,000 to $120,000 for a maximum of 19 YAs. These measures help alleviate the financial burden of taxpayers from raising children.

         As regards healthcare services, the Government has been committed to supporting assisted reproductive (AR) services and promoting healthy fertility, to assist those who wish to have children. Currently, nine public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) offer assisted reproductive services, among which Queen Mary Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and Kwong Wah Hospital provide in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services. The HA is gradually increasing the publicly subsidised service quotas of assisted reproductive services for IVF treatment starting from 2024-25, from the previous 1 100 per year to 1 800 per year in 2028-29, and in parallel enhancing the training for relevant professionals. Achievement of the relevant target is underway, where the HA provided 100 additional subsidised service quotas in 2024-25 as planned, and 300 more quotas will be in place in 2025-26, followed by an additional service quota of 100 places per year in the three years that follow. In addition, the HA repositioned seven AR drugs from self-financed items to special drugs in the HA Drug Formulary in late April this year, whereby patients are only required to pay standard fees if prescribed these seven drugs under specified clinical applications, reducing the financial burden on patients receiving the relevant AR drug therapies. Aside from public AR services, starting from the year of assessment 2024-25, the Government is providing tax deductions for expenses on AR services under salaries tax and personal assessment, to relieve the financial burden from the relevant expenditure and encourage couples faced with fertility difficulties to seek medical assistance as necessary. In the meantime, the Department of Health will also revamp maternal and child health and family planning services, providing new pre-pregnancy health services to reproductive age group women at the Maternal and Child Health Centres in phases, as well as review and adjust the scope of the subsidised family planning service currently provided by non-government organisations, to promote healthy fertility. Furthermore, the Council on Human Reproductive Technology plans to lift the statutory maximum storage periods of gametes and embryos for own use within this year, to allow the members of the public to make their own decisions on the storage duration of gametes and embryos depending on their health and other conditions, so as to better realise reproductive autonomy.

         In respect of housing, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has implemented the Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme and the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme to encourage childbearing by giving incentives to family applicants of public rental housing (PRH) and subsidised sale flats (SSF) sale exercises. Regarding the allocation of PRH, the HA has implemented the Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme since April 1, 2024. PRH family applications with babies born on or after October 25, 2023, and aged one or below are credited one year of waiting time. As at end-June 2025, about 5 000 PRH applications have been credited one year of waiting time under the scheme, of which about 420 families have already been successfully housed to PRH. As for SSF, starting from the Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2024 (HOS 2024), the HA has implemented the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme which was announced in the 2023 Policy Address. A quota of about 40 per cent of the new flats for sale (i.e. 2 900 flats) under HOS 2024 were set aside for eligible applicants under the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme and the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members for balloting and priority flat selection. Family applicants of HOS with babies born or after October 25, 2023, are eligible if their children are aged three or below on the closing day of the application. During the application period of HOS 2024, the HA received a total of around 106 000 applications. Among them, around 50 000 were family applicants, of which around 19 000 (i.e. about 40 per cent) applied under the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members and Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme. Among these 19 000 applicants, 800 applicants have successfully purchased flats through the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme. If eligible families applying under the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme fail to purchase a flat under HOS 2024, they may still apply under the Scheme for priority flat selection as long as their children are aged three or below on the closing day of the application in subsequent SSF sale exercises.

    (2) Through publicity and promotional activities, the Labour Department (LD) motivates employers to adopt employee-oriented good human resources management measures and implement family-friendly employment practices, including allowing flexible work arrangements, granting special leave approval to cater for family needs of employees and providing relevant support to employees’ family life, etc. Implementing FFEPs enables employees to balance the needs of taking care of their family, and also helps employers recruit and retain staff. Considering the diverse circumstances of enterprises, it is more appropriate to adopt an approach that motivates and encourages enterprises to flexibly implement FFEPs. The LD will continue to take forward relevant work by launching publicity and promotion through various channels, including organising activities on the Good Employer Charter.

    (3) As regards the network of child care services, the SWD is setting up 11 aided standalone CCCs in phases over the three years starting from 2024. The SWD has been continuously reviewing the service planning for CCCs and would consider the overall situations of child care services and the characteristics of individual districts so as to take follow-up measures in a timely manner, including enhancing service promotion, and adjusting the planned provision of CCCs and the distribution of service places, etc., to better meet the service demand of the community.

         Regarding the planning for child care facilities, the Government has incorporated the population-based planning ratios into the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines in respect of aided standalone CCCs, with a view to reserving necessary sites and space for these facilities early in the planning process of new and redeveloped areas. The SWD has been maintaining close contact with relevant departments to identify suitable sites in various development or redevelopment of public housing estates and urban renewal projects for the provision of child care facilities. In addition, the SWD will make the best use of vacant government accommodation/premises and vacant non-domestic premises in public housing estates to explore whether they are suitable for the use of child care facilities. The SWD will also provide relevant information and assistance to private organisations applying for registration to operate CCCs, and encourage private organisations to provide child care support for their employees.

    (4) The Government announced in the 2023 Policy Address that a cash reward of $20,000 will be provided to eligible parents for each baby born from October 25, 2023, for a period of three years. Starting from October 25, 2023, parents can submit an application for the bonus at the same time when registering the birth of their baby and applying for a birth certificate. As of end-June 2025, a total of 49 567 qualified applications have been received, and the bonus has been distributed to 48 984 applicants, at a total amount of approximately $979 million. The Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration is carrying out a review of the Newborn Baby Bonus Scheme. In the review, suggestions which have been raised in the community, including whether to cover families under different talent schemes, will be considered. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Subsidising patients to purchase continuous glucose monitors

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon David Lam and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

         It is learnt that a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small sensor that can be inserted under the skin of the arm or abdomen to continuously measure the blood glucose level. Studies have found that using a CGM helps patients with Type 1 diabetes control their conditions and improve their quality of life, as well as reduce the incidence of serious diabetes-related complications. However, there are views pointing out that CGMs need to be replaced every two weeks, placing a considerable financial burden on low-income patient families. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) as it has been reported that the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital currently only provides a limited number of CGMs to young diabetes patients, while the “Jockey Club Support for Young People with Diabetes” funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club only provides eligible diabetes patients between the ages of 2 and 30 with access to a two-year CGM supply, which fails to meet the long-term needs of the patients, whether the Government knows if the Hospital Authority (HA) will continuously provide young diabetes patients with a full year’s supply of CGMs to cater for their needs; and

    (2) whether it knows if HA will include CGMs in Privately Purchased Medical Items and, through the Samaritan Fund, provide subsidies to diabetes patients in financial need; if HA will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

          Diabetes is one of the common chronic diseases in Hong Kong, with a prevalence of 8.5 per cent among persons aged 15-84 in Hong Kong as indicated in the Population Health Survey 2020-22. Diabetes is mainly classified into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the dysfunction of insulin-producing cells, which may be related to hereditary factors, autoimmune disorders or some environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s resistance to insulin. Apart from hereditary factors, key factors for developing Type 2 diabetes are associated with unhealthy lifestyle, including dietary patterns, obesity or lack of exercise.

          The Hospital Authority (HA) provides diversified services to support various types of diabetic patients, including general out-patient services and specialist out-patient Diabetes Centre services. The general out-patient services serve patients with relatively stable conditions.  

          Meanwhile, the Diabetes Centres deliver comprehensive consultation and treatment services for patients with more complex conditions, overseen by a team of mainly endocrinologists and specialised diabetes nurses. The Centres provide patients with services including diabetes assessment, consultation, treatment, self-management education, metabolic risk assessment, so as to enable early detection of complications and facilitate appropriate management. Doctors will arrange various tests and treatment plans based on individual circumstances of patients.

          In consultation with the HA, the consolidated reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon David Lam is as follows: 

          All diabetic patients require regular monitoring of their blood glucose levels. The traditional monitoring methods include blood tests and checking of blood glucose levels by home-use blood glucose meters. The continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) mentioned in the question raised by Dr the Hon David Lam, which involves sensors inserted under the skin for measurement of blood glucose levels at all times and places, serves as a special monitoring tool for particular patients with clinical needs.

         At present, the HA has guideline in place to provide CGM to individual patients with clinical needs for free in a timely manner, mainly for patients who need to monitor their blood glucose levels frequently so as to adjust their treatment plans, such as those requiring multiple daily insulin injections with unstable blood glucose levels, prone to hypoglycaemia, or suffering from hypoglycaemia unawareness. It includes Type 1 and Type 2 paediatric and adult diabetic patients. By collecting hundreds of glucose readings daily, CGM monitors blood glucose control parameters for these patients with specific clinical needs, including time-in-range, glucose variability and trend graphs. This assists the healthcare team in devising more appropriate treatment plans for patients. Additionally, CGM can improve glucose control and reduce the occurrence of hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients prone to hypoglycaemia or those suffering from hypoglycaemia unawareness.

          Nonetheless, not all diabetic patients have the clinical need for CGM. Furthermore, since the CGM needs to be inserted under the skin and worn for extended periods, some patients may experience discomfort or unease, while skin allergies may even occur in some cases. As CGM measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid, the readings provided may slightly lag behind actual blood glucose level and have certain degree of discrepancy. 

          While providing appropriate treatment to patients, the HA must ensure that the limited public healthcare resources are utilised in a rational and optimal manner. In 2024, there were over 658 000 patients with diabetes receiving care from the HA. On this basis, providing CGM with a two-week service lifespan to all diabetic patients continuously for the whole year would not only cause information overload of blood glucose readings to healthcare personnel, but also entail an additional expenditure of several billion dollars per annum. As with the introduction of new drugs and devices, we have to take into account the cost-effectiveness and feasibility when determining the scope of use for individual monitoring devices.

          The HA will continuously review the coverage of relevant services and technology development and, under the principle of optimising the utilisation of limited public resources, evaluate clinical services guidelines, including the use of different suitable testing methods to monitor the blood glucose levels of patients according to the clinical conditions and the actual needs of diabetic patients, so as to ensure the provision of suitable treatment to all patients with diabetes.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Young inmates excel in exams

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Four young inmates have met the general entrance requirements for local universities in this year’s Diploma of Secondary Education, the Correctional Services Department announced today.

     

    They are among 20 young inmates, from Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI), Pik Uk Correctional Institution, and Lai King Correctional Institution (LKCI), who received their exam results today. They took a total of 100 examination papers and obtained level 2 or above in 92 of them, or 92% of the papers taken.

     

    One candidate at STCI scored the highest 20 marks in five subjects, including level 5* in Chinese Language and 5 in Mathematics as well as obtained an “Attained” in Citizenship & Social Development.

     

    Two candidates at LKCI and STCI also attained remarkable results of 5** and 5* in Mathematics and the extended part of Mathematics (M1) respectively.

     

    The examinations sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Citizenship & Social Development, as well as two electives of Economics and Tourism & Hospitality Studies.

     

    STCI Superintendent Poon Ho-lam highlighted that with unwavering perseverance and diligence, and family support as well as assistance from correctional officers and dedicated guidance from teachers, the young inmates continuously made strides and strived for good results in the exams, which was truly commendable.

     

    Mr Poon called on the public to give rehabilitated people fair opportunities and accept and support their reintegration into society.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 16 July 2025 Departmental update WHO recommends rapid treatment initiation for people living with HIV and mpox

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In the latest update of the clinical management and infection prevention control of mpox guidelines (May 2025) WHO has issued a strong recommendation for the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV who are diagnosed with mpox.

    Mpox disproportionally affects people living with HIV. The infection is more severe with higher rates of mortality and hospitalization in people with advanced HIV disease. 

    This recommendation aligns with WHO’s broader HIV treatment guidance that strongly recommends rapid ART initiation – ideally within seven days of HIV diagnosis, including same-day start – to reduce mortality and achieve viral suppression. While concerns about mpox immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) exist, WHO experts concluded that the benefits of rapid ART initiation outweigh potential risks, especially given the lack of effective mpox-specific treatments.

    The guideline also emphasizes the importance of early HIV testing for all patients presenting with suspected or confirmed mpox. For individuals already on ART with a suppressed viral load, treatment should continue without interruption.

    “We now know people with HIV, particularly those with a CD4 count under 200 cells/mm³, are at risk for severe disease and death from mpox,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes. “Ensuring early access to HIV and syphilis testing and treatment to all people with confirmed or suspected mpox, as well as timely access to mpox vaccines and antivirals, will save lives”.

    This recommendation reflects WHO’s commitment to integrated care and highlights the importance of timely HIV diagnosis and treatment in mitigating severe outcomes in co-infected patients. To strengthen implementation of early testing, WHO has published standard operating procedures for integrated testing, including HIV and syphilis, as part of the mpox response.

    WHO’s diagnostic and treatment guidance provide essential information and tools to optimize health outcomes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: World Population Day Event Held in Beijing

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    n July 11, World Population Day event was held in Beijing. Ms. Guo Yanhong, Vice minister of the National Health Commission of P.R. China, Ms. Nadia Rasheed, the UNFPA Representative to the People’s Republic of China, and Mr. Xu Xinchao, Deputy Secretary-General of the Beijing Municipal Government, attended and delivered speeches.

    The theme for World Population Day 2025 in China is “Happy Marriage and Parenthood, Accompanied by Love and Support”. Ms. Guo Yanhong pointed out that the Chinese government has always cared about the happiness of young people, actively cultivated new types of marriage and childbearing culture and provided support. In 2024, China’s core indicators of maternal and child health ranked at the forefront of middle and high income countries in the world. The coverage of child care services has expanded, the number of child care providers has grown continuously, and inclusive child care services have been of better quality and become more accessible. China will continue to lead the new normal of population development, strive to build a childbirth-friendly society, and support Chinese-style modernization with high-quality population development. It will deepen cooperation with the UNFPA and countries around the world to jointly promote the realization of the Program of Action of the ICPD and United Nations SDGs, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

    Ms. Rasheed expressed gratitude for the long-term cooperation with the National Health Commission and pointed out that it is crucial to listen to the voices of young people and respect their aspirations.

    Officials from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League, the All-China Women’s Federation, relevant departments and directly affiliated institutions of the National Health Commission, and the Beijing Municipal Health Commission attended the event.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Award offers 1M yuan for young scientists’ sustainable research

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    A global award offering up to 1 million yuan ($139,000) in prize money is now accepting applications from scientists under age 45 to compete for recognition of their contributions to sustainable development.

    The 2025 Young Scientist Sustainable Development Goals Award, with an application deadline of July 31, seeks researchers developing solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    Initiated by the World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS), the Wenzhou Growth Foundation for Young Scientists and the Global SDGs and Leadership Development Center, the award aims to recognize young scientists who have made breakthroughs that advance sustainable development.

    The award welcomes applications related to any of eight areas from the United Nations SDGs: SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG13 (Climate Action), SDG14 (Life Below Water), SDG15 (Life on Land), and SDG Interaction (Multiple SDGs).

    Winners will receive 1 million yuan (pre-tax) and access to professional support, including participation in high-level international platforms such as the U.N. Climate Change Conference and the International Renewable Energy Agency Assembly, according to organizers. Additional benefits include support for research applications, talent development, and opportunities to serve as U.N. science communication ambassadors for sustainable development.

    Eligibility is open to individuals of any nationality born on or after Jan. 1, 1980. Applicants must demonstrate notable contributions in fundamental research that advances the SDGs or technological and engineering innovations with demonstrated social or environmental impact. All submissions must adhere to research integrity and Open Science principles.

    Scientists can apply directly or be nominated by a recognized expert or institution. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. (GMT+8) on July 31, 2025.

    According to organizers, the award serves as a global platform for emerging scientific changemakers, connecting innovation with international cooperation to help young researchers elevate their work and drive progress toward a sustainable future.

    For full details and to apply, visit the official website of the 2025 Young Scientist Sustainable Development Goals Award at https://www.ways.science/html/WAYS/en/OurWork/YoungScientistSDGsAward/index.html.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Toys safety

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chow Man-kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

    It has been reported that certain toys (e.g. slime, powerful magnetic beads and toy aqua beads, etc.) pose potential safety hazards. For instance, in 2023, there were 6 000 cases of children seeking emergency medical treatment in the United States (US) due to the inadvertent use of toy aqua beads, and there was even a 10-month-old infant found dead as a result. In Hong Kong, there are also numerous cases in which the unsafe toys have endangered children’s health. Regarding toys safety, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) in each of the past five years, of the number of (i) proactive inspections (both online and offline) conducted by the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) for the purpose of enforcing the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424) (the Ordinance), (ii) reports received and their details (including the names of the substandard toys seized in enforcement actions and their hazardous nature), (iii) prohibition notices served on retailers and wholesalers, and (iv) cases of conviction for contravening the Ordinance and the penalty imposed in each of such cases;

    (2) whether it has compiled statistics, through channels such as schools and the number of visits to accident and emergency departments, on the number of cases involving Hong Kong children suffering from suffocation, acute toxicity and injury due to the inadvertent use of toys in each of the past five years; if so, of the details of each case (including the age of the children involved, the names of toys and whether they have been put on the C&ED’s list concerning “cases of unsafe products” (“the list”), as well as the follow-up actions taken by the C&ED; if not, whether it will consider establishing a notification mechanism to ensure that all the stakeholders (especially parents and teachers) will stay timely informed of toy safety incidents which involve significant social interests and children’s safety;

    (3) given that according to a test report published by the Consumer Council in August 2019, the boron migration of 12 models of slime or putty toys exceeded the recommended upper limit of the European standard, and prolonged exposure to or indirect excessive intake of the substance may result in vomiting or even affect one’s fertility, whether the authorities have prohibited the local sale of relevant toys associated with health risks since the publication of the report; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (4) it is learnt that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission intended to impose more stringent regulation on toy aqua beads last year, and members of the public can still purchase such toy aqua beads and other toys on the list through online or offline channels at present, whether the authorities will consider stepping up the regulation of the safety of relevant products as well as banning local sale of certain toys which have caused fatal accidents overseas; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply

    President,

         The Government attaches great importance to ensuring the safety of toys and children’s products and regulates the safety of toys and children’s products which are manufactured, imported or supplied for local consumption, in accordance with the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (the Ordinance) (Cap. 424).

         The Ordinance stipulates that a person must not manufacture, import or supply a toy unless the toy complies with all the applicable requirements contained in one of the toy standards (which are international standards or standards adopted by major economies) specified in Schedule 1 to the Ordinance. A person who contravenes the above provision is liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for one year and a fine of $100,000 on first conviction and is liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for two years and a fine of $500,000 on subsequent conviction.

         The Government keeps in view any amendments to the relevant safety standards so as to update the standards applicable to the toys and children’s products supplied in Hong Kong.

         Moreover, the Toys and Children’s Products Safety (Additional Safety Standards or Requirements) Regulation (the Regulation) stipulates that a toy supplied in Hong Kong must comply with the requirements including the carrying of identification markings (i.e. the full name and address of the manufacturer, importer or supplier) and the bilingual warnings or cautions (with respect to the safe keeping, use, consumption or disposal) applicable to the toy; and the compliance with the requirements on concentration of phthalates contained in a toy.

         As the enforcement agency of the Ordinance, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) proactively conducts surveillance in the market and online shopping platforms. Having conducted risk assessment, the C&ED will test-purchase different types of toys and children’s products and pass them to the Government Laboratory for safety tests. Besides, the C&ED will conduct investigations into the complaints received and the cases referred from relevant government departments or organisations and take appropriate enforcement actions based on facts and evidence. In addition, the C&ED will actively follow up information about suspected unsafe toys and children’s products obtained from different sources such as media coverage and measures taken by the Mainland or overseas places against certain toys and children’s products; and the news about product safety issued by law enforcement agencies and institutions of product safety outside Hong Kong.

    Having consulted the C&ED, our reply to various parts of the question is as follows:

    (1) From 2020 to 2024, the C&ED received 68 complaints in relation to toys, conducted more than 7 920 surveillance visits or spot checks and investigated 127 cases. During the above period, the C&ED prosecuted individuals or companies involved in 14 cases. All defendants, including eight persons and six companies, were convicted and fined by the court, with the amount ranging from $3,000 to $32,000. The toys involved in these cases were lanterns, glow sticks, heart-shaped fluorescent toys, projectile toys, puzzle toys, expanding bead toys, squeeze toys, magnetic toys, joint mats, bubble toys and microphone toys. Furthermore, the C&ED issued 32 prohibition notices to prohibit related persons from supplying products that were believed to be unsafe for a specified period of time; and issued 94 warning letters. Meanwhile, the C&ED also conducted 45 blitz checks at boundary control points to combat the import of unsafe toys and children’s products into Hong Kong. The relevant figures categorised by year are listed in the table in the Annex.

    (2) Currently, the C&ED did not compile statistics on cases involving children suffering injuries resulting from the use of unsafe toys through channels such as schools or the number of visits to accident and emergency departments. For cases referred by the relevant government departments or organisations, the C&ED will conduct follow-up investigations as and when appropriate.

    All along, the C&ED has attached great importance to disseminating information about toys safety to the public and traders through various channels, including:
     

    • if any toys with safety issues are identified during investigations, a press statement will be published immediately; and after completion of the investigation, the relevant information will be included in the “cases of unsafe products” in the C&ED’s webpage;
    • striving to carry out compliance promotion for traders to assist the traders in understanding the relevant toy safety requirements of the Ordinance; and
    • organising with the Department of Health toys and children’s products safety talks for the public and for students and parents in schools; and distributing pamphlets about the Ordinance, introducing and sharing safety information of toys and children’s products.

         The C&ED has no plan to establish a specific notification mechanism.

    (3) In the testing report published by the Consumer Council in August 2019, the boron migration level in some of the samples of slime or clay toy exceeded the suggested safety limit of the European Standard. Upon receiving the referral, the C&ED immediately conducted surveillance visits in various districts and test-purchased four different brands of slime or clay toy from the market for safety testing. Test results showed that all the samples complied with the safety standards stipulated in the Ordinance. However, the C&ED found that one sample of slime failed to comply with the identification markings and bilingual warnings or cautions requirements and was suspected to be in contravention of the requirements of the Ordinance. Immediate enforcement action was taken against the retailer concerned and a written warning was subsequently issued to the said retailer.

    (4) Under the Ordinance, manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of water-bead toys are required to ensure that their products comply with all the applicable requirements contained in one of the three toy safety standards specified in Schedule 1 to the Ordinance (i.e. the International Standard ISO 8124, the European Standard BS EN 71 and the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM F963).

         The C&ED has noted that the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering more stringent regulations for water-bead toys, although these more stringent regulations have not yet been implemented by law. The Government will continue to closely monitor any new requirements for toys safety standards from law enforcement agencies and institutions of product safety outside Hong Kong, and will revise or update the Schedules to the Ordinance as and when appropriate.

    At present, for water-bead toys suspected to be unsafe, the C&ED has actively conducted inspections and test-purchases in various districts to assess their safety, with a view to ensuring that both imported and locally supplied toys have reached a reasonable standard of safety. From 2020 to 2024, the C&ED conducted 29 inspections or targeted spot checks on water-bead toys, received three complaint cases related to water-bead toys and initiated two investigations. In one case, a person was fined in court for supplying water-bead toys exceeding the expandable limit of the safety standard and without bearing the identification markings and bilingual warnings or cautions. In another case, a written warning was issued to a company supplying water-bead toys without bearing the identification markings and bilingual warnings or cautions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: ‘A Dream Realized’: Mercy Ships Supports First-Of-Its-Kind African Dental Education Symposium

    Source: APO – Report:

    What began as a dream two years ago has now become a reality in Casablanca, Morocco. On July 11 and 12, 2025, representatives from 24 nations across the continent gathered at Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé (UM6SS) for the inaugural African Dental Education Symposium, which culminated in the creation of the groundbreaking African Education Dental Association (AEDA).

    The need for an association of this kind is pressing, as African nations face a critical shortage of dental professionals. According to the World Health Organization, there are just 0.44 dentists per 10,000 people (https://apo-opa.co/46H8Yv2) in Africa, compared to around 7 per 10,000 (https://apo-opa.co/4f0Tgx6) in many high-income countries. Only 84 dental schools operate (https://apo-opa.co/46H8Yv2) across 26 African nations. This contributes to the fact that, as of 2021, around 42% of Africa’s population have untreated oral diseases.

    The symposium, initiated by Professor Ihsane Benyayha, Dean of the UM6SS Dental School, and supported by international surgical charity Mercy Ships, brought together deans and directors from dental schools across Africa. This gathering, and its successful signing of a new association, marks a new chapter in intentional collaboration and innovation in dental education.

    “I think that we, as African leaders, African professors, African dentists, we can do a lot for our countries. We should help each other. I see that we have an American Dental Education Association, and a European one… Why not an African Education Dental Association?” said Professor Benyayha.

    “We’re at a time where it should no longer be acceptable for any country to have one dentist per 1 million people. Now is the time to solve this issue and overcome it. All the stakeholders and leaders we need are in this room. We need to ask ourselves; how can we take the next step?” said Dr. David Ugai, Mercy Ships Country Director for Guinea.

    The African Dental Education Symposium centered around a clear purpose: to catalyze African nations collaborating in new and dynamic ways to train dental professionals, develop sustainable education programs, and strengthen access to dental health throughout the continent.

    Key to fulfilling this mission is the launch of the African Education Dental Association, modeled after similar associations in the United States and Europe. The association will provide African dental educators with a unified voice, a space for sharing best practices, and a clear structure for long-term collaboration.

    “This is the realization of a great dream… This symposium is a necessity because everyone was in their own countries, working in isolation. But thanks to the symposium, we will be able to join forces, combine efforts, and try to share our points of view. Cooperation between African countries will allow the various dental schools in Africa to speak with one voice,” said Professor Mohamed Siddick Fadiga, Head of the Department of the Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry Dental School in Guinea.

    The symposium also featured international leaders, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the American Dental Education Association, and Association for Dental Education in Europe, offering their support as African deans and program directors take the lead in transforming dental education for the next generation.

    As of 2025, Mercy Ships has partnered with UM6SS to support the training of more than 20 dental professionals from Guinea, Benin, and Madagascar in advanced specialization programs. After graduating, these students will return home equipped to teach, mentor, and expand access to dental care in their own communities.

    “This symposium is the first to my knowledge. It’s the first time I’ve seen so many schools come together in one country to discuss the problems of dental education in Africa. So, it’s quite clear that this symposium is part of the history of dental education in Africa, and I hope it’s just the first of more,” said Professor El Hadj Babacar Mbodj, Dean of UCAD Dental School in Senegal.

    Mercy Ships’ partnerships extend far beyond Morocco. Across Africa, long-term collaboration with universities and ministries of health is helping expand infrastructure, enhance clinical training, and equip faculty to strengthen dental healthcare capacity. These efforts currently span the continent, including:

    • In Guinea, Mercy Ships’ ongoing partnership with Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry (UGANC) has revitalized the nation’s dental education opportunities and renovations have more than doubled the school’s training capacity.
    • In Senegal, an upcoming expansion to the dental school at Universite Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar will increase clinical training chairs from 30 to over 70.
    • In Togo, Mercy Ships is helping to build the first simulation and clinical training space at the University of Lomé, which first opened a dental program in 2019.
    • In Benin, Mercy Ships is training future educators to reopen the nation’s only dental school, which closed in 2018 due to a lack of specialty professors and infrastructure.
    • In Burkina Faso, a brand-new partnership will support training faculty development at the country’s growing dental school.
    • In Madagascar, Mercy Ships is sponsoring dentists for specialization to become specialists and future national university professors.
    • In Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, and Liberia, Mercy Ships is sponsoring a student exchange program through Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry that will increase access to dental education and expand the dentist workforce in their respective countries.

    “In the school’s years of existence, we have never thought about the next generation of teachers. But thanks to this partnership with Mercy Ships, we have hope for the survival of the school with the continuity of these young graduates who will return with their diplomas to our country. So, this partnership, for us, is very precious,” shared Professor Jeannot Randrianarivony, Dean of the University of Mahajanga Dental School in Madagascar.

    The African Dental Education Symposium reflects the heart of Mercy Ships’ mission: to bring hope and healing through surgical care and education, training, and advocacy. Events like the symposium offer a glimpse into a sustainable future where nations are equipped, educators are empowered, and communities have access to the care they need.

    – on behalf of Mercy Ships.

    For more information about Mercy Ships, contact:
    Eveline Vanduynhoven
    International PR manager – Special Projects
    Mercy Ships
    international.media@mercyships.org

    ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:
    Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with nations in Africa for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact. 

    Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.  

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) Announces 20th Plenary Assembly in Rwanda

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (https://SECAM.org) is pleased to announce its 20th Plenary Assembly, scheduled to take place from 30 July to 4 August 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.” This Assembly, coinciding with the Jubilee Year, offers a moment of deep ecclesial grace to evaluate the life and mission of the Church in Africa and to set forth a visionary roadmap for the next 25 years (2025–2050).

    A Continental Ecclesial Milestone

    The Plenary Assembly of SECAM is the most important gathering of the Catholic Church in Africa and its Islands. Held every three years, it brings together a significant number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the continent and beyond. This 20th edition is expected to host approximately 250 participants from all 54 African countries and its islands, along with invited dignitaries and Church partners from other continents, making it a truly continental and global ecclesial event. It will serve as a privileged moment of reflection, communion, and decision-making for the life and mission of the Church in Africa.

    The Assembly will be presided over by His Eminence Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM. Building on the mandate of the 19th Plenary Assembly in Accra (July 2022), the Kigali Assembly will evaluate progress in strengthening synodality, institutional autonomy, theological foundations, and regional collaboration across the Church in Africa.

    Advancing a Shared Vision

    Since 2022, SECAM has worked through its Standing Committee and Secretariat to promote greater communion and mission through:

    • Advancing synodality and participation at all levels;
    • Strengthening institutional and financial self-reliance;
    • Enhancing theological reflection and pastoral care;
    • Fostering intercontinental and ecumenical partnerships;
    • Raising Africa’s voice on global issues such as climate change, justice, and peace.

    Addressing Pastoral and Cultural Realities

    One major issue under review will be the pastoral accompaniment of Catholics in polygamous unions, a complex cultural reality in African societies and beyond. SECAM has engaged theologians across the continent to explore this topic theologically and pastorally.

    The Assembly will also feature key presentations, including:

    • A theological reflection on the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace”
    • A draft document entitled: “The Vision of the Church–Family of God in Africa and its Islands: 2025–2050”
    • A pastoral document on “Accompaniment of Persons in Polygamous Situations”

    These will be complemented by plenary discussions, working groups, liturgical celebrations, departmental reports, and a concluding message to the Church and society.

    The Twelve Pillars of the Church’s Future

    Earlier this year, in preparation for the Assembly, SECAM held a high-level seminar in Accra (April 2025) to develop a long-term vision for the African Church. Discussions centered around twelve key pillars:

    1. Evangelization (Catholic education and theological formation)
    2. A self-reliant Church;
    3. Family-based models of leadership;
    4. Missionary discipleship and synodality;
    5. Care for creation;
    6. Youth engagement and ecclesial renewal;
    7. Justice, peace, and integral human development;
    8. Ecumenism and interfaith dialogue;
    9. Digital evangelization;
    10. Health and well-being of God’s people;
    11. Liturgical life in African contexts;
    12. Church and political engagement.

    This strategic vision document will be presented for discussion and possible adoption by the bishops at the Kigali Assembly.

    Engaging Africa’s Socio-Political Challenges

    In keeping with its prophetic mission, SECAM will also assess current political and social dynamics across the regions of Africa, with a focus on:

    • Governance and public leadership;
    • Human rights and social justice;
    • Poverty and debt;
    • Climate and environmental stewardship;
    • Dialogue, peacebuilding, and interreligious relations;
    • Safeguarding and youth protection.

    – on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

    For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
    communications.secam@gmail.com
    www.SECAM.org

    Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Júnior
    Secretary General, SECAM
    Accra, Ghana

    About SECAM:
    Founded in 1969 during Pope St. Paul VI’s historic visit to Africa, SECAM is the continental structure of the Catholic Church in Africa and Madagascar. Its mission is to foster communion, promote evangelization, and be the moral and spiritual voice of the Church across the continent.

    Its key departments include:

    • Commission for Evangelization;
    • Justice, Peace and Development Commission (JPDC);
    • Department of Social Communication.

    In addition, SECAM operates a Liaison Office to the African Union based in Addis Ababa to ensure Church participation in continental policymaking and advocacy.

    SECAM is composed of eight regional episcopal bodies:

    • ACEAC (Central Africa), ACERAC (Central Africa), AHCE (Egypt), AMECEA (Eastern Africa), CEDOI (Indian Ocean), CERNA (North Africa), IMBISA (Southern Africa), RECOWA-CERAO (West Africa).
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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Intl dermatology summit showcases China’s expanding medical leadership

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    More than 150 leading dermatologists from China and worldwide gathered in Shanghai on July 12-13 for the International Medical Derm Summit 2025, highlighting the country’s expanding leadership in global dermatology research and treatment of chronic skin conditions.

    Professor Zhang Jianzhong, chairman of the Chinese Medical Association’s 13th Committee of the Chinese Society of Dermatology, speaks at the International Medical Derm Summit 2025 in Shanghai, July 12, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CAWA] 

    The summit, organized by the Chinese Aging Well Association (CAWA), focused on breakthrough treatments for eczema, alopecia areata and vitiligo, all chronic conditions that severely impact quality of life and require long-term care coordination.

    “This meeting has established a high-level, bidirectional academic exchange platform between East and West, showcasing China’s groundbreaking achievements in eczema registry studies, innovative systemic therapies, and standardized practices,” said Professor Zhang Jianzhong, chairman of the Chinese Medical Association’s 13th Committee of the Chinese Society of Dermatology and director of the Department of Dermatology at Peking University People’s Hospital.

    Zhang added that the summit “offers new approaches to elevating standardized diagnosis, treatment, and full-course management of chronic inflammatory skin diseases — both in China and globally.”

    The two-day summit underscored China’s expanding role in health care innovation by showcasing contributions to international best practices and advancing research that benefits patients worldwide.

    Wen Zhongyi, vice president and secretary-general of the Chinese Aging Well Association, speaks at the International Medical Derm Summit 2025 in Shanghai, July 12, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CAWA] 

    “This summit’s focus on inflammatory skin diseases like eczema is profoundly significant, fully embodying the ‘patient-centered’ philosophy,” said Wen Zhongyi, vice president and secretary-general of CAWA. “We hope that this successful gathering will serve as a pivotal practice in implementing the Healthy China 2030 blueprint, bringing together world-leading dermatology experts, thereby collectively writing a new chapter in skin health.”

    “Pfizer has long partnered with the Chinese dermatology community to drive the discipline forward, and we are delighted to witness China’s accelerated transition from a participant to a source of innovation,” said Felix Cao, chief medical officer of Pfizer China. “We will continue to deepen industry-academic collaboration to advance innovation that benefits more patients.”

    The summit opened with a focused discussion on eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 230 million people globally, including 70 million in China, nearly a third of whom experience moderate to severe symptoms.

    Presentations and case discussions covered complete eczema care — from early diagnosis and targeted treatments to long-term management strategies backed by real-world clinical data. Chinese experts presented updates to China’s 2025 national eczema treatment guidelines, showing a shift from traditional steroid treatments toward personalized, precision treatments that improve patients’ quality of life.

    Explaining this new approach, Professor Zhang emphasized that current eczema treatment focuses on patient outcomes, improving symptom control and emotional well-being.

    Felix Cao, chief medical officer of Pfizer China, speaks at the International Medical Derm Summit 2025 in Shanghai, July 12, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CAWA] 

    The summit highlighted the AHEAD registry, the world’s largest real-world study of JAK1 inhibitors. The Chinese-led study includes 42 clinical sites with more than 1,000 patients, providing evidence to shape treatment standards globally.

    The summit also addressed alopecia and vitiligo, two autoimmune skin conditions affecting physical appearance and emotional well-being, particularly in young patients.

    Alopecia causes sudden and unpredictable hair loss and can occur at any age, but often appears in childhood or adolescence. JAK inhibitors offer a treatment option for the condition, with growing evidence supporting their effectiveness in controlling inflammation and promoting hair regrowth. For vitiligo, which causes white skin patches due to pigment cell loss, experts said effective treatment must address more than just cosmetic concerns.

    The summit underscored the importance of moving beyond one-size-fits-all care for both conditions, emphasizing how personalized, compassionate treatment improves clinical outcomes and patients’ lives.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life Sciences Sector Plan to grow economy and transform NHS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Life Sciences Sector Plan to grow economy and transform NHS

    The government has today (Wednesday 16 July) launched a bold new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy.

    The government has today (Wednesday 16 July) launched a bold new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of the government’s flagship Industrial Strategy, setting out a ten-year mission to harness British science and innovation to deliver long-term economic growth and a stronger, prevention-focused NHS.

    The UK is already a global leader in life sciences, with the sector worth around £100 billion to the economy, and employing around 300,000 people. This plan, developed in close coordination with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, doubles down on that strength – turning cutting-edge research into real-world results: new treatments, faster diagnoses, and more lives saved. It’s about making sure breakthroughs happen here – and stay here – creating jobs, improving lives in every part of the country, and driving growth.

    Life sciences’ critical importance to both driving economic growth and improving our health – 2 of the core elements of the Plan for Change – has been shown through the government’s action to date to support the sector. The Chancellor re-committed up to £520 million for the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund at the Spending Review to pull investment into the UK, and red tape is being slashed to speed up clinical trials, while an up to £600 million investment will deliver a Health Data Research Service that will be unmatched globally – bringing the power of data to bear to unlock breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

    The plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap built around 3 core pillars:

    1. Enabling World-Class R&D – strengthening the UK’s leadership in science and discovery
    2. Making the UK an outstanding place to start, scale and invest – growing homegrown companies and attracting global capital
    3. Driving Health Innovation and NHS Reform – delivering better outcomes for patients and a more modern, preventative healthcare system

    6 bold actions to kickstart change

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan will be supported over the lifetime of the Spending Review by government funding of over £2 billion, alongside funding from UKRI and NIHR. Actions include:

    1. Unlocking NHS data to find new cures

    Up to £600 million investment to build the world’s most advanced health data system – helping scientists develop better treatments faster.

    2. Speeding up clinical trials

    Cutting red tape so patients can join trials sooner – and get access to life-changing medicines quicker.

    3. Backing British manufacturing

    Up to £520 million to invest in life sciences manufacturing projects – creating high-skilled jobs and making more treatments and medical devices here at home.

    4. Getting new treatments to patients faster

    Making regulation simpler and faster by boosting departmental support for the MHRA with additional investment – so doctors can use safe, effective innovations without delay.

    5. Helping doctors use cutting-edge tech

    A new NHS ‘passport’ to roll out proven tools faster – like AI cancer scanners or wearable devices that detect disease early.

    6. Backing brilliant UK firms to grow

    Helping fast-growing companies raise investment, scale up, and stay in the UK – with at least one major industry partnership secured every year.

    Built for delivery

    This Plan was shaped with input from over 250 organisations including doctors, scientists, NHS leaders and industry experts to ensure it delivers real impact. It builds on the strong foundations of the 10-Year Health Plan, extending its ambition by uniting health and growth interventions into a single, coherent strategy for the Life Sciences sector. Every action has clear goals and named leads. This is a Plan designed to deliver, not in isolation but as a vital part of the government’s broader Plan for Change.

    Early momentum 

    The plan builds on the Chancellor’s commitment to reduce regulatory costs by a quarter, with increased investment in the MHRA to accelerate approvals and improve efficiency. It aims to streamline MedTech market entry through closer coordination between the MHRA and NICE.  

    The government is also focused on strengthening the UK’s clinical research infrastructure by improving trial delivery, expanding patient access, and embedding research more effectively within the NHS. 

    We have already started delivering on key actions, from investing up to £600 million in the Health Data Research Service alongside Wellcome, through to committing over £650 million in Genomics England and up to £354 million in Our Future Health, while the rollout of ‘innovator passports’ will help speed up the adoption of new tech and treatments on the NHS. This is clear evidence of our commitment and confidence in life sciences as a driver of both economic growth and better health outcomes. 

    Why life sciences matter

    • Life Sciences is one of 8 priority sectors in the government’s Industrial Strategy – reflecting the sector’s high growth potential.
    • Life sciences companies employ over 300,000 people, with more than three-quarters of jobs outside London and the Southeast, supporting opportunity in every part of the UK.
    • The sector improves economic productivity by improving health. With long-term illness a major drag on workforce participation, better health leads directly to a stronger, more resilient economy.
    • The Life sciences sector attracts record levels of private investment. In 2023, the UK raised the third highest amount of life sciences equity finance in the world, behind only the US and China.
    • It is a UK export powerhouse -medicines and medical technologies were the UK’s third largest goods export by value in 2024.
    • And it is innovation-intensive, with 17% of all UK business R&D spend is in pharmaceuticals, the highest of any sector.
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also revolutionising the Life Sciences sector across research, diagnostics, treatment, and manufacturing, reshaping how we prevent, treat, and manage disease. The potential economic impact is substantial, with McKinsey Global Institute estimating that AI could generate $60–110 billion annually for the pharmaceutical and medical-product industries alone .

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Our world-leading life sciences sector employs hundreds of thousands of people and is a powerhouse for economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets. Our Plan for Change is ramping up this success story even further.

    The ten-year life sciences plan we have released today as part of our Industrial Strategy will cut red tape and deliver the investment we funded at the Spending Review so it can stay ahead of the curve globally and we can reap the economic rewards for years to come.

    Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    The life sciences sector is one of the crown jewels of the UK economy. It sits at the heart of both our Plan for Change, and our Modern Industrial strategy, as a unique catalyst for both economic prosperity, and better health outcomes for people across the UK.

    Moving in lockstep with industry, academia and our NHS, we will unleash this sector as a force for good and for growth. The suite of measures we’re announcing today will unlock its full potential — attracting global investment, accelerating innovation, and delivering breakthroughs that will make the UK healthier, wealthier, and even more open for business.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’re committed to making the UK a life sciences superpower, and our modern Industrial Strategy has earmarked it as one of 8 priority sectors so it can double down on our strengths and keep us at the cutting edge of innovation.

    This government is taking the bold action needed to help this £108 billion industry flourish and create new high-skilled, well-paid jobs right across the country, making our Plan for Change a reality.

    Health Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This Life Sciences Sector Plan represents a pivotal moment in our mission to rebuild the NHS and shift our healthcare system from one that treats illness to one that prevents it.

    By bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS, we’re not just improving healthcare outcomes – we’re building a stronger economy and creating jobs across the country.

    The £2 billion investment will help us make the most of our world-leading health data, speed up access to innovative treatments, and transform the experience of patients. This is how we deliver a health service fit for the future – by embracing innovation that saves lives, cuts waiting times, and makes the NHS sustainable for generations to come.

    The plan comes just days on the same day as the fourth “Made in the UK, Sold to the World” Roadshow, a government-led initiative designed to boost SME exports in the Life Sciences sector.

    The roadshow focuses on the 8 sectors highlighted in the modern industrial strategy, forming part of the government’s commitment to supporting high-growth industries with the greatest potential to create jobs, increase productivity, and drive long-term economic growth.

    Support for the Life Sciences Sector Plan

    Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Ellison Institute of Technology and UK Government Life Sciences Champion said: 

    With our world-leading science base, genomics capabilities and industrial heritage, our Life Sciences sector can truly be among the best globally, ensuring the UK is developing and benefiting from the technologies of the future. We must however move past high level ambitions. This plan, with an inbuilt, relentless focus on delivery, provides the vehicle to take us there.

    Deepak Nath, CEO of Smith+Nephew, said:  

    Smith+Nephew welcomes the publication of the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and its clear recognition of the critical role that medical technology plays in building a sustainable, high-performing NHS.  

    We are encouraged by the plan’s focus on the full life cycle of medical technologies – from research and development, and manufacturing, through to regulation, evaluation and adoption – and by the continued engagement with industry throughout its development.  We look forward to supporting the plan’s implementation.

    Dr Tony Wood, Chief Scientific Officer, GSK, said: 

    We welcome the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan – in particular, the reforms to incentivise more UK clinical trials, establish a new Health Data Research Service and create a network of translational labs and clinics to accelerate drug discovery and development. These changes can bring unique competitive advantage to the country and make the UK a leader in future life sciences research.

    Tim Sheppard, SVP & GM, North Europe, IQVIA, said:

    IQVIA welcomes the Life Sciences Sector Plan and its bold ambition to realise  more investment in commercial R&D than any other country in Europe by 2030.

    Human data science and AI technology underpin our global leadership in commercial clinical research, we recognise the potential in the Plan for the Health Data Research Service to be a catalyst in the UK Government’s  commitment to create the  world’s most advanced and secure health data platform, enhancing the UK’s attractiveness for global trials and AI investment.

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan will strengthen IQVIA’s ability to offer its global life sciences sponsors a seamless and efficient development pathway from early phase trials to regulatory approval and enhance patient access to innovative treatments – improving patients’ lives and driving further economic growth in the UK.

    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: 

    The Liverpool City Region has a proud history of innovation and is fast becoming recognised as a powerhouse in health and life sciences – from pioneering infection and disease control to cutting-edge manufacturing.  

    This plan is a welcome step towards unlocking the sector’s full potential, and I’m confident our region will play a central role in delivering that ambition. With our world-leading assets in biomanufacturing, digital health and infectious disease research, we’re already demonstrating how innovation in our region can improve lives, create highly skilled jobs, and attract global investment. Backed by the right partnerships and investment, we can help cement the UK’s place as a global leader in life sciences.

    Lord Ara Darzi, Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery, Imperial College London, Consultant Surgeon, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Independent Member of the House of Lords said: 

    This plan is a detailed blueprint for implementation. It marks a profound change not just in how we go about enabling discovery but also in the way we deliver it. It sets the United Kingdom up to lead not just in trialling innovation but in making such innovations have real world impact for the benefit for patients, the National Health Service, and economic growth.

    Dr. Vin Diwakar, Clinical Transformation Director at NHS England, said:

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan is a major step forward, accelerating patient access to the latest health innovations through better industry partnerships, solidifying the NHS’s role in economic growth. Through initiatives like the Health Data Research Service and ‘innovator passports,’ we’re unlocking data’s potential for cures and fast-tracking proven health technologies, ultimately transforming patient care and making the NHS fit for the future.

    Peter Ellingworth, Chief Executive of the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) said:  

    ABHI welcomes the publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan. Developed with meaningful engagement from the HealthTech industry, it recognises the critical role that HealthTech will play in driving innovation and supporting the NHS to deliver the reforms needed to ensure its long-term sustainability. We are particularly encouraged by the commitments to regulatory reform, investment in research infrastructure, and measures to accelerate the adoption of innovation. To succeed, this strategy must be delivered in genuine partnership with industry and the NHS, and focused on removing the persistent barriers that prevent patients from benefiting from the best technologies. ABHI and our members are committed to playing an active role in translating these ambitions into tangible improvements for patients, the NHS and the economy.

    Paul Tredwell, Executive Vice President of Accord Healthcare said: 

    It is very encouraging to see a Life Sciences Sector Plan which for the first time recognises the immense contribution of the off-patent industry, a sector which provides around 80% of all the UK’s medicines. As one of the largest manufacturers supplying medicines to the NHS, and a company currently applying to the government’s LSIMF scheme, we welcome this Sector Plan as a positive step and look forward to working with government on policies that will support future growth and investment.

    Nicola Perrin MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) said: 

    We’re pleased to see life sciences recognised as a priority sector for the UK. This is a triple win for the economy, for the NHS and for patients. It will benefit people across the country and unlock new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. 

    We welcome the positioning of research at the heart of the Life Sciences Sector Plan, from the earliest stages of discovery science and beyond. We also welcome the focus on ensuring that the NHS embraces new discoveries and innovations – these will only have an impact if they get to patients quickly and effectively.  

    It’s reassuring to see a clear focus on implementation and accountability in the plan. This will help to ensure urgent action and real change. Medical research charities must be key delivery partners – they support R&D that focuses on patients, addresses areas of unmet need and accelerates impact.

    Dr Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Innovation at Asthma + Lung UK, says:    

    We are pleased to see the Life Sciences Sector Plan setting out an array of opportunities for action to accelerate the growth of the UK’s respiratory research and innovation sector.   

    There has been too little scientific progress for people living with lung conditions – the third biggest killer in the UK. This plan for investment, with its focus on innovation and access to health data for research, could help drive desperately needed improvements to the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease, which affects 1 in 5 people in the UK.  

    With effective implementation, this plan could lead to research investment that will save lives and significantly reduce the number of preventable A&E visits due to asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations. Furthermore, it has scope to increase the growth of the life sciences sector and will benefit the UK economy by cutting days lost to sickness.

    Louis Taylor CBE, CEO of the British Business Bank, said:  

    In the UK, we are very good at starting high-potential companies and creating breakthrough innovation, but what’s often lacking is the capital to scale these startups. The British Business Bank has been at the heart of growing the UK innovation economy for the last ten years. Today, the Bank is the largest investor in UK venture and venture growth capital funds and the most active late-stage investor in life sciences and deeptech. We welcome today’s Life Sciences Sector Plan and will continue to support the growth of this critical sector.

    Mike Fairbourn, Vice President & General Manager, UK & Ireland for Becton Dickinson said: 

    Becton Dickinson welcomes the UK government’s publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan. The plan’s focus on accelerating regulatory approvals, streamlining procurement pathways and investing in innovative manufacturing underscores the crucial role of medical technology in driving better health outcomes and economic growth. We strongly support these commitments and stand ready to work hand-in-hand with government, the NHS and regulators to deliver on these ambitions. Together, we can unlock the full potential of the UK’s medical technology industry to bolster the UK life sciences sector and the wider economy, and to benefit patients across the country.

    Dr Daniel Mahony, Chair of the UK BioIndustry Association said:  

    Making the UK an outstanding place in which to start, grow, scale and invest in life science companies is key to driving UK economic growth.  The life science sector plan is right to focus on getting substantially more public and private investment in early-stage companies, improved access to data, trials and skills to help companies grow, and more streamlined regulation and market access pathways to get innovative medicines to NHS patients. We particularly welcome the focus on unlocking pension funds to increase investment in scaling life science companies. In this parliament, the UK has the opportunity to create a truly-world leading life sciences ecosystem that works for start-ups, scale-ups and established global companies alike.

    Dr Kevin Lee, CEO of Bicycle Therapeutics said:  

    Bicycle Therapeutics welcomes the government’s vision to make the UK a Life Sciences superpower as part of its bold and ambitious Industrial Strategy. We support the strategy’s aspiration to accelerate the growth of UK companies by encouraging investment in the sector, simplifying the regulatory environment, and leveraging the UK’s unique healthcare ecosystem to innovate in clinical trial design. At Bicycle, we view this plan as an opportunity to support the advancement of our work to unlock the potential of our Nobel prize-winning science and create new medicines for a wide variety of diseases, starting with cancer. We are excited by the prospect of working in an ever more innovative and productive sector that will see British scientific breakthroughs transform the lives of patients across the globe.

    Professor Sir Rory Collins, Principal Investigator and Chief Executive of UK Biobank, said: 

    The Life Sciences Sector Plan shows how, with long-term thinking, the UK can build on its many world-leading institutions and facilities to deliver a world-class base for science. UK Biobank is living proof of the value of long-term thinking and the impact it can have on life sciences, with projects like our recent decade-long work scanning 100,000 volunteers that is transforming health research and helping the NHS. 

    The UK government continually supports UK Biobank as shown by its £20 million investment for our project to measure proteins in the blood of our half a million volunteers. This investment is helping generate the world’s most comprehensive health data and, by making it so accessible, we’re effectively able to crowdsource the minds of the planet’s greatest experts. That accessibility is why philanthropists and industry from around the world keep amplifying the government’s investment, leading to more data that drives even more research.

    Professor Ugur Sahin, Managing Director, CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech said:  

    We believe that innovative treatments reach patients faster when sectors collaborate towards a common goal. The renewed Life Sciences Plan reflects this spirit and has the potential to transform medicine through real progress in cancer care and beyond – both in the UK and globally.

    Helen Dent, CEO of British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA) said: 

    This plan reflects the government’s understanding of the challenges facing the life sciences industry and their commitment to driving investment, growth, and innovation across the sector. 

    Pledges which reduce the cost and streamline the adoption of diagnostics, MedTech and genomics are hugely welcome, as are measures to introduce low-friction procurement and contracting mechanisms. 

    Ultimately, success will depend upon continued collaboration between government, industry, and the healthcare system to ensure its ambition is matched by delivery. BIVDA looks forward to supporting this process and bolstering the UK’s position as a world-leader in life sciences.

    Hyoungki Kim, CEO and Vice Chairman of Celltrion, said: 

    As a South-Korea based company with a global outlook, we are committed to adapting to the long-term dynamics of the markets we serve. The UK is a key supply destination for us, and we remain committed to supporting the NHS through the increased availability of biosimilar medicines in the coming years. The UK is an important supply destination for us, and we are planning substantial investments to expand our biosimilar medicine supply in the coming years. We therefore welcome the recognition in the life sciences plan that biosimilars are a critical means of delivering value to the NHS and, importantly, expanding patient access. This acknowledgement reinforces our confidence in prioritising the UK as a central focus of our global efforts.

    Massimiliano Collela, Chief Executive Officer of CMR Surgical, said: 

    We are grateful to the government for their support of leading UK Tech and Life Sciences scale-ups like CMR Surgical through the government’s Industrial Strategy, the 10 Year Health Plan and the Life Sciences Sector Plan.  With the government’s support, the UK innovation sector continues to flourish.

    Lars Petersen, President & Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, said: 

    FUJIFILM Biotechnologies warmly welcomes the UK government doubling down on its commitment to life sciences with this timely and ambitious new Sector Plan. 

    The UK has long been a global powerhouse in life sciences R&D – but what truly excites me about this plan is its potential to supercharge the life sciences ecosystem. By combining world-class discovery, cutting-edge development, and advanced manufacturing under one cohesive vision, the UK is positioning itself to not just lead in innovation but ensure the entire life sciences value chain flourishes. 

    I’m especially pleased to see the critical role of innovative medicines manufacturers, like FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, recognised as essential to the UK’s future growth. This isn’t just about planning; it’s a clear roadmap to unlocking our potential to fuel economic growth, spark groundbreaking innovation, and improve patient outcomes across the board. 

    The government’s pledge of £520 million in grants to expand the UK’s medicines manufacturing sector can also be a game-changer. Remaining globally competitive requires action, and this is exactly the kind of commitment needed to kickstart a new era for the UK’s life sciences. Combined with ongoing private-sector investment and the support of an empowered Life Sciences Sector Council, we’re looking at the foundation of a win-win scenario for government, business, patients, and innovators alike. 

    As one of the UK’s largest investors in innovative medicines manufacturing, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies stands ready to seize this opportunity. We look forward to helping turn this vision into a reality and build a stronger, more sustainable future for life sciences in the UK.

    Richard Stubbs, Chair of the Health Innovation Network said:  

    The UK is now in a race to the top to become a global powerhouse for the life sciences sector. To achieve this, we will need to go further to find, test and implement health innovations at pace and at scale. It is right that place-based innovation capacity and capabilities have been identified in the Life Science Sector Plan as a key enabler for the sector. 

    The Health Innovation Network is proud of the impact that we deliver with our partners in the NHS, academia and industry – from SMEs to multinationals – to improve patient outcomes, release capacity in the NHS to cut waiting lists and to drive economic growth, all priorities that are rightly recognised in this plan. The contribution the life sciences sector has to improve the health and wealth of the country is more evident now than ever. Through working locally with our vibrant life science sector, our health innovators, and our NHS staff we will deliver real change on the ground that has a national impact, and that supports the bold ambitions set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan.

    Yamin Mohammed Khan, CEO of hVIVO said: 

    We were pleased to establish a working partnership with the Office for Life Sciences in support of their sector plan. The UK has a remarkable and longstanding legacy in life sciences, something which we at hVIVO are proud to be a part of as the world leading provider of human challenge trials. The UK has a proven track record of innovation that continues to thrive. As a global pillar in health research and life sciences, the UK plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare and scientific advancement. We’re excited to see how this 10-year plan unfolds, helping the UK maintain its global reputation and further strengthen its leadership in the life sciences sector.

    Mark Robinson, Vice President and General Manager, UK and Ireland, and North Europe at Illumina, said: 

    Illumina strongly supports the UK government’s ambition, outlined in the Life Sciences Sector Plan, for genomics to contribute to half of all healthcare interventions by 2035. The plan’s focus on integrated health data, streamlined clinical trials, and expanded genomic infrastructure aligns with Illumina’s mission to unlock the power of the genome to improve human health for all. Illumina’s longstanding partnerships in the UK have played a key role in advancing our understanding of the genome, and we look forward to continuing these collaborations to support the UK’s leadership in global genomic research and innovation.

    Dr Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK said: 

    The Life Science Sector Plan positions innovation as a critical engine with the potential to power breakthroughs, drive economic growth and transform lives. The plan sets out how we will unlock the full potential of UK life sciences by backing the businesses, researchers and technologies shaping the future of healthcare and delivering real societal impact.  Innovate UK look forward to being part of bringing this plan to life.

    David Marante, Vice President UK and Ireland at Intuitive, said: 

    We know how important equity of access to innovation is to improve patient care in the NHS.  For the last 2 decades we’ve worked together with NHS Trusts in England to implement da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery programmes, harnessing our innovations to help enhance patient and care team experience, and reduce waiting lists through increased productivity to ultimately improve patient outcomes. 

    With health innovation as a key pillar of the government’s vision for the UK’s Life Sciences sector, we’re excited to continue supporting NHS care teams to improve equity of access to minimally invasive care with da Vinci RAS, enabling patients to get back to what matters most.

    Mark Samuels, Chief Executive of Medicines UK, said:   

    Generics and biosimilars account for 4 in every 5 NHS prescriptions, making them a cornerstone of patient care and an essential part of the UK’s life sciences ecosystem. We welcome this plan’s recognition of their vital role.   

    The off-patent sector operates in a highly competitive global environment. To maintain supply and attract sustained investment, the UK must offer a policy and operating landscape that is both supportive and internationally attractive.   

    We are encouraged by the strategy’s ambition and clarity – particularly its objective to make the UK a world leader in the adoption of off-patent medicines, with a strong emphasis on biosimilars.

    A thriving off-patent sector delivers access and value for the NHS and forms the foundation for future pharmaceutical innovation and investment. We look forward to working with Government to deliver on this important agenda.

    Lawrence Tallon, Chief Executive of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said:  

    I welcome the publication of the Life Sciences Sector Plan and fully support its ambition to make the UK a global leader in life sciences and a country where innovation delivers for everyone. 

    It’s great to see the MHRA is recognised as a pivotal partner in delivering the plan’s vision – by supporting innovation, protecting public health, and making the UK a global destination for innovators to research, develop and launch cutting-edge medical products. 

    Working with our partners across the sector, we will continue to enable safe and effective innovation that benefits patients, the public, and the economy.

    Kit Erlebach, Chairperson of the UK’s Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) and Senior Director, Engineering at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies UK said: 

    The UK government’s new Life Sciences Sector Plan signals a clear and ambitious commitment to the future of life sciences in the UK. This plan provides a unique opportunity to build upon our nation’s strengths in research, development, and manufacturing, creating a fully connected and world-leading life sciences ecosystem, with innovative large and small medicines producers. 

    By articulating a clear vision for medicines manufacturing alongside discovery and development, the UK is laying the foundation for a thriving sector that benefits patients, drives innovation, and delivers economic growth. The focus on medicines manufacturing as a key component of this strategy is vital, providing the necessary support to strengthen the UK’s position on the global stage. 

    The allocation of £520 million in grants for expanding medicines manufacturing capabilities demonstrates the government’s dedication to fostering a competitive and sustainable industry. Combined with continued private-sector investment and collaboration across the sector, this targeted support will create new opportunities for innovation, employment, and improved health outcomes. 

    The Medicines Manufacturing Industry Partnership (MMIP) is proud to have contributed to support the development of this Sector Plan. In a rapidly changing international context, today’s announcement is a key step on the journey to enhance the UK’s international competitiveness. We are committed to working with Government to drive implementation of this plan, and the other necessary steps set out in the MMIP’s 10-year vision to deliver on our shared ambition.

    Darius Hughes, UK General Manager for Moderna, said:   

    Moderna welcomes the UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan as a bold and timely commitment to strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in healthcare innovation and adoption.   

    Through our strategic partnership, we’ve invested in UK-based mRNA R&D and manufacturing, because we believe in the UK’s ability to turn scientific excellence into real-world impact.   

    This Plan gets the fundamentals right — from smarter regulation to investing in talent and unlocking the potential of health data — and we look forward to continuing our work together to deliver meaningful outcomes for patients, the NHS, and the economy.

    Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council, said: 

    The new Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out a bold vision to transform how one of the UK’s most dynamic and globally competitive sectors delivers for our economy and for people around the world. 

    The Medical Research Council is committed to playing a central role in realising this vision by accelerating the translation of curiosity-driven research into innovations that support disease prevention, earlier diagnosis and better treatments. 

    In partnership with researchers, charities and industry, we will help more people live healthier, more productive lives, and attract further investment to strengthen the UK’s life sciences sector.

    Matthew Taylor CBE, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 

    Health leaders will welcome the publication of the life sciences sector plan which will play a crucial role in building an NHS that’s fit for the future. Having a thriving UK life sciences and innovation sector is key to ensuring patients get access to the treatments and innovations they need and at the best value to the health system.  

    For the government’s NHS reforms to succeed a successful life sciences programme is key, and the sector benefits from using the NHS as a testbed and delivery partner for new innovations. We look forward to working with the Office of Life Sciences, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to ensure the views of health system leaders are reflected in the implementation of the plan so that it can deliver for both the health system and life sciences sector.

    Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), said: 

    We warmly welcome the publication of the government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan, which sets out how NICE will ensure patients get faster, fairer access to transformative new medicines and life-changing healthtech, while supporting a thriving life sciences industry in the UK.  

    This comprehensive plan establishes a clear vision for how NICE, the NHS, and industry can collaborate to truly transform people’s lives through better, more equitable access to innovation. At NICE, we are committed to playing our part in ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of life sciences innovation while delivering a sustainable and effective health service for all.

    Ros Deegan, CEO of OMass Therapeutics, said:  

    The new Life Sciences Sector Plan outlines ambitions that fit the UK’s world-leading capabilities and should help small and medium sized Life Sciences businesses scale, grow and keep innovation within the UK. As a growing biotechnology company with products approaching the clinic, we are encouraged to see actions designed to cut clinical trial approval times and improve access to capital – 2 critical factors that will benefit the sector and the wider economy.

    Dr. Lucinda Crabtree, Chief Financial Officer of Oxford Biomedica, said: 

    The UK government’s Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out a clear commitment to making the UK a global hub for health innovation. At OXB, we have experienced first-hand how targeted government support — including funding from Innovate UK — can help unlock growth and build globally competitive capabilities. The plan’s focus on accelerating clinical trial processes, streamlining regulatory pathways, and investing in manufacturing, genomics, and health data infrastructure will support innovation and improve access to breakthrough treatments. These initiatives are vital to establishing the UK as a key market to scale life sciences businesses, attract investment and world-class talent, and drive long term economic growth.

    Gordon Sanghera CBE, CEO and Co-founder of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, said: 

    The UK’s ambition to further expand the integration of genomic and molecular data into health systems and the economy – at scale – is exactly the kind of bold infrastructure investment that can improve lives and drive economic growth. In that system, being able to move quickly from innovation to implementation is essential to translating UK science into global health and economic impact.

    Roland Sinker CBE, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:  

    As I outlined in the Innovation Ecosystem Programme report, there is a significant opportunity to deliver meaningful benefits to the NHS and patients through innovations developed by UK life sciences companies. I fully support the Life Sciences Sector Plan and its clear commitments to advancing research, enabling UK life sciences to thrive, and accelerating health innovation. These actions are essential to ensuring that NHS staff and patients are among the first to benefit from the latest breakthroughs.

    Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz said:  

    We welcome the government’s commitment to becoming a world leader in the uptake of off-patent medicines. The target of £1 billion of savings from biosimilars is both realistic and achievable. Increasing their use will unlock greater worker productivity and increase the health of the UK population – a major contribution to the government’s growth imperative. As a committed partner to the NHS and government, Sandoz will dedicate resources and expertise to realise the goals for the off-patent sector within the Life Sciences Strategy.

    Neil Daly, CEO and Founder of Skin Analytics, said: 

    We welcome the clear action plan in the Life Sciences Sector Plan for streamlining and speeding up the adoption of proven healthcare technologies and feel the plan will make a meaningful difference to UK health innovators. In skin cancer, this means that the NHS can move much more swiftly to establish appropriately regulated autonomous AI triage as standard practice for all patients. This will find more cancers, free up clinician time and save taxpayers’ money.

    Dr Michael Spence, University College London President and Provost said: 

    Universities will be at the heart of making the UK the leading life sciences economy in Europe. With its backing for world-class research and clinical trials, the Life Sciences Sector Plan will help us achieve even more. 

    London is a global centre for innovation, with Euston already a leading area for life sciences where world-class universities, healthcare, and life science companies come together. With new investments in Oriel at St Pancras Way with Moorfields Eye Hospital, and a state-of-the art neuroscience facility at Grays Inn Road, UCL is at the heart of making the area a global leader. The new Life Science Hub at Euston station is a step towards realising the huge potential in this area and achieving the government’s ambitions 

    John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of Wellcome, said: 

    The ambition set out in the Life Sciences Sector Plan is hugely welcome. Life sciences are a historic strength of the UK, and this strategic vision is important to cement the country’s advantage in the future. The plan’s emphasis on the importance of early-stage research is particularly shrewd. Basic discovery science underpins later health breakthroughs and clinical trials, making it the essential bedrock for a thriving research economy.  

    The focus on speeding up trials and on data infrastructure for research will not only lead to real impact for patients but also strengthen the UK’s attractiveness to innovative researchers and businesses.  

    If the level of ambition in the plan is matched by meaningful action and investment, the UK will be well on its way to securing its place as a global life sciences leader.

    Notes to editors

    The full collection of Industrial Strategy sector plans can be found here.

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    Published 16 July 2025

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    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From June 23 to 27, 2025, the III All-Russian School-Conference on Medicinal Chemistry for Young Scientists was held at the Interuniversity Student Campus of the Eurasian Scientific and Educational Center in Ufa. This year, the event was held for the first time with international participation and brought together more than 100 participants from different regions of Russia and the Republic of Belarus.

    The event was organized by the Ufa Institute of Chemistry of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Bashkir State Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health, the N.N. Vorozhtsov Research Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies (IMMT) NSU and the Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Sciences on Medicinal Chemistry.

    The event is held every two years. The first school on medicinal chemistry was organized in 2021 at the N.N. Vorozhtsov Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The main objective of the event was to familiarize young Russian scientists, postgraduates and students with modern methods and approaches used in medicinal chemistry. The second school on medicinal chemistry was held in 2023 at St. Petersburg State University as part of the All-Russian Conference with International Participation “Ideas and Legacy of A.E. Favorsky in Organic Chemistry” with the support of the St. Petersburg Branch of the D.I. Mendeleyev Russian Chemical Society. This year, the hosts of the youth school were researchers from Ufa.

    Medicinal chemistry is an interdisciplinary field that covers the development and synthesis of new medicinal compounds, the study of their metabolism and action at the molecular level. These were the topics that the intensive five-day program of the school was devoted to. Participants were treated to plenary lectures, flash reports, master classes on chromatography, molecular modeling, critical thinking and vaccinology, as well as excursions and the Sabantuy of Young Scientists. As one of the organizers, Egor Mustaev, noted, the flash report format was a key innovation this year:

    — This format gave each participant the opportunity not only to present their work, but also to gain important experience in public speaking. In addition to the reports, the school became a platform for live communication and exchange of experience between young researchers and leading scientists from Russia and Belarus, — said Egor.

    Several experts from NSU presented reports at the school-conference. Thus, the following delivered plenary lectures:

    — Head of the Department of Medical Chemistry of the Institute of Medical and Medical Technologies of NSU, Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Nariman Faridovich Salakhutdinov; topic of the speech: “Natural Compounds in the Creation of New Drugs in Medicine”;

    — Associate Professor of the Department of Medical Chemistry, Doctor of Chemical Sciences Olga Ivanovna Yarovaya; lecture topic: “Bird Flu: An RNA Virus with Pandemic Ambitions.”

    The keynote report on the topic “HPLC-MS methods in the development and preclinical studies of new drugs” was presented by Artem Dmitrievich Rogachev, PhD, senior researcher at the Laboratory of Molecular Pathology at the Institute of Medical and Technical Technologies of NSU.

    Young scientists – students also presented flash reports. Faculty of Natural Sciences of NSU.

    Among the participants of the school was Serafim Tishchenko, a young researcher from Novosibirsk, representing the Laboratory of Functional Analysis of Viruses (LFAV) of the Research Institute of Organic Chemistry:

    — I attended lectures and master classes, especially the practical course on molecular docking. Everything was very interesting and useful. I presented work on the development of antiviral drugs against orthopoxviruses and the RS virus. Now I am preparing to enter graduate school at NSU, — Seraphim shared his plans.

    The school’s distinctive feature remains its emblem – a laboratory mouse, which this year received an updated look and became the star of photo zones and souvenirs.

    The School and Conference on Medicinal Chemistry continues to strengthen its position as a key platform for young scientists involved in the development of new drugs. Thanks to a careful approach to the program, an open format and rich communication, it becomes not only an educational but also an inspiring event in the scientific community.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SETAF-AF highlights 173rd Airborne Brigade innovation at LANDEURO 2025

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drone-based blood resupply as part of the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) during Swift Response 2025 at Pabrade Training Area, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The Flying Basket drone delivers simulated blood to field care locations, enhancing survivability and speed in austere conditions. The exercise validates forward medical operations in a realistic, multinational environment, tactical medical evacuation, and damage control surgery from Role 3 to Role 1.

    U.S. units participating include the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD), 519th Field Hospital, 68th Theater Medical Command, and the 7384th Blood Detachment. NATO Role 2 Enhanced medical teams and Lithuanian Armed Forces medics conduct joint trauma lanes and mass casualty drills, building interoperability and combat medical readiness across the Alliance.

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jose Lora) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Jose Lora)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    2 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    3 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    4 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    5 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    6 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, alongside multinational medical teams, integrated drones-based blood resupply during the multinational Hospital Exercise (HOSPEX) as part of Swift Response 2025, at camp Adrian Rohn, Pabrade, Lithuania, May 15, 2025.

    The exercise marked a first for the brigade, using the TRV-150 drone and the Flying Basket drone to deliver simulated blood to field care locations. The goal: enhance survivability and speed in austere, contested environments where traditional medical resupply is high-risk.

    Demonstrating global deterrence and the U.S. Army’s ability to rapidly deploy U.S.-based combat power in Europe alongside Allies and partners, DEFENDER 25 brings U.S. troops together with forces from 29 Allied and partner nations to build readiness through large-scale combat training from May 11-June 24, 2025. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photos by Elena Baladelli) (Photo Credit: Elena Baladelli)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    7 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. Jacob Rosencrantz, right, and Sgt. 1st Class Elio Sauceda, paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, prime, or arm, a brazier charge with a M17A1 receiver and power on a first-person view (FPV) drone during exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25), at Ben Ghilouf Training Area, Tunisia, April 27, 2025. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Mariah Y. Gonzalez) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Mariah Gonzalez) VIEW ORIGINAL
    8 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and soldiers assigned to the 414th Contracting Support Brigade gathered for a visit to the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s FPV Drone Lab at Caserma Del Din, Italy, May 6, 2025. The visit showcased the lab’s latest capabilities and innovations in first-person view (FPV) drone technology.

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joskanny Lua) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Joskanny Lua)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    9 / 9 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade and soldiers assigned to the 414th Contracting Support Brigade gathered for a visit to the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s FPV Drone Lab at Caserma Del Din, Italy, May 6, 2025. The visit showcased the lab’s latest capabilities and innovations in first-person view (FPV) drone technology.

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joskanny Lua) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Joskanny Lua)

    VIEW ORIGINAL

    Back to

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)

    VICENZA, Italy – Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s Bayonet Innovation Team (BIT) are set to participate in the inaugural LANDEURO Symposium and Exposition, taking place July 16–17 in Wiesbaden, Germany, to showcase tactical innovation and allied collaboration.

    Hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), LANDEURO is the leading international symposium dedicated to land forces in Europe. The event will convene senior military leaders from across the U.S., Ukraine and European partner nations to address emerging threats, regional cooperation and transformational warfighting capabilities.

    This year’s theme is “Transforming with Allies for the Future Fight,” which reflects a shared commitment to preparing for the next battlefield.

    The BIT will be present to discuss its collaborative efforts with units such as the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) and the 56th Artillery Command (56th Fires), notably in establishing an in-house drone lab capable of rapidly producing low-cost unmanned aerial systems tailored to mission needs. This initiative strengthens expeditionary autonomy and supports scalable innovation at the unit level.

    The innovation teams from 173rd’s BIT, 2CR and 56th Fires were critical components in each other’s establishment, sharing code and best practices on a regular basis. Together, these units consulted with roughly 100 external entities to date on innovation.

    “You need to innovate to survive, to stay ahead and stay at the cutting edge,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Francesco La Torre, the BIT director of robotics and autonomous systems. “The more we can do on our own, from procurement to manufacturing, the more autonomous we can be on the battlefield.”

    La Torre added that, this year alone, the BIT conducted its initial first-person view drone live-fire exercise on moving targets, completed its first live-munition drop with an M67 fragmentation grenade and created its own drone production lab in Vicenza.

    U.S. Army Col. Mark E. Bush, commander of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, will also attend the symposium. He emphasized the importance of this initiative.

    “The BIT’s efforts play a critical role in our brigade’s overarching endeavor to support the Army’s commitment to agile adaptation,” Bush said. “Our BIT Paratroopers, through staggering initiative, demonstrate daily what innovation and readiness look like in a complex, rapidly evolving security environment.”

    LANDEURO 2025 will begin with opening remarks from U.S. Army Gen. Christopher T. Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. The event will feature more than 80 exhibits and panels addressing multi-domain operations, lessons from Ukraine and the evolving role of land forces across the continent.

    Additionally, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, will discuss battlefield innovation and digital modernization.

    The 173rd’s BIT is aligned with the Army Transformation Initiative and is part of a growing number of unit-based innovation organizations which rapidly develop and advance technology to support ever-changing battlefield demands. LANDEURO serves as the latest venue for sharing best practices.

    About 173rd Airborne Brigade

    The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, Africa, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

    About SETAF-AF

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India launches talent hunt for young chefs to blend tradition with innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, on Wednesday launched the National Young Chef Competition (NYCC), a nationwide talent hunt designed to discover and nurture India’s next generation of culinary innovators.

    The grand curtain-raiser for the competition was held at PHD House in New Delhi, marking the beginning of a series of zonal rounds that will span the country. The initiative targets final-year hospitality students, providing them with a national platform to blend traditional Indian culinary practices with contemporary techniques.

    Speaking at the launch event as Chief Guest, Mr Suman Billa (IAS), Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, underscored the importance of preserving India’s diverse culinary traditions. “Our culinary heritage is built on cultural memory and regional techniques. We must reinforce these traditions and expand India’s footprint in the global fine dining space,” he said, urging aspiring chefs to think creatively and represent India with pride on international platforms.

    The competition, themed ‘Celebrating Indian Culinary Heritage: Blending Tradition with Innovation’, is being organised in partnership with the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) and the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).

    The zonal rounds will be held as follows:

    * North Zone: 6 August 2025, AIHM Chandigarh
    * East Zone: 18 September 2025, IHM Kolkata
    * West Zone: November 2025, IHM Mumbai
    * South Zone: 18 December 2025, IHM Kovalam

    Winners from each region will compete in the grand finale, scheduled for January 2026 at IHM Pusa, New Delhi.

    In addition to the competition, the NYCC will host career sensitisation workshops for students of Classes 11 and 12 at each zonal venue. These workshops aim to address the declining enrolment in hospitality education and introduce young students to career opportunities in the culinary industry.

    Calling the NYCC a “movement” that brings together industry, academia and youth, Mr Rajan Sehgal, Co-Chair of the Tourism Committee, PHDCCI, said the initiative is vital for celebrating India’s gastronomic wealth. Dr Chef Manjit Gill, President of IFCA, added, “NYCC is not just a contest but a cultural revival. It’s a call to preserve and modernise India’s diverse food legacy.”

    The event also saw the presence of notable figures from the culinary and hospitality sector, including Chef Sudhir Sibal, Chef Anil Grover, Mr Rajan Bahadur (THSC), Prof Kamal Kant Pant (IHM Pusa), Mr Amarjit Singh Ahuja (Le Meridien), and Ms Shalini S Sharma of PHDCCI, who outlined the detailed roadmap for the competition.

    The NYCC has garnered support from over 130 hospitality institutions nationwide and is backed by leading industry partners such as Venus Industries, Nestlé Professional, Wagh Bakri Tea Group, Cremica, McCain Foods and others. Winners will receive cash prizes, internship opportunities, international exposure, and special recognition for the ‘Best Sustainable Dish’.

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Join the celebrations! Applications now open for the 2026 National Multicultural Festival

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 16/07/2025

    Want to celebrate your culture, share your organisation’s valuable work, or take the stage at one of Canberra’s most beloved events? Applications are now open for performers and stallholders wishing to participate in the 2026 National Multicultural Festival, which will return from 6 – 8 February 2026.

    Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, encouraged members of the community who are interested in being involved in the festival to participate in the open application process.

    “Canberra’s diverse community is the heartbeat of the National Multicultural Festival. I encourage individuals and organisations who want to help celebrate the ACT’s inclusiveness to apply to be part of the festivities,” Minister Pettersson said.

    “The fact that the National Multicultural Festival is community-led is what makes it such a vibrant and unique event, one that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to Canberra City each year,” Minister Pettersson said.

    “Participating in the National Multicultural Festival is a fantastic way to reach new audiences and make new community connections. In 2025, more households than ever attended the festival, with 83,420 – or 41% – of Canberra households attending.”

    The National Multicultural Festival promotes equality, social cohesion and the sharing of culture through music, dance, language, cultural displays, food, learning, and interaction.

    Stallholder applicants can apply under four different categories:

    • Community (Food and Beverage; Retail Cultural Market Items; or Club – Food and Beverage)
    • Information (Multicultural; Diplomatic; or General)
    • Commercial (Food and Drink; or Retail Market Items)
    • Market Stalls (Community; or Commercial)

    The festival team, which sits within the ACT Government’s Health and Community Services Directorate, will hold information sessions over the coming weeks to help prospective applicants.

    The festival also welcomes local, national and international performer applications from a wide range of genres, including music, dance, song, spoken word, performance art, roving performers and ceremonies. Community Groups, professional and volunteer performers are encouraged to apply in the following categories:

    • Cultural showcase
    • Stage performance
    • Community workshop
    • Cooking demonstration
    • Parade participation

    Minister Pettersson said non-profit community organisations could apply for grants ranging from $100 to $10,000 for projects that promote community participation, inclusion and cultural diversity at the festival. The ACT Government’s National Multicultural Festival Grant Program is available for community organisations to assist with performance costs, materials, costumes, performer and rehearsal fees, travel expenses and Public Liability Insurance.

    Applications to participate as a stallholder or performer at the festival close on 26 August.

    More information on the application process and information sessions is available at www.multiculturalfestival.com.au.

    For more information about the ACT Government’s National Multicultural Festival, go to www.multiculturalfestival.com.au and subscribe to the newsletter.

    Quote attributable to Canberra Juventus Football Club:
    “As a first-time entrant to the 2025 National Multicultural Festival, the experience of the many volunteers of the Canberra Juventus Football Club was both a memorable and special time for the club. The festival provided the opportunity and surroundings that brought together so many families and friends, as well as both past and present members and players of the long-established Italian based heritage of the Canberra football club. This coming together is what the club believes in and shows the true essence of the ‘community of Canberra Juventus’. The opportunity allowed us to showcase our Italian heritage and passion, through our specialty food and sweets, our famous Aperol Spritz with fun Italian music. Importantly, we were able to express our passion for family and football which encapsulates the club’s objectives in strengthening community. We certainly hope to do it all again in 2026!”

    Quote attributable to Robin Zirwanda, Founder of the Assyrian Australian band Azadoota:
    “The vibe of the National Multicultural Festival is really welcoming. The festival audience is really responsive and eager to experience the culture we share through our music. And because the festival attracts people from so many different cultures, there is a real sense of collaboration and sharing between the audience and the performers. It’s a great energy.”

    – Statement ends –

    Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Afghan authorities destroy 65 tons of expired food products in Kabul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KABUL, July 16 (Xinhua) — Afghan authorities collected and destroyed 65 tons of expired and substandard food products in the capital Kabul on Tuesday, Mohammad Masoud Rahimi, an official with the Food and Medicine Department of the Health Ministry, said.

    “Today, in the presence of representatives of the Intelligence Directorate and the Kabul Municipality, 65 tons of /expired and low-quality/ products, approximately 11,000 packages, were destroyed,” he said.

    The Ministry of Health is committed to protecting public safety and is determined to destroy such food and medicines, M. M. Rahimi said, adding that legal action will be taken against violators.

    According to him, since March 21, the department has collected and destroyed 140 tons of expired and low-quality food and medicine in Kabul. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ 15: Formulating a comprehensive population policy

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Nixie Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):
     
    Question:

    According to data from the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong’s total fertility rate in 2024 was only 0.841, far below the 2.1 level required for population replacement. Furthermore, a survey by a youth service organisation indicated that only 36 per cent of young people in Hong Kong who had responded in the survey expressed a preference for marriage or childbearing. Another survey showed that just around 23.27 per cent of respondents aged between 19 and 29 expressed a desire to have children, ranking among the lowest levels globally. There are views that the Government should adopt measures to enhance marriage and fertility rates among young people and develop a comprehensive population policy to avoid population ageing and workforce shrinkage. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it will commence a systematic survey and study on the marriage and fertility situation of young people in Hong Kong, so as to deeply analyse the core factors influencing their decisions regarding marriage and childbearing, particularly through assessment in areas such as financial burdens, housing difficulties and job stability, with a view to gaining a more precise understanding of their concerns and expectations; if so, of the direction and timetable of the survey and study; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as there are views pointing out that young people’s lack of knowledge and confidence in future planning and gender relations indirectly undermine their willingness to marry and have children, whether the Government will consider, through cross-departmental collaboration, integrating existing fertility support measures for young people (e.g. child-rearing subsidies, priority quotas for public housing allocation, and childcare services for working families) and consolidating such information within the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau’s “HKYouth+” mobile application, as well as adding a designated information corner to the application that covers topics such as reproductive health, sex education, and marriage and fertility support, with a view to strengthening support for young people in the aspects of affective education and reproductive health information; if so, of the timetable; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as there are views pointing out that although the Government has established the Human Resources Planning Commission to follow up on population policy, Hong Kong’s current population policy still lacks comprehensiveness, whether the Government will review the Commission’s work or establish a task force coordinated by an official at the level of Secretary of Department to institutionally integrate cross-departmental resources, with a view to formulating more comprehensive population policy objectives for Hong Kong to address the long-term challenges of population development?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    In consultation with the Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office, the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB), the Housing Bureau (HB), the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Health Bureau (HHB), the consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Nixie Lam is as follows:
     
    (1) & (2) The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) has been regularly collating data related to marriage and fertility trends across different age groups. The C&SD also publishes feature articles from time to time, giving a brief account of the marriage and fertility trends in Hong Kong and analysing the factors underlying such trends.
     
    Hong Kong and many countries or places worldwide are facing a decline in fertility rate. In the face of this challenge, the Government must formulate measures to raise fertility rate. As such, the Chief Executive (CE) announced in his 2023 Policy Address a host of measures to promote fertility and create a conducive environment for childbearing through a “combination punches” approach. These measures include providing Newborn Baby Bonus, giving families with newborns priority on flat selection and allocation, enhancing child care support and increasing tax concessions. Office/ bureaux implementing the measures include the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office, the HB, the LWB, the HHB, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the FSTB.
     
    The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has implemented the Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme and the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme to encourage childbearing by giving incentives to family applicants of public rental housing (PRH) and subsidised sale flats (SSF) sale exercises.  
     
    Regarding the allocation of PRH, the HA has implemented the Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme since April 1, 2024. PRH family applications with babies born on or after October 25, 2023 and aged one or below are credited one year of waiting time. As at end-June 2025, about 5 000 PRH applications have been credited one year of waiting time under the scheme, of which about 420 families have already been successfully housed to PRH.
     
    As for SSF, starting from the Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2024 (HOS 2024), the HA has implemented the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme which was announced in the 2023 Policy Address. A quota of about 40 per cent of the new flats for sale (i.e. 2 900 flats) under HOS 2024 were set aside for eligible applicants under the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme and the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members for balloting and priority flat selection. Family applicants of HOS with babies born on or after October 25, 2023 are eligible if their children are aged three or below on the closing day of the application.
     
    During the application period of HOS 2024, the HA received a total of around 106 000 applications. Among them, around 50 000 were family applicants, of which around 19 000 (i.e. about 40 per cent) applied under the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members and Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme. Among these 19 000 applicants, 800 applicants have successfully purchased flats through the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme. If eligible families applying under the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme fail to purchase a flat under HOS 2024, they may still apply under the Scheme for priority flat selection as long as their children are aged three or below on the closing day of the application in subsequent SSF sale exercises.
     
    The Government announced in the 2023 Policy Address that a cash reward of $20,000 will be provided to eligible parents for each baby born from October 25, 2023, for a period of three years. Starting from October 25, 2023, parents can submit an application for the bonus at the same time when registering the birth of their baby and applying for a birth certificate. As of end-June 2025, a total of 49 567 qualified applications have been received, and the bonus has been distributed to 48 984 applicants, at a total amount of approximately $979 million. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office is carrying out a review of the Newborn Baby Bonus Scheme.
     
    The Government has been supporting parents who cannot take care of their children temporarily through subsidising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide a variety of day child care services, including Child Care Centres (CCCs), the After School Care Programme and the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project (NSCCP). To strengthen support for working families in childbearing, the Government has announced the setting up of additional 11 aided standalone CCCs in phases, doubling the total number of service places to reach around 2 000. The Government is extending the After School Care Programme for pre-primary children to cover all districts in phases, and increasing the number of service places under the NSCCP to 2 500 with the estimated number of beneficiaries increasing to 25 000. The Social Welfare Department will also provide information and assistance to private organisations applying for registration to operate CCCs, and encourage private organisations to provide child care support for their employees. Meanwhile, the Government reviews the Working Family Allowance (WFA) Scheme from time to time. The rates of the household and child allowances under the WFA Scheme have been increased by 15 per cent across the board with effect from April 2024, benefiting all households receiving the WFA. The WFA Scheme provides additional allowances for relevant childbearing families, and increasing the rates of the WFA helps further alleviate the burden of grassroots working families. Taking a four-person household with two eligible children as an example, the maximum monthly WFA they may receive have increased from the original amount of $4,200 to $4,830 at present.
     
    As regards tax concessions, starting from the year of assessment (YA) 2023/24, the basic child allowance and the additional child allowance for each child born during the YA have been raised from $120,000 to $130,000. In addition, starting from YA 2024/25, for taxpayers who live with their children born on or after October 25, 2023 and meet the prescribed conditions, the deduction ceiling for home loan interest or domestic rents will be raised from $100,000 to $120,000 for a maximum of 19 YAs. These measures can encourage childbearing by helping taxpayers to alleviate their financial burden from raising children.
     
    As regards antenatal services, currently the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments of the Hospital Authority and the Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) of the Department of Health (DH) provide free antenatal services for all local pregnant women who are eligible persons (who generally refer to holders of Hong Kong Identity Cards or such other persons as may be approved by the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority/ Director of Health) to ensure the health of the pregnant women and their foetuses. The scope of services includes the first antenatal check-up, personal and family medical history, as well as various investigations and vaccinations conducted by doctors according to the clinical needs of individual pregnant women.
     
    Besides, as announced in the 2024 Policy Address, the DH will revamp maternal and child health and family planning services to strengthen pre-pregnancy counselling and parental education and promote healthy fertility. The DH will provide the new pre-pregnancy health services to reproductive age group women at the MCHCs in phases, support women in preparing for pregnancy through health consultation and counselling, health assessments, arrangement of blood tests and other investigations, and provide nutritional dietary and lifestyle advice, to align with the Government’s policy of encouraging and promoting healthy fertility, as well as protecting and advancing maternal and child health. Details on the above initiatives will be announced at an appropriate juncture. In addition, the DH will review and adjust the scope of the subsidised family planning service currently provided by NGOs, so as to dovetail with the Government’s policy of encouraging and promoting healthy fertility.
     
    The HYAB has been supporting the work of the Family Council (the Council) in promoting a culture of loving families to the general public through organising different publicity programmes and activities. In October 2024, the HYAB and the Council launched the five-year Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education (the Scheme). With an annual funding of $8 million, the Scheme subsidises non-profit-making community projects in promoting family education. NGOs may, based on societal needs, apply to the Scheme for funding to implement projects related to topics such as family building, new parents, and marriage-related. On the other hand, the Council has been encouraging the wider adoption of more diversified and flexible family-friendly employment practices (FFEPs) in the community. Measures include launching promotional videos entitled “Family-friendly Workplace”, which feature various FFEPs adopted by local companies, and collaborating with the Radio Television Hong Kong to produce radio programmes to promulgate different types of FFEPs. These measures will also help foster a pro-family environment.
     
    The HYAB launched the first release of the “HKYouth+” youth mobile application in March 2024, and has been continuously updating it to cater to the needs of young people. Its content cover various areas, including personal development opportunities, local hot topics, national development, world news, arts and leisure, innovation and technology, physical and mental wellness. It aims to help young people expand their knowledge, explore interests and enrich themselves in different aspects. The HYAB will work with relevant bureaux and departments to encourage them to make use of “HKYouth+” for strengthening promotion of various support measures to the youth community.
     
    (3) The population policy straddles a wide range of policy areas, involving various bureaux. For the current term of the HKSAR Government, in addition to the standing committees, the CE and Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries of Departments are now providing high-level steer as necessary through various channels, such as working groups and inter-departmental meetings, to coordinate relevant inter-departmental work.
     
    Chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Human Resources Planning Commission (HRPC) consolidates resources and efforts of the Government and various sectors to examine, review and holistically co-ordinate policies and measures on human resources, including issues pertaining to the population policy. The HRPC is a high-level policy platform, with eight policy secretaries, including Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Secretary for Education, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Secretary for Health, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Secretary for Security; the Government Economist; the Commissioner for Census and Statistics and the Chairmen of the Employees Retraining Board, the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications and the Vocational Training Council as ex-officio members; and non-official members drawn from a diverse mix of experts and stakeholders from different fields and sectors. Since its establishment in 2018, the HRPC has looked into a number of issues to tackle the demographic challenges, facilitating the Government to formulate and refine the relevant policies and measures.
     
    Currently, population policy measures have been subsumed under the portfolios of various bureaux as part of the ongoing efforts. As the Government’s existing steering and inter-departmental co-ordination mechanism are flexible and effective, the Government does not consider it necessary to set up a separate structure for the work on the population policy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient Announces Supplier Agreement with Vizient, Enhancing Access to the U.S. Healthcare Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Quadient Announces Supplier Agreement with Vizient, Enhancing Access to the U.S. Healthcare Market

    Quadient (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, has entered into a supplier agreement with Vizient, the largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company in the U.S. Vizient’s diverse client base includes some of the country’s most prestigious hospitals and integrated health delivery networks. The agreement enhances opportunities for Quadient to serve healthcare providers across the continuum of care, offering contracted pricing for a wide range of the company’s digital software, mail and automated locker solutions.

    Vizient provides network-powered insights into the critical areas of clinical, operational and spend management performance and empowers clients to deliver exceptional, cost-effective care. Serving more than 65% of U.S. acute care providers and more than 35% of the non-acute market, Vizient’s contract portfolio represents $140 billion in annual purchasing volume. Through the new contract, healthcare providers have greater access to Quadient’s cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance digital patient interactions, optimize the sending and receiving of mail and packages, improve operational efficiency, increase document security and ensure regulatory compliance.

    “We are thrilled to be awarded a contract from Vizient to help healthcare organizations improve performance through more streamlined and automated workflows, leading to better patient and staff experiences” said Geoffrey Godet, CEO at Quadient. “Our strategic approach to supply chain and procurement in the mailing and communications space is rooted in a comprehensive, assessment-based process that identifies key assets and opportunities to drive efficiency and transformation for healthcare providers. We are excited to support Vizient clients with innovative, results-driven solutions that enhance operational performance and elevate the overall healthcare experience.”

    For more information about Quadient’s solutions and contract with Vizient, visit www.quadient.com and mail.quadient.com/en/healthcare-contracts/Vizient.

    About Quadient®
    Quadient is a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing. For more information about Quadient, visit http://www.quadient.com/en/.

    Media Contacts
    Joe Scolaro, Quadient
    Global Press Relations Manager
    +1 203-301-3673
    jscolaro@quadient.com

    Kiley Ribordy, Walker Sands
    Senior PR Director
    quadientpr@walkersands.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Resolving conflicts and caring: what social protection specialists learn in advanced training courses

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Resolving family conflicts and caring for children in family centers, caring for people with special needs and providing first aid are taught in Institute of Continuing Professional Education for Social Workers in Moscow, which celebrates 17 years since its foundation. During this time, the institution has improved the qualifications of more than 70 thousand social protection specialists.

    This expert platform in the field of social technologies and professional training of specialists offers more than 70 advanced training programs for social security employees, which can be completed both in person and online on the IDPOznanie platform.

    “We train employees of family centers, the Social Treasury, institutions providing home care services, and other important projects and institutions.

    Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Moscow“Our mission is to promote human well-being by developing employees and teams in the social sphere through education, enlightenment, science and technology,” said Igor Timofeev, Director of the Institute of Continuing Professional Education for Social Workers.

    The institute has four competence centers for training specialists and managers. You can improve your qualifications in such areas as “Rehabilitation and Social Integration”, “Family and Childhood Support”, “Home Care”, “Long-Term Care” and “Personal Effectiveness”.

    Institute student Natalya Senkina is taking the Mediation in Social Work program. After completing her studies, she wants to help Moscow families resolve conflict situations.

    “I am not new to mediation; I have been working as a trainer for teenagers in the “School of the Young Mediator” project for three years now. The training allows for a deeper understanding of the principles of conflict development, interaction with children and their parents. It is very important to help people find constructive solutions and save families,” she shared.

    The institute has programs that are available to all city residents. For example, in school of related careRelatives of people with limited mobility and the elderly learn how to provide quality care for them at home: safe movement, proper feeding, and help with hygiene. The program can be completed both in person and online. The project also includes psychological mutual assistance groups.

    Every year, the institute hosts a professional skills competition called “Moscow Masters” among social workers. Participants demonstrate skills in long-term care, digital literacy, first aid, and other important skills.

    The winner of the Moscow Masters competition in the profession of social worker, Maria Titikina, admitted that she was able to get ahead of her colleagues thanks to the knowledge she received in advanced training courses. According to her, studying at the institute allows her to be confident in her abilities and professional competencies. The first aid course was especially useful to her. She also learned to understand the concerns and needs of older people in the classes.

    On the eve of the 17th anniversary of the institution, specialists from the Institute of Continuing Professional Education for Social Workers held survey. It was attended by students of the institute and city residents receiving social services at home. They said that they especially value politeness, reliability, hard work and knowledge of digital services in social protection workers. More than 70 percent of the participants highlighted these qualities. 71 percent of respondents believe that social workers should improve their qualifications at least once a year.

    Igor Timofeev said that the important accents in the educational process are relevance and practical application. He explained that, on the one hand, the institute teaches applied skills of a social protection specialist, such as long-term care and first aid, and on the other hand, it teaches the use of new technologies that influence the development of professions in the social sphere.

    The Institute of Continuing Professional Education for Social Workers implements educational programs and provides consulting services for organizations subordinate to To the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow. The Institute is the operator of the project “School of Nursing” and the online platform for training “IDPOznanie”. The full list of programs is available aton the institution’s websiteYou can ask a question by email: ipk@mos.ru.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – New low-risk drinking guidelines challenge outdated advice

    Source: Alcohol Healthwatch

    We all want the most up-to-date information to help us make informed choices for ourselves and our families.
    This is why today Alcohol Healthwatch have just posted the most recent evidence-based low-risk drinking guidelines on their website.
    New Zealand’s drinking guidelines are out of date and do not align with research showing there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, particularly for cancer risk.
    Information obtained by RNZ shows the alcohol industry has worked to pause a review of the official low-risk drinking guidelines for New Zealand. These guidelines have not been updated since their release in 2011.
    ” Quality, evidence-based drinking guidelines are crucial to help people understand the risk from alcohol, and evidence shows risk is present even at low levels of alcohol consumption,” says Andrew Galloway, Executive Director of Alcohol Healthwatch.
    “Low-risk drinking guidelines are a tool for individuals but also for health practitioners, (like GPs and emergency department staff) to use these when discussing alcohol use with their patients.”
    Alcohol industry lobbyists were exposed by RNZ requesting that information about the review of the New Zealand low-risk drinking guidelines and links to other countries’ guidelines be removed from the Health NZ website.
    The alcohol industry has a track record of opposing effective health policies. As a recent Public Health Communication Centre briefing on the rising influence of big business in policy making states: “t he alcohol industry profits when they impede effective policies, while individuals, wh ānau / families and taxpayers bear the costs, which fall disproportionately on Māori and low-income communities.”
    A recent poll shows the majority of New Zealanders agree the alcohol industry should have no place in developing alcohol policy.
    “As the official New Zealand low-risk drinking guidelines are out of date, and a review of the guidelines has been paused, we thought we’d offer the New Zealand public the most recent, credible and evidence-based guidelines. People in Aotearoa New Zealand deserve to know the risks from alcohol, our nation’s most harmful drug .”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fresh air, better care: Allied health embraces nature-based therapy

    Source:

    16 July 2025

    Whether it’s a walk by the sea or a breath of fresh air in the park, spending time in nature is widely known to support good health and wellbeing.

    Now, new research from the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia shows that while nature-based therapy is strongly supported by allied health professionals, more needs to be done to embed it into routine care.

    In the first study of its kind – published in the journal  Health and Place – researchers found that 97% of allied health professionals believe that outdoor environments can help prevent and manage a wide range of physical, mental and social health conditions.

    Yet, significant barriers from carers, clients, and other health professionals can also prevent its use.

    Surveying 77 allied health professionals – including psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and exercise physiologists – the study found that more than 94% regularly recommend time outdoors to their clients.

    “Allied health professionals can play an important role in improving people’s access to and use of nature, to benefit their health and wellbeing,” says lead author and University of Adelaide Senior Research Fellow, Dr Jessica Stanhope.

    “Whether it’s persistent pain, high blood pressure, respiratory issues, or depression, allied health professionals recognise the therapeutic potential of time spent in nature.

    “But despite their support, barriers such as limited access to green spaces, mobility issues, patient safety concerns, and even scepticism from other professionals can prevent nature-based therapies from being used.”

    Other common challenges include professional resistance or lack of awareness about the evidence supporting nature-based approaches; environmental factors such as weather, infrastructure, and lack of inclusive design; and client concerns about motivation, ability, or perceived credibility of nature therapies.

    More than 70% of allied health professionals had advocated for providing and improving natural environments, with 55% directly involved in efforts to make outdoor spaces more accessible for therapy.

    “Even when patients can’t physically get outdoors, we know that exposure to nature – through images, sounds, scents, or simply viewing natural scenes – can still be beneficial,” Dr Stanhope says.

    “This is where community gardens, indoor green spaces in aged care facilities, and nature-based learning activities in schools and childcare settings are so valuable.

    “Through activities like walking outside, gardening, or even playing on a jungle gym, people are doing everyday skills, building their confidence, capacity and social connection.”

    Co-researcher Professor Mary Butler from UniSA says nature should be more fully integrated into the design and delivery of allied health.

    “We need to translate the research into practical strategies so that nature-based activities become part of standard care,” Prof Butler says.

    “That includes improving outdoor spaces through better paths, seating, shade, and fencing, and boosting awareness across the health sector and community about the benefits of nature for wellbeing.

    “With the right support, everyone – including older adults and people with disability – can access the outdoors and its health benefits.”

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview:
     Jessica Stanhope, the University of Adelaide. E: jessica.stanhope@adelaide.edu.au
    Media contacts: Annabel Mansfield, UniSA M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au
    Rhiannon Koch, the University of Adelaide. M: +61 481 619 997. E: rhiannon.koch@adelaide.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal Crash – Delamere

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force are currently investigating a fatal crash that occurred near Katherine early this morning.

    Around 6:30am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a two vehicle collision on the Victoria Highway, approximately 70km from Katherine. One vehicle was carrying four occupants, aged 63, 63, 70 and 76, while the second vehicle was carrying a single occupant, aged 25.

    St John Ambulance, Police and the NT Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene.

    A 76-year-old man was declared deceased at the scene. A 70-year-old woman, a 63-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man were conveyed to Katherine Hospital in critical condition.

    The 25-year-old man was also conveyed to Katherine Hospital in a stable condition.

    The Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating and the Victoria Highway, between Delamere and the Vince Connolly Crossing, remains closed.

    Police advise motorists to avoid the area as delays are expected to remain for the remainder of the day.

    Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444.

    The lives lost on Territory roads now stands at 23.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Votes to Pass National Defense Bill, Delivering Military Strength and Wins on NM Priorities

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 15, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) – a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) – voted in favor of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  

    “It is vital that we ensure America’s armed forces have the training, equipment, and resources they need to carry out their missions,” said Vasquez. “This bipartisan bill includes my legislation to improve health care for our rural veterans, give our troops a pay raise, recognize New Mexico’s Downwinders, and add many additional provisions that support service members and their families across our state.”

    The Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA includes $882.6 billion in defense spending, national security investments, and support for our military. This includes funding for research and development, a 3.8% pay increase for our troops, and investments to support service members and their families. The bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 55-2 and will now head to the House floor for consideration. 

    Included in the NDAA are Vasquez’s TRICARE Travel Improvement Act and Downwinder Commemoration Act, which ensure New Mexicans’ needs are met and interests are reflected through the nation’s defense investments. 

    • The TRICARE Travel Improvement Act helps military families serving in remote areas access health care by reducing the travel reimbursement threshold under TRICARE Prime from 100 miles to 50 miles for active-duty service members and their families. Currently, families stationed at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base who travel nearly 100 miles to El Paso for medical care are denied reimbursement due to being just under the threshold. This bill is a step toward fairness and affordability for New Mexico’s military families.
    • The Downwinder Commemoration Act recognizes the harm endured by New Mexico’s Downwinders following the 1945 Trinity Test — the first nuclear detonation in U.S. history. It directs the Departments of Defense and Interior to place commemorative monuments in publicly accessible areas at White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base. Despite their exposure to radioactive fallout, Downwinder families were excluded from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) until Rep. Vasquez’s successful push to reauthorize and expand RECA to include New Mexico’s Downwinders. This bill helps deliver long-overdue recognition by permanently commemorating their suffering while preserving their legacy for future generations. 

    In addition to these two measures, Rep. Vasquez secured the following priorities in NDAA:

    Infrastructure & Safety:

    • White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) Power Grid: $38.5 million for power generation and a microgrid at WSMR under the Energy Resiliency and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP)
    • Kirtland Air Force Base Space HQ: $83 million for Space Rapid Capabilities Office Headquarters construction at Kirtland Air Force Base
    • Holloman Air Force Base Test Track: Report language highlighting the importance of Holloman’s High Speed Test Track and requiring a report on the timeline for constructing a new parallel track
    • Cannon Air Force Base Dorms: $90 million for dorms at Cannon Air Force Base
    • PFAS Cleanup: Language protecting mandated annual reports on DOD PFAS contamination and cleanup efforts, to ensure states like New Mexico have continued visibility into PFAS contamination
    • PFAS Technology: Report language requiring DOD to partner with universities like NMSU to develop cutting edge technology to detect and cleanup PFAS contaminants

    Unexploded Ordinance:

    • Native American Lands Environmental Mitigation Program: Report language holding DOD accountable for cleaning up unexploded ordinance (UXO) on Tribal lands like the Pueblo of Isleta

    Rural Issues:

    • Rural Housing: Report language requiring DOD to partner with local housing authorities in rural areas to address shortages of housing around remote and isolated installations like WSMR and Holloman Air Force Base
    • Specialty Healthcare at Rural Bases: Report language highlighting the challenges service members and families face at rural installations when accessing specialty healthcare and requiring a report on ways the Department can improve specialty provider accessibility
    • Holloman Air Force Base Childcare: Report language encouraging DOD to expand the in-home childcare pilot program to four rural installations, including Holloman Air Force Base

    National Labs/DOE:

    • Los Alamos: $1.55 billion for plutonium operations, including ensuring the capacity to produce 30 plutonium pits annually

    Other Bill Highlights:

    • Pay Raise: 3.8% pay raise for all service members
    • Housing: $1.5 billion for new construction of dorms, barracks, housing, and child development centers
    • Ukraine: $300 million for Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative
    • Environment: $460 million for environmental cleanup and $684 for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program

    “As this critical legislation continues to make its way through the House, I will keep working to improve it,” Vasquez added. “To maintain U.S. military superiority, we cannot afford to politicize our policies for recruiting, developing, and retaining the best and brightest.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –