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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vikrant Massey and Bhumi Pednekar interact with students in 6th episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 FEB 2025 8:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Building on the enriching discussions initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the inaugural episode, the sixth episode of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 aired today, featuring actors Vikrant Massey and Bhumi Pednekar engaging with students on fostering creativity and embracing positivity in life.

     

     Vikrant emphasized the power of visualization and encouraged students to maintain a journal of their daily activities. Engaging in an interactive discussion, he advised students to openly express their emotions and feelings to their parents. A student from The Indian High School, Dubai, UAE, sought his guidance on managing peer pressure and maintaining balance in life.

    Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for promoting skill development in schools, Vikrant advised students to remain grounded while aiming high. He also conducted an engaging activity on emotion management, emphasizing the importance of well-being before exams. His key message to students was: “Eat well, rest well; keep improving; go, play, unplug.”

    The second guest of the show, actor Bhumi Pednekar, shared her childhood experiences, how she coped with personal tragedy, and why she enjoys her profession. She advised students to focus on their strengths. She also expressed her love for meeting people, travelling, and exploring local cuisines, which makes her profession enjoyable. Another student from The Indian High School, Dubai, UAE, interacted with her, and she suggested that students express their feelings openly to their parents. In a masterclass, she taught students how to learn in their way and memorize any text with ease. She said that being spiritual helps one stay grounded and focused.

    To ensure comprehensive development, distinguished personalities from various fields—including sports icons, technical experts, toppers of competitive exams, entertainment industry professionals, and spiritual leaders—are enriching students with insights beyond textbooks. With three more episodes already aired, each session continues to provide students with essential tools and strategies to excel academically and personally.

    The eighth edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) 2025, in its revamped and interactive format, has been receiving widespread appreciation from students, teachers, and parents across the nation. Breaking away from the traditional Town Hall format, this year’s edition commenced with an engaging session featuring Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the scenic Sunder Nursery, New Delhi, on 10th February 2025.

    In the inaugural episode, the Prime Minister interacted with 36 students from across the country, discussing insightful topics such as Nutrition and Wellness, Mastering Pressure, Challenging Oneself, The Art of Leadership, Beyond Books – 360º Growth, Finding Positives, and more. His valuable guidance offered students practical strategies to tackle academic challenges with confidence while fostering a growth mindset and holistic learning.

    As Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 continues to unfold, it remains a beacon of inspiration for students, equipping them with confidence and resilience to face academic and life challenges with a positive mindset.

    Link to watch the 1st episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5UhdwmEEls

    Link to watch the 2nd episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrW4c_ttmew

    Link to watch the 3rd episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgMzmDYShXw

    Link to watch the 4th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CfR4-5v5mk

    Link to watch the 5th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GD_SrxsAx8

    Link to watch the 6th episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhI6UbZJgEQ

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, visits ESIC Hospital, Andheri and DGFASLI in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 7:16PM by PIB Mumbai

     

    Mumbai, 15th February 2025

    Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on his two-day visit to Mumbai, Maharashtra, visited ESIC Hospital in Andheri and Directorate General, Factory Advice and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) today.

    During his visit to ESIC Hospital, Dr. Mandaviya assessed various facilities, including registration counters, the online registration facility under the Dhanwantri module, the dental unit, and the internal medicine department. He interacted with patients and staff to understand their experiences and feedback on the services provided.

    Emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to insured workers, he instructed the officials to prioritize efficient medical service delivery and expedite the timely completion of hospital renovation and construction projects.

    Later in the day, Union Minister visited DGFASLI, where he was briefed on the institution’s pivotal role in occupational safety and health (OSH), regulatory frameworks, and ongoing training programs. He toured various infrastructure facilities, including training halls, conference rooms, and digital resource centers.

    Dr. Mandaviya showed a keen interest in the laboratories maintained by DGFASLI, particularly those focused on industrial hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) testing. He underscored the importance of strengthening OSH frameworks and enhancing technical expertise in the sector.

    To improve efficiency and transparency, he directed officials to accelerate digitization of processes, including inspections, ensure better upkeep of laboratories, and maintain a strong focus on transparency in regulatory activities.

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    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2103623) Visitor Counter : 34

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Yogi Adityanath, and Dr. L. Murugan inaugurate KTS 3.0

    Source: Government of India

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Yogi Adityanath, and Dr. L. Murugan inaugurate KTS 3.0

    We celebrate the unbroken cultural unity of our nation, reaffirming our commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

    Nearly 1200 delegates from Tamil Nadu will attend 10-day-long event

    Theme of KTS 3.0 is Sage Agasthyar

    1st time the participants of KTS 3.0 to experience Mahakumbh and visit Ram Mandir at Ayodhya

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath; and Union Minister of State for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan inaugurated the third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, today.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in a message expressed his delight on organisation of the 3rd Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Being held in the midst of the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, this occasion has become even more significant, he said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the abiding connection between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, between Kaveri and Ganga, that goes back several thousands of years. He also mentioned how the heart-warming sentiments and experiences of the people during the previous two Sangamams showcased the beauty of India’s diverse culture, as well as the strong connections between people.

    Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, in his address, quoted a Tamil verse by Pandya King Parakrama Pandiyan: Neerellam Gangai, Nilamellam Kashi (‘नीरेल्लाम् गंगे, निलमेल्लाम् कासी’), which means all water is as sacred as the Ganga, and every land in Bharat is as revered as Kashi. He highlighted that Kashi, one of the world’s oldest living cities and India’s cultural capital, stands as a beacon of the civilization’s rich heritage, while Tamil Nadu, the epitome of Tamil culture, represents the heart of India’s ancient wisdom and literary glory. He also emphasized how the Tamil people have carried their culture and traditions across the globe, enriching lives wherever they go.

    Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for envisioning the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, he noted that the event serves as a bridge connecting the sublime traditions of North and South India, reinforcing India’s unity in cultural diversity. The event also celebrates the nation’s unbroken cultural continuity, reaffirming the commitment to Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He further stated that cultural unity is the key to India’s national resurgence, and this Sangamam is a crucial step toward overcoming distances and fostering deeper understanding.

    The Minister mentioned that the theme of this edition of KTS was Rishi Agasthyar, a significant link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, revered in both spiritual and intellectual traditions and revered in both spiritual and intellectual traditions.

    In his speech, Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for organizing the third edition of KTS in Varanasi and warmly welcomed the delegates attending the event during the Sangamam. He expressed his delight that the Sangamam coincides with the Mahakumbh, which has already seen participation from nearly 51 crore people and noted that Tamil delegates would also be part of this grand gathering. He emphasized that the theme represents India’s rich knowledge and traditions, revolving around the 4S—Sant Parampara, Scientists, Social Reformers, and Students. Yogi Adityanath further highlighted that the theme has been Sage Agastyar and underscored the profound significance of the Sage in strengthening the confluence of North and South as well as Sanskrit and Tamil.

     

     

     

    While speaking at the event, Dr. L. Murugan highlighted how the Kashi Tamil Sangamam has been celebrated for the past two years, following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He mentioned that just as Tamils wish to visit Kashi, people from Kashi aspire to visit Rameswaram, emphasizing that this cultural connection has existed since ancient times. Dr. Murugan also stated that the relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu spans over 5,000 years, with references found in ancient texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as in Sangam literature like Kurunji Thinai, Ettuthogai, and Kalithogai. He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for promoting the greatness of the Tamil language and Thirukkural across the world. Additionally, he informed that efforts are underway to establish Thiruvalluvar cultural centres.

    The objective of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi—two of the country’s most important and ancient seats of learning. The central theme of this edition of KTS is Maharishi Agasthyar. During the event the delegates will also visit Mahakumbh and Shri Ayodhya Dham. The event will offer a divine experience and bring Tamil Nadu and Kashi more closer.

    This year, the government has decided to bring around 1000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five categories/groups: (i) Students, Teachers, and Writers; (ii) Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories); (iii) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs; (iv) Women (SHG, Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks); and (v) Start-up, Innovation, Edu-Tech, Research. This year, an additional group of around 200 students of Tamil origin studying in various CUs will be a part of this event to enliven the bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu. Participation of youth in all categories will be encouraged this year. The duration of the tour will be 8 Days (4 for travel, 4 at site). The first batch arrived today and attended the event. The last group will return to Tamil Nadu on 26th February 2025.

    An exhibition on the different facets of Sage Agasthyar and his contributions to world of Health, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Literature, Polity, Culture, Art, particularly to Tamil and Tamil Nadu, etc. and seminars, workshops, book release, etc. will be organised at Kashi during KTS 3.0.

    Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Govt. of UP. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for scholars, students, philosophers, traders, artisans, artists and people from other walks of life from the two regions to come together, share their knowledge, culture and best practices and learn from each other’s experience. It also aims to make the youth aware and experience cultural oneness. The endeavour is in sync with NEP 2020’s emphasis on integrating the wealth of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern systems of knowledge. IIT Madras and BHU are the two implementing agencies for the programme.

    KTS 2.0 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Varanasi on 17th December, 2023, with the first-ever real-time, app-based translation of a part of the Prime Minister’s speech in Tamil for the benefit of visiting Tamil delegates.

    Shri Ravindra Jaiswal and Dr. Dayashankar Mishra “Dayalu, Ministers of State (Independent Charge), Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; Shri Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti; Prof. Sanjay Kumar, Acting Vice Chancellor, Benaras Hindu University; Prof. V. Kamakoti; IIT Madras; Director Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Prof. Amit Patra, and other dignitaries and officials were also present at the event today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri JP Nadda inaugurates the Second AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025 at NCI-AIIMS, Jhajjar

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri JP Nadda inaugurates the Second AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025 at NCI-AIIMS, Jhajjar

    Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the narrative is changing regarding the Indian healthcare system where Bone marrow Transplant is possible in institutes like NCI: Shri Nadda

    “Over 26 crore people screened for oral cancer,14 crore for breast cancer, and 9 crore for cervical cancer at Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs”

    “Patients enrolled under AB-PMJAY saw 90% rise in access to cancer treatment within 30 days”

    “Through the 217 AMRIT Pharmacies spread across the country, 5200 drugs for various diseases including cancer are made available at an affordable rate”

    “289 oncology drugs being given at a discount of upto 50% of market rates resulting in a total of Rs. 6567 Cr. saved for 5.8 crore beneficiaries based on discount offered”

    720 additional posts announced for NCI-AIIMS, Jhajjar

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 6:18PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda inaugurated the 2nd AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025 at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of AIIMS, Jhajjar campus, today. National Cancer Institute (NCI) of AIIMS, Jhajjar campus is one of the largest public-funded healthcare projects in India, dedicated to providing innovative cancer care and research capabilities. The AIIMS Oncology Conclave aimed to bring together leading experts in oncology across all the Institute of National Importance (INIs) of India, to discuss advancements in cancer care, treatment methodologies, and ongoing research initiatives. With a focus on breast cancers and head and neck cancers, the conclave emphasized collaborative efforts in prevention and management of such cancers.

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda showed his elation over the growth and progress of the NCI since its inauguration in 2019, and stated that “the institute has matured into a world-class healthcare provider in a short span of 6 year and over time, it has evolved into a referral centre offering multidisciplinary care and providing better and patient-centric care”. He appreciated the dedication of doctors, health workers and administration of the institute to make the progress happen.

    Shri Nadda also went for a special visit to the newly built Nuclear Medicine Targeted Treatment Ward and the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit at the NCI aimed at improving patient outcomes through state-of-the-art treatment options specifically for thyroid cancers and hematolymphoid cancers, respectively. Underlining the importance of these developments, Shri Nadda stated that “these new facilities will provide state-of-the-art care to many cancer patients in this region”. He added that “under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the narrative is changing regarding the Indian healthcare system where Bone marrow Transplant is possible in institutes like NCI.” He admired the high-quality precision and high-quality services of the Nuclear Medicine Targeted Treatment Ward and underlined that “these facilities are the hardware while the faculty members and doctors are the software of the developing robust healthcare system.”

    Shri Nadda further stated that “Cancer is a daunting diagnosis that brings fear—not just of the illness, but of the future, of livelihood, of losing loved ones, and the inevitable economic and emotional strain”. He also visited and appreciated the Vishram Sadan at the NCI, developed by the Infosys Foundation, provides essential accommodation for patients’ attendants in a cost-effective way, enhancing support for families during challenging times. It also provides psychological and educational support to the needy, setting a benchmark for others.

    Appreciating the innovation at the Institute, Shri Nadda stated that “the Institute is collaborating with startups, engaging Ph. D. students and involving scientists from AIIMS in research that will have real-world applications, not just for the market, but for society as a whole. As an “Incubator,” the Centre for Medical Innovations and Entrepreneurship (CMIE) is responsible to handhold and support indigenous innovations in the healthcare sector, which is tremendous. By enabling Indian start-ups to leverage the mentorship and guidance of AIIMS faculty and scientists, and by giving them access to advanced laboratory equipment and resources at AIIMS at nominal payment, CMIE is fostering a culture of innovation.” He also appreciated the boot camps which fostered the budding start-ups and entrepreneurs to ideate and manufacture healthcare solutions in India, for India.

