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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Global: Camp Hill virus explained: what are the risks of a henipavirus outbreak in America?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Shirin Ashraf, Postdoctoral Researcher, MRC-Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow

    A new pathogen, called Camp Hill virus, was recently discovered in Alabama, drawing attention to a group of viruses known as henipaviruses. This is a big deal because other viruses in this group are linked to serious, often fatal, disease, and this is the first time one of them has been found in North America.

    Camp Hill virus was discovered by looking at tissue samples from short-tailed shrews that were collected in 2021. It’s a new species of virus that’s related to other dangerous viruses such as Nipah and Hendra, which have caused serious outbreaks in other parts of the world. It’s also distantly related to the measles virus.

    The first known henipavirus, Hendra virus, was identified in Australia in 1994. There have been just seven cases of humans getting infected – four of them were fatal.

    Nipah virus, discovered in Malaysia in 1998, is much more deadly. It has caused 30 outbreaks in south-east Asia, infecting over 600 people, with death rates as high as 100% in some cases.

    These viruses usually cause fever and other serious symptoms, such as brain swelling and difficulty breathing. They are thought to be carried by bats and can spread to humans through their saliva or urine. Horses are also thought to be carriers.

    Thanks to new technology that allows scientists to study the genetics of viruses, they’ve now found nearly 20 species of henipaviruses around the world. These viruses have been found on every continent except Antarctica, including places like Ghana, China, Australia and Brazil. This shows that henipaviruses are probably common in nature, and new ones could pop up almost anywhere.

    For example, in China, a virus called Mojang virus was linked to the deaths of three workers who were exposed to it in a mine. Another virus, Langya, spread by shrews, caused an outbreak in which 35 people got sick – although they all recovered.

    So far, other henipaviruses haven’t caused human infections, but the potential is there.

    The rapid growth in our understanding of these viruses comes from improvements in technology and global efforts to study diseases. But it also reminds us that viruses can suddenly jump from animals to humans in unpredictable ways.

    Whether a virus can harm humans depends on how well it can infect human cells, and how badly it affects the body. Some viruses cause mild symptoms, while others can lead to life-threatening diseases. Studying these viruses requires scientists to look closely at their genetic code and run laboratory tests to understand how they work.

    Henipaviruses can infect many animals, including bats, horses, monkeys, dogs, cats and even rodents. This means they are more adaptable and have a higher chance of jumping from animals to humans in different ways. In comparison, a virus like measles can only infect humans, which makes it less likely to spread to other species.

    No drugs or vaccines … yet

    There is no cure for henipavirus infections, but researchers are working on a vaccine for Nipah virus. Some new treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies, are also being developed but aren’t ready for use yet. This makes Nipah and Hendra viruses major public health concerns. The World Health Organization has called for more research to help fight them.

    While there’s no evidence that Camp Hill virus has infected any humans yet – and the chances of it doing so are low – its discovery in North America is a reminder that viruses can emerge anywhere. Even though shrews usually live in forests and don’t come into much contact with people, the potential for the virus to spread remains a worry.

    The more we learn about these viruses, the better we’ll be at creating vaccines that can protect us from both known and new threats. Keeping up with research and staying prepared is crucial to protecting global health from future outbreaks.

    Shirin Ashraf 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. Camp Hill virus explained: what are the risks of a henipavirus outbreak in America? – https://theconversation.com/camp-hill-virus-explained-what-are-the-risks-of-a-henipavirus-outbreak-in-america-249183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government ramps up efforts to end HIV transmissions in England

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Over 20,000 self-testing and self-sampling kits will be made available to help end HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.

    • Public health campaign to end HIV transmissions in England by 2030 given £1.5 million fund from government
    • Funding will increase testing, reduce stigma, tackle health disparities and raise awareness
    • The Prime Minister became the first serving G7 leader to have an HIV test on camera

    Over 20,000 self-testing and self-sampling kits will be made available to help end HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.

    The packs are part of a public health campaign to end the virus transmissions in England by 2030 and has been backed by £1.5 million in government funding.

    To mark National HIV Testing Week, the government has also announced it will extend the national HIV prevention programme – HIV Prevention England (HPE) by a year.

    The campaign, delivered by the Terrence Higgins Trust and local partners, carries out vital work to increase testing for groups disproportionally affected by HIV and reduce stigma, as well as raise awareness of ways to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

    The Prime Minister has given his backing by becoming the first ever serving leader of a G7 nation to take a self-testing HIV test on camera, demonstrating that getting a test is quick, easy, free, and confidential.  

    After undertaking a test, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It’s easy, it is quick, and during Testing Week you can get a test free – so it is a great time to also take part.

    If people test, they will know their status, it is better that people know and that is a good thing because you can then get treatment to help meet our target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.

    Speaking in the House of Commons, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Getting tested for HIV is quick, free and confidential and I would like to pay tribute to the leadership of my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister, for becoming the first in history to take a HIV test, the first leader in the history of the G7 to take a HIV test.

    As a former member of the independent HIV commission, I’m determined that this government will deliver our commitment to end new transmissions of HIV in England by 2030 and we’ll set this out shortly in our new Action Plan.

    It comes as polling by YouGov, on behalf of HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, has found that more than 80% of adults in England are unaware it is possible to test for HIV at home. However, when prompted as an option, at-home testing was the most popular way to know your HIV status, with 44% of people saying it would be their preference.  

    Since the introduction of self-testing kits, home testing has increased in popularity, especially among women and some ethnic minorities who are less likely to test through their local sexual health services.

    They can be ordered this week by anyone in England from www.startswithme.org.uk to use at home.

    The funding follows on from £27 million announced by the Prime Minister to extend the NHS England innovative opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments, announced ahead of World Aids Day.

    The move supports the government’s Plan for Change by ensuring people can get timely access to diagnostics and care if they need it, while supporting the shift from sickness to prevention. It precedes the new HIV Action Plan, which is expected later this year.

    Speaking at the House of Commons today, Public Health and Prevention Minister Ashley Dalton said:

    Increasing HIV testing is a vital step towards meeting our goal and will be a core element of our new HIV Action Plan published later this year.

    That’s why we are investing over £4.5 million to deliver a national prevention programme.

    And that’s why today, I can announce that we will extend the programme for a further year to March 2026, backed by an extra £1.5 million.

    Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said:

    National HIV Testing Week is an award-winning campaign and we are so pleased that it will be back next year. The continued success of this partnership between Terrence Higgins Trust and the Department for Health and Social Care delivers 25,000 HIV at-home tests across England and is crucial in our joint mission to end new HIV cases by 2030.

    England can be the first country in the world to end the epidemic, but we are not yet on track to do so. A new HIV Action Plan for England will turbo-charge those efforts. We are delighted that Sir Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting are leading from the front in this mission.

    Testing can also take place in community settings, not just at-home or at sexual health services.

    The UK Health Security Agency has published its community testing survey results today, which show in 2023, testing in community settings – such as nightclubs, festivals, and voluntary sector premises – increased by 7% compared to 2022.

    The report also found nearly a quarter of all tests were reported among individuals being tested for HIV for the first time. It also highlights the impact of National HIV Testing Week, noting that there was a 22% increase in the number of tests carried out in this time compared to 2022.

    Dr Tamara Ðuretić, Head of HIV Section at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

    HIV can affect anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation. It’s good to see HIV Testing Week once again highlighting the hugely important role regular testing plays in helping to prevent new infections, alongside condom use.

    Testing allows people to have access to free prevention interventions such as PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) and, should you test positive, ensures timely access to treatment that saves lives and prevents the virus being passed on.

    NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, said:

    Increasing the early detection and diagnoses of HIV, enables the NHS to provide people with better access to the latest and most effective life-saving medication, which can prevent long-term health issues and reduces the chance of unknown transmissions to others.

    Boosting opportunities to test for HIV, including through home testing and the highly successful NHS emergency department testing programme, is crucial. We would encourage anyone who could be living with HIV to order a test and get checked.

    Further information:

    • During National HIV Testing Week this week, anyone in England can order a free HIV test from www.freetesting.hiv to do at home.
    • Alongside free postal test kits being available during National HIV Testing Week, there are also testing events and drop-ins happening across England. A variety of online, postal and face to face testing is also available year-round through local authority commissioned sexual and reproductive health services.
    • The government is also supporting the international effort to ending HIV/AIDS, a further £37 million, announced in November 2024, will go to towards increasing access to vital sexual and reproductive health services and support for vulnerable and marginalised people across the globe.
    • This is in addition to the government’s ongoing contribution to international efforts to tackle HIV/AIDS, totalling at least £497 million in 2023, which works to tackle stigma and improve testing, enable greater access to HIV prevention pill PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and better post-diagnosis support.
    • All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2071 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th – 30th January 2025.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

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    Published 11 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Suspected E. coli cluster probed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today said it is looking into a suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection cluster involving three doctors at Princess Margaret Hospital’s Oncology Department.

    One of the doctors passed away on February 7.

    After receiving notification from the hospital yesterday, the CHP, together with representatives from the hospital and Hong Kong University Chair of Infectious Diseases Prof Yuen Kwok-yung, inspected the workplace of the Oncology Department and other facilities of the hospital this morning.

    Initial investigations revealed that the three doctors developed symptoms on February 4, 6 and 10, CHP Communicable Disease Branch Head Dr Albert Au said.

    “Symptoms included fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

    “One of them, who had the onset of symptoms on February 4, was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment on February 6 and passed away the following day. The other two affected individuals had mild symptoms.”

    Preliminary test results showed that the stool specimen from one of them tested positive for STEC, while those of the other two, including the deceased patient, tested negative.

    “Taking into account the clinical and epidemiological information, the CHP tentatively believed that the cluster may be associated with STEC infection.”

    While the CHP’s epidemiological and environmental investigations are ongoing, it will continue to collaborate with the Hospital Authority and the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Microbiology to trace the potential source of infection.

    Meanwhile, Princess Margaret Hospital has strengthened the monitoring of the gastrointestinal symptoms among its staff and requested that any staff with relevant symptoms report immediately for laboratory tests. It has also arranged a comprehensive disinfection of the oncology office area.

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau expressed profound sadness over the passing of the oncologist.

    Prof Lo said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the doctor’s family on behalf of the Health Bureau, and the Hospital Authority will make every effort to assist them.”

    The young doctor had been working for the Hospital Authority since graduation from medical school to serve Hong Kong citizens.

    Prof Lo pointed out that the doctor, having just obtained a specialist qualification in oncology, was still taking care of patients in the ward right before the onset of symptoms.

    “I am deeply moved by the doctor’s professionalism, passion for work and care for patients. The doctor is genuinely a role model for colleagues of the healthcare profession.”

    In general, STEC infections are usually associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Saving Lives, Delivering the Future: Heroes in Uniform and Scrubs

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Story by: Chiara M. Caputo

    U.S. Navy Medicine and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella highlights the accomplishments of three remarkable physicians who have dedicated their lives to serving both their patients and their country. These leaders in military medicine embody the values of innovation, resilience, and selfless service.

    Through their tireless efforts, these physicians have not only advanced medical care within the Military Health System but have also paved the way for future generations of leaders in medicine and the armed forces. Each of their stories highlights a profound commitment to excellence and a passion for making a difference, whether on the battlefield, in clinics, or through groundbreaking research.

    We honor their contributions and celebrate their unwavering dedication to health care, military service, and the pursuit of a healthier, stronger future. Through their stories, we hope to inspire future generations and showcase the unwavering commitment of these women in uniform and in diverse roles in Navy Medicine.

    Brandi L Sakai, MD
    Commander, USN
    Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician

    Born in Welsh, Louisiana, on June 6, 1981, Cmdr. Sakai grew up with a passion for science and the ocean. After graduating from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in 1998, she pursued marine biology, studying diverse ecosystems from the marshes of Louisiana to Scotland’s marine mammals and the vibrant reefs of the Virgin Islands. Her work at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital’s barometric pressure chamber sparked her drive to combine science with service, graduating cum laude with a B.S. in Biology.

    In 2005, she commissioned in the Navy through the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) and began medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Hurricane Katrina hit during her training, and Commander Sakai worked tirelessly in pop-up clinics, providing care and vaccinations to displaced communities. This experience shaped her dedication to serving others in times of crisis.
    Her Navy career has been marked by leadership and innovation. From integrating Marine medical services in Japan to creating advanced training programs for shock trauma care, she has consistently raised the bar for military medicine. As the Senior Medical Officer in Okinawa and later the Department Head of Emergency Medicine in Guantanamo Bay, she improved operations, ensured top-tier care, and earned recognition for her commitment to excellence.

    Beyond her professional achievements, Commander Sakai is a certified Emergency Medicine Diplomate and a devoted wife and mother of two. When she’s not scuba diving, sailing, or baking, she’s embracing projects that reflect her passion for problem-solving and innovation.

    Reflecting on her career, Cmdr. Sakai shared, “I had many jobs that many would consider a career. I was a PADI scuba instructor and manager of the storefront of a tour operation in St. Thomas US Virgin Islands (USVI). If you took a cruise to the island, you walked past our store on the docks. We may have said hello two decades ago! After doing the job for 5 years, I felt that I had learned all that I could, and there was no chance for advancement based on performance, so I knew that I needed something new and challenging. After getting my degree in Marine Biology and presenting environmental research to the Senate on USVI fisheries and the impact of hotel expansion, I realized that I enjoyed talking and educating people one-on-one, and speaking to rooms and presenting posters wasn’t going to make me happy. I volunteered at the local Emergency Department, and the variety and mental challenge of solving a puzzle on every patient kept me coming back. I decided to turn it into a career, but I also hated to stay in one place (there was a big wide world to explore), so I joined the Navy and never looked back. I did a General Surgery internship, and the Chaplain and I were the only Naval Officers in my first duty with the Marines in Iwakuni, Japan for 3 years. Being part of the Marines for 3 years to start my career really shaped me and set the tone for all my OCONUS tours since. My husband was an Ombudsman and found a great career as a financial educator that allows him to work virtually. If you need advice on mainland Japan, Korea, Okinawa, or Guantanamo Bay, or love medicine and want to explore your options give me a ring.”

    Meagan G. Chauvin, MD, FACOG
    Lieutenant Commander, USN
    Director of Medical Services/Staff Attending OBGYN

    A Houston, Texas native, Lt. Cmdr. Meagan Chauvin has built a remarkable career in military medicine. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2010, she completed her Medical Doctorate at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston in 2014. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency in 2018 at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

    Her first assignment as a staff OB/GYN took her to Naval Hospital Guam, where she led the OB/GYN Clinic as Department Head and earned Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Later, at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia, she became Department Chief of the Women’s Health Clinic, further demonstrating her leadership and dedication to women’s health.

    Now serving as the Director of Medical Services at Naval Hospital Sigonella in Italy, Lt. Cmdr. Chauvin continues to lead with excellence. Among her awards are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

    Lt. Cmdr. Chauvin is also a proud wife to Matthew Gerard Chauvin and mom to three children—EJ, Madeline, and Ellie—balancing her professional success with a fulfilling family life. Reflecting on her career, LCDR Chauvin shared, “I was inspired to become an OBGYN, because I loved taking care of women across their lifespan and developing long-term relationships with my patients. In addition, I love welcoming babies into the world and being part of helping patients grow their families. I joined the Navy after being inspired by classmates from high school who also went to service academies. The Naval Academy was an amazing experience that led me to the most important job I can imagine, supporting Navy women and families as an OBGYN. I am proud to follow in the Navy tradition of my great grandfather, who served on a troop transport ship in WWI, and my grandfather, who joined via the Navy V-12 program during WWII.”

    Kristen Shafer, MC
    Lieutenant, USN
    Emergency Medicine Attending

    Born in New York, New York, Lt. Shafer discovered her passion for science and outreach early in life. After earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry pre-medicine at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2014, she brought the wonders of chemistry to life for local elementary students through her self-created Chemistry Magic Show.

    In 2015, she pursued her Master of Science in Space Physiology and Health at King’s College London, where her thesis explored visual function and impairment in dynamic environments. She collaborated with the United Kingdom space program’s Mission X initiative, blending her love of science with public engagement.

    Lt. Shafer joined the Navy through the HPSP program and earned her Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2020, graduating early to assist with the initial surge of COVID-19 patients in New York. She went on to complete her Emergency Medicine Residency at USNMRTC Portsmouth in 2024, where she expanded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) outreach programs, inspiring over 300 high school students annually.

    Now an Emergency Medicine Attending at USNMRTC Sigonella, Lt. Shafer continues her commitment to both medicine and mentorship. As Emergency Response Committee Chair, she oversees emergency preparedness, and as a liaison to local DoDEA schools, she is developing a mentorship program to introduce students to healthcare careers and military opportunities.

    With a passion for outreach and academic medicine, LT Shafer embodies the Navy’s mission to serve both on and off the field, inspiring the next generation of leaders. Reflecting on her career in emergency medicine, Lt. Shafer said, “In emergency medicine, we need to be ready for whatever comes in the door at any time. Military medicine lets me practice that medicine and be comfortable providing care not just at any time, but any place in the world and to a population that is dedicated to serving others and making a difference.”

    USNMRTC Sigonella is one of The Defense Health Agency’s Overseas Military Treatment Facilities (MTF). The staff are comprised of active duty service members, General Service (GS), contractors, and Local Nationals. It ensures maximum readiness by providing high-quality, safe patient and family-centered care to maximize force health protection for all beneficiaries, to included NATO and transient DoD forces in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet areas of operation.

    The U. S. Naval Academy (USNA) offers a variety of academic curriculums that prepare their graduates for a rewarding military career. Graduates of the USNA will accept a commission for 5 years of active duty service in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. For more information regarding the USNA visit: https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php.

    If you are already in or plan to attend school to be a physician, dentist, optometrist, physician assistant or clinical psychologist, the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) will pay your educationally based tuition and fees for up to four years of school and provide a monthly stipend paid directly to you. After graduation, you’ll join the Navy’s active duty team as a commissioned officer. In return, you agree to serve a minimum of 2 years on active duty or year for year of scholarship, whichever is longer.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU graduate appointed Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    A graduate of the State University of Management, Andrei Nikitin, was appointed to the post of Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation by order of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin.

    On February 8, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the resignation of Andrei Nikitin as governor of the Novgorod region, where he had served for eight years. A new appointment was not long in coming.

    Andrey Nikitin graduated from the State University of Management in 2001, majoring in Public and Municipal Administration. He continued his education in graduate school, defended his dissertation in 2006 on the topic of “Strategy of Organizational Changes as a Tool for Effective Management (Theoretical and Methodological Aspect)” and became a candidate of economic sciences. In 2018, he defended his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Economics on the topic of “Formation and Ensuring the Effective Functioning of Regional Management Teams” at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

    From 2002 to 2011, he held senior positions in various commercial organizations. In August 2011, as a result of an open competition, he was appointed head of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. On February 13, 2017, by decree of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, he was appointed acting governor of the Novgorod region. In the same year, he was elected governor, gaining 67.99% of the votes.

    We congratulate Andrey Sergeevich on his high appointment and wish him great success in his new job.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/11/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 12, 2025

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

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland, Korea and Australia suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland, Korea and Australia suspended
    ***************************************************************************************

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 11) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Lipno District of Kujawsko-pomorskie Region in Poland, Hampyeong-gun of Jeollanam-do Province and Gumi-si of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in Korea; and an outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza in Strathbogie Shire of the State of Victoria in Australia, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 6 600 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland; about 80 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 21.9 million poultry eggs from Korea; and about 1 030 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 11.36 million poultry eggs from Australia last year.     “The CFS has contacted the Polish, Korean and Australian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 18:32

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” to be held in Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” to be held in Delhi

    Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh to inaugurate the three-day event tomorrow

    ICAR and AFS jointly organizing the event

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” is being organized in New Delhi during February 12-14, 2025. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 14th AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

    The 14thAFAF brings together key players from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) has a strong legacy of fostering global collaboration in the sector. Since its inception, the forum has been successfully hosted in multiple countries across Asia. Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 18 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive government policies, and significant scientific advancements, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Today, India occupies 2nd position in total fish production and also aquaculture production globally. The forum will provide a platform to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen international partnerships, and promote innovative approaches for sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.

    The forum will be inaugurated by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India on at 10.00 AM on 12th February 2025 ( WEDNESDAY) at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Dr. Himansu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR; Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of World Fish, Malaysia will also be present. The event will include over 20 Lead Presentations by internationally acclaimed experts from India and overseas.

    On the second day a Symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness” will be held at A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Govt. of India will inaugurate the event.

    On the third day, the Academia-Industry-Government Meet on ‘De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness‘ at Parijat Lecture Hall, Ground Floor, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi. Dr B. Mastan Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) will inaugurate it.

    Closing Ceremony of 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held at 4.30 pm on 14thFebruary, 2025 at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.

    ****

    MG/KSR   

    (Release ID: 2101732) Visitor Counter : 151

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of livestock with the significant economic impact.   The steps taken by the Union Government in this regard; are as under:

    i. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) was launched in 2019 with a provision of 100% central assistance to states and Union Territories for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination.NADCP was included as a component under Livestock Health and Disease Control programme (LHDCP) scheme from 2021

    1. Procurement and supply of the quality FMD vaccine for required FMD vaccination and ear tags for respective States and Union Territories is done centrally
    2. Financial support is provided to States and Union Territories for procurement of vaccination accessories, strengthening of cold chain infrastructure and for awareness generation amongststakeholders
    3. Financial support is provided to Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease (NIFMD)-Bhubaneswar, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institutes (IVRI)-Bareilly, ICAR-IVRI-Bengaluru, ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI)-Bengaluru and Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Animal Health-Baghpat for FMD related activities
    4. Data related to registration of livestock using ear-tags and vaccination is uploaded on Bharat Pashudhan portal
    5. As gathered from States/UTs, cumulative vaccination under National Animal Disease Control Programme till date (January, 2025) against FMD is 107.34 crore. The vaccinations done Round-wise is 16.91 crore, 24.18 crore, 24.23 crore and 24.84 crore for Rounds I, II, III and IV respectively. The Rounds V and VI are ongoing in various States/ UTs and till date 14.89 crore and 2.29 crore vaccinations have been done respectively.
    6. On 17th August, 2024, a review of the measures was taken by the Department towards achieving the goal of FMD-Mukt Bharat. Besides, Regional review meetings are conducted twice with participation from all States and Union Territories to assess the progress of ongoing initiatives and programs including vaccination against FMD. These reviews serve as a platform for evaluating the implementation status, identifying challenges, and sharing best practices among stakeholders. Also, time to time various national level meetings like monsoon meet, conclaves are held by which status of FMD control is reviewed with States/ UTs.
    7. The State/Union Territory wise released funds are at Annexure I. 
    8. There is considerable reduction in FMD outbreaks over last few years, by over 60% from prior to launch of NADCP to 5 years of its implementation. The outbreaks now are sporadic in nature and there have been cases of FMD affecting limited number of animals
    9. Sampling plans are shared timely with States and overall, the protective titres indicated by seromonitoring are showing an increasing trend. The serosurveillance values are also showing a decreasing trend. These indicate the effectiveness of the vaccination programme.

     

    Under LHDCP, 100% assistance is provided to all States/Union Territory irrespective of region in the Country for control and eradication of FMD for activities as per operational guidelines of the concerned scheme ie. LHDCP. As far as FMD free zone is concerned, it is only an intermediate stage/measure aiming differentiated focus based on need and requirements. As of now, 09 states namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Uttarakhand identified to have special focus to make them FMD free. Adding more states for special focus to make them FMD free depends upon their need and requirement.

    Annexure I

    The State/Union Territory wise released of funds for vaccination programmes including FMD from 2019-20 till 2024-25 (till 31-01-2025):

    (Rs. in Lakh)

    S.NO.

    State/UTs

    2019-20 to

    2024-25 (till 31-01-2025)

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    19.89

    2

    Andhra Pradesh

    16373.84

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1826.4

    4

    Assam

    5016.71

    5

    Bihar

    8428.8

    6

    Chandigarh

    14.13

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    4134.17

    8

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu

    6.62

    9

    Goa

    246.6

    10

    Gujarat

    3383.75

    11

    Haryana

    5865.54

    12

    Himachal Pradesh

    1265.54

    13

    Jammu & Kashmir

    2193.58

    14

    Jharkhand

    3090.83

    15

    Karnataka

    8426.89

    16

    Kerala

    1039.14

    17

    Ladakh

    190.74

    18

    Lakshadweep

    40.22

    19

    Madhya Pradesh

    9968.88

    20

    Maharashtra

    14424.41

    21

    Manipur

    194.94

    22

    Meghalaya

    501.74

    23

    Mizoram

    245.79

    24

    Nagaland

    203.18

    25

    NCT Delhi

    74.57

    26

    Odisha

    3772.15

    27

    Puducherry

    46.18

    28

    Punjab

    1381.33

    29

    Rajasthan

    6636.26

    30

    Sikkim

    391.35

    31

    Tamil Nadu

    4981.02

    32

    Telangana

    3947.1

    33

    Tripura

    786.31

    34

    Uttar Pradesh

    21892.39

    35

    Uttarakhand

    1608.61

    36

    West Bengal

    7099.33

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MILK PRODUCTS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The productivity of Indigenous bovine breeds in the country is low compared to advanced dairy nations globally and this is mainly due to low genetic potential of dairy animals and animals are maintained on low plane of nutrition.  However, the total productivity of Bovines in the country has increased from 1640 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 2072 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 26.34% which is the highest productivity gain by any country in the world.  The productivity of the indigenous and non-descript cattle has increased from 927 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 1292 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 39.37 %. The productivity of the buffaloes has increased from 1880 kilograms per animal per year in 2014-15 to 2161 kilograms per animal per year in 2023-24 that is by 14.94%. Milk production in the country has increased from 146.31 Million Tonnes in 2014-15 to 239.30 Million Tonnes in 2023-24 that is by 63.55 % during the last 10 years. Rashtriya Gokul Mission envisages to achieve productivity of bovines upto 3000 kilograms of milk per animal per year by 2030.

    In order to complement and supplement the efforts of the States and Union Territories to improve the nutrition, management practices, genetic potential of local cattle breeds and to provide training and support to dairy farmers in adopting best practices, the details of the steps undertaken and schemes being implemented by Government of India is as under:

    1.         Rashtriya Gokul Mission: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014 for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines. Following efforts are being made under the scheme to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines:

    (i)         Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program: Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is expanding artificial insemination coverage to boost the milk production and productivity of bovines, including indigenous breeds.

    (ii)        Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: This program aims to produce high genetic merit bulls, including bulls of indigenous breeds. Progeny testing is implemented for Gir, Sahiwal breeds of cattle, and Murrah, Mehsana breeds of buffaloes. Under the Pedigree selection programme Rathi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Kankrej breed of cattle and Jaffarabadi, Nili Ravi, Pandharpuri and Banni breed of buffalo are covered.

    (iii)       Implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology: To propagate elite animals of indigenous breeds, the Department has established 22 IVF laboratories. The technology has important role in genetic upgradation of bovine population in single generation. Further, to deliver technology at reasonable rates to farmers Government has launched IVF media.

    (iv)       Sex-Sorted Semen Production: The Department has established sex sorted semen production facilities at 5 government semen stations located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. 3 private semen stations are also producing sex sorted semen doses.

    (v)        Genomic Selection: To accelerate genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes, the Department has developed unified genomic chips—Gau Chip for indigenous cattle and Mahish Chip for buffaloes—specifically designed for initiating genomic selection in the country.

    (vi)       Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs): Under the scheme MAITRIs are trained and equipped to deliver quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep.

    (vii)      Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using sex sorted semen: This program aims to produce female calves with up to 90% accuracy, thereby enhancing breed improvement and farmers’ income. Farmers receive support for assured pregnancy upto 50% of the cost of sex sorted semen.

    (viii)     Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology: This technology is utilized for the rapid genetic upgradation of bovines and an incentive of Rs 5,000 per assured pregnancy is made available to farmers interested in taking up IVF technology.

    2.         National Livestock Mission (NLM): National Livestock Mission (NLM) aims to create employment generation, entrepreneurship development, increase in per-animal productivity and thus targeting increased production of meat, goat milk, egg and wool under the umbrella scheme Development Programme.  The scheme envisages following three submissions: (i) Sub-Mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry; (ii) Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development and (iii) Sub-Mission on Innovation, Extension. Details of the activities covered under these submissions are as under:

    (A) Sub-mission on Breed Development of Livestock and Poultry:  This Sub-Mission has following activities: (I)                 Establishment of Entrepreneurs for breed development: under this activity following sub activities are included (i) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for breed development of Rural Poultry and (ii) Establishment of Entrepreneur for breed development in small ruminant sector (sheep and goat farming). (II) Genetic Improvement of Sheep and Goat breeds: under this activity following are the sub activities: (i) Establishment of Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Semen Bank for sheep and goat; (ii) Establishment of State Semen Bank: (iii) Propagation of Artificial Insemination through existing cattle and buffalo Artificial Insemination centers and (iv)  Import of exotic sheep and goat germplasm.  (III) Promotion of Piggery Entrepreneur. (IV) Genetic Improvement of Pig breeds: Under this activity following activities are implemented:  (i) Establishment of pig semen collection and processing lab and (ii) Import of exotic pig germplasm. (V) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for horse, donkey, mule and camel. (VI) Genetic Improvement of Horse, Donkey, Mule, Camel:  (i) Regional Semen Station for Horse, donkey and camel; (ii) Nucleus Breed Farm for Conservation of Horse/Donkey/Camel germplasm and (iii) Breed Registration Society.

    (B) Sub-Mission on feed and fodder development: The Sub-Mission of the feed and fodder is covering the following activities: (I)     Assistance for quality Fodder seed production. (II) Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder. (III) Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown). (IV) Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland / Rangeland / Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land.

    (C)       Sub Mission on Innovation and Extension: Under this Sub-Mission the following are the activities: (I) Research and Development and innovations. (II) Extension activities. (III) Livestock Insurance programme.

    3.         National Programme for Dairy Development: This scheme focuses on creating dairy infrastructure for the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products in the cooperative dairy sector inter alia training and awareness programs for dairy farmers, input services such as cattle-feed and mineral mixtures, and assistance for quality testing of milk and milk products, thereby improving the economic condition of dairy farmers enrolled in cooperatives.

    4.         Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC): The scheme is implemented for providing assistance for control of animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis and also to provide assistance to State Governments for Control of other infectious diseases of livestock including dairy animals. Mobile Veterinary Units are established under the scheme to deliver quality livestock health services at farmers doorstep. Under the vaccination programme: (i) more than 100 crore vaccinations have been done against FMD including 35 crore vaccination performed during current year; and (ii) about 4.3 crore calves vaccinated against Brucellosis under brucellosis control programme including 1.3 crore calves vaccinated during current year. Under the component of Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD- MVU), 100% financial assistance is provided towards procurement & customization of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) with recurring operational expenditure in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States; 60% for other States, and 100% for UTs for delivery of veterinary healthcare services through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) through a Toll-Free Number (1962) at farmers’ doorsteps which include disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids and extension services. So far, 4016 MVUs are operational in 28 states and 65 lakh farmers benefitted. This helps in increasing productivity

    5.         Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The scheme is to facilitate incentivisation of investments to establish (i) Dairy processing and product diversification infrastructure, (ii) Meat processing and product diversification infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant (iv) Breed Improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication Farm, (v) Veterinary Vaccine and Drugs production facilities, (vi) Animal waste to wealth management (Agri-waste Management). Keeping in view of the success of AHIDF, the erstwhile Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund has been subsumed with the AHIDF on 01.02.2024. Now total size of the fund is Rs 29110 cr.

    The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing Centrally Sponsored Scheme National Livestock Mission with a Sub-Mission on Feed and Fodder Development. Under the Submission, fodder development activity is undertaken through strengthening of fodder seed chain (Breeder-Foundation-Certified) thereby improving the availability of certified/quality fodder seeds required for production of high quality and  nutritious fodder. Approx.  1.03 lakh Tons of fodder seeds were produced under the Component Assistance for Quality Fodder Seeds Production since 2021-22 with release of funds of Rs.636.83 crores. The details of the progress under the component is at Annexure-I

    Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute ( IGFRI) Jhansi along with its All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Forage Crops & Utilization with 22 coordinated centers located in 21 states of the country are dedicatedly working on development of high yielding and nutritious fodder crop varieties for different agro-climatic conditions of the country and many varieties have been released for cultivation. Different approaches of crop improvement viz. speed breeding, apomixes; gene editing, SS markers, transgenic etc. are being used to develop high yielding trait specific cultivars. Major thrust are being placed for the development of varieties with attributes of high yielding, nutritionally superior, climatically resilient and resistant for different biotic factor. Till now more than 400 improved varieties in 40 fodder crops has been developed for different parts of the country and out of these about 200 varieties are in seed production chain. During last five years (2019-2024) nutritionally better and high yielding 86 varieties/ hybrids in 17 fodder crops have been identified/ notified for the cultivation in different agro-climatic regions of the country.

    Annexure-I

    Progress under component Assistance for Quality Fodder seeds Production under realign National Livestock Mission (NLM)

    1. Physical Progress – Year and Class wise Fodder Seed Production (Qtls)

    Class of seeds

    2021-22

    2022-23

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Total

    Breeder

    530.13

    0

    0

    0

    530.13

    Foundation

    6120.87

    21864.75

    15312.89

    12832.06

    56130.57

    Certified

    104852.2

    303222.4

    407874.5

    159383.0

    975332.1

    Total

    111503.2

    325087.2

    423187.4

    172215.1

    1031993
    1. Financial Progress – Year-wise Release of funds

    Year

    Release of funds (Rs.in crores)

    2021-22

    100.44

    2022-23

    159.99

    2023-24

    156.07

    2024-25

    (As on 4.2.2025)

    220.31

    Total Releases

    636.83

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: VACCINATION TARGETS UNDER LIVESTOCK

    Source: Government of India

    Categories24-7, Asia Pacific, Government of India, India, MIL OSI

    Post navigation

    Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying

    VACCINATION TARGETS UNDER LIVESTOCK

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The following actions taken by Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying(DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries & AHD Government of India to streamlined the vaccination programs against FMD, Brucellosis, PPR and CSF;.

    1. Vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF) is covered under 100% central assistance under Livestock Health And Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)  for all States and Union Territories.
      1. As gathered from States/UTs, cumulative vaccination till date (January, 2025), 107.34 crore, 4.39 crore, 20,40 crore, 0.67  crore vaccine hasbeen done against FMD, Brucellosis, PPR and CSF respectively. The last FMD-Round IV vaccination completed has covered more than 96% vaccination coverage (24.84 crore).  Further, FMD Rounds V and VI are ongoing in various States with nearly 14.89 Crores and 2.29 Crores vaccinations done respectively.
      1. The coverage percentage of vaccination program has increased, and the gaps have been narrowed down by ensuring timely supply of quality tested vaccines for FMD, Brucellosis, PPR and CSF along with awareness generation among stakeholders
      1. Assistance to States for Control of Animal Disease (ASCAD) for control of state prioritized exotic, emergent and zoonotic animal diseases with funding pattern of 60:40 between Central and State; 90:10 for hilly and North East States and 100% for UTs. Total more than 27.21 crore cattle have been vaccinated/re-vaccinated upto January, 2025 against Lumpy Skin Disease in the country.
      1. Financial support is provided to Indian Council of Agricultural Research(ICAR)- National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease (NIFMD)-Bhubaneswar, ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institutes (IVRI)-Bareilly, ICAR-IVRI-Bengaluru, ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI)-Bengaluru and Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Animal Health-Baghpat for FMD related activities
      1. Data related to registration of livestock using ear-tags and vaccination  is uploaded on Bharat Pashudhan portal

    Total vaccination performance reducing the gap under the programmeare at Annexure-I

    ANNEXURE-I

     

    Animals Vaccinated in FMD Round IV

    Animals Vaccinated in FMD Round V

    (ongoing)

    Animals Vaccinated in FMD Round VI

    (ongoing)

    Animals Vaccinated against Brucellosis

    Animals Vaccinated against PPR Round I

    Animals Vaccinated against PPR Round II

    Animals Vaccinated against CSF Round I

    Animals Vaccinated against CSF Round II

    Progress of vaccination mentioned in 4th report of standing committee on agriculture, animal husbandry and food processing

    21,13,30,176

    5,35,73,039

    Not mentioned

    4,23,46,856

    15,19,38,427

    2,17,66,205

    49,05,771

    10,85,612

    Present status

    24,84,36,177

     

    14,88,63,831

     

    2,29,21,706

    4,38,86,128

    16,57,04,186

    3,82,66,375

    51,41,962

    15,08,624

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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    (Release ID: 2101852)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DAIRY VALUE CHAIN

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Animal Husbandry is an important sub-sector of Indian agricultural economy and plays a multifaceted role in providing nutrition and livelihood support to the rural population. Milk plays an important role in nutritional security as it is important source of animal protein. Milk is a near complete food and has high nutritive value. It contains body building proteins, bone forming minerals, health giving vitamins, furnishes energy giving lactose and milk fat. Milk and dairy products are vital sources of nourishment for billions globally, benefiting people of all ages, from young children to older adults, by supporting health and active lifestyles. Nutrient-dense and energy-rich, milk provides high-quality protein along with essential micronutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and phosphorus, all in forms that the body can readily absorb. Numerous studies highlight the key role of milk and dairy in supporting healthy nutrition and development throughout life, particularly during childhood. As of date per capita availability of milk  has increased to 471 gram / day higher than, ICMR recommendation of 300 gram/ day. The livestock sector apart from contributing to national economy in general and to agricultural economy in particular also provides employment generation opportunities, asset creation, handling mechanism against crop failure and social and financial security. The benefit of the schemes has been accruing to all farmers engaged in dairying in terms of enhancement in milk production and productivity of bovines. Value of output of milk is more than Rs.11.16 lakh crore during 2022-23 (As per National Accounts Statistics 2024)  which is the highest of the agriculture produce and even more than the combined value of Paddy and Wheat. The schemes are playing important role in enhancing milk production and productivity of bovines to meet growing demand of milk and making dairying more remunerative to the rural farmers of the country.

    In order tostrengthen the dairy value chain right from quality feed, breed, processing, value addition to market linkages the following steps are undertaken by Government of India:

     

    1.         Rashtriya Gokul Mission:        Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since December 2014 for development and conservation of indigenous breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines. Following steps are taken under the scheme to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines:

    (i)         Nationwide Artificial Insemination Program: Under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is expanding artificial insemination coverage to boost the milk production and productivity of bovines, including indigenous breeds. As on date, 8.32 crore animals have been covered, with 12.20 crore artificial inseminations performed, benefiting 5.19 crore farmers.

     

    (ii)        Progeny Testing and Pedigree Selection: This program aims to produce high genetic merit bulls, including bulls of indigenous breeds. Progeny testing is implemented for Gir, Sahiwal breeds of cattle, and Murrah, Mehsana breeds of buffaloes. Under the Pedigree selection programme Rathi, Tharparkar, Hariana, Kankrej breed of cattle and Jaffarabadi, Nili Ravi, Pandharpuri and Banni breed of buffalo are covered. So far 3,988 high genetic merit bulls have produced and inducted for semen production.

     

    (iii)       Implementation of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Technology: To propagate elite animals of indigenous breeds, the Department has established 22 IVF laboratories. The technology has important role in genetic upgradation of bovine population in single generation. Further, to deliver technology at reasonable rates to farmers Government has launched indigenously developed IVF media.

     

    (iv)       Sex-Sorted Semen Production: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India has established sex sorted semen production facilities at 5 government semen stations located in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. 3 private semen stations are also producing sex sorted semen doses. So far 1.15 crore sex-sorted semen doses from high genetic merit bulls have been produced and made available for Artificial Insemination.

     

    (v)        Genomic Selection: To accelerate genetic improvement of cattle and buffaloes, the Department has developed unified genomic chips—Gau Chip for indigenous cattle and Mahish Chip for buffaloes—specifically designed for initiating genomic selection in the country.

     

    (vi)       Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRIs): Under the scheme MAITRIs are trained and equipped to deliver quality Artificial Insemination services at farmers’ doorstep. During the last 3 years 38,736 MAITRIs have been trained and equipped under Rashtriya Gokul Mission.

     

    (vii)      Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using sex sorted semen: This program aims to produce female calves with up to 90% accuracy, thereby enhancing breed improvement and farmers’ income. Farmers receive support for assured pregnancy upto 50% of the cost of sex sorted semen. As of now, 341,998 farmers have been benefited from this program. Government has launched indigenously developed sex sorted semen technology to deliver sex sorted semen at reasonable rates to farmers.

     

    (viii)     Accelerated Breed Improvement Programme using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technology: This technology is utilized for the rapid genetic upgradation of bovines and an incentive of Rs 5,000 per assured pregnancy is made available to farmers interested in taking up IVF technology.

     

    2.         National Livestock Mission (NLM): The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing NLM scheme since the financial year 2014-15. In view of the present need of the sector the NLM scheme has been revised and realigned from financial year 2021-22. The National Livestock Mission along with along other components and subcomponents of the scheme covers Sub-Mission on feed and fodder development.

    The Sub-Mission of the feed and fodder is covering the following activities:

    Activity I:        Assistance for quality Fodder seed production: 100% incentivization for production of all categories of fodder seed production by Central and State Govt. institutions;

    Activity II:       Entrepreneurial activities in feed and fodder: One time 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to the Individuals. SHG, FCOs JLG, FPOs, Dairy Cooperative societies, section 8 companies are incentivized for the value addition such as Hay/Silage/Total Mixed Ration(TMR)/ Fodder Block.

    Activity III: Establishment of Entrepreneurs for Fodder Seed processing Infrastructure (processing and grading unit/ fodder seed storage godown):  One time 50% capital subsidy up to Rs 50 lakh is provided to companies, start-ups/ SHGs/FPOs/FCOs/JLGs/ Cooperative societies Section 8 companies and other credible organizations for establishing fodder seed processing infrastructure.

    Activity IV:      Fodder production from Non-Forest Wasteland / Rangeland / Non-arable Land” and “Fodder Production from Forest Land: The Central assistance is provided for production of various fodder in the degraded non-forest wasteland / rangeland / grassland/ non-arable land and forest land to enhance the vegetation cover of problematic soils like saline, acidic and heavy soil. 

    The Scheme National Livestock Mission also provides assistance to States/ UTs for livestock Insurance and component is implemented on 60:40 sharing basis between the Central Government and States and 90:10 sharing basis for North-Eastern and Himalayan States. Along with other livestock species dairy animals including cattle buffaloes are covered under the component.

    3.         National Programme for Dairy Development: This scheme focuses on creating dairy infrastructure for the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products in the cooperative dairy sector inter alia training and awareness programs for dairy farmers, input services such as cattle-feed and mineral mixtures, and assistance for quality testing of milk and milk products, thereby improving the economic condition of dairy farmers enrolled in cooperatives.

    4.         Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC): The scheme is implemented for providing assistance for control of animal diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis and also to provide assistance to State Governments for Control of other infectious diseases of livestock including dairy animals. Mobile Veterinary Units are established under the scheme to deliver quality livestock health services at farmers doorstep. Under the vaccination programme: (i) more than 100 crore vaccinations have been done against FMD including 35 crore vaccination performed during current year; and (ii) about 4.3 crore calves vaccinated against Brucellosis under brucellosis control programme including 1.3 crore calves vaccinated during current year. Under the component of Establishment and Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries (ESVHD- MVU), 100% financial assistance is provided towards procurement & customization of Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) with recurring operational expenditure in the ratio of 90:10 for North Eastern & Himalayan States; 60% for other States, and 100% for UTs for delivery of veterinary healthcare services through Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) through a Toll-Free Number (1962) at farmers’ doorsteps which include disease diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids and extension services. So far, 4016 MVUs are operational in 28 states and 65 lakh farmers benefitted.

    5.         Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) The scheme is  to facilitate incentivisation of investments to establish (i) Dairy processing and product diversification infrastructure, (ii) Meat processing and product diversification infrastructure and (iii) Animal Feed Plant (iv) Breed Improvement Technology and Breed Multiplication Farm, (v) Veterinary Vaccine and Drugs production facilities, (vi) Animal waste to wealth management (Agri-waste Management). Keeping in view of the success of AHIDF, the erstwhile Dairy Processing Infrastructure Development Fund has been subsumed with the AHIDF on 01.02.2024. Now total size of the fund is Rs 29110 crore.  So far 131 projects of dairy processing with the total project cost of Rs 5976 crore has been sanctioned under the scheme and 77 breed improvement projects with the total project cost of Rs 1027.82 crore.

     

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA IN WILDLIFE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

    In response to the question regarding the measures taken by the Government to monitor and manage the health of captive animals in zoos following the detection of H5N1 avian influenza in wildlife at the Nagpur rescue center, the written reply stated the measures taken by the Central Government:

    1. Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has issued circular to all Zoos regarding their preparedness to prevent ingress of Avian Influenza and  advised zoos to comply with the National Action Plan on “Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza”.
    2. CZA advisedthe Zoos to consult Centre for Wildlife, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly for technical advise on Wildlife management, disease control and diagnosis.
    3. Department of Animal Husbandry& Dairying (DAHD), GoI has issued an advisory to the state for isolation of animals showing any clinical signs, closure of the establishment to the public including isolation and restriction of movement of zoo workers and use of Personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation of animal handlers, strengthening of biosecurity measures.
    4. States have been requested for surveillance of Tigers, Leopards and other wild animals and birds present in the Zoo and reporting of unusual mortality
    5. The State has been requested to follow the DAHD National Action Plan for Prevention Control and Containment of Avian Influenza 2021 especially Chapter 6 which has action points to deal with outbreaks of avian influenza in Zoos.
    6. The National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) involving members from NCDC, ICMR, Wildlife and DAHD was alsodeputed to conduct thejoint investigation and suggestion for future preparedness.
    7. Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoIconducted a review meeting on 7.1.2025 of all the stakeholders like Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Maharashtra, Central Zoo Authority, Wildlife Division-MOEFCC, Indian Council of Medical research, National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, officials of Gorewada Zoo and ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD)- Bhopal and advised all stakeholders to work in close collaboration following One Health Approach.
    8. A separate team from ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal and WRDDL Pune also conducted epidemiological investigations in and around the rescue centre and Chandrapur Forest area.
    9. 68 samples from the wild animals housed in the rescued centre of Gorewada Zoo were screened and they are tested negative by ICAR-NIHSAD, Bhopal as on 10.1.2025.

    In response to the question, whether there are any cases of avian flu in other wildlife sanctuaries, rescue centers, or zoos in the country, the written reply stated that no such report is received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

    Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed that the management of recognised Zoos were advised to allot required resources or teams as per the National Action Plan on “Prevention, Control and Containment of Avian Influenza” and its addendum specific to Zoos for early detection and containment of Avian Influenza.

    This information was given by the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, in a written reply in Lok Sabha

    today.

    *****

    AA

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crestview native supporting U.S. Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command promoted

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Robert Goodson Jr., a U.S. Navy civilian employee from Crestview, Florida, was recently promoted to a leadership position at Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC), Williamsburg, Virginia.

    Goodson was recently named deputy director for administration.

    Goodson is a 1998 graduate of Niceville High School. Additionally, Goodson earned a degree from Bellevue University in 2011.

    The skills and values needed to succeed as a Navy civilian are similar to those found in Crestview.

    “Growing up, my life was shaped by my father’s career in the U.S. Air Force, which afforded me the unique opportunity to experience multiple locations and cultures at a young age,” Goodson said. “As a military dependent, I had the chance to live in various parts of the country and even abroad, exposing me to different environments, customs, and ways of life. This nomadic upbringing not only broadened my perspective but also taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and the importance of human connection.”

    Learning how to navigate different social dynamics, communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds and forge new relationships were all skills Goodson learned along the way.

    “Whether it was making friends in a new school, interacting with local communities, or observing my parents’ interactions with colleagues and neighbors, I was constantly learning and growing,” Goodson said. “This early exposure also helped me develop essential skills as both a follower and a leader. As a follower, I learned to be open-minded, flexible and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. I understood the importance of teamwork, cooperation and supporting others to achieve a common goal. As a leader, I discovered the value of empathy, active listening and effective communication in inspiring and motivating others.”

    Goodson served in the Air Force before retiring and starting a civilian career with NMRLC.

    “As I transitioned out of the U.S. Air Force and into retirement, I found myself at a crossroads, uncertain about the path I wanted to take next,” Goodson said. “After dedicating years to serving my country, I had earned some well-deserved time to relax, recharge and reflect on my future aspirations.”

    Goodson took the time to consider how to leverage the skills and passions gained from their experiences to determine the next step.

    “As I reflected on my time in the Air Force, I realized that my sense of purpose and fulfillment had always been deeply rooted in my ability to support and serve my fellow service members,” Goodson said. “I had a strong desire to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those who serve, and I began to explore ways to do so in a civilian capacity.”

    Goodson applied for positions within the Department of Defense (DoD) with the goal of returning to support the military community.

    “By pursuing opportunities within the DoD, I hoped to leverage my military experience, skills and knowledge to make a seamless transition into a new career while also staying connected to the community that had been such a big part of my life for so long,” Goodson said. “I was excited about the prospect of joining a team of dedicated professionals who shared my passion for supporting our nation’s service members, and I looked forward to the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.”

    Today, Goodson serves as a civilian supporting the Navy at NMRLC in a leadership position.

    “I have the privilege of working alongside an exceptional group of individuals on a daily basis, and I can confidently say that they are truly the best,” Goodson said. “What makes our team so unique and effective is the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that permeates every aspect of our work. Knowing that we are all striving towards a common goal and mission creates a strong bond among us, and this collective sense of direction fosters an environment of open and honest communication.”

    Goodson said the team’s trust and mutual respect of one another allows for more effective communication and enables the team to focus on its mission.

    “We are able to provide feedback, ask questions, and seek guidance from one another without fear of judgment or reprisal, which helps to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications,” Goodson said. “This, in turn, creates a positive and productive work environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best. Overall, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such a talented, dedicated, and mission-driven group of individuals, and I believe that our shared sense of purpose is the key to our success. By working together towards a common goal, we are able to achieve far more than we could alone, and I am grateful to be a part of such a high-performing and supportive team.”

    Headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicine’s strategic evolution, NMRLC is well positioned to be the Joint Force’s premier integrated medical logistics support activity.

    With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

    Goodson supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

    Goodson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military and civil service.

    “My proudest moment to date has been my recent promotion, which has not only been a significant milestone in my career but also a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve invested in my role,” Goodson said. “What’s made this moment even more special, however, is the outpouring of excitement and congratulations from my colleagues and peers. Seeing the genuine enthusiasm and support from those around me has been truly humbling and has made the experience of receiving this promotion all the more sweet. It’s a reminder that my efforts have not gone unnoticed and that I’m valued and respected by my team.”

    Goodson can take pride in serving America through military service and now as a government employee.

    “Supporting military personnel, both active and reserve, brings me immense joy and a deep sense of fulfillment,” Goodson said. “There’s a profound sense of purpose and meaning that comes from being able to make a positive impact on the lives of those who serve our country, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom and way of life. Whether it’s providing guidance, resources, or simply a listening ear, I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to support these brave men and women who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our nation.

    “Being able to play a small part in helping them navigate the challenges they face, both on and off duty, is a privilege and an honor, and it fills me with a sense of pride and gratitude to be able to serve them in some small way.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Royalty Pharma Reports Q4 and Full Year 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Portfolio Receipts of $742 million in Q4 2024 and $2,801 million for FY 2024
    • Royalty Receipts growth of 12% in Q4 2024 and 13% for FY 2024
    • Net cash provided by operating activities of $743 million in Q4 2024 and $2,769 million for FY 2024
    • Full year 2025 guidance: Portfolio Receipts expected to be $2,900 to $3,050 million excluding future transactions

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Royalty Pharma plc (Nasdaq: RPRX) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 and introduced full year 2025 guidance for Portfolio Receipts.

    “We had an incredibly successful 2024, delivering double-digit growth in Royalty Receipts, which was significantly above our initial guidance, and deploying $2.8 billion of capital on value-enhancing royalties” said Pablo Legorreta, Royalty Pharma’s founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very excited for the opportunities ahead as the fundamentals of our business have never been stronger. Additionally, we have already taken two major steps at the start of 2025 to enhance shareholder value, announcing the acquisition of our external manager, which is expected to result in multiple financial and strategic benefits, and a new $3 billion share repurchase program, which highlights the confidence we have in our business and the attractive value we see in our shares. With a robust transaction pipeline and significant financial flexibility, I am confident that Royalty Pharma is well positioned to deliver attractive, compounding growth over the long term.”

    Strong Royalty Receipts growth; Portfolio Receipts growth impacted by a high base of comparison

    • Royalty Receipts grew 12% to $729 million in the fourth quarter and 13% to $2,771 million for full year 2024, driven by strong performance from Evrysdi, the CF franchise, Trelegy, Tremfya and new royalty acquisitions.
    • Portfolio Receipts increased 1% to $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024; Portfolio Receipts decreased 8% from $3,049 million to $2,801 million for full year 2024, largely reflecting $525 million in Biohaven-related milestone payments received in 2023.

    Capital Deployment of $2.8 billion in 2024 with royalties on eight new therapies added to the portfolio

    • Record year for synthetic royalty transactions for Royalty Pharma with $925 million announced in 2024.
    • Significantly expanded development-stage portfolio by acquiring royalties on four potential new therapies.

    Exciting new product launches expected across the royalty portfolio in 2025

    • Royalty Pharma to benefit in 2025 from new product launches, including Servier’s Voranigo, Bristol Myers Squibb’s Cobenfy, Ascendis’ Yorvipath, Syndax and Incyte’s Niktimvo and Geron’s Rytelo.

    Financial guidance for full year 2025 (excludes contribution from future transactions)

    • Royalty Pharma expects 2025 Portfolio Receipts to be between $2,900 million and $3,050 million, representing expected growth of 4% to 9%.

    Financial & Liquidity Summary

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ and shares in millions) 2024 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1% 2,801 3,049 (8)%
    Net cash provided by operating activities 743 773 (4)% 2,769 2,988 (7)%
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)* 669 682 (2)% 2,565 2,806 (9)%
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP)* 678 687 (1)% 2,452 2,708 (9)%
    Weighted average Class A ordinary shares outstanding – diluted 589 598 (1)% 594 603 (1)%

    *See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section. Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures calculated in accordance with the credit agreement.

    Portfolio Receipts Highlights

          Three Months Ended December 31,
          (unaudited)
    ($ in millions)     2024 2023 Change
    Products: Marketers: Therapeutic Area:      
    Cystic fibrosis franchise Vertex Rare disease 237 207 14%
    Trelegy GSK Respiratory 74 60 23%
    Tysabri Biogen Neuroscience 61 68 (11)%
    Evrysdi Roche Rare disease 56 20 182%
    Xtandi Pfizer, Astellas Cancer 46 38 20%
    Imbruvica AbbVie, J&J Cancer 46 50 (10)%
    Promacta Novartis Hematology 44 44 (1)%
    Tremfya Johnson & Johnson Immunology 39 35 11%
    Cabometyx/Cometriq Exelixis, Ipsen, Takeda Cancer 20 18 11%
    Spinraza Biogen Rare disease 15 17 (13)%
    Orladeyo BioCryst Rare disease 11 8 36%
    Trodelvy Gilead Cancer 11 10 10%
    Erleada Johnson & Johnson Cancer 11 9 25%
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret Pfizer Neuroscience 7 5 49%
    Other products(5) 54 63 (14)%
    Royalty Receipts 729 651 12%
    Milestones and other contractual receipts 13 84 (85)%
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1%

    Results for full year 2024 and 2023 are shown in Table 5. Amounts shown in the table may not add due to rounding.

    Royalty Receipts was $729 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 12% as compared to $651 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by strong growth from Evrysdi, the cystic fibrosis franchise, Trelegy, Xtandi and Tremfya. Royalty receipts from Evrysdi included the benefit of the additional royalties acquired in October 2023 and June 2024.

    Portfolio Receipts was $742 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 1% as compared to $736 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by the same Royalty Receipts increases noted above, offset by a decrease in milestones and other contractual receipts, which reflected a $50 million payment related to the oral formulation of zavegepant in the prior period.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    Royalty Pharma’s liquidity and capital resources are summarized below:

    As of December 31, 2024, Royalty Pharma had cash and cash equivalents of $929 million and total debt with principal value of $7.8 billion.

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately two million Class A ordinary shares for $50 million. For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma repurchased approximately eight million Class A ordinary shares for $230 million. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 589 million as compared to 598 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. The weighted-average number of diluted Class A ordinary shares outstanding for full year 2024 was 594 million as compared to 603 million for full year 2023.

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program under which Royalty Pharma may repurchase up to $3.0 billion of its Class A ordinary shares. Royalty Pharma intends to repurchase $2.0 billion of its shares in 2025, subject to market conditions. The total value of shares repurchased will depend on the discount to the intrinsic value at which its Class A ordinary shares are trading. This new share repurchase program replaces the unused $465 million of the company’s original $1.0 billion share repurchase program that was announced in March 2023.

    Liquidity Summary

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Portfolio Receipts 742   736   2,801   3,049  
    Payments for operating and professional costs (72)   (54)   (236)   (243)  
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) 669   682   2,565   2,806  
    Interest received/(paid), net 8   5   (113)   (98)  
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) 678   687   2,452   2,708  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    • Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $669 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs.
    • Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) was $678 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Portfolio Cash Flow is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. This measure reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases, or utilized for other discretionary investments.

    Refer to Table 4 for Royalty Pharma’s reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net cash provided by operating activities.

    Capital Deployment was $522 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, consisting primarily of the acquisitions of royalties on Niktimvo and Rytelo. Capital Deployment reflects cash payments during the period for new and previously announced transactions. Capital Deployment was $2.8 billion for full year 2024.

    The table below details Capital Deployment by category:

    Capital Deployment

      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
      (unaudited)
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Acquisitions of financial royalty assets (496)   (1,002)   (2,506)   (2,116)  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone —   —   —   (50)  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing (1)   (1)   (2)   (2)  
    Purchases of available for sale debt securities —   —   (150)   —  
    Milestone payments (25)   —   (75)   (12)  
    Investments in equity method investees —   (2)   (11)   (13)  
    Acquisitions of other financial assets —   —   (18)   —  
    Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D 0   0   1   1  
    Capital Deployment (522)   (1,005)   (2,761)   (2,192)  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma announced the sale of the MorphoSys Development Funding Bonds for $511 million in upfront cash (press release). This payment, combined with payments previously received, results in total cash proceeds of $530 million on the $300 million investment that was made in September 2022. The proceeds strengthen Royalty Pharma’s balance sheet and provide added flexibility to pursue its disciplined capital allocation strategy.

    Royalty Transactions

    For full year 2024, Royalty Pharma announced new transactions of up to approximately $2.8 billion. The announced transactions amount reflects the entire amount of capital committed for new transactions during the year, including potential future milestones.

    Recent transactions include:

    • In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Rytelo from Geron Corporation for an upfront payment of $125 million (press release). Rytelo is approved for the treatment of certain adult patients with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes with transfusion-dependent anemia. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive tiered royalties on U.S. net sales on Rytelo.
    • In November 2024, Royalty Pharma acquired a synthetic royalty on Niktimvo from Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for an upfront payment of $350 million (press release). Niktimvo is approved for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease and will be co-commercialized by Incyte. Following the acquisition, Royalty Pharma is entitled to receive royalties on U.S. net sales on Niktimvo.

    The information in this section should be read together with Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the SEC at www.sec.gov and the reader is also encouraged to review all other press releases and information available in the Investors section of Royalty Pharma’s website at www.royaltypharma.com.

    Internalization Transaction

    In January 2025, Royalty Pharma agreed to acquire its external manager, RP Management, LLC (the “Manager”) (press release). This transaction to simplify Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure is expected to result in multiple benefits for shareholders. On a financial basis, the acquisition is expected to reduce costs and enhance economic returns on investments. Specifically, the acquisition will generate cash savings of greater than $100 million in 2026, rising to greater than $175 million in 2030 and driving cumulative savings of greater than $1.6 billion over ten years. The acquisition also increases shareholder alignment, enhances corporate governance, ensures management continuity and simplifies Royalty Pharma’s corporate structure.

    The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion(7) consists of approximately 24.5 million shares of Royalty Pharma equity that will vest over five to nine years, approximately $100 million in cash(8), and the assumption of $380 million of the Manager’s existing debt.

    The closing of the internalization transaction is subject to shareholders’ approval of the issuance of the share consideration and other customary closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals. The transaction is estimated to close during the second quarter of 2025.

    Key Developments Relating to the Portfolio

    The key developments related to Royalty Pharma’s royalty interests are discussed below based on disclosures from the marketers of the products.

    TEV-‘749 In January 2025, Teva announced that TEV-‘749 (olanzapine LAI) achieved Phase 3 targeted injections without PDSS (post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome), and the full safety presentation is expected in the second quarter of 2025.
    Cystic fibrosis franchise In December 2024, Vertex announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the new triple-combination modulator Alyftrek (vanzacaftor triple) for the treatment of cystic fibrosis in people ages 6 and older with at least one responsive mutation.

    In November 2024, Vertex announced that it had completed regulatory submissions for the vanzacaftor triple in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland, and reviews are underway.
    Skytrofa In December 2024, Ascendis announced the U.S. FDA accepted for review its supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) in adult growth hormone deficiency for Skytrofa. The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of July 27, 2025.
    aficamten In December 2024, Cytokinetics announced that the FDA accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for aficamten for the treatment of Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The FDA has assigned the NDA a Prescription Drug User Fee Act date of September 26, 2025. Additionally, the European Medicines Agency validated the Marketing Authorization Application for aficamten, and it will now be reviewed by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP).
    Trodelvy In November 2024, Gilead announced plans to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval of Trodelvy for use in pre-treated adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, following the results of the Phase 3 TROPiCS-04 trial.
    Airsupra In October 2024, AstraZeneca announced that positive high-level results from the BATURA Phase 3b trial showed Airsupra met the primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of a severe exacerbation when used as an as-needed rescue medication in response to symptoms compared to as-needed albuterol. These positive results triggered a milestone payment from AstraZeneca, of which Royalty Pharma received its pro rata portion of $27 million in January 2025.
    MK-8189 In October 2024, Merck updated its public disclosures to remove MK-8189 from its pipeline chart and Royalty Pharma does not anticipate making a further investment in this program.
    pelabresib In October 2024, Novartis announced that based on its review of 48-week data from the Phase 3 MANIFEST-2 study, longer follow-up time is needed to determine the regulatory path for pelabresib in myelofibrosis. Novartis will continue to follow patients in MANIFEST-2 and evaluate the potential for additional studies to support registration.
    trontinemab In October 2024, Roche presented its latest Phase 1b/2a interim results for trontinemab at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference, which demonstrated rapid and robust amyloid plaque depletion after 12 to 28 weeks of treatment and an overall favorable safety profile with very limited amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA-E) observed.


    2025 Financial Outlook

    Royalty Pharma has provided guidance for full-year 2025, excluding new transactions and borrowings announced after the date of this release, as follows:

      Provided February 11, 2025
    Portfolio Receipts $2,900 million to $3,050 million
    (Growth of ~+4% to 9% year/year)
    Payments for operating and professional costs Approximately 10% of Portfolio Receipts(1)
    Interest paid $260 million

    The above Portfolio Receipts guidance represents expected growth of 4% to 9% in 2025. Royalty Pharma’s full-year 2025 guidance reflects a negligible estimated foreign exchange impact to Portfolio Receipts, assuming current foreign exchange rates prevail for the rest of 2025.

    2025 guidance for payments for operating and professional costs and interest paid does not reflect the impact of the internalization transaction announced on January 10, 2025 and will be updated following the closing of the internalization transaction, which is expected to be in the second quarter of 2025.

    Total interest paid is based on the semi-annual interest payment schedule of Royalty Pharma’s existing notes and is anticipated to be approximately $260 million in 2025. Interest paid is anticipated to be approximately $138 million in the first quarter of 2025, which includes the first interest payment on the $1.5 billion notes issued in June 2024. Interest paid in the third quarter of 2025 is anticipated to be $119 million. De minimis amounts are anticipated in the second and fourth quarter of 2025. These projections assume no additional debt financing in 2025, including no drawdown on the revolving credit facility. In 2024, Royalty Pharma collected interest of $46 million on its cash and cash equivalents.

    Royalty Pharma today provides this guidance based on its most up-to-date view of its prospects. This guidance assumes no major unforeseen adverse events or changes in foreign exchange rates and excludes the contributions from transactions announced subsequent to the date of this press release.

    Financial Results Call

    Royalty Pharma will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results today at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time. Please visit the “Investors” page of the company’s website at https://www.royaltypharma.com/investors/events to obtain conference call information and to view the live webcast. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the company’s website for at least 30 days.

    About Royalty Pharma plc

    Founded in 1996, Royalty Pharma is the largest buyer of biopharmaceutical royalties and a leading funder of innovation across the biopharmaceutical industry, collaborating with innovators from academic institutions, research hospitals and non-profits through small and mid-cap biotechnology companies to leading global pharmaceutical companies. Royalty Pharma has assembled a portfolio of royalties which entitles it to payments based directly on the top-line sales of many of the industry’s leading therapies. Royalty Pharma funds innovation in the biopharmaceutical industry both directly and indirectly – directly when it partners with companies to co-fund late-stage clinical trials and new product launches in exchange for future royalties, and indirectly when it acquires existing royalties from the original innovators. Royalty Pharma’s current portfolio includes royalties on more than 35 commercial products, including Vertex’s Trikafta, GSK’s Trelegy, Roche’s Evrysdi, Johnson & Johnson’s Tremfya, Biogen’s Tysabri and Spinraza, AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson’s Imbruvica, Astellas and Pfizer’s Xtandi, Novartis’ Promacta, Pfizer’s Nurtec ODT and Gilead’s Trodelvy, and 14 development-stage product candidates.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information set forth herein does not purport to be complete or to contain all of the information you may desire. Statements contained herein are made as of the date of this document unless stated otherwise, and neither the delivery of this document at any time, nor any sale of securities, shall under any circumstances create an implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time after such date or that information will be updated or revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or changes occurring after the date hereof.

    This document contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements that express the company’s opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results, in contrast with statements that reflect historical facts. Examples include discussion of Royalty Pharma’s strategies, financing plans, growth opportunities, market growth and plans for capital deployment, plus the benefits of the benefits of the internalization transaction, including expected accretion, enhanced alignment with shareholders, increased investment returns, expectations regarding management continuity, transparency and governance, and the benefits of simplification to its structure. In some cases, you can identify such forward-looking statements by terminology such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “seek,” “project,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could” or “should,” the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to the company. However, these forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of Royalty Pharma’s performance, and you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and other variable circumstances, and other factors. Such risks and uncertainties may cause the statements to be inaccurate and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Many of these risks are outside of the company’s control and could cause its actual results to differ materially from those it thought would occur. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date hereof. The company does not undertake, and specifically declines, any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

    Certain information contained in this document relates to or is based on studies, publications, surveys and other data obtained from third-party sources and the company’s own internal estimates and research. While the company believes these third-party sources to be reliable as of the date of this document, it has not independently verified, and makes no representation as to the adequacy, fairness, accuracy or completeness of, any information obtained from third-party sources. In addition, all of the market data included in this document involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and there can be no guarantee as to the accuracy or reliability of such assumptions. Finally, while the company believes its own internal research is reliable, such research has not been verified by any independent source.

    For further information, please reference Royalty Pharma’s reports and documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Portfolio Receipts

    Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that is deployed to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts includes variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma.

    Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

    Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts, milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

    Use of Non-GAAP Measures

    Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are non-GAAP liquidity measures that exclude the impact of certain items and therefore have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP.

    Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are important non-GAAP measures used to analyze liquidity because they are key components of certain material covenants contained within Royalty Pharma’s credit agreement. Royalty Pharma cautions readers that amounts presented in accordance with the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow may not be the same as similar measures used by other companies or analysts. These non-GAAP liquidity measures have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for the analysis of Royalty Pharma’s results as reported under GAAP.

    The definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow used by Royalty Pharma are the same as the definitions in the credit agreement. Noncompliance with the interest coverage ratio, leverage ratio and Portfolio Cash Flow ratio covenants under the credit agreement could result in lenders requiring the company to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. If Royalty Pharma cannot satisfy these covenants, it would be prohibited under the credit agreement from engaging in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness, paying dividends, making certain payments, and acquiring and disposing of assets. Consequently, Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are critical to the assessment of Royalty Pharma’s liquidity.

    Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow are used by management as key liquidity measures in the evaluation of the company’s ability to generate cash from operations. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Portfolio Cash Flow when considering available cash, including for decision-making purposes related to funding of acquisitions, debt repayments, dividends and other discretionary investments. Further, these non-GAAP liquidity measures help management, the audit committee and investors evaluate the company’s ability to generate liquidity from operating activities.

    The company has provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP liquidity measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, being net cash provided by operating activities in Table 4.

    Royalty Pharma Investor Relations and Communications

    +1 (212) 883-6772
    ir@royaltypharma.com

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Condensed Consolidated Operations (unaudited)
    Table 1
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Income and other revenues        
    Income from financial royalty assets 562   523   2,149   2,198  
    Other royalty income and revenues 32   73   114   157  
    Total income and other revenues 594   596   2,264   2,355  
    Operating expense/(income)        
    Provision for changes in expected cash flows from financial royalty assets 164   (77)   732   561  
    Research and development funding expense 1   1   2   52  
    General and administrative expenses 68   59   237   250  
    Total operating expense/(income), net 232   (17)   971   862  
    Operating income 362   613   1,292   1,492  
    Other (income)/expense        
    Equity in earnings of equity method investees (32)   (0)   (30)   (29)  
    Interest expense 66   47   226   187  
    Other income, net (7)   (152)   (234)   (366)  
    Total other expense/(income), net 27   (105)   (38)   (208)  
    Consolidated net income before tax 334   718   1,331   1,700  
    Income tax expense —   —   —   —  
    Consolidated net income 334   718   1,331   1,700  
    Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 126   223   472   565  
    Net income attributable to Royalty Pharma plc 208   494   859   1,135  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Selected Balance Sheet Data (unaudited)
    Table 2
     
    ($ in millions) As of December 31, 2024 As of December 31, 2023
    Cash and cash equivalents 929 477
    Total current and non-current financial royalty assets, net 15,911 14,827
    Total assets 18,223 16,382
    Current portion of long-term debt 998 —
    Long-term debt, net of current portion 6,615 6,135
    Total liabilities 7,880 6,298
    Total shareholders’ equity 10,342 10,084
     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
    Table 3
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
    Cash collections from financial royalty assets 777   747   2,983   3,201  
    Cash collections from intangible royalty assets 0   0   15   1  
    Other royalty cash collections 30   75   109   159  
    Distributions from equity method investees —   —   13   19  
    Interest received 9   8   46   72  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing (1)   (1)   (2)   (2)  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone —   —   —   (50)  
    Payments for operating and professional costs (72)   (54)   (236)   (243)  
    Interest paid (1)   (3)   (160)   (169)  
    Net cash provided by operating activities 743   773   2,769   2,988  
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Distributions from equity method investees 3   5   24   44  
    Investments in equity method investees —   (2)   (11)   (13)  
    Purchases of equity securities —   —   (63)   —  
    Proceeds from equity securities —   —   99   —  
    Purchases of available for sale debt securities —   —   (150)   —  
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities 13   1   20   1  
    Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable securities —   —   —   24  
    Acquisitions of financial royalty assets (496)   (1,002)   (2,506)   (2,116)  
    Acquisitions of other financial assets —   —   (18)   —  
    Milestone payments (25)   —   (75)   (12)  
    Other —   (2)   2   (2)  
    Net cash used in investing activities (506)   (1,000)   (2,678)   (2,073)  
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts (81)   (92)   (362)   (377)  
    Distributions to continuing non-controlling interests (31)   (24)   (125)   (120)  
    Dividends to shareholders (94)   (89)   (376)   (358)  
    Repurchases of Class A ordinary shares (53)   (30)   (230)   (305)  
    Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D 0   0   1   1  
    Contributions from non-controlling interests – other 1   1   4   7  
    Cash acquired in connection with purchase of non-controlling interest —   5   —   5  
    Proceeds from revolving credit facility —   350   —   350  
    Repayment of revolving credit facility —   (350)   —   (350)  
    Repayment of long-term debt —   —   —   (1,000)  
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of discount —   —   1,471   —  
    Debt issuance costs and other 0   (2)   (13)   (2)  
    Other 0   —   (9)   —  
    Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (258)   (232)   361   (2,149)  
    Net change in cash and cash equivalents (21)   (459)   452   (1,234)  
    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 950   936   477   1,711  
    Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 929   477   929   477  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation (unaudited)
    Table 4
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		 Twelve Months Ended
    December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) 743   773   2,769   2,988  
    Adjustments:        
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities(6) 13   1   20   1  
    Distributions from equity method investees(6) 3   5   24   44  
    Interest (received)/paid, net(6) (8)   (5)   113   98  
    Development-stage funding payments – ongoing 1   1   2   2  
    Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone —   —   —   50  
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts(6) (81)   (92)   (362)   (377)  
    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) 669   682   2,565   2,806  
    Interest received/(paid), net(6) 8   5   (113)   (98)  
    Portfolio Cash Flow (non-GAAP) 678   687   2,452   2,708  

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

     
    Royalty Pharma plc
    Fourth Quarter and Full Year Portfolio Receipts Highlights (unaudited)
    Table 5
     
      Three Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31,
    ($ in millions) 2024 2023 Change 2024 2023 Change
    Products:            
    Cystic fibrosis franchise 237 207 14% 857 771 11%
    Trelegy 74 60 23% 284 203 40%
    Tysabri 61 68 (11)% 262 279 (6)%
    Imbruvica 46 50 (10)% 191 210 (9)%
    Evrysdi 56 20 182% 174 66 163%
    Xtandi 46 38 20% 169 146 15%
    Promacta 44 44 (1)% 158 161 (2)%
    Tremfya 39 35 11% 140 116 20%
    Cabometyx/Cometriq 20 18 11% 73 66 10%
    Spinraza 15 17 (13)% 45 45 1%
    Trodelvy 11 10 10% 43 33 30%
    Erleada 11 9 25% 39 27 42%
    Orladeyo 11 8 36% 39 29 32%
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret 7 5 49% 26 18 39%
    Other products(5) 54 63 (14)% 273 277 (1)%
    Royalty Receipts 729 651 12% 2,771 2,449 13%
    Milestones and other contractual receipts 13 84 (85)% 31 599 (95)%
    Portfolio Receipts 742 736 1% 2,801 3,049 (8)%

    Amounts may not add due to rounding.

    Royalty Pharma plc
    Description of Approved Indications for Select Portfolio Therapies
    Table 6

    Cystic fibrosis franchise Cystic fibrosis
    Trelegy Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma
    Tysabri Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
    Evrysdi Spinal muscular atrophy
    Xtandi Prostate cancer
    Imbruvica Hematological malignancies and chronic graft versus host disease
    Promacta Chronic immune thrombocytopenia purpura and aplastic anemia
    Tremfya Plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis
    Cabometyx / Cometriq Kidney, liver and thyroid cancer
    Spinraza Spinal muscular atrophy
    Orladeyo Hereditary angioedema
    Trodelvy Breast and bladder cancer
    Erleada Prostate cancer
    Nurtec ODT/Zavzpret Acute and preventative treatment of migraine


    Notes

    (1)  Portfolio Receipts is a key performance metric that represents Royalty Pharma’s ability to generate cash from Royalty Pharma’s portfolio investments, the primary source of capital that Royalty Pharma can deploy to make new portfolio investments. Portfolio Receipts is defined as the sum of Royalty Receipts and Milestones and other contractual receipts. Royalty Receipts include variable payments based on sales of products, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma (“Royalty Receipts”). Milestones and other contractual receipts include sales-based or regulatory milestone payments and other fixed contractual receipts, net of contractual payments to the legacy non-controlling interests, that are attributed to Royalty Pharma. Portfolio Receipts does not include proceeds from equity securities or proceeds from purchases and sales of marketable securities, both of which are not central to Royalty Pharma’s fundamental business strategy.

    Portfolio Receipts is calculated as the sum of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Cash collections from financial royalty assets, Cash collections from intangible royalty assets, Other royalty cash collections, Proceeds from available for sale debt securities and Distributions from equity method investees less Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts, which represent contractual distributions of Royalty Receipts and milestones and other contractual receipts to RPSFT and the Legacy Investors Partnerships. Distributions to RPSFT substantially ended in December 2023 when Royalty Pharma acquired the remaining interest in RPCT held by RPSFT.

    (2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined under the credit agreement as Portfolio Receipts minus payments for operating and professional costs. Operating and professional costs reflect Payments for operating and professional costs from the GAAP statements of cash flows. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4.

    (3) Portfolio Cash Flow is defined under the credit agreement as Adjusted EBITDA minus interest paid or received, net. See GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation in Table 4. Portfolio Cash Flow reflects the cash generated by Royalty Pharma’s business that can be redeployed into value-enhancing royalty acquisitions, used to repay debt, returned to shareholders through dividends or share purchases or utilized for other discretionary investments.

    (4) Capital Deployment is calculated as the summation of the following line items from Royalty Pharma’s GAAP statements of cash flows: Investments in equity method investees, Purchases of available for sale debt securities, Acquisitions of financial royalty assets, Acquisitions of other financial assets, Milestone payments, Development-stage funding payments – ongoing, Development-stage funding payments – upfront and milestone less Contributions from legacy non-controlling interests – R&D.

    (5) Other products primarily include Royalty Receipts on the following products: Cimzia, Crysvita, Emgality, Entyvio, Farxiga/Onglyza, IDHIFA, Lexiscan, Nesina, Prevymis, Soliqua and distributions from the Legacy SLP Interest, which is presented as Distributions from equity method investees on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

    (6) The table below shows the line item for each adjustment and the direct location for such line item on the GAAP statements of cash flows.

    Reconciling Adjustment Statements of Cash Flows Classification
    Interest received/paid, net Operating activities (Interest paid less Interest received)
    Distributions from equity method investees Investing activities
    Proceeds from available for sale debt securities Investing activities
    Distributions to legacy non-controlling interests – Portfolio Receipts Financing activities

    (7) The total transaction value of approximately $1.1 billion is based on the closing price of Royalty Pharma plc common stock of $26.20 on January 8, 2025.

    (8) Consists of $200 million in cash less the amount of the management fees paid to the Manager from January 1, 2025 through the closing of the transaction.

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration

    Source: Government of India

    Measures taken by the government to stop food adulteration

    Regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products are conducted by FSSAI through its regional offices and State/ UTs; penal action taken against defaulting Food Business Operators

    Mobile food testing labs “Food Safety on Wheels” (FSWs) provided to extend the reach of basic testing facilities in remote areas

    Pan-India Surveillance of food products conducted by FSSAI, especially on staple foods and commodities prone to adulteration

    Mechanisms for receiving and addressing food adulteration complaints by consumers in place through the FSSAI helpline or Food Safety Connect mobile app

    Mandatory registration certification and licensing by FSSAI for food businesses; regular reviews of the certification process and improvement based on the stakeholder feedback in place

    Various campaigns launched by FSSAI to raise consumer awareness about food adulteration

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) through its regional offices and State/ Union Territories conducts regular surveillance, monitoring, inspection, and random sampling of food products. In cases where food samples are found to be non-conforming, penal action is taken against the defaulting Food Business Operators as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, Rules and Regulations.

    To extend the reach of basic testing facilities even in remote areas, FSSAI has provided mobile food testing labs called Food Safety on Wheels (FSWs). FSSAI also conducts periodic Pan-India Surveillance of food products especially on staple foods and commodities that are prone to adulteration.

    FSSAI has also established mechanisms for receiving and addressing complaints related to food adulteration. Consumers can lodge complaints through the FSSAI helpline or Food Safety Connect mobile app, which are promptly investigated and acted upon as per FSS Act, Rules and Regulations. Further, FSSAI has launched various campaigns to raise consumer awareness about food adulteration.

    Details of samples analysed, found non-conforming and penal action taken during last 4 years are as below:

     

    Year

    No. of Samples Analysed

    No. of Samples found non-conforming

    No. of Civil Cases launched

    No. of Criminal Cases launched

    2020-21

    1,07,829

    28,347

    24,195

    3,869

    2021-22

    1,44,345

    32,934

    28,906

    4,946

    2022-23

    1,77,511

    44,626

    38,053

    4,817

    2023-24

    1,70,513

    33,808

    33,750

    4,737

    As per the FSS Act 2006, no person can commence a food business without holding a license under the Act.  Accordingly, petty food businesses such as petty retailers, hawkers, itinerant vendors or temporary stall holders, etc with a turnover of less than 12 lakhs per annum have to take a registration certificate before starting any food business whereas food businesses having an annual turnover of more than 12 lakh need FSSAI license.

    A Food Business Operator (FBO) submits an online application through the Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) portal, providing necessary documents, undergoing an inspection by FSSAI officials at their premises, and upon approval, receiving a registration certificate or license depending on their business type and turnover.         

    FSSAI regularly reviews the certification process and improves it based on stakeholder feedback.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

    Source: Government of India

    Update on the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)  

    As of 6th February 2025, more than 73.98 Crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) created; over 49.06 Crore health records linked with ABHA

    Over 3.63 Lakh health facilities registered on health facility registry (HFR)

    More than 5.64 Lakh healthcare professionals are registered on the healthcare professional registry (HPR)

    Over 1.59 Lakh health facilities use ABDM-enabled software  

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has been launched with the aim to enable interoperability of health data within the health ecosystem and creating longitudinal electronic health records of every citizen. ABDM comprises key registries such as the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA), healthcare professional registry (HPR), health facility registry (HFR), and drug registry.

    As of 6thFebruary 2025, a total of 73,98,09,607 ABHA have been created, 3,63,520 health facilities have registered on HFR, 5,64,851 healthcare professionals have registered on HPR, 1,59,020 health facilities are using an ABDM-enabled software and 49,06,02,540 (~49.06 Cr) health records have been linked with ABHA.

    The total 73,98,09,607 ABHA correspond to 36 States/UTs spanning 786 districts across the country meaning that the entire country is being covered, including rural areas. Similarly, the 1.59 lakh health facilities that use an ABDM-enabled software correspond to 36 States/UTs and 786 districts.

    Inclusion is one of the key principles of ABDM. The digital health ecosystem created by ABDM supports continuity of care across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare in a seamless manner. It aids the availability of health care services, particularly in remote and rural areas through various technology interventions like telemedicine etc.

    Various steps have been taken to ensure that the benefits of the Mission reach every citizen. The ABHA portal [abha.abdm.gov.in] and the government PHR (personal health record) applications such as the ABHA app and Aarogya Setu app have been made multi-lingual and intuitive to use, with a view to address the lack of digital literacy. The mission provides for assisted and offline mode for the creation of ABHA for areas with limited internet connectivity or hardware or both.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    HFW/Update on the implementation of ABDM /11 February 2025/3

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Steps taken by the Government to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol and tobacco products near educational institutions

    Source: Government of India

    Steps taken by the Government to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol and tobacco products near educational institutions  

    Selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institute prohibited under the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA), 2003

    Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 enacted to prohibit the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes and similar devices

    Revised Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) released by the Ministry for enacting Section 6(b) of COTPA, 2003 in 2019

    Tobacco Free Youth Campaign is conducted every year by the Ministry for creating mass awareness at the grassroot level, since 2023

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been actively working to reduce the tobacco use among the youth. Under Section 6 of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 a provision has been made to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to an individual below 18 years of age. Under this Act, selling of tobacco products within 100 yards of any educational institute is prohibited. In addition to this, the Ministry released a revised Guidelines for Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (ToFEI) in 2019.

    To create mass awareness at the grassroot level, the Ministry conducts Tobacco Free Youth Campaign every year, since 2023.

    The Ministry enacted Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019 to prohibit the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes and similar devices, which are harmful and has potential for initiating tobacco use amongst youth.

    Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued ToEFI Guidelines for enacting Section 6(b) of COTPA, 2003 which restrict the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutes.

    The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education has also released ToEFI Manual to implement nine anti-tobacco activities. Compliance of the Manual is monitored by the respective State/UT Nodal Officers.

    As per the Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 enacted by Ministry of Women and Child Development, giving intoxicating liquor (e.g. alcohol) or any narcotic drug or tobacco products or psychotropic substance to a child under 18 years of age, except by a doctor’s order, is prohibited and punishable.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    HFW/ Steps taken by the Govt to restrict marketing and sale of alcohol & tobacco products near educational institutions/11 February 2024/2

    (Release ID: 2101735) Visitor Counter : 60

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Update on the Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK)

    Source: Government of India

    Update on the Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK)

    From FY 2014-15 till FY 2023-24, 160.84 crore screenings conducted for children through Mobile Health Teams (MHTs); 11.90 crore children identified with selected health conditions and 5.64 crore children provided secondary/tertiary care under RBSK

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) provides technical and financial support for Rashtriya Bal Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission (NHM) based on the Annual Program Implementation Plan (APIP). The support is given for infrastructure, essential equipment, and human resources including capacity building and treatment at secondary and tertiary care hospitals. The screening services for children are provided through 11821 dedicated Mobile Health Teams (MHTs) at the block level and 430 District Early Intervention Centre (DEICs) to provide comprehensive management to children. State/UT wise MHTs and DEICs details for FY 2023-24 are placed at Annexure.

    As reported by States/UTs, 160.84 crore screenings for children have been conducted through Mobile Health Teams (MHTs), 11.90 crore children have been identified with selected health conditions and 5.64 crore children have been provided secondary/tertiary care from FY 2014-15 till FY 2023-24 under RBSK.

    For effective implementation and increased coverage of RBSK across India, the program is regularly monitored through review of quarterly reports, field visits, periodic meetings with State Nodal Officers, and Common Review Missions (CRM).

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) also supports the States/UTs through technical and financial guidance based on Annual Programme Implementation Plans (APIP) submitted by the State/UTs.

    The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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    MV

    HFW/ Update on the RBSK/11 February 2025/1

    Annexure

    State-wise number of Mobile Health Team (MHT)

    and District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) in F.Y. 2023-24

    (As reported by State/UTs)

    S. No.

    States/UTs

    Number of Mobile Health Team

    Number of DEIC Operational

    1

    Andaman & Nicobar

    6

    0

    2

    *Andhra Pradesh

    NA

    34

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    42

    3

    4

    Assam

    305

    18

    5

    Bihar

    734

    9

    6

    Chandigarh

    12

    1

    7

    Chhattisgarh

    328

    7

    8

    Dadra & Nagar Haveli and DD

    6

    2

    9

    **Delhi

    NA

    2

    10

    Goa

    15

    2

    11

    Gujarat

    992

    28

    12

    Haryana

    211

    21

    13

    Himachal Pradesh

    150

    9

    14

    Jammu & Kashmir

    216

    22

    15

    Jharkhand

    290

    8

    16

    Karnataka

    430

    14

    17

    ***Kerala

    1054

    14

    18

    Ladakh

    17

    2

    19

    Lakshadweep

    10

    0

    20

    Madhya Pradesh

    650

    51

    21

    Maharashtra

    1196

    35

    22

    Manipur

    36

    9

    23

    Meghalaya

    78

    3

    24

    Mizoram

    25

    2

    25

    Nagaland

    22

    1

    26

    Odisha

    630

    32

    27

    Puducherry

    8

    1

    28

    Punjab

    258

    5

    29

    Rajasthan

    502

    17

    30

    Sikkim

    20

    1

    31

    Tamil Nadu

    805

    35

    32

    Telangana

    300

    18

    33

    Tripura

    48

    3

    34

    Uttar Pradesh

    1578

    8

    35

    Uttarakhand

    147

    5

    36

    West Bengal

    700

    8

    Total

    11,821

    430

    *Andhra Pradesh screens children with the support of Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) medical officers, Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) in place of Mobile health team.

    **Delhi screen children under School Health Scheme (State Initiative).

    ***Kerala screen children with the support of Junior Public Health Nurse in place of Mobile health team.

    (Release ID: 2101733) Visitor Counter : 60

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” is being organized in New Delhi during February 12-14, 2025. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This 14th AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore. This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

     

    The 14th AFAF brings together key players from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) has a strong legacy of fostering global collaboration in the sector. Since its inception, the forum has been successfully hosted in multiple countries across Asia. Hosting the 14th AFAF in India after 18 years highlights the country’s growing prominence in global fisheries and aquaculture. With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive government policies, and significant scientific advancements, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Today, India occupies 2nd position in total fish production and also aquaculture production globally. The forum will provide a platform to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen international partnerships, and promote innovative approaches for sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.

     

    The forum will be inaugurated by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India on at 10.00 AM on 12th February 2025 ( WEDNESDAY) at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Dr. Himansu Pathak, Secretary, DARE, and Director General, ICAR; Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Government of India; Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR; Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed, Director General of World Fish, Malaysia will also be present. The event will include over 20 Lead Presentations by internationally acclaimed experts from India and overseas.

     

    On the second day a Symposium on “Aquatic Animal Diseases: Emerging Challenges and Preparedness” will be held at 09.00 AM on 13 February 2025 at A.P. Shinde Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs, Govt. of India has consented to inaugurate the symposium.

     

    On the third day, the Academia-Industry-Government Meet on ‘De-risking Shrimp Aquaculture Value Chain for Improved Global Competitiveness’ at 9.00 am at Parijat Lecture Hall, Ground Floor, NAAS Block, NASC, New Delhi on 14 February 2025. Dr B. Mastan Rao, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) has consented to inaugurate the Meet.

     

    Closing Ceremony of 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held at 4.30 pm on 14th February, 2025 at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, ICAR Convention Centre, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India has consented to be the Chief Guest of the Closing Ceremony.

     ****

    MG/ KSR

    (Release ID: 2101732) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Budget 2025-26 Strengthens Gender-Focused Allocations: Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi Highlights Key Measures for Women and Child Development

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Budget 2025-26 Strengthens Gender-Focused Allocations: Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi Highlights Key Measures for Women and Child Development

    Transforming Lives, Strengthening India: MoWCD’s Revolutionary Steps in Budget 2025-26

    From Nutrition to Entrepreneurship: MoWCD Unveils Comprehensive Vision for Women & Children

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, addressed the media today in New Delhi, outlining the key provisions of the Union Budget 2025-26 and introducing new initiatives aimed at enhancing child and maternal nutrition while fostering women entrepreneurship.

    The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Union Minister of Finance, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, reflects a significant rise in gender-focused allocations. The Gender Budget now constitutes 8.86% of the total budget, increasing from 6.8% in FY 2024-25. Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized that the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) plays a key role in advancing these efforts, with a considerable share of its budget dedicated to empowering women and girls through various targeted initiatives. This reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and women-led development.

    A record allocation of ₹4.49 lakh crore has been designated for women’s welfare, reflecting a 37.25% increase from the previous year. Ministry of Women  and Child Development remains at the forefront, allocating 81.79% of its budget towards gender-focused programs.

    Highlighting the Government’s vision for economic and social empowerment of women, Smt. Annpurna Devi stated, “Women entrepreneurs are a driving force behind India’s economic progress. By providing targeted financial support and skill-building programs, we are fostering an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

    The Union Minister also announced the 7th Poshan Pakhwada, to be observed from 18th March to 2nd April 2025, with outcome-based activities around four key themes:

    • Focus on First 1000 Days of Life
    • Popularization of Beneficiary Module
    • Management of Malnutrition through implementation of the CMAM module
    • Healthy Lifestyle to Address Obesity in Children

    Furthermore, continued sensitization activities for communities will be conducted from Poshan Pakhwada 2025 until the announcement of 1000 Suposhit Gram Panchayats in late 2025.

    As part of its commitment to tackling malnutrition, the Ministry introduced the Suposhit Panchayat Scheme during the national event for Veer Baal Diwas on 26th December, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam. The initiative aims to identify and award the Top 1000 Gram Panchayats across the country as ‘Suposhit Gram Panchayats’ for their exceptional efforts in improving nutrition and health indicators at the grassroots level.

    Under the 100-day campaign to celebrate ten years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, over 1,342 programmes have been conducted nationwide, engaging more than 13 lakh participants, including 1,410 public representatives. The activities encompassed a diverse range of initiatives, including:

    • Sensitization programs on menstrual hygiene and the PC/PNDT Act
    • Plantation drives promoting environmental sustainability
    • Recognition of meritorious girl students to encourage academic excellence

    The campaign has been instrumental in furthering gender equality, fostering awareness, and strengthening the resolve to ensure the well-being and empowerment of young girls across the country.

    Further showcasing the Ministry’s initiatives, the Union Minister referenced the Ministry’s award-winning tableau from the Republic Day parade, which beautifully illustrated the life-cycle continuum approach of its schemes and reinforced the theme of Women-Led Development, demonstrating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to empowering women and children.

    The tableau prominently featured key MWCD schemes such as One Stop Centre, Women Helpline (181), Child Helpline (1098), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Saksham Anganwadi, and Poshan Abhiyaan. It also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the 50th anniversary of the Anganwadi Scheme while showcasing women’s growing participation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, technology, and various professional sectors.

    Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi reiterated the government’s dedication to women and child development by highlighting key initiatives such as the Chintan Shivir, held from January 10-12, 2025, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The event brought together delegations from 32 States and Union Territories, including 16 State Ministers from Women and Child Development Departments, to deliberate on important issues relating to the welfare and development of women and children.

    The Chintan Shivir provided a platform for the exchange of innovative ideas, shared experiences, avenues for policy improvements, and the dissemination of best practices across states to ensure the effective implementation of these missions.

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development honoured over 200 field functionaries from across the nation as Special Guests at the Republic Day Ceremony on 26th January 2025. These dedicated individuals, including Anganwadi Workers, Child Development Project Officers, and District Programme Officers, were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the empowerment of women and children.

    Further highlighting its commitment to women’s empowerment, the Ministry has also curated a digital exhibition at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. This exhibition presents a compelling narrative of India’s progress in women-led development, showcasing various schemes, policies, and programs through an engaging and interactive experience.

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development remains resolute in its mission to promote holistic development, nutritional security, and economic empowerment for women and children. In alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat, MoWCD continues to drive forward its agenda of building a healthier, stronger, and more empowered India.

    *****  

    SS/MS

    (Release ID: 2101713) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WELFARE WORK UNDER CSR

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 1:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) carries out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects conforming to provisions in Section 135 of Companies Act, 2013 and the CSR Rules and its amendments, mainly in the periphery of steel townships and mines. The thrust areas are promotion of education and health, women empowerment, sustainable income generation through self-help groups, assistance to divyangjan (people with special abilities), access to water and sanitation facilities, village development, environment sustenance, sports coaching, promotion of traditional art and culture. The details of SAIL’s CSR expenditure, thrust area-wise during the last three years is as follows: –

                                                                                                                            (Rs. Lakh)

    No.

    SAIL CSR Thrust Area-wise Expenditure

    21-22

    22-23*

    23-24*

    24-25 (H1)

    1

    Healthcare, Drinking Water, Sanitation & Social Security (Sr. Citizens & PwDs)

    6648

    4676

    3592

    357

    2

    Education

    850

    3041

    4398

    1157

    3

    Livelihood Generation/Skills Development and Women Empowerment

    333

    1574

    1739

    92

    4

    Sports, Art & Culture

    213

    2695

    3288

    124

    5

    Rural Development & Environment Sustenance

    1211

    3616

    2885

    98

    6

    Administrative Overheads, etc.

    169

    644

    291

    9

     

    Total

    9424

    16246*

    16193*

    1837

    *(includes Rs.51.73 cr. in FY 22-23 & Rs.78.26 cr. in FY 23-24 w.r.t. ongoing CSR projects)

    SAIL has undertaken CSR projects in the aspirational districts namely Kanker, Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon Districts in the state of Chhattisgarh; Bokaro, West Singhbhum and Ranchi Districts in the state of Jharkhand, and Banka District in the state of Bihar in the year 2023-24. In the state of Bihar, SAIL has taken three projects under CSR in the year 2023-24.

    To evaluate the overall impact of the CSR Programmes/Projects carried out by SAIL in terms of its alignment with the needs of society and the CSR policy of SAIL, impact assessment survey is undertaken for select projects.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2101637) Visitor Counter : 46

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP conducts comprehensive investigation into suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection cluster at PMH

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP conducts comprehensive investigation into suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection cluster at PMH
    CHP conducts comprehensive investigation into suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection cluster at PMH
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Head of the Communicable Disease Branch of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Albert Au, said today (February 11) that the CHP is conducting a comprehensive investigation into a suspected Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection cluster, involving three doctors in the Oncology Department of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), with one of them passed away on February 7.     After receiving notification from PMH yesterday (February 10), the CHP representatives, together with representatives from PMH and the Chair of Infectious Diseases of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, conducted an inspection of the workplace of the Oncology Department and other facilities of the hospital this morning.     “The case involves three oncologists at the hospital. Initial investigation revealed that they developed symptoms on February 4, 6 and 10 respectively. Symptoms included fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea. One of them, who had onset of symptoms on February 4, was admitted to PMH for treatment on February 6 and passed away the following day. The other two affected persons had mild symptoms,” Dr Au said.     “Preliminary test results showed that the stool specimen from one of the three affected persons tested positive for STEC, while that of the other two affected persons (including the deceased patient) tested negative. Taking into account the clinical and epidemiological information, the CHP tentatively believed that the cluster may be associated with STEC infection,” he said.      The CHP’s epidemiological and environmental investigations are ongoing. The CHP will continue to collaborate with the Hospital Authority and the Department of Microbiology of the HKU to investigate the incident and trace the potential source of infection.     PMH has strengthened the monitoring of the gastrointestinal symptoms among its staff and has requested any staff members with relevant symptoms to report immediately for laboratory tests. The PMH has also arranged comprehensive disinfection of the oncology office area.     In general, STEC infections are usually associated with the consumption of contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked meat products, contaminated fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products. Direct person-to-person transmission through the faecal-oral route can also occur.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 20:05

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

    Source: City of York

    National Apprenticeship Week

    Published Tuesday, 11 February 2025

    City of York Council is celebrating the value, benefits and opportunities apprenticeships bring to individuals and businesses during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) this week [10-16 February].

    NAW will highlight how apprenticeships are an excellent option to consider for young people wishing to start a career, for employees looking to progress in their current role or retrain for a new career, or for employers needing to fill skills gaps to help grow their business.

    Numerous apprenticeship opportunities are available within York’s key and growth sectors including Hospitality, Engineering,  Health Care and Early Years.  

    Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture, including Skills and Apprenticeships, said:

    Prioritising high quality skills and learning for all our residents is a key commitment of our Council Plan.

    “National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity for us all to celebrate our amazing apprentices in the city, as well as highlighting the fantastic advantages apprenticeships can bring for employees and employers.”

    City of York Council supports apprenticeships in York through its impartial Apprenticeship Hub, which offers information and advice to potential apprentices and local organisations, as well as through the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme.

    The national scheme enables apprenticeship levy-paying employers to use a percentage of their levy to fully fund the apprenticeship training and assessment costs, from entry level to master’s degree level, for small to medium sized businesses in their area, helping connect them to their future workforce or boost productivity by upskilling existing teams.

    To date, the council has approved over £380,000 worth of apprenticeship levy transfer requests to support both new apprentice recruits and existing employees in York businesses to develop their skills.

    For free, impartial information emailyork.apprenticeships@york.gov.uk or visit www.york.gov.uk/yorkapprenticeships.

    For vacancies to go www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship and for information about T Levels got to tlevels.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Thriving and Flourishing Throughout 2024, Plum Sets Sights on Continued Growth in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reflecting on the company’s 18 percent growth over the past year, revolutionary talent assessment provider Plum expects to see the trend accelerate in the coming months. Citing the versatility of its offerings across the employee journey, including talent acquisition, internal mobility and leadership development, Plum secured several new clients, expanded existing relationships and forged significant partnerships throughout 2024.

    Plum CEO Caitlin MacGregor commented, “For Plum, 2024 was marked by the launch of PlumFlourish and PlumThrive, which were driven by the need to address very specific workforce challenges around career development and talent insights. Because of this, Plum is able to ensure that employees and employers can navigate today’s dynamic business environment, and enterprise organizations are looking to us for that guidance.”

    With the availability of PlumFlourish and PlumThrive alongside the company’s other enterprise solutions, Plum began working with Advocate Aurora Health, Scotia Caribbean and Temenos while expanding relationships with a Canadian multinational investment bank and financial services company, Arup, Bloomberg, CMP, Foundever and Hyundai Canada. Through Plum’s continued support for its customer base, the company helped to reimagine hiring processes, improve productivity, fill positions with internal talent, promote team development, maximize team efficiency and allow human potential to drive decision-making.

    On the partnership front, Plum added FairNow, Fountain, HackerRank, North Star Talent and Paylocity to its marketplace and finalized integration experiences with iCIMS and Paylocity. Plum also expanded its partnership with SAP SuccessFactors.

    MacGregor concluded, “By focusing on product and nurturing our relationships, Plum has built a strong foundation and maintained momentum, even through the headwinds observed last year. That’s what sets Plum apart and what makes Plum poised for success in 2025.”

    About Plum

    Revolutionary workforce solutions provider Plum knows that when people flourish, business thrives. Using objective data backed by scientific insights to measure and match human potential to job needs, Plum provides personalized career insights, improves quality of hire and helps create high-performing teams.

    With unmatched scalability, the award-winning Plum platform enhances talent decisions across the employee lifecycle, making it possible to understand skills, quantify job fit and analyze organizational culture. Visit www.plum.io to learn more.

    The MIL Network –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH study finds infection-related hospitalizations linked to increased risk of heart failure

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Tuesday, February 11, 2025

    Findings highlight the importance of infection prevention measures and personalized heart failure care.

    A study funded by the National Institutes of Health has found that adults who were hospitalized for a severe infection, such as respiratory infections or sepsis, were more than twice as likely to develop heart failure years later. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, underscore the importance of measures that help prevent severe infections, such as getting up-to-date vaccines and practicing safe hygiene.

    “These are ‘sit-up and take notice’ findings,” said Sean Coady, M.A., deputy branch chief in the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at the NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “While there’s already a reasonable body of evidence linking previous infections with heart attack, this study is focused on heart failure, which has been less studied yet affects an estimated six million Americans.”

    The study, part of the NHLBI-funded Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, followed 14,468 adults aged 45-64 for up to 31 years, from 1987 to 2018. None had heart failure when the study began. The researchers found that individuals who experienced an infection-related hospitalization had a 2.35 times higher risk of developing heart failure at an average time of seven years after surviving the hospitalization, compared to those who did not get an infection. The researchers adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related factors and included different infection types, such as respiratory, urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired in their assessment. They found that the association with heart failure was consistent no matter the type of infection.

    Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body’s organs and tissues. While there are many different kinds, the study focused mainly on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which occurs when the left side of the heart is too stiff to fully relax between heartbeats, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which occurs when the left ventricle is too weak to pump out enough blood to the body. The researchers discovered that infections that required hospitalization were associated with an increased risk of both conditions. Notably, the risk was nearly three times higher for HFpEF, the most common form of heart failure among people over age 65 and the one with the most limited treatment options. Nearly half of participants experienced an infection-related hospitalization emphasizing the potentially large impact of severe infections on the heart health of older adults.

    While the study only found an association between severe infections and heart failure – not a causal link – Ryan Demmer, Ph.D. professor of epidemiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and the study’s senior author, said patients still should consider commonsense approaches that keep severe infections at bay. He explained that someone who experiences an infection and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease should speak with their primary care provider to be sure they are receiving guideline directed medical therapies for cardiovascular disease.

    Demmer said future research could build on the current findings by validating a causal link between infections and heart failure development. New research could also explore the potential for incorporating infection history into heart failure risk assessments and patient management strategies.

    About the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): NHLBI is the global leader in conducting and supporting research in heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders that advances scientific knowledge, improves public health, and saves lives. For more information, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    Reference

    Molinsky RL, Shah A, Yuzefpolskaya M. Infection-Related Hospitalization and Incident Heart Failure: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2025. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033877R

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Single dose of broadly neutralizing antibody protects macaques from H5N1 influenza

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    Media Advisory

    Tuesday, February 11, 2025

    NIH science lays groundwork for future studies in people.

    What

    National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists and their colleagues report that a single dose of a broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) administered prior to virus exposure protects macaques from severe H5N1 avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have sporadically spilled over from birds into many other animals, including humans and dairy cows, in recent years. Although it has not yet acquired the capacity to spread readily between people, H5N1 has pandemic potential, which has spurred efforts to develop effective treatments and other countermeasures.

    The investigators studied a bnAb called MEDI8852, which was discovered and developed by Medimmune, now part of AstraZeneca. MEDI8852 targets a portion of a key flu protein that is less prone to change than other parts of the virus and thus is capable of conferring protection against a wide range of flu viruses. In the new study, a group of macaques received an injection of MEDI8852 and were exposed to aerosolized HPAI H5N1 virus three days later. All the pre-treated animals survived and experienced no or very limited signs of disease. In contrast, a group of control macaques developed severe or fatal illness within a short time after virus exposure. Of note, the scientists determined that MEDI8852 remained in the body for a prolonged time after the injection. According to scientists, protection from severe disease would extend to weeks beyond antibody infusion, providing a realistic preventative window in the face of an H5N1 outbreak.

    The research was conducted by Masaru Kanekiyo, D.V.M, Ph.D., and colleagues from NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Vaccine Research Center (VRC) along with investigators from the University of Pittsburgh. It was published in Science.

    Article

    M Kanekiyo et al. Pre-exposure antibody prophylaxis protects macaques from severe influenza. Science DOI: 10.1126/science.ado6481 (2025).

    Who

    Dr. Kanekiyo, VRC, NIAID, is available to comment.

    This research was supported by the Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, as well as grants R01AI154894 and UC7AI180311 and contracts 75N93021C00014 and HHSN261201500003.

    NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH-funded clinical trial will evaluate new dengue therapeutic

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Tuesday, February 11, 2025

    A clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is testing an experimental treatment designed to help people suffering the effects of dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease. The study is supported by NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and will involve exposing adult volunteers to a weakened strain of dengue virus that causes a mild form of the disease and administering an investigational therapeutic at various doses to assess its safety and ability to lessen symptoms.

    Dengue is transmitted via infected Aedes mosquitoes and sickens as many as 400 million people each year, primarily in tropical and subtropical parts of the world, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2024, dengue cases surged to record levels in the Americas with local U.S. transmission reported in Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. Dengue is endemic in Puerto Rico, which reported nearly 1,500 cases last year. Most people with dengue do not develop symptoms, but those who do commonly experience severe headache and body aches, nausea and vomiting, fever and rash. One in 20 people who get sick with dengue progress to severe illness, which may lead to shock, internal bleeding, and death. There is currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for dengue.

    “When caring for a patient who is critically ill with dengue, healthcare providers have few options other than providing supportive care,” said NIAID Director Jeanne Marrazzo, M.D., M.P.H. “We must find safe and effective therapeutics to provide much-needed relief to people suffering from dengue.”

    The new clinical trial will test the ability of AV-1, an investigational human monoclonal antibody therapeutic developed by AbViro (Bethesda, Maryland), to mitigate clinical symptoms when administered before and after dengue virus infection. The results of a previously completed NIAID-supported Phase 1 trial indicated that AV-1 is safe in humans, providing the basis for the new clinical trial to test its safety and efficacy.

    The Phase 2 clinical trial will enroll at least 84 healthy adult volunteers at two sites: the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Immunization Research in Baltimore, and the University of Vermont Vaccine Testing Center in Burlington. Following an initial screening and physical examination, volunteers will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive AV-1 one day prior to being challenged with a mild strain of dengue virus, and the other will receive AV-1 four days after being challenged with the dengue virus. Each group will be further subdivided to receive 100 mg, 300 mg, or 900 mg of AV-1, delivered in a 60-minute intravenous infusion. For each of the three dosage levels, 12 participants will receive the investigational monoclonal antibody, and two will receive a placebo.

    Before or after AV-1 dosing, each volunteer will receive an injection of attenuated (weakened) dengue virus. In earlier studies using this challenge virus, most volunteers developed a rash, and some had other mild dengue symptoms, such as joint and muscle pain or headache. None of the volunteers developed dengue fever or severe dengue.

    Volunteers will participate in regular follow-up visits with study staff for at least 155 days to carefully monitor the effects of the investigational monoclonal antibody. Through physical exams, diary cards and blood samples, researchers will document how the volunteers’ immune systems respond to the dengue virus challenge, how quickly the virus vanishes from their bloodstream and any symptoms they may experience. The researchers will use this information to determine how AV-1 affects the volunteers’ ability to recover from dengue compared to placebo and to determine the dosages at which AV-1 may be effective.

    If AV-1 shows promising results in this clinical trial, researchers may pursue further clinical evaluations of its safety and efficacy against dengue virus. For more information about the study, visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search the identifier NCT05048875.

    NIAID conducts and supports research—at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide—to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website. 

    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 12, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Estonian defense industry delegation

    • Date：2025-02-05
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    No. 032 

    February 5, 2025 

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a welcome luncheon on February 4 for an Estonian defense industry delegation led by Chair of the Estonia-Taiwan Support Group of the Parliament of Estonia Kristo Enn Vaga. The delegation included senior parliamentarian Kalle Laanet—who previously served as minister of defense, minister of the interior, and minister of justice—as well as representatives of the defense industry. During the event, the two sides exchanged views on cooperation in defense industry innovation, whole-of-society resilience, the Russia-Ukraine war, and other issues. 

     

    Minister Lin noted that Taiwan and Estonia had both experienced authoritarian rule and therefore greatly cherished their hard-won freedoms and democracy. Commenting on authoritarian expansionism in recent years, he pointed out that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, China’s recurrent military exercises in the waters around Taiwan, and frequent incidents of sabotage of underwater cables in the Baltic Sea and the waters off Taiwan underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration among democratic nations. Minister Lin also spoke about having led a delegation of the Taiwanese drone industry to Lithuania last November to demonstrate Taiwan’s determination to build democratic supply chains together with like-minded nations. He welcomed this visit by the Estonian defense industry delegation, which, he said, would open up additional areas for cooperation. 

     

    Chair Vaga stated that the democratic community had realized that if like-minded partners did not work together to establish supply chains, national security could become susceptible to potential threats. Observing that Taiwan and Estonia were both the targets of massive daily disinformation attacks and that underwater cables serving each had recently been damaged, Chair Vaga urged the democratic community to become more united against all manner of threats and challenges. He also pledged to steadily promote relations between Taiwan and Estonia.

     

    At the luncheon, Minister Lin thanked the representatives of Motex Healthcare and Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing for their joint donation of 1.11 million masks to Ukraine and Estonia during the Estonian delegation’s visit to Taiwan, adding that it highlighted the Taiwanese spirit of humanitarian assistance. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu witnessed the donation ceremony on behalf of Minister Lin. 

     

    Deputy Minister Wu said that, since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Taiwan had worked proactively with like-minded countries to support Ukraine. He stated that the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia and the Estonian Centre for International Development had signed a partnership agreement last June, under which Taiwan would donate €1.1 million to support the construction of homes for orphans in Ukraine. Deputy Minister Wu expressed pleasure that Taiwanese companies had shown a commitment to corporate social responsibility and demonstrated that Taiwan could help and that Taiwan was helping. His views were echoed by Chairman of Motex Healthcare Y. C. Cheng and Chairman of Taiwan Comfort Champ Manufacturing Andy Chen, both of whom expressed a willingness to work with the government to assist Ukraine. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding boost to tackle gender-based violence

    Source: Scottish Government

    Delivering Equally Safe Fund increased.

    More than 100 organisations across Scotland working to tackle violence against women and girls will share in a funding uplift of £2.4 million.

    The funding boost will bring the total Scottish Government investment in Delivering Equally Safe, which funds projects to prevent violence and support survivors, up to £21.6 million for the year ahead subject to the 2025-26 Budget being approved.

    Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart announced the funding increase on a visit to SAY Women – a Glasgow charity offering safe accommodation and emotional support for young survivors of sexual abuse who are facing homelessness.

    Ms Stewart said:

    “Grassroots organisations across Scotland are at the heart of tackling violence against women and girls. Their work is fundamental to creating a country free from gender-based abuse.

    “This funding boost will support these organisations, will help prevent abuse occurring and ensure that women and girls who have experienced violence can continue to access the support they deserve.”

    SAY Women CEO Pam Hunter said:

    “SAY Women is delighted to receive the additional funds. This will go towards increasing our investment into projects for the young women within our services.

    “In the face of the rising cost of living, increase in N.I contributions and inflation, the organisation made the challenging executive decision to limit the variety of activities on offer to those in our care so that we may allow the staff to have a fair living wage. This additional funding will reinstate many of the services that were temporarily paused so that SAY Women may continue to do the good work supporting young women affected by sexual violence and homelessness.”

    Background

    The Delivering Equally Safe Fund supports organisations across Scotland in their work to tackle violence against women and girls, and has done since 2021.

    The Delivering Equally Safe fund is the Scottish Government’s funding programme to support third sector organisations and public bodies to contribute to the objectives, priorities and outcomes of the Equally Safe strategy – Scotland’s strategy to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls.

    A £19.2 million funding extension to allow these organisations to continue their work until March 2026 was announced in December 2024, provided the Scottish Budget 2025-26 is approved by parliament: Preventing violence against women and girls – gov.scot

    This funding uplift of £2.4 million brings the fund total for 2025-26 to £21.6 million.

    The organisations funded through Delivering Equally Safe are as follows:

    Organisation

    Aberdeen City Council

    Aberdeen Cyrenians Ltd

    Aberlour Child Care Trust

    Action for Children

    Amina – the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre

    Angus Women’s Aid

    Argyll & Bute Rape Crisis

    Argyll & Bute Violence against Women and Girls Partnership

    Argyll & Bute Women’s Aid SCIO

    ASSIST, Glasgow City Council

    Barnardo’s Tayside

    Barnardo’s Falkirk

    Border Women’s Aid Ltd

    British Red Cross Society

    Caithness & Sutherland Women’s Aid

    CEA Committed To Ending Abuse

    Central Advocacy Partners

    Children 1st

    Clackmannanshire Women’s Aid

    Close the Gap (SCIO)

    Deaf Links

    Dumbarton District Women’s Aid

    Dumfries & Galloway Council

    Dumfries & Galloway Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Support Centre

    Dumfriesshire & Stewartry Women’s Aid

    Dundee City Council

    Dundee International Women’s Centre

    Dundee Women’s Aid

    East Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership

    East Ayrshire Women’s Aid

    East Dunbartonshire Association For Mental Health

    East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid SCIO

    East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee

    Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre

    Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd

    Edinburgh Women’s Aid Ltd

    EmilyTest

    Engender

    FENIKS Counselling, Personal Development & Support Service Ltd

    Fife Council

    Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre

    Fife Women’s Aid

    Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre

    GEMAP Scotland Ltd

    Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis

    Glasgow Women’s Aid

    Grampian Women’s Aid

    Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid Limited

    INVERCLYDE WOMEN’S AID SCIO

    Inverness Women’s Aid

    JustRight Scotland SCIO

    Kenyan Women in Scotland Association (CIC)

    Kibble Education and Care Centre

    Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project

    Lanarkshire Rape Crisis Centre

    LGBT Youth Scotland

    Liber8 (Lanarkshire) Ltd

    Lochaber Women’s Aid

    Monklands Women’s Aid

    Moray Rape Crisis

    Moray Women’s Aid

    Motherwell & District Women’s Aid

    Multi-Cultural Family Base

    North Ayrshire Women’s Aid

    North Lanarkshire Council

    Cumbernauld & District Women’s Aid SCIO

    Orkney Rape & Sexual Assault Service (ORSAS) SCIO

    Perth & Kinross Council

    Perthshire Women’s Aid

    Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Perth & Kinross

    Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland

    Rape Crisis Grampian

    Rape Crisis Scotland

    Renfrewshire Council

    Renfrewshire Council, Children’s Services, Women and Children First

    Renfrewshire Women’s Aid SCIO

    Respect

    Ross-Shire Women’s Aid

    Rowan Alba Ltd

    Sacro

    SafeLives

    Saheliya

    Sandyford – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

    SAY Women

    Scottish Borders Council

    Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre (SBRCC)

    Scottish Commission for Learning Disability

    Scottish Women’s Aid

    Shakti Women’s Aid

    Shetland Rape Crisis

    Shetland Women’s Aid (SCIO)

    South Ayrshire Women’s Aid

    South Lanarkshire Council

    South West Grid for Learning Trust Ltd

    Stirling & District Women’s Aid

    The Highland Council

    The Improvement Service

    The Star Centre

    The Venture Trust

    West Dunbartonshire Council

    Western Isles Rape Crises Centre

    Western Isles Women’s Aid SCIO

    West Lothian Council

    West Lothian Women’s Aid (WLWA)

    White Ribbon Scotland

    Wigtownshire Women’s Aid

    Women’s Aid East and Midlothian Ltd

    Women’s Aid Orkney

    Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire

    Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus

    Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre Dundee and Angus

    Women’s Support Project

    YWCA Scotland

    Zero Tolerance

    The latest Equally Safe Delivery Plan, published in August 2024, sets out next steps to address violence against women and girls.

    Frontline projects funded through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund have supported 67,004 adults, children and young people since 2021.

    SAY Women is a charity that offers safe semi-supported accommodation and emotional support for young women aged 16 to 25 who are survivors of sexual abuse, rape or sexual assault and who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness.

    SAY Women receive funding through the Delivering Equally Safe Fund, and with this uplift this will increase from £52,009 to £58,770 in 2025/26. Funding is in place to support a full Sessional Team to support young women to participate in additional mental health/wellbeing activities contributing to wellbeing improvements aiding in preventing homelessness.

    SAY Women are also supported by the Scottish Government’s Survivors of Childhood Abuse Support (SOCAS) Fund. The fund supports 22 organisations across Scotland who work with adult survivors of childhood abuse. SAY Women have been allocated £190,000 for the period of the Fund (1 October 2024 – 31 March 2026) to provide specialised support to young women survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 11, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Big Brush Club expands to all primary schools in Devon

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A supervised toothbrushing scheme, known as the Big Brush Club, has been running in some areas of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay since 2023. However, the scheme, which is provided for children aged 3 to 5-years old, is now being rolled out to all primary schools in Devon who have an early years nursery, pre-school or reception class provision.

    Children at Ernesettle School with Bob the Badger, mascot of the Big Brush Club

    It is funded by NHS Devon, in partnership with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council, and delivered by dentist provider At Home Dental.

    Jonathan Bouwer-Davies, Clinical Dental Adviser for NHS Devon said: “We know a quarter of five-year-olds have tooth decay which can, in severe cases, lead to children needing hospital treatment.

    “Understanding how to brush your teeth properly is an important life skill for children. It takes schools five minutes a day and the benefits can be life-long.

    “I am proud that Devon is the first area in the south west to extend the scheme to all primary schools thanks to the collaboration between NHS Devon, Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.”

    Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care at Plymouth City Council, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the supervised toothbrushing scheme will now be available to all schools across Plymouth.

    “When it comes to dental health, we know that prevention is better than cure and this is exacerbated by the difficulties our residents are experiencing when they try to access NHS dental care, so it’s absolutely vital that children create healthy habits at a young age.

    “We really hope that all schools across the city take up this offer, as it has such a huge benefit for children.”

    L-R: Clare Foster, Project Manager at At Home Dental, Bob the Badger mascot, Councillor Mary Aspinall, Reena Patel, South West Consultant in Dental Public Health at NHS England and Anna Mansfield, Project Facilitator at At Home Dental.

    Under the scheme, teachers hold short, daily toothbrushing sessions for three- to-five-year-olds alongside lessons about self-care, healthy eating and reducing sugar.

    Chief Operations Officer from At Home Dental, Hayley Beaumont, said: “Our team of dental nurses work closely with teachers, pupils and parents to provide advice, support and training on promoting oral health.

    “Each child is provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste pack to take home, encouraging toothbrushing to be a part of their normal daily routine.

    “The children love doing it with their friends and the teachers report that it not only reduces problems with teeth but also school absence.”

    Rapper and health activist Professor Green is helping the NHS raise awareness among families about the importance of children looking after their teeth, by launching an exciting competition to all primary schools across the south west.

    Every child aged between three – five years old has been invited to take part in a competition with a music category and a colouring category. The competition, which will run until the end of May, will give children the chance to win some fantastic prizes for both themselves and their school. Professor Green will join a judging panel for the competition.

    Professor Green said: “I am chuffed to be able to support the NHS supervised toothbrushing in schools scheme, and to be judging a competition which gives young children a creative outlet, while also teaching them the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day.”

    He says he only realised later in life how not brushing properly twice a day affected his own physical and mental health – so now takes this seriously with his own son alongside a healthy diet.

    Oral health is seen as a marker of wider health and social care inequalities including poor nutrition and obesity. 

    Prof. Maggie Rae, South West Deputy Public Health Director at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, concludes: “The Big Brush Club is a fantastic example of forward-thinking, early intervention work that supports the government’s mission to improve the health of the nation.

    “The NHS in the south west is absolutely committed to tackling the many unfair disparities of health outcomes across our society.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 11, 2025
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