    Highlighting the Government of India’s efforts Shri Nadda stated that “to prevent and control cancer, improve overall cancer care outcomes and ensure that every citizen, regardless of their location, has access to the care they need, the Government has been working on provision of Cancer care at primary health care level in the form of prevention and screening, and at the tertiary and secondary level in the form of diagnostics and treatment and palliative care.”

    He underlined that “the Government has introduced screening for individuals aged 30 years and above under NHM at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and over 26 crore people have been screened for oral cancer, 14 crore for breast cancer, and 9 crore for cervical cancer at Ayushman Aarogya Mandirs.” He Also added that “to enhance the facilities for tertiary level care of cancer, over the last few years over 3000 crore Rupees have been approved for the period 2014-15 to 2025-26 for 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCCs). Moreover, Cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new AIIMS with diagnostic, medical and surgical facilities.”

    He also emphasized that “to make cancer treatment available to the poor and the vulnerable, under AB PM-JAY, cancer-related treatment is provided for Medical, Surgical, Radiation and Palliative Oncology across 219 packages. Since the inception of AB PM-JAY, approximately 68.43 Lakh hospital admissions amounting to Rs. 13160.75 Crores have been authorized for cancer related packages under the scheme.”

    Citing a recent LANCET study, he underlined that “timely cancer treatment initiation has improved significantly because of the Ayushman Bharat Jan Aarogya Yojna. Patients enrolled under AB-PMJAY saw 90% rise in access to cancer treatment within 30 days.” He also highlighted that “through the 217 AMRIT Pharmacies spread across the country, 5200 drugs for various diseases including cancer are made available at an affordable rate.   Altogether, 289 oncology drugs are given at a significant discount of upto 50% of market rates. As a result, so far a total of Rs. 6567 Cr. have been saved for 5.8 crore beneficiaries based on discount offered.”

    Shri Nadda further added that “We have plans to establish Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in all district hospitals over the next three years with 200 this year itself. This initiative aims to bring essential cancer services closer to home, particularly for those in underserved rural areas.”

    He added that “It is encouraging to see this institution engaging with other AIIMS and Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across the country to encourage research and innovation. The AIIMS Oncology Conclave 2025 is another step in this direction. This conclave has been designed to bring together leading experts, researchers and clinicians from all AIIMS and INIs to collaborate on the latest advancements in cancer research, treatment strategies, and prevention”.

    Shri Nadda emphasized on the significant responsibility being carried by the doctors and other stakeholders in continued learning, sharing, and progressing to ensure healthcare to the patients and stated that “Coming together is a crucial first step towards advancing in critical areas like cancer care. I hope this initiative grows into a powerful collaboration where the National Cancer Institute can support and help other institutions develop side by side.”

    He highlighted that “the cancer incidence in India is rising. We are now seeing 1.45 million new cancer patients every year. As the complexity of cancer treatment continues to grow, it’s not just about providing the best treatment—it’s about making that treatment available locally. Patients should not have to travel long distances for the care they need. We need to develop advanced treatment capabilities at the local and regional levels, and it is your responsibility to make this happen.”

    He also announced that “the Government of India has approved creation of 720 additional posts for NCI Jhajjar. These posts include: Faculty positions, SRs/JRs, Scientists, Nurses, Technicians and Administrative posts and added that “with creation of these additional posts, NCI will rise to greater heights.”

    Shri Nadda also felicitated the social activists and organizations who played quintessential roles in ensuring replacement-donation free transfusion services to patients being treated at NCI in the last 5 years. Besides, he launched an education short film as a part of the tobacco cessation campaign of NCI’s preventive oncology unit.

    The Conclave with the theme “Discuss Practice and Research Avenues in Breast Cancer” aimed to foster innovation, share knowledge, and build partnerships to accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.This type of initiative, which pools the knowledge and resources of multiple institutions, has the potential to improve cancer research and treatment in India. The model developed by NCI could serve as a template for other AIIMS and INIs, allowing for a more coordinated, nationwide effort to enhance healthcare innovation.

    The Conclave featured keynote speeches from renowned oncologists, break-out discussions, designed to address the pressing challenges faced in breast cancers and head and neck cancers.

    Dr. M. Srinivas, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi, Dr. Alok Thakar, Head, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, Dr. K.K. Verma, Dean (Academics), AIIMS, Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Dean (Research), AIIMS, faculty Members of NCI, medical professionals, researchers, and healthcare policymakers of all AIIMS from across the country, PGI, Chandigarh and JIPMER, Puducherry, scientists, entrepreneurs, innovators were also present at the occasion.

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    (Release ID: 2103588) Visitor Counter : 33

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SECL approves CSR Projects worth ₹ 170 crores, Strengthening Health, Education and Skill Development in Coalfield areas of CG & MP

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 5:51PM by PIB Delhi

    South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of Coal India under Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India, has approved ₹170 Crores for various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in FY 24-25. These initiatives will significantly boost health, education and skill development infrastructure in the coalfields regions.

    This allocation surpasses SECL’s statutory CSR budget of ₹99.76 crores for FY 24-25, demonstrating the company’s dedication to community development. These projects will be implemented over the next 2-3 years as per respective agreements.

    These projects reflect SECL’s commitment to holistic community development. A key initiative includes a ₹48.19 crore MoU with the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, for the construction of a 500-beded ‘SECL girls’ hostel’, fully funded by SECL. The foundation stone has been laid by Vice- President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar on January 21, 2025 at Raipur, CG. This will provide a safe and comfortable living environment for female students, promoting higher education among women.

    Recognizing the critical need for cardiac care, SECL has launched the second phase of its flagship project, “SECL ki Dhadkan” (an extension of Coal India ka Nanha Sa Dil). On February 14, 2025, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and Sri Sathya Sai Sanjivani Hospital, Raipur, organized the ‘Gift of Life’ ceremony on World Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) Awareness Day and Coal India Limited’s (CIL) Golden Jubilee celebrations. The event, chaired by Shri Biranchi Das, Director (Personnel) of SECL, highlighted SECL’s CSR initiative, ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan,’ which has successfully performed 60 surgeries for children with CHD. With an initial assessment revealing 57 CHD cases in Balrampur, CG, SECL approved ₹4.71 Crore to treat next 300 children across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. He highlighted that SECL’s aim is to treat every child with Congenital Heart Defects in the state of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. 13 children have already been treated under the 2nd phase of the project. The program ensures that financial barriers do not prevent children from receiving life-saving treatment. The initiative aims to expand to other regions with high CHD cases, making a significant impact on child healthcare in coalfield areas.

    SECL’s ‘Digi Vidya’ program has also gained momentum with a tripartite MoU signed between SECL, the Anuppur District Administration and EdCIL India Limited. This ₹13.73 Crore project will equip 84 government higher secondary and high schools in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, with 265 smart classroom solutions and 84 science labs.

    In line with the 100-Day Intensified Campaign for TB Elimination, SECL has partnered with RK HIV & AIDS Research and Care Centre, Mumbai, for a ₹3.82 Crore project for TB screenings for 50,000 people and provide medicines and nutrition kits to 300 patients across Chhattisgarh (Bilaspur, Raigarh, Surajpur) and Madhya Pradesh (Anuppur).

    SECL is also investing in skill development through a ₹3.12 Crore MoU with Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram. This vocational training program will empower 400 underprivileged youth with skills relevant to the apparel and textile industry, creating opportunities for self-employment. The program will include residential and non-residential options for candidates of various SECL operational areas.

    Other significant projects approved by SECL include:

    • Providing a 3.0 Tesla MRI Machine for Late Bisahu Das Mahant Memorial Medical College, Korba (₹28.08 Crores).
    • Financial assistance to the Vidisha District Administration, Madhya Pradesh, for addressing malnutrition and stunting, and screening for anemia and sickle cell anemia (₹30.92 Crores).
    • A Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI) project in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to establish a state-of-the-art training center, benefiting 1260 youths in SECL operational areas (₹6.87 Crores).

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSIR-NIScPR Hosts One-Day Workshop on the Need and Significance of Communicating Science in India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 FEB 2025 5:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) successfully organized a one-day workshop on the “Need and Significance of Communicating Science in India” at its premises in New Delhi. The event aimed to evaluate existing efforts in science communication in Indian languages and explore strategies to enhance public engagement with science across diverse linguistic communities of India.

    In her welcome address, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, emphasized the crucial role of science communication in bridging the gap between scientific research and society. She highlighted the importance of communicating science in regional languages to ensure inclusivity and broader outreach, stating, “True scientific progress is inclusive. Promoting science in regional languages ensures that knowledge reaches every corner of society.” Dr. Naresh Kumar, Head, PME, provided introductory remarks, reinforcing the need to disseminate scientific knowledge in regional languages. Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and Primcipal Investigator of Indian language project said that public engagement is essential to percolate the authentic information of science and technology in regional languages of the country.

    The workshop featured insightful discussions by esteemed speakers from various scientific and media institutions. Shri Deepak Kumar, Assistant Director, Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology, addressed “Current Form, Problems, and Utility of Science Terminology.” Shri Balendu Sharma, Digital Media Communication Head, Microsoft, provided insights into “The Present and Future of AI and the Digital World.” Dr. Santosh Kumar Shukla, Executive Secretary, National Academy of Sciences, India, discussed “Science Writing and Popular Science Literature in Indian Languages,” while Ms. Neha Tripathi, a Digital and Social Media Expert, elaborated on “Different Sources of Scientific Content and Their Authenticity.”

    Further, Dr. Krishna Nand Pandey, Former Scientist-F, ICMR, highlighted “The Role of Health Communication in Creating Awareness in Indian Society.” Ms. Ankita Mishra, Editor, NRDC, explored “The Utility and Importance of Print Media in Science Popularization in the Social Media Era.”

    The afternoon session featured regional perspectives. Shri Shivanandan, Programme Executive, All India Radio, shared insights into “Radio and Agricultural Science Programmes: Nature and Possibilities.” Shri Samir Ganguly, Science Writer, highlighted “Social References of Science Fiction Stories.”

    The workshop provided a dynamic platform for experts, communicators, and participants to engage in meaningful interactions. Discussions yielded policy recommendations to strengthen science communication in Indian languages, emphasizing increased academia-government-media collaboration and strategies for capacity building among science communicators. The event drew 40 participants, including faculty and students from Banaras Hindu University, Central Sanskrit University, Gurugram University, and CSIR-NIScPR, along with scientists, researchers, and policymakers. A total ofo8 speakers participated, with 06 joining online and 02 attending in person, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.

    The event concluded with an interactive session and a Q&A round with students, followed by closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Dr. Manish Mohan Gore, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, and coordinator of the workshop. The workshop reaffirmed CSIR-NIScPR’s commitment to promoting accessible and inclusive science communication in India.

    About CSIR-NIScPR

    The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) is a constituent laboratory under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is dedicated to science communication, policy research, and the promotion of scientific awareness among the public.

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Waikato Regional Renal Centre officially opens

    Source: Waikato District Health Board

    Kuini Nga wai hono i te po cuts the ribbon supported by Hon Tama Ponaki

    Te Pureoranga – Waikato Regional Renal Centre was officially opened today (Sunday 16 February) with a ceremony at Waikato Hospital, attended by representatives from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, Members of Parliament, and the Māori Queen, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.

    Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, alongside the Hon Tama Potaka, officially opened the facility, cutting a ribbon and unveiling a plaque.

    Local iwi Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa, played a key role in the co-design of the new facility and gifted the name Te Pureoranga to the centre. The name reflects the purpose of the renal services: helping patients and their whānau access life-saving care, with the aspiration of achieving purification and restoration of physical and spiritual wellbeing.

    Improving health infrastructure is a priority for Health New Zealand to ensure better access to timely, quality healthcare closer to home.

    Executive Director Health NZ Reset Programme, Chris Lowry highlighted the significance of the new centre, acknowledging the contributions of those involved in its design and construction.

    “Te Pureoranga gives us a purpose-built facility for renal patients and a long-term home that brings all renal services together as the central service for the Te Manawa Taki region,” she said.

    The new facility provides 53 dialysis chairs (43 for hospital-based treatment and 10 for home-training patients). It also includes a whānau room, along with additional clinic and education spaces.

    Dr Andrew Henderson, Health NZ Medical Director for Cancer and Chronic Conditions for Waikato, expressed pride in the new centre, noting its importance to patients and staff.

    “This facility is a testament to our commitment to renal patients, who often face lifelong conditions.

    “To my knowledge this is the largest integrated renal service building in Australasia, and having all our healthcare professionals – nurses, dietitians, social workers, podiatrists, psychologists and more – under one roof will make a significant difference in providing comprehensive, coordinated care.”

    The new centre has been built to modern standards – achieving a Greenstar 5 rating and is fitted out with the latest clinical technology and equipment.

    Te Pureoranga – Waikato Regional Renal Centre opened for patients on Monday 6 January 2025.

    Currently, the renal service, located on the Waiora Waikato Hospital campus, takes care of over 900 patients across the Te Manawa Taki region.

    Te Pureoranga was the first stage of a wider building programme, which includes a new adult acute mental health inpatient facility. The old Waikato Regional Renal Centre was located on the site where the new mental health facility is being built.

    (left to right) Tumuaki Hone Thompson, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, Charge Nurse Manager Nicky Hagan, Hon Tama Potaka

    L-R Acting Director of Cancer and Chronic Conditions Gabby Reynolds, Head of Department Renal Dr Kannaiyan Rabindranath., Michelle Sutherland, Group Director Operations Hospital and Specialist Services – Waikato Shephanie Doe, Executive Director Health NZ Reset Programme Chris Lowry, Chief of Tikanga, Hauora Māori Services Mahaki Albert, Medical Director Cancer, Chronic Conditions and Radiology Dr Andrew Henderson, Charge Nurse Manager Renal Nicky Hagan

    Te Pure Oranga – Waikato Regional Renal Centre official opening

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China remains constructive force in changing world

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) concluded on Sunday. In interviews with Xinhua, Chinese experts attending the MSC said the event addressed numerous emerging global uncertainties, while China reaffirmed its commitment to being a constructive force in a changing world.

    A security report was released ahead of the conference with a focus on multipolarization and its U.S. section noted that the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump “promises more selective, often unilateral, international engagement, only when narrowly construed US interests are at stake.”

    And it also stated that the administration’s “toying with the idea of coercively absorbing Greenland, Panama, and Canada” suggests it will not feel bound by key international norms.

    Wang Junsheng, a researcher at the Institute of Asia-Pacific and Global Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the key focus of the conference was the uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration. He said the administration’s past statements and acts have indicated a disrespect for international order and a disruption of the existing international system.

    The report stated that the Trump administration’s indifference toward United Nations’ agencies and climate change will negatively impact the Global South countries.

    Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, said the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the World Health Organization not only undermined the authority and effectiveness of the global governance system but also dampened the momentum for multilateral cooperation. This, he argued, has deepened the fragmentation of the international order and hastened the world’s shift toward a more disordered state.

    During his speech at the MSC, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance criticized European countries, including Germany, on issues concerning democracy and immigration. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday criticized Vance for interfering in German politics. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Saturday emphasized that Europe would not accept external imposition.

    Wang Junsheng said Vance’s speech was condescending, undermining the principle of equal exchanges between nations. He added that Vance’s blatant interference in Germany’s internal affairs violates other’s sovereignty and reflects unilateralism, which could provoke diplomatic tensions.

    Xiao Qian, deputy head of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, said Vance’s speech failed to address issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tariffs, disregarding the concerns of countries in Europe and beyond. European officials and scholars have expressed deep disappointment.

    Wang Junsheng said the Russia-Ukraine conflict remained a key issue at this year’s MSC. While the Trump administration has been pursuing a negotiated resolution, widespread concerns persist in Europe regarding the fairness and justice of the U.S. proposal, its potential to achieve lasting peace, and whether it primarily serves American interests.

    With regard to U.S. wielding the big stick of tariffs, Wang Yiwei said this move has undermined the global free trade regime and World Trade Organization rules, fueled trade protectionism and economic nationalism, disrupted global supply chains, and heightened uncertainties in the development of world economy.

    Addressing the “China in the World” session of the MSC, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledged that China will remain a global stabilizing factor and a constructive force in the transformation of the world. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, elaborated on China’s four key views regarding multipolarity, including advocating equality among nations, respecting the rule of international law, practicing multilateralism, and upholding openness and win-win cooperation.

    The Chinese experts said Wang’s speech addressed concerns of all parties and provided the greatest certainty in this uncertain world. China’s proposal to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world was widely discussed and received high praise from attendees.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $5.5 million for health worker accommodation in Coffs Harbour

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $5.5 million for health worker accommodation in Coffs Harbour

    Published: 17 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health

    The Coffs Harbour community is set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

    The Minns Labor Government will invest $5.5 million in health worker housing in Coffs Harbour as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

    The $200.1 million program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.

    The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

    The four-year program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

    The program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen the regional, rural and remote health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.

    “Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our government and this $5.5 million investment in accommodation will support the attraction of key healthcare workers to Coffs Harbour.

    “The Key Health Worker Accommodation program will support the Mid North Coast Local Health District in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community.”

    Quote attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy MLC:

    “The Mid North Coast is among the state’s fastest growing regions and demand for housing is only increasing.

    “Coffs Harbour is already a fantastic place to live and work, but the Minns Labor Government’s investment in health worker housing here will just make it that little more attractive to prospective employees and their families.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $250,000 investment in key health staff accommodation at Barraba

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: $250,000 investment in key health staff accommodation at Barraba

    Published: 17 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health

    The NSW Government is investing $250,000 to upgrade key health worker accommodation at Barraba Multipurpose Service (MPS).

    The funding boost is part of the Minns Labor Government’s $12 million investment in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

    The funding will modernise the Barraba MPS staff accommodation, including ensuites for the three bedrooms to improve privacy and comfort, and help incentivise and attract staff to the region.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

    “One of the key issues we face in the healthcare system is staffing our facilities, and this issue is even more present in regional, rural and remote locations.

    “Having modern, fit for purpose accommodation on site at healthcare facilities is a major drawcard in recruiting and retaining staff.

    “Key Health Worker Accommodation is so important to this government, we’ve invested $200.1 million to increase the availability in critical locations.”

    Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D’Adam MLC:

    “We welcome this investment in Barraba MPS, and it’s great to be part of a government that is making working and living in rural areas more attractive to health workers.

    “This upgrade to staff quarters at Barraba MPS will provide our health workers with modern and comfortable facilities.”

    Quotes attributable to Acting Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Anna Styles-Tape:

    “This funding will provide staff with better amenities and will support our recruitment efforts and offerings to new and existing staff.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Changes to syphilis testing during pregnancy

    Source: Government of Victoria 3

    Key messages

    • The recommendations for syphilis testing during pregnancy have been updated to align with new national guidance.
    • All pregnant people in Victoria should be tested for syphilis at least 3 times during pregnancy – at the first antenatal visit, 26 to 28 weeks and 36 weeks or birth, whichever is earlier. This represents a change from previous testing in pregnancy in Victoria which occurred once at the first antenatal visit, with additional tests recommended for people in high-risk groups.
    • In addition, any pregnant person presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of a sexually transmissible infection (STI) or who has been exposed to an STI, should be tested for syphilis.
    • Congenital syphilis has re-emerged in Victoria since 2017, with 19 cases notified between 2017 and 2024.
    • Congenital syphilis can result in stillbirth, prematurity, and other adverse consequences in affected babies.
    • Congenital syphilis can be prevented with appropriate treatment and follow-up. Babies born to mothers who were diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy require specialist follow-up.
    • Birthing hospitals must be made aware of a mother’s syphilis infection, even if it has been treated.
    • Preventing congenital syphilis requires vigilance and active follow-up on the part of clinicians.

    What is the issue?

    Cases of congenital syphilis represent a serious and preventable public health problem which has re-emerged in Victoria since 2017 with a total of 19 cases of congenital syphilis, including 10 deaths. Prior to 2017, only 2 congenital cases were notified in the preceding 25 years. This has occurred along with an increase in infectious syphilis among women and men of reproductive age (15 to 49 years of age) over the past 8 years with the highest number of notifications in Victoria occurring in 2023 (2,778 cases).

    Syphilis occurring in pregnancy requires prompt treatment and follow-up to prevent serious adverse consequences in the baby.

    Eliminating congenital syphilis requires active screening of all pregnant people, early case detection, timely and appropriate treatment, and adequate follow-up of pregnant people, their babies, and their sexual partners.

    National guidelines have recently been updated to recommend a minimum of 3 syphilis tests for every pregnant person during each pregnancy: at the first antenatal visit, at 26 to 28 weeks, and at 36 weeks or birth (whichever is earlier). See Syphilis – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health UnitsExternal Link, updated 5 November 2024, for further information.

    Who is at risk?

    All sexually active people are at risk of syphilis. The following groups are at increased risk of syphilis during pregnancy:

    • those who have multiple sexual partners
    • sexual partners of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
    • those who use drugs
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
    • those presenting with any other STIs during pregnancy.

    Symptoms and transmission

    Congenital syphilis occurs as a result of transplacental transmission during pregnancy or from mother to baby during birth. A person with syphilis can remain infectious during the primary, secondary and early latent periods of the clinical course, usually for up to 2 years from the time of infection acquisition if left untreated.

    Primary syphilis is typically characterised by an ulcerative and painless lesion (chancre) located at the site of inoculation. A headache, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, fever, sore throat, rash, mucocutaneous lesions and condylomata lata (raised, whitish or grey, flat-topped lesions found in warm moist areas like the mouth, genitals or anus) may occur in secondary syphilis, while early latent syphilis is no longer symptomatic.

    Congenital syphilis can result in stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight or neonatal death. Babies born with congenital syphilis can appear normal at birth but develop a wide range of clinical manifestations by 2 months of age.

    Late manifestations of congenital syphilis can appear from 2 years after birth and include central nervous system abnormalities, eye and hearing problems, and bone or teeth abnormalities.

    Recommendations

    For health professionals

    Testing during pregnancy

    • The recommendations for universal syphilis testing during pregnancy have changed in Victoria. It is recommended that clinicians test all pregnant people a minimum of 3 times:
      • at the first antenatal visit
      • at 26 to 28 weeks and
      • at 36 weeks or birth (whichever is earlier).
    • Indicate pregnancy status on the requesting pathology slip clinical notes.
    • Repeat syphilis testing in all pregnant people presenting with signs or symptoms of any other STIs.
    • Neonates must not be discharged without confirming that the mother’s syphilis status has been documented at least once during pregnancy. If in doubt, maternal syphilis serology should be ordered at birth.
    • Primary laboratories are requested to forward to VIDRL all specimens from pregnant people with positive syphilis serology, for reference testing. This enables VIDRL to perform parallel testing of samples throughout the entire pregnancy and at birth, thus addressing intra and inter-laboratory variability and better informing risk assessment and treatment decisions.

    Management of pregnant people and their contacts

    • Notify all cases of syphilis to the Department of Health.
    • All cases of syphilis in pregnancy require close cooperation between GPs, laboratories, and specialist clinics to ensure the pregnant woman and their baby are treated appropriately.
    • Actively follow up pregnant people who do not attend for testing. Ensure pregnant people are not lost to follow-up. Local Public Health Units and the Department’s Partner Notification Officers (see below) can assist with cases lost to follow-up.
    • Any pregnant person diagnosed with syphilis requires prompt and appropriate treatment with long acting (benzathine) penicillin. Short acting formulations such as benzylpenicillin are ineffective and should not be used.
    • Advice on appropriate management in pregnancy is available from Infectious Diseases physicians, or from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre doctors’ information line. Call 1800 009 903.
    • Sexual partners of people diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy should be tested and treated without waiting for test results, to prevent reinfection during pregnancy.
    • All babies born to mothers diagnosed with syphilis in pregnancy will require follow-up and testing overseen by a specialist paediatric clinic such as those at the Royal Children’s Hospital or the Monash Children’s hospital.

    Partner notification

    • Ensure timely testing and treatment of partners to prevent reinfection. Refer to another service if required.
    • Local Public Health Units and the Partner Notification Officers from the Department of Health are available to assist in contacting the sexual partners of any patient diagnosed with an STI, including syphilis. This is a confidential service. Parter Notification Officers can be reached on (03) 9096 3367 or by email at contact.tracers@dhhs.vic.gov.au.
    • Partner notification tools are available to contact partners anonymously at Let Them KnowExternal Link.

    Education

    • Advise all people diagnosed with syphilis in pregnancy of the importance of adequate treatment and appropriate follow-up of mother and baby to prevent adverse health consequences in the baby.
    • Advise all pregnant people at risk of STIs of the importance of being tested for syphilis in both early and late pregnancy and of the importance of safer sex in preventing syphilis in pregnancy.
    • Advise all people diagnosed with syphilis on the importance of partner notification, testing, and treatment to prevent further infections. Offer active support with partner notification.
    • All pregnant people diagnosed with syphilis are at risk of reinfection if their current partners remain untested and untreated for syphilis.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Blast from the past: Sports reminiscence hits loneliness out of the park

    Source: University of South Australia

    17 February 2025

    From Australia’s historic victory in the 1983 America’s Cup to Freeman’s gold-medal sprint at the Sydney Olympics, sport has the unique ability to captivate and inspire us all.

    Now, a study by the University of South Australia is exploring the experiences and benefits of older people involved in a community reminiscence program – Sporting Memories Australia – tapping into their memories and experiences of sport in a move to address loneliness and social isolation.

    Working with SportsUnited, the program is actively connecting people over the age of 65 (many living with dementia) to discuss historic sporting events, participate in activities, and share memories from past decades. A knowledgeable facilitator guides the group and promotes inclusivity.

    Initial results from the study indicate wide-ranging positive impacts, with participants reporting that it helps them feel included, socially connected, and engaged.

    Participants say that the program lets them talk freely about any topic, presenting them with opportunities to share and learn with others, a proven factor that stimulates cognitive functioning and social engagement.

    It’s a valuable finding given Australia’s ageing population, where current estimates indicate that 4.2 million Australians (16% of the population) are aged 65+.

    UniSA researcher Robert Laidlaw says the Sporting Memories Australia program is helping address the challenges of aging by providing a group setting for older people to develop new friendships through sharing memories.

    “Social isolation and loneliness have become a public health concern as people age. But while individual approaches such as psychological interventions and medications have been trialled, their effectiveness is limited,” Laidlaw says.

    “Community group reminiscence programs have been developed as a novel approach to combat social isolation. In the Sporting Memories Australia program, we bring a group of older people together to talk about past sporting events.

    “Some of the participants may be socially isolated or lonely, while others struggle with anxiety, depression or even have mild cognitive changes. But together, we engage everyone though a range of inclusive and fun activities including games, quizzes, memorabilia, guest speakers and trips to sporting venues.”

    The program, originally developed in the United Kingdom, aims to attract people with an interest in sport who are living with cognitive changes, loneliness, and/or depression.

    Co-researcher, UniSA’s Dr Richard McGrath, says that in addition to the health and social benefits, participants value the opportunity to learn about and from each other as they play games and share stories.

    “Learning is important for older people because it fosters an active and enquiring mind while promoting social interaction and broadening their horizons,” he says.

    “The benefits of the Sporting Memories Australia program can do wonders for a person’s general quality of life – mentally, socially, and physically. And anything that support a positive mind and spirit is good for our health and wellbeing – and that goes regardless of our age.”

    Sporting Memories Australia holds fortnightly and monthly sessions across seven South Australian locations. To find out more visit: https://www.sportsunited.org.au/sporting-memories-australia.html 

    Notes to editors

    The full paper –‘A qualitative study of a Sporting Memories program in South Australia: belonging, participation, and social connection’ is published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health with contributions from: Robert Laidlaw, Dr Richard McGrath, Prof Saravana Kumar, Dr Caroline Adams and Dr Carolyn M. Murray.

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

    Contacts for interview: Dr Richard McGrath E: Richard.McGrath@unisa.edu.au

    Robert Laidlaw M: +61 407 979 163 E: robert.laidlaw@mymail.unisa.edu.au
    Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

    Other articles you may be interested in

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over two million extra NHS appointments delivered early as trusts handed £40 million to go further and faster

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Over two million extra NHS appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests delivered as government delivers first step to fix the NHS seven months early.

    • Pledge to deliver over two million more elective care appointments hit early with over 100,000 more treatments, tests and scans for patients each week
    • Waiting lists falls by almost 160,000 since government took office, as extra appointments delivered for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests
    • Comes as an additional £40 million set to be handed to trusts that deliver biggest improvements in cutting waiting lists
    • Marks major step towards delivering Plan for Change milestone of hitting 18-week treatment target by the end of this Parliament

    Over two million extra NHS appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests delivered as government delivers first step to fix the NHS seven months early. 

    The Prime Minister has welcomed new figures published by NHS England [today] which reveal that between July and November last year, the NHS delivered almost 2.2 million more elective care appointments compared to the same period the previous year – delivering on the government’s mission to fix the NHS as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The new data confirms the government reached the target seven months earlier than promised – with 100,000 more treatments, tests, and scans for patients each week, and more than half a million extra diagnostic tests delivered.

    It follows figures published last week which showed the waiting list has been cut by almost 160,000 since the government took office, compared to a rise of almost 33,000 over the same period the previous year. 

    It means thousands of patients have received vital operations, scans, treatments, and consultations earlier than planned, helping them get back on with their lives and back to work sooner.

    The extra 2 million appointments – delivered in part by extra evening and weekend working – are underpinned by the government’s ambitious wider reform agenda, including our plan to expand opening hours at Community Diagnostic Centres across the country, 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

    The government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future starts with tackling waiting lists, and hitting this milestone is a crucial step towards treating 92% of elective care patients within 18 weeks of referral by the end of this Parliament – delivering a core commitment in the Plan for Change.  

    While there is more to do, today’s milestone also clears the path to bring forward wider NHS reforms through the government’s Elective Reform Plan – announced by the Prime Minister last month – which will cut waiting times and improve patient experience by getting people seen more quickly, closer to home. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

     “Two million extra NHS appointments and a waiting list on its way down – we’re delivering on our promise to fix the NHS and make sure people get the care they need, when they need it. 

    “This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the cancer patients who for too long were left wondering when they’ll finally start getting their life-saving treatment. It’s about the millions of people who’ve put their lives and livelihoods on hold – waiting in pain and uncertainty as they wait for a diagnosis.

    “We said we’d turn this around and that’s exactly what we’re doing – this milestone is a shot in the arm for our plan to get the NHS back on its feet and cut waiting times.

    “But we’re not complacent and we know the job isn’t done. We’re determined to go further and faster to deliver more appointments, faster treatment, and a National Health Service that the British public deserve as part of our Plan for Change.” 

    Since entering office, the government has hit the ground running to fix the broken health service we inherited by tackling the waiting lists, and building an NHS fit for the future. 

    This includes ending NHS strikes so staff are on the front line instead of the picket line this winter, vaccinating more people against flu than this time last year and putting immediate investment into our health system through £1.8 billion to fund extra elective care appointments as part of record £26 billion extra NHS funding secured at the October Budget.   

    Building on this, the government has announced an extra £40 million funding pot for trusts who make the biggest improvements in cutting waiting lists. The funding will be available for hospitals from next year to spend on capital projects such as new equipment or repairs to their estate which can deliver faster access to treatment and improve conditions for patients. 

    Further details on the scope and allocation of the funding package will be set out in due course, but examples of the innovations that trusts will be able to benefit from include investment into new tech such as surgical robots and AI scanners to modernise the NHS and help patients get diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

    The funding could also go towards completing hospital ward maintenance – expediting the transformation of ageing NHS estates and giving patients newer, safer environments in which to receive care. 

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    “We have wasted no time in getting to work to cut NHS waiting times and end the agony of millions of patients suffering uncertainty and pain.

    “Because we ended the strikes, invested in the NHS, and rolled out reformed ways of working, we are finally putting the NHS on the road to recovery.

    “We promised change, and we’ve delivered, providing the two million extra appointments we pledged in just our first five months – a promise made, and a promise kept. The result is around 160,000 fewer patients on waiting lists today than in July.

    “That was just the first step. Through our Plan for Change, we are opening new surgical hubs, Community Diagnostics Centres at evenings and weekends, and using private sector capacity to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.”

    Amanda Pritchard NHS chief executive said: 

    “Thanks to the hard work of staff and embracing the latest innovations in care, we treated hundreds of thousands more patients last year and delivered a record number of tests and checks, with the waiting list falling for the fourth month in a row.

    “There is much more to do to slash waiting times for patients, but the Elective Care Reform Plan will allow us to build on this incredible progress as we boost capacity and drive efficiency while also improving the experience of patients.”

    The Elective Reform Plan will drive forward action to meet the 18-week target through the necessary reforms to overhaul the system, support staff, cut waste and put patients first – creating millions more appointments in the process. As part of this, the government is creating thousands more appointments through greater access to Community Diagnostic Centres and 17 new or expanded surgical hubs.  

    The Community Diagnostic Centres will be opened 12 hours a day, seven days a week wherever possible so that people can access a broader range of more appointments closer to home in their neighbourhoods. These will increase the availability of same-day tests and consultations so that patients don’t have to wait for weeks in between different stages of care.  

    The surgical hubs will be also created within existing hospitals by June and three others expanded, with more expected in coming years supported by the £1.5 billion investment confirmed at the Autumn budget.  

    These will bring together the necessary expertise, best practice, and tech under one roof to focus on delivering the most common, less complex procedures. The new hubs will be ring-fenced from winter pressures and will cut waiting times for standard surgeries, in turn freeing up beds in acute wards needed for more complex cases. 

    Other elements of the plan include freeing up around 1 million more appointments every year by removing non-essential follow-ups, publishing a new deal with the independent sector to increase capacity, revolutionising the NHS app to give patients greater choice and control over their treatment and preventing unnecessary referrals by incentivising GPs to work with hospital doctors to get specialist advice. 

    The government has also launched a nationwide consultation on the 10 Year Health Plan to build an NHS fit for the future and secured an extra £2 billion to upgrade NHS technology and £1 billion to deal with the massive NHS maintenance backlog. 

    As part of a drive towards prevention, NHS England have also launched its first-ever awareness campaign today to support more women to attend potentially lifesaving breast screening. The campaign, supported by leading charity Breast Cancer Now, launches today with a new advert across TV, on demand and radio to highlight the benefits of screening in detecting cancer at the earliest opportunity. 

    Last year alone, NHS breast screening services detected cancers in 18,942 women across England, which otherwise may not have been diagnosed or treated until a later stage, and the most comprehensive review to date found around 1,300 deaths are prevented each year by the breast screening programme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Over two million extra NHS appointments delivered early as trusts handed £40 million to go further and faster

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Over two million extra NHS appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests delivered as government delivers first step to fix the NHS seven months early.

    • Pledge to deliver over two million more elective care appointments hit early with over 100,000 more treatments, tests and scans for patients each week
    • Waiting lists falls by almost 160,000 since government took office, as extra appointments delivered for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests
    • Comes as an additional £40 million set to be handed to trusts that deliver biggest improvements in cutting waiting lists
    • Marks major step towards delivering Plan for Change milestone of hitting 18-week treatment target by the end of this Parliament

    Over two million extra NHS appointments including for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests delivered as government delivers first step to fix the NHS seven months early. 

    The Prime Minister has welcomed new figures published by NHS England [today] which reveal that between July and November last year, the NHS delivered almost 2.2 million more elective care appointments compared to the same period the previous year – delivering on the government’s mission to fix the NHS as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The new data confirms the government reached the target seven months earlier than promised – with 100,000 more treatments, tests, and scans for patients each week, and more than half a million extra diagnostic tests delivered.

    It follows figures published last week which showed the waiting list has been cut by almost 160,000 since the government took office, compared to a rise of almost 33,000 over the same period the previous year. 

    It means thousands of patients have received vital operations, scans, treatments, and consultations earlier than planned, helping them get back on with their lives and back to work sooner.

    The extra 2 million appointments – delivered in part by extra evening and weekend working – are underpinned by the government’s ambitious wider reform agenda, including our plan to expand opening hours at Community Diagnostic Centres across the country, 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

    The government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future starts with tackling waiting lists, and hitting this milestone is a crucial step towards treating 92% of elective care patients within 18 weeks of referral by the end of this Parliament – delivering a core commitment in the Plan for Change.  

    While there is more to do, today’s milestone also clears the path to bring forward wider NHS reforms through the government’s Elective Reform Plan – announced by the Prime Minister last month – which will cut waiting times and improve patient experience by getting people seen more quickly, closer to home. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

     “Two million extra NHS appointments and a waiting list on its way down – we’re delivering on our promise to fix the NHS and make sure people get the care they need, when they need it. 

    “This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the cancer patients who for too long were left wondering when they’ll finally start getting their life-saving treatment. It’s about the millions of people who’ve put their lives and livelihoods on hold – waiting in pain and uncertainty as they wait for a diagnosis.

    “We said we’d turn this around and that’s exactly what we’re doing – this milestone is a shot in the arm for our plan to get the NHS back on its feet and cut waiting times.

    “But we’re not complacent and we know the job isn’t done. We’re determined to go further and faster to deliver more appointments, faster treatment, and a National Health Service that the British public deserve as part of our Plan for Change.” 

    Since entering office, the government has hit the ground running to fix the broken health service we inherited by tackling the waiting lists, and building an NHS fit for the future. 

    This includes ending NHS strikes so staff are on the front line instead of the picket line this winter, vaccinating more people against flu than this time last year and putting immediate investment into our health system through £1.8 billion to fund extra elective care appointments as part of record £26 billion extra NHS funding secured at the October Budget.   

    Building on this, the government has announced an extra £40 million funding pot for trusts who make the biggest improvements in cutting waiting lists. The funding will be available for hospitals from next year to spend on capital projects such as new equipment or repairs to their estate which can deliver faster access to treatment and improve conditions for patients. 

    Further details on the scope and allocation of the funding package will be set out in due course, but examples of the innovations that trusts will be able to benefit from include investment into new tech such as surgical robots and AI scanners to modernise the NHS and help patients get diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.

    The funding could also go towards completing hospital ward maintenance – expediting the transformation of ageing NHS estates and giving patients newer, safer environments in which to receive care. 

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    “We have wasted no time in getting to work to cut NHS waiting times and end the agony of millions of patients suffering uncertainty and pain.

    “Because we ended the strikes, invested in the NHS, and rolled out reformed ways of working, we are finally putting the NHS on the road to recovery.

    “We promised change, and we’ve delivered, providing the two million extra appointments we pledged in just our first five months – a promise made, and a promise kept. The result is around 160,000 fewer patients on waiting lists today than in July.

    “That was just the first step. Through our Plan for Change, we are opening new surgical hubs, Community Diagnostics Centres at evenings and weekends, and using private sector capacity to cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.”

    Amanda Pritchard NHS chief executive said: 

    “Thanks to the hard work of staff and embracing the latest innovations in care, we treated hundreds of thousands more patients last year and delivered a record number of tests and checks, with the waiting list falling for the fourth month in a row.

    “There is much more to do to slash waiting times for patients, but the Elective Care Reform Plan will allow us to build on this incredible progress as we boost capacity and drive efficiency while also improving the experience of patients.”

    The Elective Reform Plan will drive forward action to meet the 18-week target through the necessary reforms to overhaul the system, support staff, cut waste and put patients first – creating millions more appointments in the process. As part of this, the government is creating thousands more appointments through greater access to Community Diagnostic Centres and 17 new or expanded surgical hubs.  

    The Community Diagnostic Centres will be opened 12 hours a day, seven days a week wherever possible so that people can access a broader range of more appointments closer to home in their neighbourhoods. These will increase the availability of same-day tests and consultations so that patients don’t have to wait for weeks in between different stages of care.  

    The surgical hubs will be also created within existing hospitals by June and three others expanded, with more expected in coming years supported by the £1.5 billion investment confirmed at the Autumn budget.  

    These will bring together the necessary expertise, best practice, and tech under one roof to focus on delivering the most common, less complex procedures. The new hubs will be ring-fenced from winter pressures and will cut waiting times for standard surgeries, in turn freeing up beds in acute wards needed for more complex cases. 

    Other elements of the plan include freeing up around 1 million more appointments every year by removing non-essential follow-ups, publishing a new deal with the independent sector to increase capacity, revolutionising the NHS app to give patients greater choice and control over their treatment and preventing unnecessary referrals by incentivising GPs to work with hospital doctors to get specialist advice. 

    The government has also launched a nationwide consultation on the 10 Year Health Plan to build an NHS fit for the future and secured an extra £2 billion to upgrade NHS technology and £1 billion to deal with the massive NHS maintenance backlog. 

    As part of a drive towards prevention, NHS England have also launched its first-ever awareness campaign today to support more women to attend potentially lifesaving breast screening. The campaign, supported by leading charity Breast Cancer Now, launches today with a new advert across TV, on demand and radio to highlight the benefits of screening in detecting cancer at the earliest opportunity. 

    Last year alone, NHS breast screening services detected cancers in 18,942 women across England, which otherwise may not have been diagnosed or treated until a later stage, and the most comprehensive review to date found around 1,300 deaths are prevented each year by the breast screening programme.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New sports high school for South-West Sydney

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 17 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning

    The Minns Labor Government have delivered on another election commitment with Eagle Vale High School becoming Australia’s newest sports high school, as work continues to ensure families in Western Sydney have access to world class public education opportunities.

    The school’s Talented Sports Program kicked off on day one term one this year with 60 students who successfully competed in the athletic trials last year excelling across Rugby League, Basketball and Cricket.

    The delivery of this election commitment means for the first time families in the Macarthur region have a school on their doorstep catering for students excelling in sports alongside a strong academic program.

    Previously, aspiring athletes in the region had to travel up to an hour to pursue their athletic ambitions at their nearest sports high school.

    To support Eagle Vale High School’s students the NSW Government is funding multimillion-dollar upgrades to the school with new cricket nets and upgraded change rooms already delivered.

    Further upgrade works are also underway including for a new running track, resurfacing the school’s full-sized playing field, new lighting for the sports field, new pickleball courts, a new multipurpose hall, a new Health and PE Learning Hub and a new PE Fitness Laboratory.

    The Talented Sports Program has a proven track record of nurturing some of the country’s best up-and-coming athletes, including more than 170 national senior level representatives in NRL and AFL, and professional basketballers, golfers and surfers.  

    Successful alumni of NSW sports high schools include Test cricketer Usman Khawaja, former national cricket captain Michael Clarke, soccer greats Harry Kewell and Alanna Kennedy, and former Australian rugby league captain Boyd Cordner.

    This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, ensuring families in growing Western Sydney communities have access to world-class schools, no matter their postcode. This ongoing work includes:

    • Investing a record $3.6 billion to deliver new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney
    • Delivering five new public schools across Western Sydney which welcomed students for the first time day one, term one 2025
    • Valuing the workforce by delivering the largest pay rise in a generation to NSW’s 95,000 teachers
    • Giving teachers job security by making 16,000 teachers and school support staff on temporary contacts permanent
    • Reducing teacher vacancies by 40 per cent, ensuring more students have a qualified teacher at the front of their classrooms.

    Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

    “No matter the postcode we want to ensure that children across New South Wales are given every opportunity to achieve their dreams.

    “This means kids in South-West Sydney will have a real opportunity to pursue their sporting aspirations without their parents having to commit to hours of travel each day.

    “For both budding athletes and their parents, this is a game changer.

    “There is such a strong sporting culture in this part of Sydney and it’s great that the opportunities available to local school children finally reflects that.”

    Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said:

    “The population in the Macarthur region is continuing to grow, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting young people to reach their potential in their local area.

    “Previously, Macarthur students had to travel an hour or more each way to access a Talented Sports Program. Now, these students can follow their sporting dreams in their local area.

    “Eagle Vale High will be a school where some of South-West Sydney’s most talented athletes get their start as possible future Olympic champions.”

    Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

    “It is fantastic to see the upgrade works underway at Eagle Vale High School.

    “Delivering a selective sports stream for the Macarthur community is giving talented young athletes from our local area more opportunities.

    “I cannot wait to see the dividends this investment delivers for our strong local sporting community.”

    Eagle Vale High School principal Craig Butler said:

    “The community is very excited about the new sports facilities. They think it’s wonderful that we’re supporting our kids and showing a commitment to the Macarthur area.

    “We are going to have kids who will become Olympic champions and professional athletes, but as a sports high school, we can allow them to manage their study so they don’t have to make a choice between academic success and sport.

    “The students know they are part of something special and talk about the school with pride.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/BURUNDI – Appointment of Bishop of Bubanza

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 15 February 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ntakarutimana, O.P., until now Coordinator of the Council for the creation of the Catholic University of Burundi, as Bishop of the Diocese of Bubanza (Burundi).His Exc. Msgr. Emmanuel Ntakarutimana, of the Order of Preachers, was born on 30 December 1956 in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Gitega. After studying Philosophy at the Major Seminary of Bujumbura and Theology at the Université Catholique Du Congo in Kinshasa, he obtained a Doctorate in Fundamental Theology at the Université de Fribourg in Switzerland.He made his first profession in Ibadan, Nigeria on September 28, 1981, his perpetual vows in 1984 in Rweza (Burundi) and was ordained a priest in Gitega on August 23, 1987.He has held the following positions: Professor of Fundamental Theology at the Major Seminary of Gitega (1986-1989); Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace (1988-1990); Master of Students at the Inter-African Formation House of the Dominicans in Kinshasa (1991-1993); Advisor to the Superior and Coordinator for Africa of the Order of Dominican Fathers (1993-1999); Coordinator of the Ubuntu Center for the Promotion of Peace and Reconciliation in Bujumbura (2001-2015); Director of the Office of the Episcopal Conference for Evangelization (2015-2021); since 2021, Coordinator of the Council for the creation of the Catholic University of Burundi. (Agenzia Fides, 15/2/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/BURUNDI – Appointment of Bishop of Rutana

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Saturday, 15 February 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Francis has appointed Rev. Léonidas Nitereka, until now Vicar General of the Diocese of Bururi, as Bishop of the Diocese of Rutana (Burundi).His Exc. Msgr. Léonidas Nitereka was born on 1 September 1960 in Martyazo, in the Diocese of Bururi. He studied Philosophy at the Saint Curé d’Ars Major Seminary in Bujumbura and Theology at the Saint John Paul II Major Seminary in Gitega. He was ordained a priest on 17 August 1986 in Bururi.He has held the following positions and carried out further studies: Chaplain of secondary schools in the Diocese (1986-1987); Parish Priest of Murago, Diocese of Bururi (1987-1990); Diocesan Treasurer (1990-1997); Doctorate in Anthropological Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and Pastoral Service in the Diocese of Florence, Italy (1997-2006); Rector of the Minor Seminary of Buta and President of the Clergy of Bururi (2007-2012); since 2010, Vicar General of the Diocese of Bururi and Director of the Pastoral Office. (Agenzia Fides, 15/2/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – Angelus with Pope Francis in Hospital: “Thank you for the affection, let us continue to pray for peace”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Sunday, 16 February 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Thank you for the affection, prayer… I invite everyone to continue to pray for peace in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel and all the Middle East, Myanmar, Kivu and Sudan”. These are the words that Pope Francis sent from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has been hospitalized since Friday 14, February for a respiratory infection. Words addressed in particular to the artists gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica for the celebration of their Jubilee.All the Pontiff’s commitments scheduled for these days have been canceled with the exception of the Mass that he himself was supposed to preside over in St. Peter’s for the Jubilee event dedicated to the world of art and culture. On behalf of the Bishop of Rome, who sends his greetings, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, presides over the Eucharistic celebration at the Altar of Confession and read the homily prepared by the Pope for the occasion, commenting on today’s Gospel passage, that of the Beatitudes, a text that Pope Francis has repeatedly defined as the “Magna Carta” of the Christian.In “a time when new walls are being erected”, artists, the Pontiff emphasizes in the homily read by the Portuguese cardinal – are “guardians of the Beatitudes. As artists and representatives of the world of culture, you are called to be witnesses to the revolutionary vision of the Beatitudes. Your mission is not only to create beauty, but to reveal the truth, goodness and beauty hidden within the folds of history. Let the Gospel of the Beatitudes guide you, and may your art be a herald of a new world. Never cease searching, questioning and taking risks. True art is never easy; it offers the peace of restlessness. And do not forget that hope is not an illusion; beauty is not a utopia. Yours is not a random gift but a calling. Respond, then, with generosity, passion and love”.A reference to the homily is also present in the text that had been prepared to accompany the Angelus prayer, a text released at midday by the Press Office: today’s event, it reads, “reminds us of the importance of art as a universal language that spreads beauty and unites peoples, contributing to bringing harmony into the world and silencing every cry of war. I would have liked to be among you but, as you know, I am here at the Gemelli Hospital because I still need some treatment for my bronchitis”. In this regard, the Pope expresses his “thank you” for the spiritual support and also asks to pray for all healthcare workers: “Thank you for the affection, prayer and closeness with which you are accompanying me in these days, and I would like to thank the doctors and healthcare workers in this hospital for their care: they do such a valuable and tiring job, let us support them with prayer!” (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 16/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: We asked young people if they wanted tighter vaping regulation to phase out nicotine – here’s what they said

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Janet Hoek, Professor in Public Health, University of Otago

    Shutterstock/Aliaksandr Barouski

    New Zealand’s smokefree law was hailed around the world for creating a smokefree generation that would have lifelong protection from smoking’s harms.

    The smokefree generation would have ended sales of tobacco products to anyone born on or after a specific date, thus gradually phasing out smoking. This new approach goes beyond age restriction policies (such as R18 or R21), which may imply smoking is “safe” once people reach the designated age.

    However, the coalition government moved swiftly to repeal the smokefree generation measure. That decision did not reflect attitudes towards the policy from young people and the general public.

    In an earlier in-depth study, we found young people strongly supported measures restricting their access to tobacco because they understood this policy would protect them from becoming addicted to smoking. Surveys also showed strong support for the smokefree generation policy from young people, the general public and people who smoke.

    NZ falls further behind international best practice

    As New Zealand went backwards, other jurisdictions, including the UK and several US towns, have proposed or taken more progressive approaches. Recent policies include vapes and other nicotine products, alongside smoked tobacco, and aim to create a nicotine-free generation.

    This approach recognises young people’s right to lead lives free from nicotine addiction and aims to address the growing threat addiction to vaping poses to their wellbeing.

    Because many more young people in New Zealand vape than smoke, we were interested in how they viewed a nicotine-free generation policy.

    On the one hand, they might support an approach that reduces the shame, stress and stigma nicotine addiction causes. On the other, they might accept arguments tobacco companies have made, claiming birth-year measures remove young people’s freedoms.

    Easy access to vaping products makes quitting difficult.
    Shutterstock/hurricanehank

    What young people who vape think

    We talked in-depth with 20 young people who assessed themselves as addicted to vaping. We asked them to imagine a nicotine-free generation policy was in place and applied to them, before probing how they interpreted and rationalised this approach.

    Our participants thought a nicotine-free generation policy would bring several wide-ranging benefits. They outlined personal benefits, such as increased fitness, better overall health and fewer financial concerns.

    Participants also envisaged societal benefits, including reduced pollution (from littered disposable vapes), fewer disputes among young people (less fighting over vapes) and a less pressured health system.

    Nearly all participants wanted to quit vaping. Several had tried to stop but relapsed. Easy access to vaping products and vaping’s ubiquity made many feel that quitting was impossible.

    Some felt targeted by marketers and unable to resist the pro-vaping environment that surrounded them. One person said vape shops were designed to attract younger people.

    There’s vape stores everywhere. It’s insane […] they’re always bright[ly] colour[ed] so you can see them.

    These feelings of powerlessness led several to view government regulation as the only way to protect young people from vaping. Rather than wanting to assert “choices” and “freedoms”, many of the people who talked with us felt they would be better off if this option simply did not exist.

    One participant explained:

    Although it is a choice […] it’s never going to be a positive choice. I wouldn’t mind it being taken away because I know it would be for my benefit […] it wouldn’t be a negative thing.

    Participants wanted a better future where younger generations did not face the challenges they had found overwhelming.

    The generation below me […] I don’t want them to go through [negative] health effects [and] experience that kind of thing.

    Nonetheless, a very small minority argued that young people should find out about risks themselves. One person argued:

    It’s people’s lives and they should be able to pick what they do […] Let them find out for themselves.

    Participants noted concerns about how a nicotine-free generation policy would be implemented and questioned whether retailers would respect this measure. Some thought parents or older siblings would supply vapes, as some already did. Others expected an illicit market could evolve.

    However, participants suggested several solutions they thought could address these challenges, including not normalising vaping, reducing retail outlet numbers and vape product marketing, increasing compliance monitoring and providing better support to help people quit vaping.

    Time for political leadership

    Our findings suggest it is time to discuss whether Aotearoa New Zealand should return to more progressive smokefree policies that recognise how the rapidly evolving nicotine market has undermined young people’s wellbeing.

    The current political emphasis on individual responsibility ignores young people’s calls for policies that remove harmful “choices”. It does not address earlier evidence that suggests governments have a responsibility to protect young people from harms.

    Reducing the ubiquity and appeal of vaping products should be an urgent policy priority for 2025.

    We acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by Renee Hosking, a summer scholarship student with the ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre.

    Janet Hoek receives funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society Marsden Fund, NZ Cancer Society and NZ Heart Foundation. She is a member of the Health Coalition Aotearoa’s smokefree expert advisory group, a senior editor at Tobacco Control (honorarium paid) and she serves or has served on several government, NGO and community advisory groups.

    Lani Teddy receives funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand. She is affiliated with ASPIRE Aotearoa whose members undertake research to inform tobacco policy.

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

    – ref. We asked young people if they wanted tighter vaping regulation to phase out nicotine – here’s what they said – https://theconversation.com/we-asked-young-people-if-they-wanted-tighter-vaping-regulation-to-phase-out-nicotine-heres-what-they-said-249456

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 16 February 2025 Departmental update World leaders gather to reduce road deaths, boost road safety

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Leaders, ministers and officials from over 100 countries are set to advance commitments and actions to strengthen road safety worldwide at the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road safety that will be hosted by the Kingdom Morocco and the World Health Organization (WHO] in Marrakech this week.

    Leaders are set to endorse the ‘Marrakech Declaration on Global Road Safety’ which urges countries to make road safety a political priority and boost actions to achieve the goal of halving global road deaths by 2030 as set out in the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

    Road crashes kill nearly 1.2 million people each year, which is more than two deaths every minute. Road crashes cost most countries around 3 to 5 per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) and transport accounts for around a quarter of the world’s harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

    “Road safety is a priority for people, planet and prosperity. It underpins individual opportunity and sustainable development globally. The Marrakech Declaration calls for a step-change in efforts to reduce road deaths and ensure safe and sustainable mobility for everyone. No road deaths are ever acceptable, or necessary, and we must double-down on our efforts to apply proven solutions,” said Mr Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics for the Kingdom of Morocco. 

    The Marrakech Declaration calls on governments to implement all recommendations set out in the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, including strengthening laws, safety regulations and coordination across government. The Global Plan calls for more cross-border knowledge-sharing, technical support, technology transfer and research into emerging technologies, as well as efforts to make walking, cycling and public transport more accessible for everyone.

    “Road deaths are preventable and making roads safe for everyone is within our reach. We know what to do, and this conference marks a clear call to urgent action. Leaders are making new commitments and advancing actions to save more lives but much more still needs to be done,” said Dr Etienne Krug, WHO Director of the Department for the Social Determinants of Health.

    The latest WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety (2023) shows that road deaths fell slightly to 1.19 million per year in 2021, which was a 5% reduction in fatalities since 2010. More than half of all UN Member States reported a decline in deaths over this period and 10 of these countries managed to halve deaths in the last 10 years, showing that a 50% reduction in a decade is possible. 35 of these countries reduced the number of deaths by between 30 and 50% between 2010 and 2021.

    The Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety takes place in Marrakech, Morocco on 18-20 February, with the theme of “Commit to Life”. Around 2500 delegates, including ministers, heads of national road safety agencies, government representatives, parliamentarians and experts from the United Nations, civil society, business and academia are attending.

    Focus areas for the conference include road safety governance, emerging trends in mobility, financing, working with the private sector, road traffic injury data, connections with other health, transport, environment and development agendas, and as the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety to be held on the African continent, a focus on Africa.

    WHO is hosting and participating in a series of events at the conference, including a meeting of the Global Network of Heads of National Road Safety Agencies in partnership with the World Bank, and sessions on road safety governance, data, legislation and enforcement and strategic communications.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Creates Annual Dikembe Mutombo Humanitarian Award

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

    SAN FRANCISCO, United States of America, February 16, 2025/APO Group/ —

    • New Award Will be Given Out Annually to Individuals and Organizations Making Exceptional Contributions to Humanitarian Efforts 
    • NBA Africa Will Donate 55 Basketball Courts to Communities on the Continent in Honor of Mutombo and His Iconic Jersey Number 

    NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today announced the creation of the NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) Dikembe Mutombo Humanitarian Award, a new annual honor that will recognize a person or an organization that works to advance health, education or economic opportunity across the continent of Africa. 

    The award is named after the late four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer who served as the NBA’s first global ambassador following his retirement from the league in 2009. 

    Silver also announced that NBA Africa will donate 55 courts to local communities on the continent in honor of Mutombo and his iconic jersey number, beginning in his native Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo where he first discovered his love for the game.  The courts will feature a distinct design inspired by Mutombo and contribute to NBA Africa’s commitment of building 1,000 courts on the continent over the next decade.

    The announcement was made at the 10th annual NBA Africa All-Star Luncheon in San Francisco, Calif. as part of NBA All-Star 2025. The award will be presented annually beginning at next year’s luncheon, with the recipient receiving a financial grant to further their humanitarian efforts and a donation from NBA Africa to a charity of their choice.

    “Dikembe devoted his life to helping others and brought joy to so many people across Africa and around the world,” said Silver. “This new award and the basketball courts built in his name will honor Dikembe’s extraordinary legacy as a global humanitarian.”

    Selected fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft, Mutombo spent 18 years in the NBA during which time he was an eight-time NBA All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, leading the league in blocked shots three times and becoming the second-leading shot blocker in NBA history.  He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

    Recognized for his philanthropic and humanitarian work, Mutombo was a recipient of many awards, including the Congressional Humanitarian Award (2013), John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Goodermote Humanitarian Award (2011), Laureus World Sports Award (2010), John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award (2010) and the U.S. President’s Service Award (2000).  A general hospital he built in Kinshasa and named in memory of his late mother, the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, opened its doors to the public in 2007.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC Issues a Product Recall on Undeclared Almonds in Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias (1oz) Pouches

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Food & Beverages
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Undeclared almonds

    Company Name:
    Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company, LLC
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    Mauna Loa

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias

    Company Announcement

    February 15, 2025, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Company LLC of Kea’au, HI is voluntarily recalling one batch of its Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias snack (1oz) pouches, due to the presence of undeclared almonds which are an allergen. Consumers who have allergies to almonds run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product.

    The recalled Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias snack (1oz) pouches were distributed to two retail locations in Southern California. The two retailers include World Market and Abraham & Sons, Inc.

    The product is packaged in a 1 oz pouch, with UPC 0 72992 04260 3, marked with lot number K4351 and best by date 07 2026 on the back of the packaging.

    No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to date, in connection with this issue.

    The recall was initiated after Mauna Loa’s internal quality control process identified that the affected batch, manufactured by a third-party co-manufacturer, contained undeclared almonds. Immediate action was taken to contain the affected product, notify the third-party co-manufacturer, alert consumers and distributors, and report the issue to the FDA.

    Consumers who have purchased the affected Mauna Loa Milk Chocolate Covered Macadamias snack (1oz) pouches and have an almond allergy are urged not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

    Consumers with questions may contact Customer Service at 1-888-255-5998, Monday through Friday.

    We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality in our products.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Customer Service
    888-255-5998
    Media:
    Chris Rabago
    808-842-7355

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mass Civil Servant Layoffs Harm Vital Work Washingtonians Depend On

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    02.15.25

    Mass Civil Servant Layoffs Harm Vital Work Washingtonians Depend On

    Trump Admin arbitrarily fires as many as 200k federal employees, hindering or even halting ongoing projects & programs; Layoffs include personnel at HHS, DOE, VA, Dept. of Ag, and mor

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the Trump administration announced it would recommend mass layoffs across the federal government, which could total as many as 200,000 federal workers across multiple agencies.  The full scope of the mass firings is still emerging, but the administration is reportedly targeting federal employees who lack full civil service protections and appeal rights because they do not have these protections, not for performance reasons.

    Said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA): “The Trump Administration is trying to illegally cut the federal workforce in an attempt to come up with a budget and tax increases on middle class Americans, all while giving $4 trillion in tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest individuals. Our deficit and essential programs like Medicaid can’t take the Trump hack job.  

    The Trump Administration is also leaving Americans’ data exposed while he is doing it. What is he going to do next that will make it easier for Americans to be spied on?”

    The layoffs include personnel who work in Washington state, or who work on projects and programs vital to the people in the state. Potentially impacted agencies include:

    The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 5,200 agency-wide, including 1,300 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Initial reports from the Indian Health Service (IHS) also indicate that these firings include 850 IHS employees, including 90 physicians, 350 nurses, at least 25 nurse practitioners, nearly 20 dentists, 43 dental assistants, more than 85 pharmacists, 45 lab technicians, and more than 15 service area chief executives or their deputies.

    Vital projects or programs in the state that could be threatened: In 2023, Washington state received almost $1.3 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Any delays or reductions in NIH funding could threaten the 12,000 jobs that this funding supports, especially for our major research centers like University of Washington, Washington State University, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

    Over 70% of CDC’s funding goes directly to state, local, Tribal, and territorial health departments and partners. CDC also fills critical public health staffing gaps for states, counties, cities, and at Tribal levels, including sending highly trained “Disease Detectives” to states for outbreak responses. Without this support, states will face significant public health workforce shortages limiting critical public health programs that ensure our food, water, and communities is are safe. In 2023, Washington state received $13.3 million from the CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Fund. This funding is vital for Washington state’s ability to respond to emerging bio threats like the avian flu.

    The Department of Energy (DOE):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 2,000 agency-wide, including 200 (6%) at Bonneville Power Administration, 325 at the National Nuclear Security Administration, and fewer than 10 at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. At this time, the number of impacted employees at Hanford remains unclear.

    The Department of Agriculture (USDA):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 800 from USDA Agricultural Research Service and 3,400 from USDA Forest Service (roughly 10% of the entire USFS).

    Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: Over 1,000, though the VA says no one has been fired who supports direct benefits or services for veterans and their beneficiaries.

    The Department of the Interior (DOI):

    Approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 2,600 agency-wide, including 118 from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 800 from the Bureau of Land Management, and potentially up to 1,700 from the National Parks Service.

    Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 4,800 (roughly 50% of HUD workforce), including 786 (84%) of Community Planning and Development, 438 (76.5%) of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and 148 (75.5%) of Policy Development and Research.

    Small Business Administration (SBA):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 720 (20% of agency’s workforce).

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

    Total approximate number of layoffs nationwide: 1,700 received warning emails.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Kiwi campaign invites Aussies to come on over

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A new campaign encouraging Australians to pick New Zealand for their next holiday gears up the industry for growth in 2025, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.Marketing goes live in Australia in the week ahead, underscoring the Government’s commitment to drive international tourism alongside economic growth.“We always love to see our Australian friends holidaying here, staying with local accommodation providers, soaking up Kiwi experiences, and enjoying hospitality in restaurants, bars and cafes,” Louise Upston says.“Tourism is a crucial part of this Government’s focus on economic growth, with domestic and international tourism expenditure at almost $38 billion and supporting nearly 200,000 jobs.“This is the first investment for our Tourism Boost, utilising $500,000 from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy and there will be further initiatives to come.”Visitor numbers from Australia are currently at about 88 per cent of 2019 levels – this campaign will encourage more of our neighbours to book now and come on over.“What this Tourism New Zealand campaign says to our Aussie mates is that we’re open for business, there are some great deals on, and we’d love to see you soon.“The campaign tagline of ’Everyone must go’ lets Australia know that New Zealand is a ‘must visit’ destination, and that we’re ready and waiting to welcome them now.“The number of Australian arrivals in New Zealand increased by more than 90,000, up from 1.27 million to 1.36 million over the past year, but we know there’s more room to grow. This campaign builds on that momentum and capitalises on the work already done to establish New Zealand as an appealing destination. “Figures indicate that around 4 million Australians are already actively considering a holiday here. “Tourism New Zealand has brought partners on board to contribute too. We all want to encourage Australians to visit, spend, and have a fantastic time in New Zealand. “This is part of our Tourism Boost, developed by the Government in partnership with industry to support immediate growth in visitor numbers, drive export activity and deliver economic growth. “This campaign is also one action feeding into Going For Growth, launched by Minister of Finance and Economic Growth Nicola Willis.“Going For Growth sets out what this Government is doing to address our growth challenges and unlock New Zealand’s potential.“Ultimately economic growth is driven by businesses, and I will continue to meet with businesses up and down the country to help grow tourism not just in the immediate term but over the long term,” Louise Upston says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Whitehorse — Whitehorse RCMP seek public assistance in locating a missing man

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating Gordon Chambers who was last seen on February 13 at 2:50 pm when he left Whitehorse General Hospital on a city bus. Police are concerned for Mr. Chamber’s well being.

    Gordon Chambers is a First Nations male, 65-year-old, approximately 6 feet tall, 140 lbs, and has grey hair and brown eyes. He is known to walk with a shuffle.

    Mr. Chambers was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, black pants, and a black baseball hat.

    Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Gordon Chambers is urged to contact their local police immediately or Whitehorse RCMP at 867-667-5555.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New renal centre will provide life-saving care for patients

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Hundreds of patients from the central North Island will be supported at Waikato’s new renal facility, which officially opened today, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “Delivering improved health infrastructure is a priority for the Government. I am pleased for those patients who will be able to access life-saving care at the new Waikato Regional Renal Centre.

    “This is an essential service for those on dialysis and kidney transplant patients living in the central North Island. Having a purpose-built, high-tech building is a positive step in enhancing patient outcomes for the local community.

    “Combining all outpatient renal services into a single site will make a real difference for patients who can now access comprehensive, coordinated care in one place.

    “The facility, which is 70 per cent larger than the previous centre, provides a welcoming environment for renal patients receiving care and their families, many of whom will be with the service for years.

    “It has been designed to allow for future growth, offering a long-term solution that meets both the needs of the community and international standards for dialysis care.

    “Infrastructure like this makes a significant difference in improving access to timely healthcare and bringing services closer to home for Kiwis.  

    “The Government has invested a record $16.68 billion to ensure access to timely, quality healthcare, including renal care. I look forward to many more patients being able to access this local, life-saving service in the future,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kristof Titeca, Professor in International Development, University of Antwerp

    The current conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resemble the situation during the Second Congo War between 1998 and 2003. This resulted in millions of deaths, with neighbouring countries – especially Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi – playing a significant role.

    The pan-African weekly The Continent has already raised alarms. A February 2025 cover features a cartoon referencing the 1884 Berlin Conference, but instead of colonial powers carving up the Congo, it depicts regional states dividing the country among themselves. Kristof Titeca, who has extensively studied the dynamics of conflict in the DRC, unpacks the interests of the key players.

    The DRC

    The M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million in eastern DRC, in mid-February 2025. This happened two weeks after Goma, another city in the region, came under the control of M23 rebels. With support from the Rwandan army, M23 already controls vast territory in eastern DRC.

    The current situation doesn’t look good for DRC president Felix Tshisekedi. The further M23 advances, the more it highlights the failure of his policies in eastern Congo and weakens his legitimacy. Notably, he was not physically present at a peace summit in Tanzania on the conflict in early February 2025. In the same month, he also called off peace talks in Paris at the last minute. On social media, videos are circulating of Congolese soldiers fleeing the towns they should be protecting.

    Kinshasa is filled with rumours about internal political and military tensions: fears of a coup could have prevented Tshisekedi from travelling to the earlier peace talks. The president’s personal security is handled by an Israeli security firm, indicating the level of distrust towards his own security services.

    As it stands, Kinshasa seems to have lost control over the situation in the east. Tshisekedi has largely pinned his hopes on international pressure. Yet, many international actors have expressed frustration with his erratic and sometimes unrealistic decisions in addressing the conflict. Tshisekedi has purchased new and sophisticated weapons instead of tackling the structural weaknesses of the army (such as widespread corruption). He also decided to collaborate with a wide range of armed groups under the “Wazalendo” banner to stop rebel forces.

    Rwanda

    In theory, M23 is fighting to protect the Rwandophone community in eastern Congo (particularly the Tutsi community). Under the Alliance Fleuve Congo – the political wing of the M23 rebellion – this goal later expanded into a broader national agenda aiming to overthrow the regime in Kinshasa.

    Whether this will actually happen remains uncertain. What is, however, certain is that Rwanda’s interests mainly lie in the east of the country. These interests are a mix of political, economic and security factors – strongly rooted in history.

    Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame in the past has publicly questioned the borders between Rwanda and Congo. This narrative on “Greater Rwanda” would mean extending Rwanda beyond its colonial borders. Access to resources plays a role in Rwanda’s presence in the DRC, as does (in)security.

    Rwanda wants influence and control. This is where M23 plays a crucial role. In Kigali, the idea of eastern DRC as a “buffer zone” is openly used. This would mean having an armed actor, such as the M23, govern provinces in the eastern region to protect Rwanda’s political, security and economic interests.

    Uganda

    Shortly after the fall of Goma, neighbouring Uganda deployed around 1,000 additional troops to Congo. In private conversations with me, diplomats estimate the country already had between 3,000 and 7,000 troops in the DRC. Officially, Uganda is there to fight another rebel group – the Allied Democratic Forces, which is linked to the Islamic State. However, these newly deployed troops have been moving towards the M23 rebels.

    Uganda has always played an ambiguous role in the conflict. On the one hand, it wants to continue joint military operations with the Congolese army against the Allied Democratic Forces. On the other hand, it cannot allow its long-standing “frenemy” Rwanda to be the only power exerting influence over eastern Congo and M23.

    For the past 30 years, these two neighbouring countries have competed for control in eastern Congo – sometimes cooperating, but often in direct competition.

    Like Rwanda, Uganda’s main export is gold, and just like Rwanda, the vast majority of this gold comes from eastern Congo.

    Several prominent Ugandan political and military figures – including Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Ugandan army and son of the president – have openly voiced their support for M23 and questioned Congo’s borders. And shortly after M23 entered Bukavu, Muhoozi announced – again – an expansion of the Ugandan operation in DRC, threatening an attack in the town of Bunia in the eastern province of Ituri.

    In the current context, the movement of Ugandan troops could be seen as a clear signal to Rwanda: this is our zone of influence. In doing so, the conflict concerningly starts to look like the Second Congo War when Uganda and Rwanda divided Congolese territory. Uganda claimed Ituri, while Rwanda claimed the North and South Kivu provinces.

    Burundi

    Burundian troops are present in Congo at the invitation of Kinshasa. Meanwhile, tensions between Burundi and Rwanda are rising. UN reports indicate that both Burundi and Rwanda have resumed supporting rebel groups against each other’s governments in eastern Congo. These reports also claim that the Rwandan army has issued direct orders to target Burundian soldiers in the region.

    Burundian president Évariste Ndayishimiye has warned of an escalating regional war, and even suggested that Rwanda is planning to invade Burundi.

    With the M23 entering Bukavu, the group is getting increasingly close to the Burundian border, increasing the country’s concerns of regional escalation.

    International community

    The risk of an escalation of the DRC conflict underscores a number of issues. Most obviously, any attempt to resolve the crisis needs to involve the regional countries involved.

    It also shows the importance of international pressure on Rwanda. It is generally accepted by analysts that this pressure – such as a US$240 million aid cut by a variety of donors – played a key role in ending the 2012-2013 M23 conflict.

    While actors such as the European Union and United States have firmly condemned Rwanda, this has materialised into little action. So far, Germany has suspended aid talks with Rwanda, and the United Kingdom has threatened to cut aid. Other than that, there has been no action – a striking difference from 2012-2013.

    Given US president Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, eyes are on the European Union to take action. However, internal differences are so far making this difficult. Belgium has been pushing for sanctions, while France has been taking the lead in blocking these. France’s national interests are a key reason for this: Rwandan peacekeeping troops are key in Mozambique, where a major TotalEnergies gas project – worth US$20 billion – is on hold because of an ongoing insurgency.

    Next steps

    The structural weaknesses of the Tshisekedi government should not be used as an excuse by international actors to fail to pressure Rwanda. At the moment, there is a major risk of the violence in eastern DRC escalating to the region.

    Further, there is already a major humanitarian crisis. Since the beginning of the year alone, more than 700,000 people in the DRC have been displaced by the M23 conflict. The World Health Organization has warned that a public health “nightmare” is unfolding. Since the fall of Goma, M23 has unlawfully ordered tens of thousands of displaced people to leave the camps around the city. To prevent a bigger regional humanitarian crisis, urgent action is therefore needed.

    Kristof Titeca is a Senior Associate Fellow at the Egmont Institute (Brussels).

    – ref. M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict – https://theconversation.com/m23-rebels-are-marching-across-eastern-drc-the-interests-driving-players-in-the-conflict-249738

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Kristof Titeca, Professor in International Development, University of Antwerp

    The current conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) resemble the situation during the Second Congo War between 1998 and 2003. This resulted in millions of deaths, with neighbouring countries – especially Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi – playing a significant role.

    The pan-African weekly The Continent has already raised alarms. A February 2025 cover features a cartoon referencing the 1884 Berlin Conference, but instead of colonial powers carving up the Congo, it depicts regional states dividing the country among themselves. Kristof Titeca, who has extensively studied the dynamics of conflict in the DRC, unpacks the interests of the key players.

    The DRC

    The M23 rebel group entered the outskirts of Bukavu, a city of 1.3 million in eastern DRC, in mid-February 2025. This happened two weeks after Goma, another city in the region, came under the control of M23 rebels. With support from the Rwandan army, M23 already controls vast territory in eastern DRC.

    The current situation doesn’t look good for DRC president Felix Tshisekedi. The further M23 advances, the more it highlights the failure of his policies in eastern Congo and weakens his legitimacy. Notably, he was not physically present at a peace summit in Tanzania on the conflict in early February 2025. In the same month, he also called off peace talks in Paris at the last minute. On social media, videos are circulating of Congolese soldiers fleeing the towns they should be protecting.

    Kinshasa is filled with rumours about internal political and military tensions: fears of a coup could have prevented Tshisekedi from travelling to the earlier peace talks. The president’s personal security is handled by an Israeli security firm, indicating the level of distrust towards his own security services.

    As it stands, Kinshasa seems to have lost control over the situation in the east. Tshisekedi has largely pinned his hopes on international pressure. Yet, many international actors have expressed frustration with his erratic and sometimes unrealistic decisions in addressing the conflict. Tshisekedi has purchased new and sophisticated weapons instead of tackling the structural weaknesses of the army (such as widespread corruption). He also decided to collaborate with a wide range of armed groups under the “Wazalendo” banner to stop rebel forces.

    Rwanda

    In theory, M23 is fighting to protect the Rwandophone community in eastern Congo (particularly the Tutsi community). Under the Alliance Fleuve Congo – the political wing of the M23 rebellion – this goal later expanded into a broader national agenda aiming to overthrow the regime in Kinshasa.

    Whether this will actually happen remains uncertain. What is, however, certain is that Rwanda’s interests mainly lie in the east of the country. These interests are a mix of political, economic and security factors – strongly rooted in history.

    Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame in the past has publicly questioned the borders between Rwanda and Congo. This narrative on “Greater Rwanda” would mean extending Rwanda beyond its colonial borders. Access to resources plays a role in Rwanda’s presence in the DRC, as does (in)security.

    Rwanda wants influence and control. This is where M23 plays a crucial role. In Kigali, the idea of eastern DRC as a “buffer zone” is openly used. This would mean having an armed actor, such as the M23, govern provinces in the eastern region to protect Rwanda’s political, security and economic interests.

    Uganda

    Shortly after the fall of Goma, neighbouring Uganda deployed around 1,000 additional troops to Congo. In private conversations with me, diplomats estimate the country already had between 3,000 and 7,000 troops in the DRC. Officially, Uganda is there to fight another rebel group – the Allied Democratic Forces, which is linked to the Islamic State. However, these newly deployed troops have been moving towards the M23 rebels.

    Uganda has always played an ambiguous role in the conflict. On the one hand, it wants to continue joint military operations with the Congolese army against the Allied Democratic Forces. On the other hand, it cannot allow its long-standing “frenemy” Rwanda to be the only power exerting influence over eastern Congo and M23.

    For the past 30 years, these two neighbouring countries have competed for control in eastern Congo – sometimes cooperating, but often in direct competition.

    Like Rwanda, Uganda’s main export is gold, and just like Rwanda, the vast majority of this gold comes from eastern Congo.

    Several prominent Ugandan political and military figures – including Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Ugandan army and son of the president – have openly voiced their support for M23 and questioned Congo’s borders. And shortly after M23 entered Bukavu, Muhoozi announced – again – an expansion of the Ugandan operation in DRC, threatening an attack in the town of Bunia in the eastern province of Ituri.

    In the current context, the movement of Ugandan troops could be seen as a clear signal to Rwanda: this is our zone of influence. In doing so, the conflict concerningly starts to look like the Second Congo War when Uganda and Rwanda divided Congolese territory. Uganda claimed Ituri, while Rwanda claimed the North and South Kivu provinces.

    Burundi

    Burundian troops are present in Congo at the invitation of Kinshasa. Meanwhile, tensions between Burundi and Rwanda are rising. UN reports indicate that both Burundi and Rwanda have resumed supporting rebel groups against each other’s governments in eastern Congo. These reports also claim that the Rwandan army has issued direct orders to target Burundian soldiers in the region.

    Burundian president Évariste Ndayishimiye has warned of an escalating regional war, and even suggested that Rwanda is planning to invade Burundi.

    With the M23 entering Bukavu, the group is getting increasingly close to the Burundian border, increasing the country’s concerns of regional escalation.

    International community

    The risk of an escalation of the DRC conflict underscores a number of issues. Most obviously, any attempt to resolve the crisis needs to involve the regional countries involved.

    It also shows the importance of international pressure on Rwanda. It is generally accepted by analysts that this pressure – such as a US$240 million aid cut by a variety of donors – played a key role in ending the 2012-2013 M23 conflict.

    While actors such as the European Union and United States have firmly condemned Rwanda, this has materialised into little action. So far, Germany has suspended aid talks with Rwanda, and the United Kingdom has threatened to cut aid. Other than that, there has been no action – a striking difference from 2012-2013.

    Given US president Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, eyes are on the European Union to take action. However, internal differences are so far making this difficult. Belgium has been pushing for sanctions, while France has been taking the lead in blocking these. France’s national interests are a key reason for this: Rwandan peacekeeping troops are key in Mozambique, where a major TotalEnergies gas project – worth US$20 billion – is on hold because of an ongoing insurgency.

    Next steps

    The structural weaknesses of the Tshisekedi government should not be used as an excuse by international actors to fail to pressure Rwanda. At the moment, there is a major risk of the violence in eastern DRC escalating to the region.

    Further, there is already a major humanitarian crisis. Since the beginning of the year alone, more than 700,000 people in the DRC have been displaced by the M23 conflict. The World Health Organization has warned that a public health “nightmare” is unfolding. Since the fall of Goma, M23 has unlawfully ordered tens of thousands of displaced people to leave the camps around the city. To prevent a bigger regional humanitarian crisis, urgent action is therefore needed.

    – M23 rebels are marching across eastern DRC: the interests driving players in the conflict
    – https://theconversation.com/m23-rebels-are-marching-across-eastern-drc-the-interests-driving-players-in-the-conflict-249738

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Africa ‘brimming with hope and possibility’: Guterres

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Economic Development

    The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized the potential of Africa and its young population and called for global reforms to right the injustices of the past, in remarks delivered to the high-level African Union (AU) summit on Saturday.

    “The partnership between the United Nations and the African Union has never been stronger,” said the UN chief, striking a positive tone from the outset. “Together, we see an Africa brimming with hope and possibility.”

    The Secretary-General noted the “booming, enterprising” young population of the continent and the wealth of renewable resources it offers, and expressed high hopes for the future of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to reduce trade barriers between African countries.

    Mr. Guterres was speaking on the first day of the annual meeting of the regional organization, held at African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, amid conflict and tensions in several AU member states, notably Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Time for reparations and reform

    In a reference to the theme of this year’s summit – Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations – Mr. Guterres acknowledged that decolonization and independence, a major preoccupation of the UN’s work during its early years, had not solved the underlying challenges faced by Africans, many of which are a legacy of colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, two “colossal and compounded injustices.”

    Many of the UN’s member states were still colonies when multilateral systems were created in the mid-Twentieth Century, and the Secretary-General pointed the finger at the need for reform of his own organization, describing the lack of permanent African representation on today’s Security Council as inexcusable. “I will keep working with the African Union and all Member States to ensure the representation Africa needs and the justice you deserve – including with two permanent members of the Security Council,” he promised.

    Mr. Guterres went on to reiterate calls he has made on several occasions for reform of the international financial architecture, which is hampering the development of many African economies, beset by expensive debt repayments and high borrowing costs, which limits their capacity to invest in education, health and other essential needs.

    ‘Sudan is being torn apart before our eyes’

    The UN chief outlined peace and security as a priority area for multilateral action, drawing particular attention to Sudan, the largest displacement and famine crisis in the world, and a country “being torn apart before our eyes.” Here, the strong links between the African Union and the UN can provide an “anchor” for a coalition to end the war, he proposed.

    © Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital

    Many departments of the hospital are closed following the bombardments. .

    As he spoke, international broadcasters carried news of the latest military gains made by the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The group has reportedly entered Bukavu, DRC’s second city, facing little resistance from the Congolese army.

    The offensive threatens to “push the entire region over the precipice,” warned Mr. Guterres, adding that there is no military solution to the country’s conflict, and that it can only be solved by dialogue. Meanwhile, he declared, MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in DRC, will continue to provide support.

    Drive progress towards development and a ‘renewables revolution’

    Mr. Guterres then turned to development, proposing that progress can be driven by gender equality, clean energy, food systems transformation, and digitalization. The Pact for the Future, a landmark international agreement adopted by the nations of the world in 2024, outlines support for reforming the international financial architecture, which currently sees African countries pay up to eight times more to borrow than developed countries, and commits wealthier nations to advancing a development stimulus package of $500 billion a year.

    The climate crisis was characterized as both the cause of numerous disasters and an opportunity for the continent to play a leading role in the transition to a clean, low carbon global economy.

    UNECA/Daniel Getachew

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivers remarks at the 2025 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Africa currently receives just two per cent of global renewables investment, but financial reforms could help the continent to become a “global clean energy powerhouse,” and help to redress an unjust situation, in which Africa suffers disproportionately from man-made changes to the environment caused by the actions of the developed world.

    Bridging the “Digital Divide” by supporting Africa’s capacity to benefit from new technology, notably artificial intelligence, was also flagged by the Secretary-General as a key area of concern. Almost two-thirds of all Africans have no reliable internet access, and by 2035 more young Africans will enter the job market annually than the rest of the world combined.  “They need the skills to thrive,” he declared.

    Forthcoming UN actions to help boost access to the digital economy include a report on initiatives to help the Global South harness AI for the benefit of all, a proposal for an International Scientific Panel on AI, and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to find climate data and science the Trump administration removed from government websites

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eric Nost, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Guelph

    Government scientists at NOAA collect and provide crucial public information about coastal conditions that businesses, individuals and other scientists rely on. NOAA’s National Ocean Service

    Information on the internet might seem like it’s there forever, but it’s only as permanent as people choose to make it.

    That’s apparent as the second Trump administration “floods the zone” with efforts to dismantle science agencies and the data and websites they use to communicate with the public. The targets range from public health and demographics to climate science.

    We are a research librarian and policy scholar who belong to a network called the Public Environmental Data Partners, a coalition of nonprofits, archivists and researchers who rely on federal data in our analysis, advocacy and litigation and are working to ensure that data remains available to the public.

    In just the first three weeks of Trump’s term, we saw agencies remove access to at least a dozen climate and environmental justice analysis tools. The new administration also scrubbed the phrase “climate change” from government websites, as well as terms like “resilience.”

    Here’s why and how Public Environmental Data Partners and others are making sure that the climate science the public depends on is available forever.

    Why government websites and data matter

    The internet and the availability of data are necessary for innovation, research and daily life.

    Climate scientists analyze NASA satellite observations and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather records to understand changes underway in the Earth system, what’s causing them and how to protect the climates that economies were built on. Other researchers use these sources alongside Census Bureau data to understand who is most affected by climate change. And every day, people around the world log onto the Environmental Protection Agency’s website to learn how to protect themselves from hazards — and to find out what the government is or isn’t doing to help.

    If the data and tools used to understand complex data are abruptly taken off the internet, the work of scientists, civil society organizations and government officials themselves can grind to a halt. The generation of scientific data and analysis by government scientists is also crucial. Many state governments run environmental protection and public health programs that depend on science and data collected by federal agencies.

    Removing information from government websites also makes it harder for the public to effectively participate in key processes of democracy, including changes to regulations. When an agency proposes to repeal a rule, for example, it is required to solicit comments from the public, who often depend on government websites to find information relevant to the rule.

    And when web resources are altered or taken offline, it breeds mistrust in both government and science. Government agencies have collected climate data, conducted complex analyses, provided funding and hosted data in a publicly accessible manner for years. People around the word understand climate change in large part because of U.S. federal data. Removing it deprives everyone of important information about their world.

    Bye-bye data?

    The first Trump administration removed discussions of climate change and climate policies widely across government websites. However, in our research with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative over those first four years, we didn’t find evidence that datasets had been permanently deleted.

    The second Trump administration seems different, with more rapid and pervasive removal of information.

    In response, groups involved in Public Environmental Data Partners have been archiving climate datasets our community has prioritized, uploading copies to public repositories and cataloging where and how to find them if they go missing from government websites.

    Most federal agencies decreased their use of the phrase ‘climate change’ on websites during the first Trump administration, 2017-2020.
    Eric Nost, et al., 2021, CC BY

    As of Feb. 13, 2025, we hadn’t seen the destruction of climate science records. Many of these data collection programs, such as those at NOAA or EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, are required by Congress. However, the administration had limited or eliminated access to a lot of data.

    Maintaining tools for understanding climate change

    We’ve seen a targeted effort to systematically remove tools like dashboards that summarize and visualize the social dimensions of climate change. For instance, the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool mapped low-income and other marginalized communities that are expected to experience severe climate changes, such as crop losses and wildfires. The mapping tool was taken offline shortly after Trump’s first set of executive orders.

    Most of the original data behind the mapping tool, like the wildfire risk predictions, is still available, but is now harder to find and access. But because the mapping tool was developed as an open-source project, we were able to recreate it.

    Preserving websites for the future

    In some cases, entire webpages are offline. For instance, the page for the 25-year-old Climate Change Center at the Department of Transportation doesn’t exist anymore. The link just sends visitors back to the department’s homepage.

    Other pages have limited access. For instance, EPA hasn’t yet removed its climate change pages, but it has removed “climate change” from its navigation menu, making it harder to find those pages.

    During Donald Trump’s first week back in office, the Department of Transportation removed its Climate Change Center webpage.
    Internet Archive Wayback Machine

    Fortunately, our partners at the End of Term Web Archive have captured snapshots of millions of government webpages and made them accessible through the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine. The group has done this after each administration since 2008.

    If you’re looking at a webpage and you think it should include a discussion of climate change, use the “changes” tool“ in the Wayback Machine to check if the language has been altered over time, or navigate to the site’s snapshots of the page before Trump’s inauguration.

    What you can do

    You can also find archived climate and environmental justice datasets and tools on the Public Environmental Data Partners website. Other groups are archiving datasets linked in the Data.gov data portal and making them findable in other locations.

    Individual researchers are also uploading datasets in searchable repositories like OSF, run by the Center for Open Science.

    If you are worried that certain data currently still available might disappear, consult this checklist from MIT Libraries. It provides steps for how you can help safeguard federal data.

    Narrowing the knowledge sphere

    What’s unclear is how far the administration will push its attempts to remove, block or hide climate data and science, and how successful it will be.

    Already, a federal district court judge has ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s removal of access to public health resources that doctors rely on was harmful and arbitrary. These were put back online thanks to that ruling.

    We worry that more data and information removals will narrow public understanding of climate change, leaving people, communities and economies unprepared and at greater risk. While data archiving efforts can stem the tide of removals to some extent, there is no replacement for the government research infrastructures that produce and share climate data.

    Eric Nost is affiliated with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative and the Public Environmental Data Partners.

    Alejandro Paz is affiliated with the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative.

    – ref. How to find climate data and science the Trump administration removed from government websites – https://theconversation.com/how-to-find-climate-data-and-science-the-trump-administration-removed-from-government-websites-249321

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –