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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National Children’s Commissioner welcomes national review of healthcare for trans and gender diverse children

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    The National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds has welcomed the Federal Health Minister’s announcement of a national review of healthcare for trans and gender diverse children. 

    Announced by Health Minister Mark Butler on Friday, the review will be led by the National Health and Medical Research Council and will examine aspects of children’s gender-affirming care, including the use of puberty blockers.

    Commissioner Anne Hollonds said: ‘In order to safeguard the best interests of children, it’s important that the healthcare we provide for children is based on the highest possible standards, and that these standards are regularly and rigorously evaluated.

    ‘This national review will provide national guidelines to ensure consistency in evidence-based healthcare and hopefully will lead to longitudinal research.

    “It’s also important that young people across our country have equitable access to healthcare. Currently it’s a postcode lottery and there are too many communities where children and their families cannot access comprehensive medical services, including mental health care and specialist clinical services for trans and gender diverse children.

    “I welcome this review and the opportunity it provides to ensure a consistent approach across all states and territories for the delivery of healthcare services for young people who are trans and gender diverse.  

    “Importantly, this national review will also help to put the focus on the needs of children, not the politics, and make the wellbeing of Australia’s children a national priority.

    ENDS | Media contact: media@humanrights.gov.au or +61 457 281 897 

    MIL OSI News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall to HHS Nominee RFK Jr. in Senate HELP Hearing: America’s Farmers and Ranchers Fit Into MAHA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. questioned President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. in his Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee confirmation hearing. 
    In the hearing, Senator Marshall asked RFK Jr. to share who he was fighting for and his top priorities as President Trump’s HHS Secretary. RFK Jr. described America’s dire chronic disease epidemic and emphasized the national security concerns related to our nation’s poor health. He shared how combating chronic disease and creating positive, long-term health outcomes for all Americans is necessary to secure America’s future for generations to come.  
    Growing up in 4H working on farms and having represented farmers as a litigatory, RFK Jr. shared his compassion for America’s food producers, and how America’s farmers and ranchers are at the heart of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement – stating that MAHA will not succeed without the help of America’s food producers. 

    [embedded content]

    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full line of questioning.
    Highlights from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Senate HELP Hearing Responses to Senator Marshall’s questions include: 
    RFK Jr. on combatting America’s chronic disease epidemic: 
    “When I was a 10-year-old boy and my uncle was in the White House, chronic disease among American children was 2% – today it’s 66%. The cost of chronic disease to our country when my uncle was president was zero. There were not even treatments for chronic disease at that time.”
    “The cost [of chronic disease] is $4.45 trillion and is bankrupting our country. 77% of American kids can’t qualify for military service. 38% of teens, according to NIH’s last report, which was three weeks ago, 38% are diabetic or pre-diabetic.”
    “The ship is sinking and nobody’s paying attention to it…We have 252 million Americans who are suffering from chronic disease, and none of them [Democrats] mentioned diabetes, didn’t mention heart disease, they didn’t mention cancers yesterday. We need to refocus if we’re going to save our country. This is existential. Our country is not going to be destroyed because we got the marginal tax rate wrong – is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong. And I am in a unique position to be able to stop this epidemic. 
    RFK Jr. on the importance of America’s farmers and ranchers to the MAHA movement:
    “MAHA will not succeed without the cooperation and partnership of agricultural producers, of farmers and ranchers across this country. I was a 4H kid. I grew up working on ranches, and I’ve worked for years representing farmers in various forms of litigation.”
    “Thomas Jefferson said that American democracy is rooted in 10s of 1000s of independent freeholds owned by farmers. We are losing farmers today, and we can’t afford to lose a single farmer. And on my watch, I do not want to lose a single farmer.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Cantwell, Join Senators in Bipartisan Push to Permanently Repeal the Global Gag Rule

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Reinstating Expanded Global Gag Rule, Targeting Reproductive Health Care

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and other colleagues in reintroducing their Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (HER) Act, bipartisan legislation to permanently repeal the harmful Global Gag Rule or “Mexico City Policy,” which bans U.S. federal funding for foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that use their own, non-U.S. funds to provide abortion services or information about abortion. Recently, the Trump administration reinstated its expanded Global Gag Rule, after the Biden administration had rescinded the policy in 2021.

    The Global Gag Rule forces clinics to choose between providing limited reproductive health services while accepting U.S. foreign aid, or providing inclusive family planning and reproductive health care while forgoing U.S. aid. It means organizations that receive U.S. international aid for other reasons—such as HIV prevention, maternal health, or fighting diseases like malaria—cannot educate their communities on pregnancy options, including safe abortion care, or their funding will be pulled.

    In addition to reinstating the harmful Global Gag Rule, President Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to freeze all U.S. foreign assistance for 90 days. Notably, in response to widespread public backlash, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on January 28th a waiver for “life-saving humanitarian assistance”—but the waiver explicitly excludes lifesaving family planning programs. If these programs remain shut down for the full 90-day review period, 11.7 million women and girls will be denied birth control, resulting in 4.2 million unintended pregnancies, and 8,340 will die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The Trump administration and billionaire Elon Musk are now illegally attempting to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides critical humanitarian aid overseas that supports U.S. national security interests.

    “When we invest in a safer and healthier world, that pays dividends for America. Make no mistake: the Global Gag Rule prevents NGOs from using their own resources to provide lifesaving reproductive health services, and it forces organizations to make impossible choices that restrict access to care for some of the most desperate people across the globe—that’s why I’m glad to once again join my colleagues in introducing legislation to repeal this dangerous policy,” said Senator Murray.“It is unsurprising, but extremely telling, that some of the very first moves of Donald Trump’s second administration prioritize attacking reproductive health care and targeting vulnerable women and girls around the world.”

    “The Trump administration is stripping U.S. funding from international aid groups that even just discuss abortion with their patients. Congress must permanently repeal the global gag rule — these organizations provide essential health care and save lives,” said Senator Cantwell.

    Senators Murray and Cantwell have long supported the Global HER Act and pushed to repeal the Global Gag Rule, including speaking out forcefully against the expanded Global Gag Rule Donald Trump issued at the beginning of his first administration.  

    Among other things, the Global HER Act:

    • Ensures that eligible foreign NGOs can continue to operate U.S.-supported health programs abroad, particularly those that provide legal health services to women — including counseling, referral and legal abortion services — with their own, non-U.S. funds;
    • Guarantees that foreign NGOs will not be forced to sacrifice their right to free speech in order to participate in U.S.-supported programs abroad; and
    • Expands access to health programs for women around the world to improve health and development outcomes for entire families, communities and developing countries.

    Full text of the Global HER Act is available HERE.

    In addition to Senators Murray, Cantwell, Shaheen, and Murkowski, the Global HER Act is also cosponsored by Senators Merkley (D-OR), Warnock (D-GA), Durbin (D-IL), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Welch (D-VT), Murphy (D-CT), Reed (D-RI), Blumenthal (D-CT), Hirono (D-HI), Bennet (D-CO), Whitehouse (D-RI), Kaine (D-VA), Rosen (D-NV), Schatz (D-HI), Hickenlooper (D-CO), King (I-ME), Padilla (D-CA), Klobuchar (D-MN), Booker (D-NJ), Baldwin (D-WI), Coons (D-DE), Ossoff (D-GA), Sanders (I-VT), Warren (D-MA), Slotkin (D-MI), Duckworth (D-IL), Wyden (D-OR), Smith (D-MN), Kelly (D-AZ), Markey (D-MA), Lujan (D-NM), Alsobrooks (D-MD), Warner (D-VA), Hassan (D-NH), Gillibrand (D-NY), Van Hollen (D-MD), Schiff (D-CA), Schumer (D-NY) and Gallego (D-AZ). Companion version is being led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Lois Frankel (D, FL-22).

    The Global HER Act is endorsed by 58 organizations representing global health, women’s reproductive rights, women’s equality, civil rights and other relevant advocacy constituencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: RI Delegation Calls on Trump Administration to Swiftly Implement New Law Increasing Social Security Benefits for Public Service Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    CRANSTON, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today joined with union officials to call on the Trump administration to swiftly implement a new law that increases Social Security benefits for public service employees.  The event took place at National Education Association Rhode Island’s headquarters.

    “Thousands of hardworking Rhode Islanders who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities deserve the reassurance that they won’t be short-changed on their Social Security benefits. That’s why I worked for years with my colleagues to pass this legislation and ensure that millions of teachers, postal workers, firefighters, police officers, and other dedicated civil servants get the benefits they have earned,” said Reed.  “I’m glad we were able to finally deliver this correction and it is imperative that the Trump Administration acts urgently to implement this law.  We will be watching closely.  I’m committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security to ensure all Americans are able to retire with the dignity and financial security they have earned.”

    “We worked for years to pass this law to finally increase Social Security benefits for retired teachers, police officers, and firefighters across Rhode Island,” said Whitehouse, a founding member of the Expand Social Security Caucus and a longtime cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act.  “This change will strengthen the middle class, and we are going to keep after the Trump administration to swiftly implement it.  I will continue doing everything in my power to protect and expand the benefits seniors have earned over a lifetime of hard work.”

    “For too long, public servants—teachers, firefighters, and police officers—have been unfairly shortchanged on the Social Security benefits they have rightfully earned,” said Magaziner. “With the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, we’ve corrected this injustice and delivered long-overdue relief to thousands of Rhode Islanders.”

    “The Social Security Fairness Act is a critical new law that expands earned benefits for Rhode Islanders for the first time in over 20 years,” said Amo. “It fixes an oversight where public employees — including teachers, firefighters, and police officers — paid into Social Security but received far less than what they planned for in retirement. I promised to work to get it across the finish line upon arriving in the House. I proudly signed a discharge petition that forced House Republicans to bring the Social Security Fairness Act to the floor — and I was thrilled to vote yes when it passed the House in November last year.”

    All four members of Rhode Island’s congressional delegation cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act, which President Biden signed into law in January. 

    The Social Security Fairness Act eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision, which reduced Social Security benefits for retired or disabled workers if they also receive pensions from public sector jobs that are not covered by Social Security.

    The bill also eliminated the Government Pension Offset, which reduced Social Security spousal benefits for retired public servants who receive pensions from employment that was not covered by Social Security.

    More than 8,600 Rhode Islanders who receive government pensions but also contributed to Social Security through private-sector employment stand to benefit from the legislation.

    “This hard-fought, long-awaited legislation exemplifies government working for the people by correcting a provision that unfairly penalized workers for their public service,” said National Education Association Rhode Island President Val Lawson. “The Social Security Fairness Act will significantly improve the lives of our educators and education support professionals.”

    “The labor movement has been organizing for this victory for decades.  It shows that we will never give up, no matter how long it takes,” said Patrick Crowley, President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Thank you to the entire Congressional Delegation for their support for Rhode Island public services workers.”

    Today, we stand united in this victory, honoring the countless hours of advocacy, resilience, and unwavering determination it took to repeal the WEP/GPO legislation. This journey has been long, but together, we’ve fought for fairness and justice for every worker who dedicated their life to public service. Our success is a testament to the strength of solidarity and the belief that when we stand together, we can change the course of history,” said Maribeth Calabro, President of the RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals. “We are grateful for the support of our Congressional delegation, to ensuring that members have these benefits.”

    “On behalf of the national Repeal WEP/GPO Task Force committee, and as one of the three founding committee members along with John Pernorio, RI ARA and Roger Boudreau, RIAFT-R, I extend our sincerest thanks and appreciation to our RI federal House of Representatives members and Senators for their sponsorships and continued support to achieve passage of the Social Security Fairness Act,” said Rose Marie Cipriano, President of the RI Association of Retired Principals. “After forty-two years penalizing public service workers, predominantly educators, fairness was achieved January 5, 2025, when former President Biden signed HR 82 into law.  Over three million retirees will no longer have to endure a sixty percent reduction to their owed Social Security benefits.  Our RI Congressional delegation’s commitment and respect for all public service workers will forever be acknowledged.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World-leading AI trial to tackle breast cancer launched

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Nearly 700,000 women across the country will take part in a world-leading trial to test how AI tools can be used to catch breast cancer cases earlier.

    • Cutting-edge AI trial to transform cancer care, helping radiologists catch breast cancer earlier 
    • Trial announced this World Cancer Day, as government launches ‘call for evidence’ to shape new plan to cut lives lost to cancer 
    • Plan for Change will put UK on the front foot, unleashing AI to drive up health services and shift NHS from analogue to digital as part of 10 Year Health Plan

    Nearly 700,000 women across the country will take part in a world-leading trial to test how cutting-edge AI tools can be used to catch breast cancer cases earlier, the Department of Health and Social Care announced today (4th February 2025). 

    As government ramps up the use of new technology across the board, 30 testing sites across the country will be enhanced with the latest digital AI technologies, ready to invite women already booked in for routine screenings on the NHS to take part. The technology will assist radiologists, screening patients to identify changes in breast tissue that show possible signs of cancer and referred for further investigations if required. 

    Currently two specialists are needed per mammogram screening. This technology enables just one to complete the same mammogram screening process safely and efficiently. If the trial is successful, it could free up hundreds of radiologists and other specialists across the country to see more patients, tackle rising cancer rates, save more lives and cut waiting lists. 

    The EDITH trial (‘Early Detection using Information Technology in Health’) is backed by £11 million of government support via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It is the latest example of how British scientists are transforming cancer care, building on the promising potential of cutting-edge innovations to tackle one of the UK’s biggest killers. 

    Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with around 55,000 people being diagnosed with the disease every year. Currently, women between the ages of 50 and 71 are invited to be screened every three years to help detect cases. This equates to around 2.1 million breast cancer screens carried out by the programme annually, helping to prevent around 1,300 deaths. 

    The launch of the trial comes as cancer experts, people living with cancer, and medical professionals are invited to help shape the development of a new National Cancer Plan via the launch of a call for evidence, being announced later today by the Health and Social Care Secretary at an event hosted by Macmillan Cancer Support to mark World Cancer Day. 

    Every four minutes, someone in the UK dies from cancer and Lord Darzi’s recent investigation into the NHS found that cancer survival in this country is worse for some cancers than some similar nations. 

    The new plan to fight one of the UK’s major conditions could help transform the way we treat cancer, making the UK a world-leader in cancer survival by fighting the disease on all fronts, through improving research, diagnosis, screening, treatment and prevention. This includes investing in the latest technologies to address rising cancer cases, recognising the vital role they’ll play in tackling the disease. 

    This government is taking the necessary steps to ensure that NHS patients will be among the first to benefit from cutting-edge medical innovations, such as the technology being tested in the EDITH trial, catapulting the service from analogue to digital to cut waiting lists and make it fit for the future, as set out in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan. 

    Members of the public, as well as NHS staff and experts, have already been invited to share their experiences, views and ideas for fixing the NHS via the Change NHS online platform, which will help shape the government’s 10 Year Health Plan. The results of this consultation will support the development of the National Cancer Plan. 

    This closely follows the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has put the UK on course to revolutionise public services and become an AI superpower – already attracting over £14 billion in investment since launching just last month. 

    Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting said: 

    As a cancer survivor, I feel like one of the lucky ones. 

    With record numbers of people diagnosed with cancer, and Lord Darzi finding that cancer survival is worse in this country than our peers, I know that urgent action is needed to save lives and improve patient care. 

    That’s why for World Cancer Day, I am committed to publishing a dedicated National Cancer Plan this year, to unleash Britain’s potential as a world-leader in saving lives from this deadly disease and make the NHS fit for the future through our Plan for Change.

    Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Chief Executive Officer of the NIHR said: 

    This landmark trial could lead to a significant step forward in the early detection of breast cancer, offering women faster, more accurate diagnoses when it matters most.  

    It is another example of how NIHR research, shaped and funded by the public, is crucial for rigorously testing world-leading new technologies, such as AI, that can potentially save lives while reducing the burden on the NHS.

    Due to be published later this year, the National Cancer Plan will set out targeted actions to reduce lives lost to one of the biggest killers, continue improving survival rates, and improve the experience of patients along their cancer journey. 

    It will also include specific actions for rarer cancers such as those affecting children. 

    To support this work, the government has re-launched the Children and Young People’s Cancer Taskforce, with Dame Caroline Dinenage and Professor Darren Hargrave appointed as its co-chairs, alongside Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel as vice-chair. 

    The taskforce will bring together the country’s top experts to set out plans to improve treatment, detection, and research for cancer in children, which will feed into the National Cancer Plan. 

    NHS national clinical director for cancer Professor Peter Johnson said: 

    The NHS is diagnosing more cancers at an early stage than ever before – when treatment is most likely to be effective – but we know we need to accelerate progress further.  

    A National Cancer Plan will give us the chance to do just that – bringing in new ideas, help us make best practice, normal practice – and ensure the NHS is at the cutting edge of new cancer developments and innovations in the future.

    Britain is a global leader in the development of advanced therapies, with a strong academic and life sciences industry, and was the first national health system in Europe to commission CAR-T cellular therapy for blood cancer patients. 

    Now, alongside the National Cancer Plan, a new UK Collaborative for Cancer Clinical Research is being launched to provide coordination, target investment, and maximise opportunities for  the UK to lead in clinical research. This will help to unlock innovation and growth. 

    Hosted by the Association of Medical Research Charities, the Collaborative will support charities to convene expertise from across the cancer research landscape, to identify strategic priorities and cross-cutting areas of unmet need.  

    Science Minister Lord Vallance, and Health Minister Baroness Merron will see first-hand how charities, academia, industry and the NHS working hand-in-hand to support research is leading to breakthroughs for cancer patients, on a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital today. Their Sutton cancer hub is hosting MANIFEST, a research project jointly led by the Francis Crick Institute, looking to better-target immunotherapy as a treatment of cancer. The Government announced £9 million funding for the project, in October. 

    Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, said:  

    Catching cancer weeks earlier could be the difference between life and death – and these trials could not only help to get women faster access to treatment but reduce pressures on our NHS. 

    Delivering on our AI Opportunities Action Plan, we are going to use AI to repair broken public services and drive forward our Plan for Change. Trials like this illustrate exactly the impact we know the technology can have – improving lives and in this case, saving them. 

    The government has committed to fixing the NHS and making it fit for the future as part of its Plan for Change. 

    Last week, the government pledged to speed up diagnosis and treatment for tens of thousands of cancer patients. From March 2026, around 100,000 more people every year will be told they have cancer or not within 28 days and around 17,000 more people will begin treatment within two months of a diagnosis. 

    This comes as part of new targets from NHS England confirming four out of five patients would receive a diagnosis or be given the all-clear within 28 days of a cancer referral – an increase to 80% on the current target of 77%. 

    The move will ensure that those with cancer are given the best chance of survival through earlier diagnosis and access to treatment.   

    It will also bring the government closer to achieving all of the cancer waiting time standards set out in the NHS Constitution, some of which haven’t been met since 2015. 

    For more information on how to contribute to the call for evidence for the National Cancer Plan, visit gov.uk. 

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    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Members Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Medicare Patients’ Access to Cancer Detection Technologies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Finance Committee member Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), with Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Finance Committee member Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), reintroduced the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act that would ensure Medicare beneficiaries’ access to cutting-edge tests capable of detecting multiple types of cancer before symptoms appear.  Bipartisan companion legislation (H.R. 842) was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

    “Breakthroughs in early cancer detection can drive more effective treatments and higher survival rates,” said Crapo.  “By providing a Medicare coverage pathway for multi-cancer early detection screening tests, this bipartisan bill would ensure seniors can receive lifesaving preventive care, a crucial step in combating the chronic disease epidemic.  With strong support from patients and families across the country, I look forward to advancing this legislation across the finish line and to President Trump’s desk.”

    “I know from personal experience that early cancer detection can make all the difference,” said Bennet.  “This bipartisan legislation will help save lives by ensuring Medicare beneficiaries across the country have access to the latest, breakthrough screening technologies.”

    “It should go without question that if we have the opportunity to implement more life-saving technology for diseases like cancer, we should do it,” said Scott.  “I am glad to join my colleagues on this important legislation to expand Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection tests to save more lives.”

    “The first step to beating cancer is by detecting it sooner than later,” said Wyden.  “This bipartisan bill will help more seniors in Medicare get preventive screening that enables a wider range of treatment options when cancer is detected early.  I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis on any effort to promote cancer treatment and prevention, including the use of the most up-to-date technologies in the Medicare program.”  

    The MCED would:

    • Establish a coverage pathway under Medicare for certain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MCED tests, which can screen for dozens of cancer types, many of which currently lack an effective screening option;
    • Authorize the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved MCED screening tests, enabling beneficiaries to access these technologies, which currently lack a viable coverage pathway under the program;
    • Maintain CMS authority to use an evidence-based process to determine coverage parameters for these new tests; and
    • State that new diagnostic technologies will supplement existing screenings and will not impact existing coverage and cost-sharing.

    The MCED also has the support of leading healthcare organizations across the United States.  Find quotes from the organizations here.

    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Marking World Cancer Day

    Source: New Zealand Government

    World Cancer Day is an opportunity to recognise those who are impacted by cancer and highlight initiatives that are delivering better and faster access to cancer care, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour say.Speaking to patients and staff at the Bay of Plenty Cancer Centre in Tauranga today, Mr Brown acknowledged the thousands of New Zealanders and families whose lives are touched by cancer each year. “Ensuring New Zealanders have faster access to cancer care is a priority for the Government, which is why it is one of our five key health targets.“It is encouraging to see a gradual improvement in our efforts to provide faster cancer treatment, with more patients receiving their first treatment within 31 days in the first financial quarter than in the previous quarter and more cancer treatments available. “Continuing to deliver initiatives that address wait times for cancer treatment so that 90 per cent of patients receive cancer management within 31 days to treat is something I am committed to.”Mr Seymour, who has responsibility for Pharmac, says improving access to cancer medication in New Zealand has been a focus of this Government.“Since our $604 million uplift, Pharmac has made decisions to fund 19 cancer treatments. In the first year of funding for each medicine, Pharmac anticipates that over 1,400 Kiwis will access the treatments they need that were not available last year, making a real difference in Kiwis lives,” Mr Seymour says.“I am pleased to see Pharmac show what it is capable of when given the support it needs.”“This unprecedented and transformative investment in cancer medicines is fundamental to delivering better outcomes for those fighting cancer.”The Government has also:  

    increased breast screening eligibility for 70 – 74-year-olds
    provided an extra $18 million per year to help people who are required to travel for treatments
    funded PET scanning accessibility for prostate cancer
    invested in a new radiotherapy machine at Whangārei Hospital, which means 520 Northlanders each year will no longer have to travel to Auckland for treatment 
    invested in radiology services in Hawke’s Bay, which will result in a doubling in CT scan capacity that will be able to deliver a further 6,000 – 10,000 scans per year, a new MRI scanner, and a new LINAC machine that will mean 500 people per year will no longer have to travel for treatment 
    expanded cancer infusion services in Whanganui for up to 10 patients a day 

    “These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to delivering better outcomes for those with cancer, I know there’s still a lot more work to do,” Mr Brown says.“As Minister of Health, I am focused on ensuring better access to more cancer medicines, better cancer management driven by our faster cancer treatment target, and earlier detection of cancers through screening programmes.”Echoing these comments, Mr Seymour says that decisions to expand access to cancer medicines reflects the Government’s commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centred approach.“We want to build a world-class health system, and that requires world-class medicines,” Mr Seymour says.“This is all made possible due to the Government’s record $16.88 billion investment in health, ensuring we can deliver timely, quality access to care for all New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Contractor Convicted Of Sexual Assault Of Co-Worker At Palo Alto VA Hospital

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN JOSE – A federal jury convicted a Palo Alto man for aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse by fear, and making false statements to a federal agent during an investigation.  The jury reached its verdict late in the evening on Jan. 31, 2025, following a three-week trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila.

    Onofre Salas-Lozano, 42, worked as a night supervisor for the janitorial services contractor that cleaned the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital.  According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Salas-Lozano isolated and trapped the victim in a patient exam room at the hospital late at night on July 2, 2021, and forced her to engage in sexual activity.  The victim suffered traumatic tissue injury during the assault, and DNA analysis confirmed the presence of Salas-Lozano’s sperm in the victim’s underwear.  At the time of the incident, Salas-Lozano was the victim’s direct supervisor.  

    The jury also found that Salas-Lozano lied to a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) special agent during a subsequent investigative interview when he denied having sexual intercourse with the victim on July 2, 2021, or at any other time.  At trial, the defendant testified and claimed to have had consensual sex with the victim at some other time and denied making a false statement.  

    “Salas-Lozano used his position as a supervisor to sexually assault a fellow employee.  Federal law enforcement will do all it can to secure justice for any victim of sexual assault,” said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey.  “This jury verdict ensures that the Salas-Lozano will now face severe consequences for his despicable acts.”

    “The verdict sends a clear message that the VA OIG remains dedicated to holding those who commit an act of violence at a VA facility accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful for the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek justice for the victim.”

    Salas-Lozano is scheduled to appear in court today to set a date for sentencing.  He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on each count of aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse by fear, and a maximum penalty of eight years in prison on the count of materially false statement in a federal investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Harris and Christoffer Lee are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sara Slattery, Susan Kreider, Sahib Kaur, Mimi Lam, and Fernanda Gonzalez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by VA OIG, with significant assistance from the VA Police Service. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: WHO chief asks US to reconsider withdrawal, gender parity remains distant goal, call for rethink on Nordic alcohol law change

    Source: United Nations 4

    3 February 2025 Health

    The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday he would “welcome constructive dialogue” with the United States Government over the decision made by President Donald Trump to withdraw. 

    President Trump’s executive order of 20 January is regrettable “and we hope the US will reconsider,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a speech to the organization’s executive board.

    The WHO chief said he would welcome the opportunity “to preserve and strengthen the historic relationship between WHO and the US.”

    Pushing back on the rationale laid out in the executive order, Tedros said WHO had implemented the deepest and most wide-ranging reforms in its history over the past seven years.

    The US is the biggest donor by far to the agency, accounting for around 14 per cent of its $6.9 billion budget, according to latest WHO figures. 

    Addressing the US complaint that it is paying too much compared to other countries, Tedros said reducing reliance on the US and others who pay the most was a “critical element of our long-term plan to broaden our donor base.”

    COVID record

    Third, he rejected the accusation that WHO had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic:

    “From the moment we picked up the first signals of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, we asked for more information, activated our emergency incident management system, alerted the world, convened global experts, and published comprehensive guidance for countries on how to protect their populations and health systems – all before the first death from this new disease was reported in China on the 11th of January 2020.”

    Tedros also addressed the allegation that WHO lacks independence from “inappropriate political influence” by some Member States: “WHO is impartial and exists to serve all countries and all people,” he said. 

    “Our Member States ask us for many things, and we always try to help as much as we can. But when what they ask is not supported by scientific evidence or is contrary to our mission to support global health, we say no, politely.”

    © UNICEF/Joshua Estey

    A government-run shelter in the Philippines is a safe haven for girls who have been physically and sexually abused and exploited, including through the sex tourism industry. (file)

    A third of women experience physical or sexual violence: Rights experts 

    Approximately one in three women is subjected to physical or sexual violence, and 800 women and girls continue to die every day from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth, a top independent rights panel meeting heard on Monday.

    Addressing the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) at the UN in Geneva, Andrea Ori from the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said that the world is “still far” from achieving the goal of gender parity.

    “The global landscape has changed,” she told the CEDAW session.

    Backlash against equal rights

    “We are witnessing a backlash against women’s human rights and gender equality, especially against women’s sexual and reproductive health rights – with an increase in attacks against abortion providers, shrinking civic space for women human rights defenders, and reduced funding.” 

    Mr. Ori noted that 2025 marks 30 years since the universal adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for ensuring women’s human rights and achieving gender equality around the world.  

    It remains the case, however, that sexual violence against women and girls continues to be used as a tactic of war in numerous conflicts, the UN human rights official said, while only 26 per cent of parliamentarians in the world are women and only around three in 10 women have managerial roles at work. 

    One less for the road: Time Europe cut down on booze intake, WHO warns

    The UN World Health Organization (WHO) urged Nordic countries on Monday to keep a lid on alcohol sales, or risk reversing the positive impact of strict regulations put in place years ago.

    For decades, governments in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the Faroe Islands have restricted supermarkets and private retailers from selling stronger alcoholic beverages.

    This policy has resulted in some of the lowest alcohol consumption levels in the European Union – which by contrast is the booziest region globally, with drinking habits “largely unchanged” for over 10 years, WHO said.

    Free market pressures

    The Nordic model is now at risk however, from legislative initiatives in the region that signal a potential shift toward privatization of alcohol sales, warned WHO’s Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges.

    In Sweden, for instance, a court is hearing a challenge to the Government’s exclusive rights to online sales of alcohol, while proposed laws would permit sales of alcoholic beverages in farm shops.

    Dr Ferreira-Borges explained that Nordic countries’ alcohol controls – that involve increasing taxes and raising prices, limiting availability and restricting advertising – have reduced alcohol-related harms. 

    These span from “liver disease, cancers and cardiovascular conditions, to injuries and drownings”, she insisted. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $17M Medicare Hospice Fraud and Home Health Care Fraud Schemes

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A California man pleaded guilty today to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud Medicare of more than $17 million through sham hospice companies and his home health care company.

    According to court documents, Petros Fichidzhyan, 43, of Granada Hills, engaged in a scheme with others to operate a series of sham hospice companies. Fichidzhyan, along with co-schemers, impersonated the identities of foreign nationals to use as the purported owners of the hospices — including using the identities to open bank accounts and sign property leases — and submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and not provided. In submitting the false claims, Fichidzhyan and his co-schemers also misappropriated the identifying information of doctors, claiming to Medicare that the doctors had determined hospice services were necessary, when in fact the purported recipients of these hospice services were not terminally ill and had never requested nor received care from the sham hospices. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan personally received nearly $7 million of the proceeds from the fraud scheme, including more than $5.3 million in transfers to his personal and business bank accounts, which were laundered through a dozen shell and third-party bank accounts. Fichidzhyan additionally admitted to wrongfully obtaining more than $1 million for his home health care agency through the fraudulent use of a doctor’s name and identifying information in certifying Medicare beneficiaries for home health care, which he attempted to cover up by paying the doctor $11,000.

    Fichidzhyan pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14 and faces a mandatory penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Today’s guilty plea is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Diane N. Vu of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Los Angeles Regional Office made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Eric C. Schmale and Sarah E. Edwards of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pacific – Fiji to enjoy real estate growth in 2025 driven by foreign investment, infrastructure developments and Google’s data centre plans

    Source: Raine & Horne

    Leading real estate firm Raine & Horne Fiji predicts growth of 2-4% growth for residential markets such as Suva, Nadi and Lautoka in 2025.

    Highlights:

    • The Fijian real estate market demonstrated strong resilience in 2024, with sustained demand for residential properties in key urban centres, including Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka. This trend is expected to result in healthy real estate growth of up to 4% in 2025.
    • The recent announcement of Google’s FJ$200 million data centre investment, expected to create 3,600 jobs, is set to significantly boost the residential real estate markets in Fiji.
    • Infrastructure developments, growing tourism, and the expansion of short-term rentals continue to drive residential property demand in key locations such as Pacific Harbour.

    Lautoka, Fiji – 4 February 2025 – The Fijian real estate market demonstrated strong resilience in 2024, with steady demand for residential properties in key urban centres such as Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka.

    This positive trend is expected to drive healthy growth of up to 4% in 2025, according to leading real estate firm Raine & Horne Fiji. This outlook is further buoyed by the recent announcement of Google’s FJ$200 million data centre investment in the Pacific nation, which is set to bolster the local economy and real estate market.

    Fiji’s real estate growth in 2024

    Ms Shyamlee Raju, Managing Director of Raine & Horne Fiji, says that in 2024, there was sustained demand for residential properties, particularly in Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka, thanks to a growing number of local workers and expatriates leasing apartments.

    “The rebound in tourism, combined with ongoing recovery from COVID-19 impacts, has been a major driver,” Ms Raju said.  

    “Overall, real estate prices in Fiji saw moderate growth in 2024, with some areas such as Nadi and parts of Suva experiencing higher price increases due to ongoing infrastructure developments, such as improvements in transportation, utilities, and tourism-related facilities.

    Google’s game-changer for Fiji’s real estate market and economic growth

    One of the most significant developments in Fiji is the announcement of Google’s FJ$200 million data centre investment, which, according to the Fijian government, has the potential to create 3,600 jobs[i].

    Ms Raju said, “Jobs created by the data centre will generate greater demand for residential housing, particularly for professionals moving to Fiji to work in or around the tech industry. The Google announcement could spur growth in the rental market and the demand for homes for sale.”

    To illustrate, a luxurious three-bedroom penthouse in the heart of Suva within the Brightstar Apartment block on Berry Road is available for rent through Raine & Horne Fiji and is set to attract well-heeled tenants.

    Ms Raju said, “This is the most sought-after executive rental property in the heart of Suva available right now, and it is within minutes of the city’s CBD, supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, schools, cinemas and the iconic Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

    “This penthouse would be ideal for high-end expatriates and those interested in moving to Fiji for work.”

    Other factors driving residential property demand

    The demand for short-term rental properties, particularly for Airbnb holiday rentals, has contributed to rising property prices in Nadi, Suva and Lautoka.

    “We have seen a growing number of apartments and properties purchased as Airbnbs, which is a hindrance for tenants looking for long-term tenancy,” commented Ms Raju.

    “Most properties in Nadi are now run as Airbnbs.”

    Pacific Harbour and infrastructure developments

    According to Ms Raju, demand for real estate in Pacific Harbour, the tourist mecca on the south coast of Viti Levu, was a notable trend in 2024. Pacific Harbour’s natural beauty, improved accessibility to Suva, which is 50 kilometres away, and relatively affordable property prices compared to other regions drove the demand.

    In November alone, Raine & Horne Fiji sold four lots in one week in Pacific Harbour, a significant achievement that underscores the confidence in this market.

    Ms Raju added, “Infrastructure improvements, such as better road access to Suva and the development of tourism-related facilities, are making Pacific Harbour an attractive location for both local buyers and expatriates seeking vacation homes or retirement properties.”

    Fiji’s real estate market poised for steady growth in 2025

    Ms Raju is optimistic about 2025, and she is predicting growth of 2-4% across most regions of Fiji.

    “While economic uncertainties and interest rates could introduce some challenges, the fundamentals of infrastructure development, tourism recovery, and increasing foreign investment provide a solid foundation for market growth,” said Ms Raju.

    Raine & Horne Fiji also anticipates an increase in foreign investment in the country’s real estate market in 2025. Several factors are driving this optimism, including the upcoming Google Data Centre, will potentially attract international interest.

    “Additionally, continued Fijian tourism growth is appealing to foreign buyers, particularly the luxury resorts, beachfront properties, and vacation homes,” said Ms Raju.

    “Strong government support for foreign investment further underpins the longer-term outlook, positioning Fiji as an attractive real estate market for international buyers seeking opportunities in real estate.”

    In response to this promising growth and outlook, Raine & Horne Fiji plans to expand its network of residential sales agents and offices to better serve local and international clients.

    “We are focused on providing tailored advice to first-time homebuyers, expatriates, and foreign investors,” said Ms Raju.

    “Our goal is to remain adaptable and embrace digital tools such as Raine & Horne’s first-to-market AI-powered social media marketing tool Amplify[ii] to expand market reach, keeping up with trends like sustainability and tech-driven developments.

    “Raine & Horne Fiji has the expertise and resources to adapt to these trends and developments, providing clients with the insights, services, and support they need to succeed in the Fijian residential real estate market.

    “With a promising outlook and a growing market, Raine & Horne Fiji is well-positioned to capitalise on the country’s real estate potential in 2025.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $41 million in payroll tax-free wages claimed under Bulk-Billing Support Initiative, supporting primary healthcare

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Finance, Minister for Health

    Bulk-billing GPs have claimed more than $41 million in payroll tax-free wages under the Minns Labor Government’s Bulk-Billing Support Initiative in the first three months.

    This allows GP clinics to keep offering bulk-billed appointments and ensure primary healthcare is affordable and available to families and households across NSW.

    Between 4 September 2024 and 31 December 2024 clinics claimed a rebate on $41,575,708 of GP wages, resulting in a $2,244,205 payroll tax rebate.

    GP clinics in metropolitan Sydney have claimed 55 per cent of the payroll tax rebate, while clinics in the rest of the state have claimed the remaining 45 per cent.

    Under the $189 million initiative, the NSW Government established an ongoing payroll tax rebate for clinics employing contractor GPs which meet bulk-billing thresholds. It also waived $104 million of historical payroll tax liabilities which began accruing under the previous Liberal-National Government.

    Before creating the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative, medical peak bodies warned that without action on the historical tax liabilities GP clinics would close and that half of clinics were prepared to pass on a $20 fee to patients to cover their tax obligations.

    The eligibility threshold for the payroll tax rebate – 80% in metropolitan Sydney and 70% in other areas of NSW – was designed to support current bulk-billing levels, provide accessible and affordable primary healthcare, and relieve pressure on the state’s emergency departments.

    The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative is the first time the NSW government has intervened to support bulk-billing. It is designed to relieve pressure on emergency departments, with NSW Health estimating that a 1 per cent decrease in bulk-billing equates to around 3,000 additional emergency presentations.

    Revenue NSW expects more clinics to register throughout the year, and claim part of their annual return at the end of the 2024-25 financial year.

    The Bulk-Billing Support Initiative’s tax rebate covers GP appointments which are bulk-billed to patients covered by Medicare or veterans with a Gold, White or Orange DVA card.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

    “The lack of access and availability of bulk-billing GPs is taking an enormous toll on our hospitals.

    “This initiative is critical to alleviating pressure on our emergency departments.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos:

    “This is the first time the NSW Government has made a strategic investment to support bulk-billing rates.

    “By relieving cost pressures on GP clinics, they can keep bulk-billed appointments available and accessible to patients.

    “This is an important step as we roll out the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative and shows the government is delivering important cost-of-living relief to families and households across NSW.

    “It’s encouraging to see clinics begin to take up the Bulk-Billing Support Initiative. As we progress through the year we expect to see more clinics claiming the rebate and the benefits flowing to patients and their families.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 65 junior doctors begin work on the Central Coast

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for the Central Coast, Minister for Health, Minister for the Hunter

    Sixty five medical interns have joined the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) workforce, with the graduates taking up positions at Wyong Hospital and Gosford Hospital.

    The interns will work with and learn from the CCLHD’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

    The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program to be provided by formal and on-the-job training in the region’s public hospitals.

    The Central Coast cohort is part of more than 1,000 medical interns that have joined the NSW Health workforce to take up positions in public hospitals across the state.

    Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice to become independent practitioners.

    They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional, rural and remote hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

    They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

    Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

    “I am so pleased and grateful that more than 1,000 junior medical officers have joined the country’s largest and one of the world’s best health systems.

    “These junior doctors undertake vital functions in our hospitals and health facilities.

    “I welcome them to our health workforce, and wish them the very best as they start on what will be an incredibly rewarding career in the NSW public health system.”

    Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

    “Today’s announcement means better and more accessible healthcare services for the people in the Swansea electorate who’ve been traveling to Wyong Hospital.

    “It’s exciting to see the new junior doctors, as young professionals, settling into our electorate – the perfect place to live, work, and play.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome them and wish them all a long, successful, and rewarding career here.”

    Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris said:

    “It is wonderful to have 65 new doctors join the Central Coast Local Health District to help ensure our community continues to receive the healthcare it needs.

    “Our growing region is putting increasing pressure on our region’s health services and this new cohort will help to ensure our busy hospitals are supported with the necessary resourcing.”

    Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

    “We are committed to rebuilding our health system, and increasing the number of doctors and nurses is essential to achieving this goal. The Minns Government has made recruiting more healthcare professionals a top priority.”

    Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

    “It is fantastic news that 65 new junior medical officers have made the decision to join our Central Coast community and begin their healthcare career journeys within the Central Coast Local Health District.

    “Junior doctors have a vital role to play in our hospitals and health facilities and on behalf of the Central Coast community, I welcome the 65 junior medical officers to the Central Coast.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NSW Government delivers bold new TAFE NSW Charter to meet critical skills needs

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

    The NSW Government has launched the new TAFE NSW Charter, reaffirming its commitment to equipping the state with the skilled workforce it urgently needs.

    A key recommendation of the independent review of the NSW vocational education and training (VET) sector, the TAFE NSW Charter lets the people of NSW know what they should expect from TAFE – as the provider at the heart of vocational training. 

    Launched to coincide with the start of Semester 1, 2025, the announcement comes as students return to campuses across NSW and marks a pivotal moment for TAFE NSW along with the rollout of its new operating model.

    This model, also stemming from the NSW VET Review, introduces teaching faculties with deeper ties to local industries and communities, enhancing responsiveness and collaboration.

    The Charter reflects TAFE NSW as an important public asset, community space, industry partner and a leader of educational quality and innovation within the broader VET sector.

    Together, the TAFE NSW Charter and operating model will strengthen the critical role TAFE NSW plays for industry and communities across the state.

    The announcement was made at TAFE NSW Kingscliff, where a $33 million NSW Government investment is upgrading facilities, including a new learning space for health services students.

    Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said: 

    “A skilled workforce is the backbone of our economy, and TAFE NSW is central to delivering the critical skills training needed for strong industries and thriving NSW communities.

    “The TAFE NSW Charter is a commitment that TAFE NSW will deliver world-class education and training focused on critical skills needs for NSW, now and into the future.

    “It provides a clear mandate for TAFE NSW to lead the way in delivering innovative, industry-aligned training that equips people with the skills and confidence to succeed, while driving economic growth and inclusion for communities.

    “It details how TAFE NSW, as the public training provider, will deliver quality skills training to workers beginning and continuing careers in those industries we know are a priority for the state, such as construction, advanced manufacturing, and the care sector.

    Acting Managing Director TAFE NSW, Chloe Read said: 

    “The TAFE NSW Charter is more than a statement of purpose – it’s a commitment to the diverse range of students, industries, and communities we support.

    “It will secure TAFE NSW’s place at the heart of the VET sector, providing high-quality training that prepares individuals for success in their careers and strengthens the fabric of our local economies and communities.”

    Diploma of Nursing student TAFE NSW Kingscliff, Sophie D’Arcy said:

    “Having a strong and sustainable organisation like TAFE NSW underpinning the VET sector means that we can access the vital training needed to pursue our dream professions.

    “For me, that’s starting my journey as a nurse through the Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Kingscliff. I am due to complete my studies later this year and am confident my training, combined with practical application and supportive teachers, will give me the skills I need to succeed in my future career.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Short-term Regional, Rural and Remote employment program expanded

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 4 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health

    A highly successful regional, rural and remote deployment program for key health care roles is set to be expanded over the next three years, with NSW Health recruiting nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to be posted to short term placements across NSW.

    The NSW Health Deployment Program was first established in May 2023 to create a pipeline of skilled health professionals for short-term roles.

    The short-term positions of between two and 13 weeks offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to travel and work in regional, rural and remote parts of NSW they may never have visited, with accommodation and travel costs covered.  

    The NSW Government is currently seeking healthcare workers from more than 20 professions including nurses, midwives and allied health professionals for a range of short-term positions in hospitals and health facilities across NSW.

    The initial success of the program so far has seen 90 staff undertake hundreds of deployments across the state in priority roles such as nursing, midwifery, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech pathology and physiotherapy.

    NSW Health will now increase the team to around 400 to further strengthen its support to regional, rural and remote areas

    Healthcare workers seeking a role with NSW Health, or current staff, are encouraged to register their interest via the NSW Health website.

    The Minns Labor Government has introduced a series of measures to strengthen the state’s health workforce including:

    • Implementing the Safe Staffing Levels initiative in our emergency departments
    • Providing permanent funding for 1,112 FTE nurses and midwives on an ongoing basis
    • Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the highest pay increase in more than a decade for nurses and other health workers
    • Investing an additional $200.1 million in key worker accommodation
    • Beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities
    • Boosting subsidies for regional health workers.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

    “Recruitment and retention of healthcare staff in rural, regional and remote hospitals is one of our biggest, if not the biggest issue we face.

    “This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for staff to expand their skills and also immerse themselves into a new community.

    “This innovative program is not only attracting health workers to regional, rural and remote communities but also strengthening these areas by maintaining essential health services.

    “These deployments give health workers the chance to explore and immerse themselves in new communities, and pleasingly I’ve heard stories of many health professionals who have found the experience so rewarding they’ve chosen to stay, providing lasting benefits for patients, the community, and the health system.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Health Deputy Secretary for Rural and Regional Health Luke Sloane:

    “The deployment program offers a fantastic career opportunity for a range of healthcare staff who are seeking new experiences and a career reset as well as a great lifestyle change.

    “It’s also an incredibly rewarding personal experience, with many who take part forming new friendships in close-knit communities who welcome them with open arms.”

    Quotes attributable to NSW Health Deployment Program participant, Speech Pathologist Saffron Foy:

    “I joined the NSW Health Deployment program because I wanted a bit of a change and I loved the experience of working in unique and supportive rural communities.

    “At first it was a little nerve wracking, but the teams I was deployed to were so welcoming and inclusive that the nerves were shaken pretty quickly.

    “I really recommend giving it a go and experiencing something new because it lets you experience a different lifestyle and allows you to improve and expand your skills.”

    MIL OSI News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Capital Southwest Announces Financial Results for Third Fiscal Quarter Ended December 31, 2024 and Announces Increase in Total Dividends to $0.64 per share for the Quarter Ending March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALLAS, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Capital Southwest Corporation (“Capital Southwest,” “CSWC” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CSWC), an internally managed business development company focused on providing flexible financing solutions to support the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses, today announced its financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2024.

    Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Total Investment Portfolio: $1.7 billion
      • Credit Portfolio of $1.5 billion:
        • 98% 1st Lien Senior Secured Debt
        • $313.4 million in new committed credit investments during the quarter
        • Weighted Average Yield on Debt Investments: 12.1%
        • Current non-accruals with a fair value of $45.8 million, representing 2.7% of the total investment portfolio
      • Equity Portfolio of $158.8 million
        • $4.1 million in new equity co-investments during the quarter
    • Pre-Tax Net Investment Income: $30.7 million, or $0.64 per weighted average share outstanding
    • Estimated Undistributed Taxable Income (“UTI”): $0.68 per share as of December 31, 2024
    • LTM Operating Leverage: 1.6% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024
    • Dividends: Paid $0.58 per share Regular Dividend and $0.05 per share Supplemental Dividend
      • 115% LTM Pre-Tax NII Regular Dividend Coverage
      • Total Dividends for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 of $0.63 per share
    • Net Realized and Unrealized Depreciation: $13.7 million, or 0.8% of total investments at fair value
      • $12.3 million of net appreciation related to the equity portfolio
      • $26.0 million of net depreciation related to the credit portfolio
    • Balance Sheet:
      • Cash and Cash Equivalents: $36.0 million
      • Total Net Assets: $830.4 million
      • Net Asset Value (“NAV”) per Share: $16.59

    In commenting on the Company’s results, Bowen Diehl, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The December quarter was an active quarter for Capital Southwest, with approximately $318 million of new committed originations. Our portfolio continued to generate significant income for our shareholders, producing $0.64 of pre-tax net investment income per share for the quarter, which outearned both our $0.58 per share regular dividend and our $0.05 per share supplemental dividend paid for the quarter. In consideration of the continued performance of our portfolio, the Board of Directors has again declared a regular dividend of $0.58 per share for the quarter ending March 31, 2025. Our Board of Directors also has declared an increase in our supplemental dividend to $0.06 per share for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, resulting in total dividends for the quarter of $0.64 per share. While future dividend declarations are at the discretion of our Board of Directors, it is our intent to continue to distribute quarterly supplemental dividends for the foreseeable future. We continued to efficiently raise equity capital during the quarter, raising over $53 million on our Equity ATM Program. In addition, during the quarter, we successfully raised $230 million of 5.125% unsecured convertible notes due 2029, which further diversified our balance sheet liability structure. Finally, we received a ‘green light’ letter from the U.S. Small Business Administration to file an application to obtain a license to operate a second SBIC subsidiary. If approved, a second SBIC license will provide Capital Southwest with access to up to an additional $175 million in cost effective debt capital.”

    Third Quarter Fiscal Year Investment Activities

    Originations

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company originated $317.5 million in new commitments, consisting of investments in nine new portfolio companies totaling $175.2 million and add-on commitments in 20 portfolio companies totaling $142.3 million. New portfolio company investment transactions that closed during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 are summarized as follows:

    Undisclosed Portfolio Company, $32.0 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $5.0 million Revolving Loan, $0.5 million Equity

    Musiker Discovery Programs, Inc., $23.0 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $7.5 million Delayed Draw Term Loan, $5.0 million Revolving Loan: The company provides pre-college, enrichment, and gifted summer programs to students in grades 1-12.

    Superior Health Parent LLC, $17.5 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $10.0 million Delayed Draw Term Loan, $3.0 million Revolving Loan: The company is a provider of home health and hospice services across eight agencies in Louisiana.

    Mid-Florida Endodontics Management Company, LLC, $16.1 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $10.0 million Delayed Draw Term Loan, $3.0 million Revolving Loan: The company provides endodontic services, primarily focused on root canals and related examinations and retreatments.

    Undisclosed Portfolio Company, $8.0 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $2.0 million Revolving Loan, $1.0 million Equity

    Red Dog Operations Holding Company LLC, $7.5 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $2.0 million Revolving Loan, $1.0 million Preferred Equity: The company is a family-owned provider of boarding, daycare, grooming, and other ancillary pet services across six facilities in the Cincinnati and Boston areas.

    Cumbria Capital MSO, LLC, $5.4 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $2.0 million Delayed Draw Term Loan, $1.5 million Revolving Loan: The company is a medical practice offering treatment for a variety of gastrointestinal and liver disorders.

    Undisclosed Portfolio Company, $6.7 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt

    Undisclosed Portfolio Company, $4.0 million 1stLien Senior Secured Debt, $1.0 million Revolving Loan, $0.5 million Equity

    Prepayments and Exits

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company received full prepayments on two debt investments totaling $26.7 million.

    Versicare Management LLC: Proceeds of $23.7 million, generating an IRR of 17.1%.

    Research Now Group, LLC: Proceeds of $2.9 million, generating an IRR of (9.6)%.

    Third Fiscal Quarter 2025 Operating Results

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, Capital Southwest reported total investment income of $52.0 million, compared to $48.7 million in the prior quarter. The increase in investment income was primarily attributable to an increase in prepayment and other fees received during the quarter.

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, total operating expenses (excluding interest expense) were $6.6 million, compared to $6.1 million in the prior quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in accrued bonus compensation in the current quarter and an increase in general and administrative expenses primarily due to the write off of deferred offering costs related to our previous shelf registration statement during the current quarter.

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, interest expense was $14.7 million, compared to $12.6 million in the prior quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in average debt outstanding.

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, total pre-tax net investment income was $30.7 million, compared to $30.0 million in the prior quarter.

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, there was a tax provision of $0.4 million, compared to a tax benefit of $1.2 million in the prior quarter. The benefit in the prior quarter included a $1.5 million deferred tax benefit, which is primarily attributable to an increase in the tax basis of investments held by our wholly owned subsidiary, Capital Southwest Equity Investments, Inc., due to pass-through income, resulting in a decrease in tax appreciation.

    During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, Capital Southwest recorded total net realized and unrealized losses on investments of $13.7 million, compared to $8.5 million of total net realized and unrealized losses in the prior quarter. For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the total net realized and unrealized losses on investments reflected net realized and unrealized gains on equity investments of $12.3 million and net realized and unrealized losses on debt investments of $26.0 million. The net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $16.3 million for the quarter, compared to $22.7 million in the prior quarter.

    The Company’s NAV at both December 31, 2024 and September 30, 2024 was $16.59 per share. Increases in NAV per share are attributable to the issuance of common stock at a premium to NAV per share through the Equity ATM Program (as described below), offset by net realized and unrealized losses on investments.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    At December 31, 2024, Capital Southwest had approximately $36.0 million in unrestricted cash and money market balances and $376.2 million of unused capacity under the Corporate Credit Facility (as defined below) and the SPV Credit Facility (as defined below). The regulatory debt to equity ratio at the end of the quarter was 0.90 to 1.

    As of December 31, 2024, Capital Southwest had the following borrowings outstanding:

    • $190.0 million of total debt outstanding on the Corporate Credit Facility
    • $118.0 million of total debt outstanding on the SPV Credit Facility
    • $148.7 million, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, of the 3.375% Notes due October 2026
    • $70.1 million, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, of the 7.75% Notes due August 2028
    • $222.7 million, net of amortized debt issuance costs, of the 5.125% convertible notes due November 2029
    • $170.7 million, net of unamortized debt issuance costs, of SBA Debentures (as defined below)

    In August 2016, CSWC entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “Corporate Credit Facility”) to provide additional liquidity to support its investment and operational activities. Borrowings under the Corporate Credit Facility accrue interest on a per annum basis at a rate equal to the applicable SOFR rate plus 2.15%. On August 2, 2023, CSWC entered into the Third Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) that (1) increased commitments under the Corporate Credit Facility from $400 million to $435 million; (2) added an uncommitted accordion feature that could increase the maximum commitments up to $750 million; (3) extended the end of the Corporate Credit Facility’s revolving period from August 9, 2025 to August 2, 2027 and extended the final maturity from August 9, 2026 to August 2, 2028; and (4) amended several financial covenants. On December 7, 2023, the Company entered into an Incremental Commitment and Assumption Agreement that increased the total commitments under the accordion feature of the Credit Agreement by $25 million, which increased total commitments from $435 million to $460 million. The $25 million increase was provided by one new lender, bringing the total bank syndicate to ten participants. On September 12, 2024, the Company entered into an Incremental Commitment and Assumption Agreement that increased the total commitments under the accordion feature of the Credit Agreement by $25 million, which increased total commitments from $460 million to $485 million. The $25 million increase was provided by one new lender, bringing the total bank syndicate to 11 participants.

    Capital Southwest SPV LLC (“SPV”) is a wholly owned special purpose vehicle that was formed to hold investments for the SPV Credit Facility (as defined below) to support our investment and operating activities. On March 20, 2024, SPV entered into a special purpose vehicle financing credit facility (the “SPV Credit Facility”). The SPV Credit Facility included an initial commitment of $150 million. Pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement, on June 20, 2024, total commitments automatically increased from $150 million to $200 million. The SPV Credit Facility also includes an accordion feature that allows increases up to $400 million of total commitments from new and existing lenders on the same terms and conditions as the existing commitments. Borrowings under the SPV Credit Facility bear interest at three-month Term SOFR plus 2.50% per annum during the revolving period ending on March 20, 2027 and three-month Term SOFR plus an applicable margin of 2.85% thereafter. SPV (i) paid unused commitment fees of 0.10% through April 20, 2024 and (ii) pays unused commitment fees of 0.35% thereafter, on the unused lender commitments under the SPV Credit Facility, in addition to other customary fees. Under the SPV Credit Facility, SPV also pays a utilization fee based on the amount of borrowings utilized. The SPV Credit Facility matures on March 20, 2029.

    On November 4, 2024, the Company issued $230.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.125% convertible notes due 2029 (the “2029 Convertible Notes”), including the underwriters’ full exercise of their option to purchase an additional $30.0 million in aggregate principal amount to cover over-allotments. The 2029 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.125% per year, payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2025. The 2029 Convertible Notes will mature on November 15, 2029, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The conversion rate was initially 40.0000 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2029 Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $25.00 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment in some events.

    On December 9, 2024, the Company redeemed $140.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 4.50% notes due 2026 (the “January 2026 Notes”) in full. The January 2026 Notes were redeemed at 100% of their principal amount, plus the accrued and unpaid interest thereon, through, but excluding the redemption date. Accordingly, the Company recognized a realized loss on extinguishment of debt, equal to the write-off of the related unamortized debt issuance costs, of $0.4 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2024. There was no “make-whole” premium required to be paid in connection with the redemption.

    The Company has an “at-the-market” offering (the “Equity ATM Program”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time through sales agents, shares of its common stock. On May 21, 2024, the Company increased the maximum amount of shares of its common stock to be sold through the Equity ATM Program from $650 million to $1 billion. During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold 2,364,147 shares of its common stock under the Equity ATM Program at a weighted-average price of $22.68 per share, raising $53.6 million of gross proceeds. Net proceeds were $52.9 million after commissions to the sales agents on shares sold. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has $358.6 million available under the Equity ATM Program.

    On April 20, 2021, our wholly owned subsidiary, Capital Southwest SBIC I, LP (“SBIC I”), received a license from the Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) to operate as a Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) under Section 301(c) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended. The SBIC license allows SBIC I to obtain leverage by issuing SBA-guaranteed debentures (“SBA Debentures”), subject to the issuance of a leverage commitment by the SBA. SBA debentures are loans issued to an SBIC that have interest payable semi-annually and a ten-year maturity. The interest rate is fixed shortly after issuance at a market-driven spread over U.S. Treasury Notes with ten-year maturities. As of December 31, 2024, SBIC I had a total leverage commitment from the SBA in the amount of $175.0 million, all of which was drawn.

    Share Repurchase Program

    On July 28, 2021, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $20 million of its outstanding shares of common stock in the open market at certain thresholds below its NAV per share, in accordance with guidelines specified in Rules 10b5-1(c)(1)(i)(B) and 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. On August 31, 2021, the Company entered into a share repurchase agreement, which became effective immediately, and the Company will cease purchasing its common stock under the share repurchase program upon the earlier of, among other things: (1) the date on which the aggregate purchase price for all shares equals $20 million including, without limitation, all applicable fees, costs and expenses; or (2) upon written notice by the Company to the broker that the share repurchase agreement is terminated. During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Company did not repurchase any shares of the Company’s common stock under the share repurchase program.

    Regular Dividend of $0.58 Per Share and Supplemental Dividend of $0.06 Per Share for Quarter Ended March 31, 2025

    On January 29, 2025, the Board declared a total dividend of $0.64 per share for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, comprised of a Regular Dividend of $0.58 per share and a Supplemental Dividend of $0.06 per share.

    The Company’s dividend will be payable as follows:

    Regular Dividend
       
    Amount Per Share: $0.58
    Ex-Dividend Date: March 14, 2025
    Record Date: March 14, 2025
    Payment Date: March 31, 2025
       
    Supplemental Dividend
       
    Amount Per Share: $0.06
    Ex-Dividend Date: March 14, 2025
    Record Date: March 14, 2025
    Payment Date: March 31, 2025
       

    When declaring dividends, the Board reviews estimates of taxable income available for distribution, which may differ from net investment income under generally accepted accounting principles. The final determination of taxable income for each year, as well as the tax attributes for dividends in such year, will be made after the close of the tax year.

    Capital Southwest maintains a dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) that provides for the reinvestment of dividends on behalf of its registered stockholders who hold their shares with Capital Southwest’s transfer agent and registrar, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.  Under the DRIP, if the Company declares a dividend, registered stockholders who have opted into the DRIP by the dividend record date will have their dividend automatically reinvested into additional shares of Capital Southwest common stock. 

    Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Results Conference Call and Webcast

    Capital Southwest has scheduled a conference call on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the third quarter 2025 financial results. You may access the call by using the Investor Relations section of Capital Southwest’s website at www.capitalsouthwest.com, or by using http://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/viedrjap.

    An audio archive of the conference call will also be available on the Investor Relations section of Capital Southwest’s website.

    For a more detailed discussion of the financial and other information included in this press release, please refer to the Capital Southwest’s Form 10-Q for the period ended December 31, 2024 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and Capital Southwest’s Third Fiscal Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation to be posted on the Investor Relations section of Capital Southwest’s website at www.capitalsouthwest.com.

    About Capital Southwest

    Capital Southwest Corporation (Nasdaq: CSWC) is a Dallas, Texas-based, internally managed business development company with approximately $1.7 billion in investments at fair value as of December 31, 2024. Capital Southwest is a middle market lending firm focused on supporting the acquisition and growth of middle market businesses with $5 million to $50 million investments across the capital structure, including first lien, second lien and non-control equity co-investments. As a public company with a permanent capital base, Capital Southwest has the flexibility to be creative in its financing solutions and to invest to support the growth of its portfolio companies over long periods of time.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains historical information and forward-looking statements with respect to the business and investments of Capital Southwest, including, but not limited to, the statements about Capital Southwest’s future performance and financial performance and financial condition, Capital Southwest’s ability to continue to grow its balance sheet, the timing, form and amount of any distributions or supplemental dividends in the future, and Capital Southwest’s receipt of a second SBIC license. Receipt of a green light letter provides no assurance that the SBA will ultimately issue an SBIC license, and Capital Southwest has received no assurance or indication from the SBA as such, or of a timeframe in which it would receive its second SBIC license, should one be granted. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical statements and can often be identified by words such as “will,” “believe,” “expect” and similar expressions and variations or negatives of these words. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions and beliefs. They are not guarantees of future results and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. These risks include risks related to: changes in the markets in which Capital Southwest invests; changes in the financial, capital, and lending markets; changes in the interest rate environment and its impact on our business and our portfolio companies; regulatory changes; tax treatment; our ability to operate SBIC I as a small business investment company; an economic downturn and its impact on the ability of our portfolio companies to operate and the investment opportunities available to us; the impact of supply chain constraints and labor shortages on our portfolio companies; and the elevated levels of inflation and its impact on our portfolio companies and the industries in which we invests.

    Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements and are encouraged to review Capital Southwest’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2024 and any subsequent filings with the SEC, including the “Risk Factors” sections therein, for a more complete discussion of the risks and other factors that could affect any forward-looking statements. Except as required by the federal securities laws, Capital Southwest does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changing circumstances or any other reason after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Michael S. Sarner, Chief Financial Officer
    214-884-3829

     
    CAPITAL SOUTHWEST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
    (In thousands, except shares and per share data)
           
      December 31,   March 31,
        2024       2024  
      (Unaudited)    
    Assets      
    Investments at fair value:      
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments (Cost: $1,481,051 and $1,276,690, respectively) $ 1,471,215     $ 1,286,355  
    Affiliate investments (Cost: $223,612 and $200,013, respectively)   221,044       190,206  
    Control investments (Cost: $8,619 and $0, respectively)   9,027       —  
    Total investments (Cost: $1,713,282 and $1,476,703, respectively)   1,701,286       1,476,561  
    Cash and cash equivalents   36,013       32,273  
    Receivables:      
    Dividends and interest   28,237       22,928  
    Escrow   —       16  
    Other   4,056       7,276  
    Income tax receivable   668       336  
    Debt issuance costs (net of accumulated amortization of $9,685 and $7,741, respectively)   9,938       10,928  
    Other assets   8,867       6,440  
    Total assets $ 1,789,065     $ 1,556,758  
           
    Liabilities      
    SBA Debentures (net of $4,279 and $4,305, respectively, of unamortized debt issuance costs) $ 170,721     $ 148,695  
    January 2026 Notes (net of $0 and $612, respectively, of unamortized debt issuance costs)   —       139,388  
    October 2026 Notes (net of $1,346 and $1,923, respectively, of unamortized debt issuance costs)   148,654       148,077  
    August 2028 Notes (net of $1,800 and $2,182, respectively, of unamortized debt issuance costs)   70,075       69,693  
    2029 Convertible Notes (net of $7,256 and $0, respectively, of unamortized debt issuance costs)   222,744       —  
    Credit Facilities   308,000       265,000  
    Other liabilities   20,993       17,381  
    Accrued restoration plan liability   556       570  
    Income tax payable   1,251       281  
    Deferred tax liability   15,629       11,997  
    Total liabilities   958,623       801,082  
           
    Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)      
           
    Net Assets      
    Common stock, $0.25 par value: authorized, 75,000,000 shares at December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2024; issued, 50,051,332 shares at December 31, 2024 and 45,050,759 shares at March 31, 2024   12,513       11,263  
    Additional paid-in capital   903,513       796,945  
    Total distributable (loss) earnings   (85,584 )     (52,532 )
    Total net assets   830,442       755,676  
    Total liabilities and net assets $ 1,789,065     $ 1,556,758  
    Net asset value per share (50,051,332 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 45,050,759 shares outstanding at March 31, 2024) $ 16.59     $ 16.77  
                   
                   
     
    CAPITAL SOUTHWEST CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (Unaudited)
    (In thousands, except shares and per share data)
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      December 31,   December 31,
        2024       2023       2024       2023  
    Investment income:              
    Interest income:              
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments $ 37,789     $ 33,627     $ 114,346     $ 97,924  
    Affiliate investments   4,767       4,214       14,253       12,691  
    Control investments   333       —       975       —  
    Payment-in-kind interest income:              
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   2,717       3,452       7,025       5,329  
    Affiliate investments   529       621       1,670       1,926  
    Dividend income:              
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   586       2,447       3,525       3,233  
    Affiliate investments   —       96       51       187  
    Control investments   —       2,129       —       6,439  
    Fee income:              
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   3,671       1,655       6,589       2,949  
    Affiliate investments   525       115       1,443       632  
    Control investments   8       17       75       62  
    Other income   1,048       193       2,081       332  
    Total investment income   51,973       48,566       152,033       131,704  
    Operating expenses:              
    Compensation   2,388       3,919       7,844       8,762  
    Share-based compensation   1,544       1,188       4,306       3,387  
    Interest   14,717       11,473       39,751       31,635  
    Professional fees   998       919       3,450       2,863  
    General and administrative   1,643       1,301       4,699       3,877  
    Total operating expenses   21,290       18,800       60,050       50,524  
    Income before taxes   30,683       29,766       91,983       81,180  
    Federal income, excise and other taxes   474       392       1,016       841  
    Deferred taxes   (107 )     515       627       (270 )
    Total income tax provision   367       907       1,643       571  
    Net investment income $ 30,316     $ 28,859     $ 90,340     $ 80,609  
    Realized (loss) gain              
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments $ (12,889 )   $ (7,849 )   $ (22,374 )   $ (13,445 )
    Affiliate investments   84       —       251       (6,503 )
    Control investments   —       —       (260 )     —  
    Income tax benefit (provision)   —       7       —       (286 )
    Total net realized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax   (12,805 )     (7,842 )     (22,383 )     (20,234 )
    Net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments              
    Non-control/Non-affiliate investments   (5,229 )     8,569       (19,455 )     4,648  
    Affiliate investments   7,745       (6,829 )     7,193       1,302  
    Control investments   (354 )     778       408       2,944  
    Income tax (provision) benefit   (3,009 )     (51 )     (2,720 )     1,012  
    Total net unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments, net of tax   (847 )     2,467       (14,574 )     9,906  
    Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains on investments   (13,652 )     (5,375 )     (36,957 )     (10,328 )
    Realized loss on extinguishment of debt   (387 )     —       (387 )     (361 )
    Realized loss on disposal of fixed assets   (9 )     —       (9 )     —  
    Net increase in net assets from operations $ 16,268     $ 23,484     $ 52,987     $ 69,920  
                   
    Pre-tax net investment income per share – basic $ 0.64     $ 0.72     $ 1.95     $ 2.05  
    Net investment income per share – basic $ 0.63     $ 0.70     $ 1.92     $ 2.04  
    Net increase in net assets from operations – diluted $ 0.34     $ 0.57     $ 1.12     $ 1.77  
    Net increase in net assets from operations – basic $ 0.34     $ 0.57     $ 1.13     $ 1.77  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic   48,315,228       41,513,773       47,079,617       39,610,643  
    Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted   54,121,844       41,513,773       49,022,194       39,610,643  

    The MIL Network –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Leads Colleagues in Calling for Reinstatement of Inspectors General Fired by President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led a group of 38 colleagues in a letter to President Trump, strongly condemning the President’s recent decision to remove Inspectors General (IGs) from at least 18 government agencies, and demanding their immediate reinstatement. The IGs who were removed included those overseeing the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Social Security Administration, and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. In the letter, the senators assert that President Trump’s actions violated the law and threaten the independence of these non-partisan watchdogs. Peters helped lead the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act, which was signed into law in 2022 as part of the FY 2023 national defense bill, to require a President to provide a 30-day notice and substantive reasons for removal in writing to Congress before an Inspector General can be removed.  
    “Inspectors General are responsible for providing independent oversight of federal programs by working to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars – oversight our federal agencies desperately need,” the senators wrote. “The federal government and the American people count on these officials to operate in a professional and non-partisan way to hold our government accountable—regardless of who is in power.  Without strong, qualified, and independent officials to lead these critical efforts, the Administration risks wasting taxpayer dollars, and allowing fraud and misconduct to go unchecked.”  
    “While the President has the authority to remove Inspectors General from office, Congress has established clear requirements to ensure such removals are transparent and are not politicized,” wrote the senators. “With respect to your firings Friday night, Congress has not received either the mandatory 30-day notice or a rationale for their removal.  Because your actions violated the law, these IGs should be reinstated immediately, until such time as you have provided in writing ‘the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons’ for each of the affected Inspectors General and the 30-day notice period has expired.”    
    In addition to Peters, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA),  Patty Murray (D-WA),  Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and John Fetterman (D-PA). 
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.  
    Dear Mr. President,  
    Your decision Friday evening to remove Inspectors General (IGs) from at least 18 offices across government—including those overseeing the Departments of Defense, State, Education, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Energy, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Social Security Administration, as well as the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction—does not comply with current law and could do lasting harm to IG independence.  These officials, which include those appointed by Presidents of both parties, including many during your first Administration, collectively conduct oversight of trillions of dollars of federal spending and the conduct of millions of federal employees.  Removing these non-partisan watchdogs without providing a substantive and non-political reason is not lawful, and undermines their independence, jeopardizing their critical mission to identify and root out waste, fraud, and abuse within federal programs. 
    Inspectors General are responsible for providing independent oversight of federal programs by working to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and protect taxpayer dollars – oversight our federal agencies desperately need.  They play a key role in improving government efficiency and effectiveness and have helped identify and recover billions of taxpayer dollars.  IG independence is the foundation of this work, and IGs must be free of political influence so that they can carry out their important mission with integrity and credibility.  The federal government and the American people count on these officials to operate in a professional and non-partisan way to hold our government accountable—regardless of who is in power.  Without strong, qualified, and independent officials to lead these critical efforts, the Administration risks wasting taxpayer dollars, and allowing fraud and misconduct to go unchecked. For example, just this week the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued an unlawful memo directing agencies to pause nearly all federal grants and loans, which significantly disrupts the administration of over a trillion dollars of critical assistance to communities, businesses, and organizations across the country.  It is especially vital to have independent watchdogs at each of these agencies to conduct oversight of the impacts of this unconstitutional and unprecedented directive.     
    While the President has the authority to remove Inspectors General from office, Congress has established clear requirements to ensure such removals are transparent and are not politicized.  The law requires that the President provide a written 30-day notice to both Houses of Congress and include “the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons for any such removal or transfer.” With respect to your firings Friday night, Congress has not received either the mandatory 30-day notice or a rationale for their removal.  Because your actions violated the law, these Inspectors General should be reinstated immediately, until such time as you have provided in writing “the substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons” for each of the affected Inspectors General and the 30-day notice period has expired.   
    Lastly, if you believe it is necessary to place any of the affected IGs on administrative leave before the 30-day notice period has ended, the law requires that you submit a separate notification to Congress explaining how the IG presents a threat as defined in the Administrative Leave Act. 
    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins 28 Colleagues in Demanding Answers and Action from HHS Officials on Disruption to Head Start Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and 27 of their colleagues today in issuing a letter to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Dorothy A. Fink, M.D., and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start, Captain Tala Hooban, expressing concern about the acute financial impacts and lingering uncertainty faced by Head Start programs across the country as a result of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo that imposed a government-wide hiring freeze.  
    While the White House later clarified that Head Start would not be targeted by the funding freeze and the OMB later rescinded memo, Head Start programs were temporarily unable to access the Payment Management System (PMS) to access their allocated federal funds. As a result, Head Start programs nationwide have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner—imperiling their ability to pay staff and keep educational and child care programs up and running.  
    “Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards,” wrote the Senators. “This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.” 
    “Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds,” the Senators continued.  
    In addition to Sens. Welch and Kaine, the letter was signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.),  Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.).  
    The full text of the letter is available here and below.  
    Dear Acting Secretary Dr. Fink and Acting Director Captain Hooban: 
    We are writing today to raise ongoing, urgent concerns experienced by Head Start programs in our states and across the country. These concerns include (1) a lack of clarity on the status of renewals and notice of awards in the February 1st grant cycle, (2) delays in processing reimbursements through the Payment Management System (PMS), and (3) a lack of clear communication with grantees throughout this confusing time.  
    We request your immediate action and assurance on the following: 
    All requests for disbursements of funds submitted through PMS to be promptly processed to allow all Head Start programs to draw down federal funds; 
    Programs on the February 1st grant cycle will be notified of their renewal or notice of award before the deadline to ensure no lapse in funding or program operations; and  
    Transparent and consistent communication with Head Start programs to address the ongoing challenges.  
    Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has provided critical early childhood education and comprehensive services to nearly 40 million low-income young children and their families in communities across the nation. Today, Head Start programs are supported by 250,000 staff to serve nearly 800,000 children across the nation. Head Start’s comprehensive services ensure children receive age-appropriate health care, dental care, immunizations, and health insurance, and they provide referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support. For the last several years, Congress has worked in a bipartisan manner to recognize this longstanding federal program’s important work by providing increased appropriations.  
    Since the morning of Tuesday, January 28th, the Head Start community has faced immense uncertainty and disruptions by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo (M-25-13), directing federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.” While the Trump Administration later clarified that Head Start would not be the target of the funding freeze many Head Start programs across the country were unable to access the PMS to draw down federal funds. PMS was reinstated, but programs across the country have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner. 
    Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards. This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.  
    Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds.  
    Once these issues are resolved, we request you provide responses to the following questions: 
    What factors contributed to delayed disbursements to Head Start programs through the Payment Management System? What steps will be taken to ensure such delays will not occur in the future? 
    How many Head Start programs were impacted by this delay and what were the immediate consequences on operations and services for children and families? 
    What factors led to the lack of communication about grant renewals and awards for the February 1st cycle? What steps will be taken to ensure timely notices in the future? 
    We thank you for your quick attention to this matter.  
    Sincerely, 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Leads Letter to HHS Officials Demanding Answers and Action on Disruption to Head Start Programs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led a group of his colleagues in issuing a letter to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Dorothy A. Fink, M.D. and Acting Director of the Office of Head Start Captain Tala Hooban expressing concern about the acute financial impacts and lingering uncertainty faced by Head Start programs in Virginia and across the country as a result of the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo that imposed a government-wide hiring freeze.

    While the White House later clarified that Head Start would not be targeted by the funding freeze and the OMB later rescinded memo, Head Start programs were temporarily unable to access the Payment Management System (PMS) to use their allocated federal funds. As a result, Head Start programs nationwide have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner – imperiling their ability to pay staff and keep educational and child care programs up and running.

    “Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards,” wrote the senators. “This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.”

    “Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds,” the senators continued.

    In addition to Kaine, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Richard J. Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeffrey A. Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Andy Kim (D-NJ).

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    Dear Acting Secretary Dr. Fink and Acting Director Captain Hooban:

    We are writing today to raise ongoing, urgent concerns experienced by Head Start programs in our states and across the country. These concerns include (1) a lack of clarity on the status of renewals and notice of awards in the February 1st grant cycle, (2) delays in processing reimbursements through the Payment Management System (PMS), and (3) a lack of clear communication with grantees throughout this confusing time.

    We request your immediate action and assurance on the following:

    • All requests for disbursements of funds submitted through PMS to be promptly processed to allow all Head Start programs to draw down federal funds;
    • Programs on the February 1st grant cycle will be notified of their renewal or notice of award before the deadline to ensure no lapse in funding or program operations; and
    • Transparent and consistent communication with Head Start programs to address the ongoing challenges.

    Since its inception in 1965, Head Start has provided critical early childhood education and comprehensive services to nearly 40 million low-income young children and their families in communities across the nation. Today, Head Start programs are supported by 250,000 staff to serve nearly 800,000 children across the nation.[1] Head Start’s comprehensive services ensure children receive age-appropriate health care, dental care, immunizations, and health insurance, and they provide referrals to other critical services for parents, such as job training, adult education, nutrition services, and housing support. For the last several years, Congress has worked in a bipartisan manner to recognize this longstanding federal program’s important work by providing increased appropriations.

    Since the morning of Tuesday, January 28th, the Head Start community has faced immense uncertainty and disruptions by the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) memo (M-25-13), directing federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.” While the Trump Administration later clarified that Head Start would not be the target of the funding freeze[2], many Head Start programs across the country were unable to access the PMS to draw down federal funds. PMS was reinstated, but programs across the country have not had funding disbursed in a timely manner.

    Head Start programs cannot pay their teachers and staff and continue normal operations without the assurances of payment processing and notices of grant renewals and awards. This will impact children, families, and communities across the country, particularly the rural communities where these programs represent a large share of the child care options.

    Even if this issue extends beyond the Office of Head Start, we urge you to do everything in your power to ensure these programs receive transparent and frequent communication on the progress of their funds being released. Head Start programs operate on razor-thin margins and cannot survive without timely intervention. Children, families, employees, and educators all depend on these critical federal funds.

    Once these issues are resolved, we request you provide responses to the following questions:

    1. What factors contributed to delayed disbursements to Head Start programs through the Payment Management System? What steps will be taken to ensure such delays will not occur in the future?
    2. How many Head Start programs were impacted by this delay and what were the immediate consequences on operations and services for children and families?
    3. What factors led to the lack of communication about grant renewals and awards for the February 1st cycle? What steps will be taken to ensure timely notices in the future?

    We thank you for your quick attention to this matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Syria, Israel, DRC – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Press conference by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, on the Middle East and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    ———————————

    The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said, the fall of the Assad government in Syria and the “entry, presence and activities” of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in the area of separation, “has made it particularly challenging” for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the Observer Group Golan (OGG).

    Briefing journalists in New York upon visiting Syria and Israel, Lacroix said, “I obviously reiterated our concern about the presence of the IDF in the area of separation. It’s clearly a violation of the 1974 agreement between Israel and Syria. I also indicated that UNDOF had received a number of complaints from the local inhabitants of particularly in the centre of the area of operations. And we, expressed the importance of addressing these concerns.”

    He said he had conveyed a message to both the Israeli government and Syria’s caretaker government, “to fully facilitate UNDOF’s mandated activities, including inspections in the respective, areas of limitation that are adjacent to the area of separation, ensure freedom of movement to UN personnel.”

    Turning to the DRC, Lacroix said, “the situation remains tense and volatile, with occasional shooting continuing within the city.”

    He said the UN Mission in the country’s (MONUSCO’s) positions “were again resupplied, which is critically important because in those positions, we do not only have MONUSCO personnel, but we have also, significant number of people basically, who have been seeking shelter in those bases.”

    The airport’s runways, the peacekeeping Chief noted, “is currently not operable” as it has “sustained significant damages in the recent fighting, and we cannot use it for now.”

    Lacroix underlined that “MONUSCO bases are under stress, but also in some cases, they have been under threat in terms of, you know, the presence of, disarmed FRDC soldiers. And I want to really again call for the respect, the full respect, of the inviolability of our UN premises.”

    He said, “we are concerned not only as far as the eastern DRC is concerned, but this has if you look at the past, some of this has the potential of triggering a wider regional conflict and therefore it is of the utmost important that all diplomatic efforts should be geared to avoiding this and bringing about this decision of hostilities.”

    Lacroix said, the rebel group M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militias “are about 60km, north of, Bukavu; seem to be moving quite fast. There is an airport, in the vicinity of where they are, I think, a few kilometres south, which is Kavumu.”

    He noted that Secretary-General António Guterres has spoken to Rwandan President Paul Kagame as well as Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi emphasising the importance of the protection of civilians and the safety and security of UN personnel.

    He said, I think, “the protection of respect to the safety and security of UN personnel, is an international obligation for all member states. And that applies to Rwanda, that applies to all.”

    Humanitarian organizations in Goma continue to assess the impact of the crisis, including the widespread looting of warehouses and the offices of aid organizations.

    The World Health Organization and partners conducted an assessment with the Government between 26 to 29 January and reported that 700 people have been killed and 2,800 people injured and that are receiving treatment in health facilities. These numbers are expected to rise as more information becomes available.

    In Goma itself, access to safe drinking water remains cut off, forcing people to rely on untreated water from Lake Kivu. Without urgent action, OCHA cautions that the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks will just continue to increase.

    For its part, the International Organization for Migration says today that several displacement sites, including on the outskirts of Goma – where over 300,000 have been displaced have been partially or completely emptied.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPjixm2GCPM

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Luján in the News Standing Up for New Mexicans, Holding the Trump Administration Accountable for Chaos and Confusion

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) has been actively engaging in critical Senate hearings, holding nominees accountable to protect essential services and programs for New Mexicans and every American. Throughout these hearings, Senator Luján has emphasized the importance of nominees serving the public interest, rather than furthering political agendas.

    As a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation, and the Senate Committee on the Budget, Senator Luján has been at the forefront of pressing key nominees on their positions on working for the American people and upholding the law.

    RFK Jr. Confirmation Hearing

    In the nomination hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to become Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Lujánquestioned Mr. Kennedy on his understanding of the importance of Medicaid and pressed Mr. Kennedy for his commitment to protect Medicaid from cuts. Mr. Kennedy did not commit to not cutting Medicaid if asked to by the President.

    • NBC News – It’s ‘clear’ that RFK Jr. would be a ‘rubber stamp’ on Trump’s policy decisions: Democratic senator.

    Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joins Meet the Press NOW after pressing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his Senate confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

    • US News & World Report – 5 Key Takeaways From RFK Jr.’s First Senate Confirmation Hearing

    Kennedy Struggles on Medicare and Medicaid Questions: “President Trump has asked me to make it work better,” Kennedy said. “Most Americans are not happy with it. The premiums are too high, the deductibles are too high, and everybody’s getting sick or too much money is going to the insurance industry.” Democratic Sen. Ben Luján of New Mexico responded by citing statistics from state polling showing high levels of satisfaction with Medicaid.

    • Reuters – Kennedy says he will finalize rules that increase diversity in clinical trials

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the top U.S. health agency, told U.S. senators during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that he would finalize regulations aimed at increasing the participation of diverse patient populations in clinical trials. Asked by Democratic Senator Ben Ray Lujan whether he would commit to finalizing the guidance on clinical trial diversity mandated by Congress, Kennedy replied, “Yes.”

    • The Daily Beast – RFK Jr. Completely Fumbles Basic Facts in Confirmation Hearing

    Kennedy also missed big when Sen. Ben Ray Lujánasked him to estimate how many babies are born in the U.S. each year on Medicaid. Kennedy, after conceding he had no clue, estimated 30 million. That is about eight times more than the overall number of births the U.S. had in total in 2023. About 1.4 million of those were on Medicaid, Luján informed Kennedy.

    Howard Lutnick Confirmation Hearing

    In the nomination hearing for Howard Lutnick to become Secretary of Commerce, Senator Luján questioned Mr. Lutnick on whether he would commit to not cutting funding that has been awarded to connect thousands of New Mexicans to the internet. Despite Mr. Lutnick’s acknowledgement of the importance of broadband buildout, he would not commit to maintaining crucial support for broadband.  

    • NPR – Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary is Howard Lutnick. Here’s what to know

    Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., asked: “If President Trump asks you to cut infrastructure funding as passed by this Congress in a bipartisan way … will you oppose that?” “I work for the president,” Lutnick said.

    • Roll Call – Commerce pick Lutnick defends tariffs, funding freeze

    Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., tried to pin Lutnick down on whether he would withdraw funding allocated by law if Trump asked him to. “I work for the President of the United States, and I’m here to execute his policies,” Lutnick said. “I think he agrees that broadband internet to America is important and that, efficiently, we deliver.” “I’ll slow down — if the President asked you to cut an infrastructure program, would you cut the program?” Luján asked. “We have a responsibility to communicate to each other for the people that we work for, it’s not just that you work for Donald Trump, sir. You work for the American people if you get this position.”

    • Politico – Frustration over Trump funding freeze dominates Lutnick confirmation hearing

    Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) asked him if he’d stop infrastructure money passed by Congress if he was ordered to. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) pressed if he would heed an unconstitutional order from Trump.“We’re asking simple questions. We had an incredible conversation in the office … a very respectful one,” a visibly frustrated Luján said. “It’s not just that you work for Donald Trump. Sir, you work for the American people.”

    Russel Vought’s Chaos and Confusion

    Senator Luján was joined by Budget Committee Ranking Member Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), along with Budget Committee Democrats, to call out the threat of Russell Vought’s nomination to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Russell Vought would add to the Trump administration’s unprecedented chaos and confusion. Reporting shows that he worked behind the scenes to orchestrate the halt to all federal funding including grants and loans, upending trillions of dollars and creating cruel and unnecessary chaos for childcare centers, firefighters, domestic violence shelters, law enforcement, health care providers, seniors and veterans, and American families.

    • Roll Call – Vought nomination advances despite Democrats’ boycott

    Senate Budget Committee Republicans approved Russ Vought’s nomination to serve as President Donald Trump’s budget director on Thursday, overcoming the absence of Democrats on the panel who boycotted the markup.

    • Albuquerque Journal – Senate Democrats boycott Trump’s budget office director pick in wake of attempted funding freeze

    After an attempt this week by President Donald Trump’s budget office to freeze federal funding to determine if it aligned ideologically with his priorities, Senate Democrats, including Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, boycotted a budget committee vote for the president’s budget office pick, Russell Vought. Although the OMB memo has been rescinded, White House officials have said Trump’s executive order related to the Monday memo is still in effect, causing “more confusion, more chaos,” Luján said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dedication of India’s First Ferret Research Facility, Launch of GARBHINI-DRISHTI, & Execution of Technology Transfer Agreement between THSTI and Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd.

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 5:42PM by PIB Delhi

    India’s commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation took a significant leap forward today with the dedication of the nation’s first Ferret Research Facility, the launch of the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository, and the execution of a key technology transfer agreement. The events, held at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, were presided over by Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Director General, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council and Secretary, Department of Biotechnology on 3rd Feb 2025.

    The newly inaugurated THSTI Ferret Research Facility, a state-of-the-art establishment adhering to the highest biosafety and research standards, marks a pivotal moment in India’s fight against infectious and non-communicable diseases. This pioneering facility will serve as a crucial resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and research into emerging infectious diseases, significantly bolstering India’s pandemic preparedness strategy and positioning the nation at the forefront of global scientific endeavors.

    Dr. Gokhale also launched GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, the DBT Data Repository and Information Sharing Hub at THSTI. This groundbreaking platform, developed under the GARBH-INi program, provides access to an unprecedented wealth of clinical data, images, and biospecimens collected from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers. As one of South Asia’s largest maternal and child health databases, GARBH-INi-DRISHTI will empower researchers worldwide to conduct transformative research aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Its foundation lies in collaborative efforts across India’s leading research institutions and hospitals, representing a powerful synergy of expertise.

    Furthering the drive to translate research into tangible benefits, THSTI executed a Technology Transfer Agreement with M/s Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd. This agreement facilitates the commercialization of THSTI’s innovative, genetically defined synthetic microbial consortium, Lactobacillus crispatus. Isolated from the reproductive tracts of women enrolled in the GARBH-INi cohort, this consortium holds immense promise for nutraceutical applications, promoting overall health and well-being through targeted microbiome-based interventions.

    Prof. GanesanKarthikeyan, Executive Director of THSTI, highlighted the institute’s strategic role in shaping India’s biotech ecosystem, emphasizing its contributions to fostering a robust environment for research and commercialization.

    Dr. Gokhale lauded THSTI’s commitment to translational research, recognizing the Ferret Facility as a landmark achievement placing India among select nations with such capabilities. He commended the development of GARBH-INi-DRISHTI, emphasizing its potential to empower researchers nationwide in improving birth outcomes. Dr. Gokhale also underscored the importance of technology transfer agreements in driving the biomanufacturing ecosystem and applauded THSTI’s efforts in forging industry partnerships for commercialization. These combined initiatives represent a powerful confluence of scientific advancement, data-driven research, and industry collaboration, propelling India towards a healthier and more prosperous future.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2099214) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PPP Model in Hotel Management Institutes

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 FEB 2025 4:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism acknowledges the potential of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in addressing skill development challenges in the hospitality sector and has taken the following steps:

    1. The Ministry of Tourism constituted a Task Force comprising of industry leaders and IHM academia to review the courses curriculum of Hospitality Institutes and other matter related to branding and marketing of hospitality courses.
    2. For achieving the objective of developing individuals & professionals who become practitioners of the highest standards of hospitality, service, and care, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) were signed between 21 Central Institute of Hotel Management with 08 leading hospitality groups, these groups included Indian Hotels Company Ltd, IHG Hotels and resorts, Marriott Hotels, Lalit Hotel Group, ITC group of Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels, Apeejay Surender Park Hotels and Radisson Hotel group.

    The industry-academia collaboration is a pilot project with intent to expand it further including more hospitality chains as part of MOU. The MOU includes the component of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives within the institutes.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari 

    E-mail: – tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2099161) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH calls for influenza vaccination as influenza activity increases in Hong Kong and northern hemisphere

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH calls for influenza vaccination as influenza activity increases in Hong Kong and northern hemisphere
    DH calls for influenza vaccination as influenza activity increases in Hong Kong and northern hemisphere
    ******************************************************************************************

         ​The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, today (February 3) reminded members of the public that the seasonal influenza activity in Hong Kong and many other countries and regions in the northern hemisphere remains at a high level. All sectors of the community should heighten their vigilance and enhance personal protection measures against influenza, including receiving seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to protect their health and that of their family members. Those who plan to travel should stay alert to the situation of infectious diseases in their destinations, and observe strict personal and environmental hygiene.           “Hong Kong entered the influenza season in early January. The CHP has recorded 199 adult cases of intensive care unit admissions or deaths due to influenza in the first four weeks, as compared with 127 cases in the same period in the last influenza season. Among them, there were 122 deaths and over 70 per cent of these severe or death cases did not receive SIV. For the deaths, nearly 90 per cent involved persons aged 65 or above. For children, the CHP has recorded nine cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications. Seven of them were unvaccinated,” he said.           Dr Tsui said that as the influenza activity in many parts of the northern hemisphere (including the Mainland, Japan, Korea, as well as Europe and North America) remains at a high level, people who are going to travel should pay attention to the influenza situation at their destinations before departure and take appropriate personal protective measures, including receiving SIV as soon as possible and consider wearing a surgical mask when staying in crowded places. Regardless of whether in Hong Kong or abroad, if people develop respiratory symptoms, even if mild, they should wear surgical masks and seek medical advice promptly.            “With reference to previous surveillance data, virus activity will continue to increase for a period of time after the start of the influenza season before peaking. Currently available data indicate that the influenza activity level is still on the rise. In view of the high levels of influenza activity locally and in the northern hemisphere in the coming weeks, all persons aged 6 months and above (except those with known contraindications) who have not yet received SIV, particularly the elderly and children who have a higher risk of becoming infected with influenza and developing complications, should act immediately to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection,” Dr Tsui said.           As of February 2, a total of about 1 932 000 doses of vaccines were administered under the various vaccination programmes, representing an increase of about 6.4 per cent over the same period last year and an all time high, surpassing the total number of doses administered under the various vaccination programmes in year 2023/24 (i.e. about 1 873 000 doses). The number of schools participating in the SIV School Outreach has also increased significantly this year. About 1 030 kindergartens/child care centres (98 per cent), about 640 primary schools (98 per cent) and about 490 secondary schools (98 per cent) have completed or are arranging the SIV school outreach activities. This is higher than last year’s participation rate (80 per cent of kindergartens/child care centres, 95 per cent of primary schools and 70 per cent of secondary schools). The SIV coverage rate for children aged 6 months to under 2 years remained relatively low at about 21.0 per cent. Although slightly higher than that of the same period a year ago, the coverage rate was still lower than that of other age groups of children. To enhance relevant vaccination services and boost the vaccination rate, the Government has opened the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) to all children aged 6 months to under 2 years. Parents may book an appointment for their children to receive vaccinations at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.           For the latest information, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages. 

     
    Ends/Monday, February 3, 2025Issued at HKT 19:13

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for Hong Kong Marathon 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon West and New Territories South to facilitate the Hong Kong Marathon 2025 on February 9 (Sunday).

    Hong Kong Island
    —————-
     
    A. Road closure and traffic diversions

         The following will be implemented by phases on February 9 until the roads are safe for reopening, except for vehicles with permit:

    Phase I (from 1.15am to about 10.30am)

    Road closure

          Eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between Wan Chai and Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) will be closed, eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between Central and Wan Chai will be reopened at about 1.30pm.

    Traffic diversions

          Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road West flyover heading for eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, eastbound IEC and Eastern Harbour Crossing will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road West at-grade, eastbound Connaught Road Central at-grade, Man Kat Street, Connaught Road Central, Gloucester Road, Victoria Park Road, Gordon Road, Electric Road and Java Road.

    Phase II (from 1.15am to about 1.30pm)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Connaught Road West flyover between Shing Sai Road and Rumsey Street;
    – Man Po Street;
    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Eastbound Lung Wo Road;
    – The slip road from Connaught Road West flyover to Man Po Street;
    – The slip road from Connaught Road West flyover to eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel;
    – The slip road from Man Kat Street to the exit at Wan Chai on eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel;
    – Eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between Central and Wan Chai;
    – The exit at Expo Drive on eastbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel;
    – Expo Drive;
    – Expo Drive Central between westside Expo Drive and eastside Expo Drive;
    – Southbound Expo Drive East; and
    – Northbound Expo Drive East between Expo Drive and the northern cul-de-sac.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Hill Road flyover will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road West at-grade;
    – Traffic along eastbound Shing Sai Road will be diverted via eastbound Connaught Road West;
    – Traffic along Lung Wo Road cannot turn to westbound Yiu Sing Street;
    – Traffic along Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road; and
    – Traffic along Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Yiu Sing Street.

    Phase III (from 1.30am to about 10.30am)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound IEC between Victoria Park Road eastbound and Tung Hei Road slip road; and
    – The slip roads of Hing Fat Street, Man Hong Street and Taikoo Wan Road leading to eastbound IEC.

    Phase IV (from 1.30am to about 11.30am)

    Road closure

    – Westbound IEC between Tung Hei Road slip road and westbound Victoria Park Road;
    – The slip roads of Nam On Street, Chai Wan Road, Tai Hong Street, Oi Shun Road, Hong On Street, Taikoo Wan Road, westbound King’s Road junction with Healthy Street Central, Tong Shui Road and Wharf Road leading to westbound IEC;
    – The slip roads leading from the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing to westbound IEC. The section up between the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing and the down ramp slip road leading to Man Hong Street will be reopened at about 10.30am;
    – Westbound Oi Shun Road between Oi Tak Road and Tai On Street;
    – Westbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel between IEC and Wan Chai; and
    – The slip road leading from Tsing Fung Street vehicular flyover and Hing Fat Street to westbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Victoria Park Road and Hing Fat Street heading for eastbound IEC and Eastern Harbour Crossing will be diverted via Gordon Road, Electric Road and Java Road;
    – Traffic along Java Road and Man Hong Street heading for eastbound IEC and Eastern Harbour Crossing will be diverted via King’s Road;
    – Traffic along Taikoo Wan Road heading for eastbound IEC will be diverted via King’s Road and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along Java Road and eastbound King’s Road can access Eastern Harbour Crossing via Hong On Street;
    – Traffic from the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing heading for eastbound IEC will be diverted via Tai On Street and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound IEC will be diverted via Nam On Lane and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along Nam On Lane and Nam Hong Street heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound Nam On Street, Sun Sing Street and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along Chai Wan Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic diverted to westbound Shau Kei Wan Road can access Eastern Harbour Crossing via Tai Ning Street, Sai Wan Ho Street and Tai Hong Street;
    – Traffic along Tai Hong Street will only be allowed for access to Eastern Harbour Crossing and Lei King Wan. Traffic heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Tai Hong Street, Hong Cheung Street, Tai On Street and Shau Kei Wan Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Oi Shun Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Oi Tak Street, Oi Kan Road, Tai On Street and Oi Shun Street;
    – Traffic along Hong On Street will only be allowed for access to and from Eastern Harbour Crossing. Traffic heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound Hong On Street and King’s Road. Except for vehicles heading for Eastern Harbour Crossing, traffic along Hong Yue Street will be diverted via westbound Hong On Street;
    – Traffic along Taikoo Wan Road slip road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Taikoo Shing Road and King’s Road;
    – Traffic from the exit of Eastern Harbour Crossing heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Man Hong Street and King’s Road (until 4am);
    – Traffic on the slip road at the junction of westbound King’s Road and Healthy Street Central heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound King’s Road;
    – Traffic on the slip road at the junction of westbound King’s Road and Tong Shui Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound King’s Road;
    – Traffic along Tong Shui Road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via Java Road, Kam Hong Street and King’s Road;
    – Traffic along Wharf Road slip road heading for westbound IEC will be diverted via westbound Wharf Road, North Point Road, Java Road, Tong Shui Road and King’s Road; and
    – Traffic along Tsing Fung Street vehicular flyover and northbound Hing Fat Street heading for the slip road of westbound Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel will be diverted via the remaining lanes on Victoria Park Road.

    Phase V (from 3am to about 8.30am)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Harbour Road between Harbour Drive and Tonnochy Road; and
    – Northbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Harbour Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Tonnochy Road flyover will be diverted via westbound Harbour Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Harbour Road will be diverted via northbound Fleming Road; and
    – Traffic leaving from car parks along eastbound Harbour Road will be diverted via westbound Harbour Road.

    Phase VI (from 3am to about 1.30pm)

    Road closure

    – Man Kwong Street;
    – Man Fai Street;
    – The slip road between Rumsey Street and Man Kwong Street;
    – Southbound Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and Lung Wo Road; and
    – Northbound Man Yiu Street between Man Po Street and Man Kwong Street.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Chung Kong Road will be diverted via Connaught Road Central;
    – Traffic along eastbound Connaught Road Central cannot turn left to Man Kwong Street; and
    – Traffic along northbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via westbound Finance Street.

    Phase VII (from 3am to about 2pm)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Hung Hing Road between Expo Drive East and Wan Shing Street;
    – Westbound Hung Hing Road between Wan Shing Street and Tonnochy Road;
    – The fast lane of eastbound Harbour Road between Harbour Drive and Tonnochy Road;
    – The fast lane of northbound Tonnochy Road between Hung Hing Road and Harbour Road;
    – Southbound Tonnochy Road between Harbour Road and Gloucester Road;
    – Marsh Road flyover between Hung Hing Road and Lockhart Road;
    – Northbound Marsh Road between Hung Hing Road and Gloucester Road;
    – Eastbound Lockhart Road between Marsh Road and Percival Street;
    – Southbound Percival Street between Lockhart Road and Hennessy Road;
    – Percival Street (except the middle lane) between Jaffe Road and Lockhart Road;
    – Southbound Canal Road East between Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road;
    – Northbound Canal Road West between Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road;
    – Southbound Marsh Road between Lockhart Road and Jaffe Road;
    – Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road;
    – Eastbound Hennessy Road between Percival Street and Yee Wo Street;
    – Eastbound Yee Wo Street;
    – Sugar Street;
    – Southbound Gloucester Road between Great George Street and Causeway Road. Access to the southbound Tai Hang Road flyover is allowed after 10.45am; and
    – Northbound Gloucester Road between the U-turn slip road beneath Tai Hang Road flyover and Great George Street.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Fleming Road cannot turn right to eastbound Hung Hing Road and will be diverted via southbound Fleming Road or westbound Lung Wo Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Wan Shing Street must turn right to Hung Hing Road flyover;
    – Traffic along northbound Marsh Road will be diverted via Gloucester Road service road or turn to southbound Marsh Road for access to Jaffe Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Lockhart Road will be diverted via northbound Marsh Road at grade;
    – Traffic along eastbound Jaffe Road will be diverted via northbound Percival Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Percival Street will be diverted via eastbound Lockhart Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hennessy Road cannot turn left to Marsh Road;
    – Traffic along Tin Lok Lane cannot go straight to northbound Marsh Road, and must turn left or right to Hennessy Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hennessy Road heading for Causeway Road will be diverted via southbound Percival Street, Leighton Road, Pennington Street and eastbound Yee Wo Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Yee Wo Street cannot turn left to Sugar Street;
    – Traffic along Great George Street heading for southbound Gloucester Road will be diverted via southbound Tai Hang Road floyover; and
    – Traffic along southbound Victoria Park Road flyover will be diverted via Gloucester Road service road. Access to southbound Tai Hang Road flyover is allowed after 10.45am.

    Phase VIII (from 3.45am to about 9am)

    Road closure

    – Hing Fat Street between Causeway Road and Victoria Park Road;
    – Electric Road between Yacht Street and Park Towers;
    – Lau Li Street between Hing Fat Street and Electric Road; and
    – Tsing Fung Street between Hing Fat Street and Electric Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Causeway Road heading for Hing Fat Street will be diverted via eastbound King’s Road;
    – Traffic along westbound King’s Road heading for Hing Fat Street will be diverted via westbound Causeway Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Electric Road must turn left to Yacht Street (except for access to Park Towers);
    – Traffic leaving the Park Towers car park will be diverted via Electric Road and Yacht Street;
    – Traffic on Electric Road heading for Tsing Fung Street will be diverted via Yacht Street; and
    – Traffic along southbound Hing Fat Street must turn left to eastbound Gordon Road.

    Phase IX (from 4am to about 10.45am)

    Road closure

    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Victoria Park Road between the down ramp of westbound IEC and westbound Gloucester Road, except the slow lane leading to Gloucester Road service road and the second slow lane leading to westbound Gloucester Road; and
    – The flyover leading from northbound Gloucester Road to westbound Gloucester Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along Tsing Fung Street flyover will be diverted via the remaining lanes of westbound Victoria Park Road; and
    – Traffic along northbound Gloucester Road flyover heading for westbound Gloucester Road will be diverted via Gloucester Road service road.

    B. Pedestrian precincts

         The commencement time of the following pedestrian precincts will be postponed to 3pm on February 9, or when the major roads on Hong Kong Island are reopened:

    – Pedestrian precinct at Lockhart Road between Cannon Street and East Point Road;
    – East Point Road pedestrian precinct; and
    – Pedestrian precinct at Great George Street between East Point Road and Paterson Street.

    C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
    – 29 parking spaces in Hing Fat Street public car park (metered parking spaces No. 1619 to 1629 and 1641 to 1644) will be suspended from 3pm to 10pm on February 8;
    – All parking spaces in Hing Fat Street public car park will be suspended from 10pm on February 8 to 3pm of the following day, except for disabled parking spaces; and
    – The parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended from 00.01am to 3pm on February 9:
        – Pick-up/drop-off areas at Expo Drive East;
        – Coach parking spaces at Expo Drive;
        – Disabled parking spaces at Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Cannon Street;
        – Motorcycle parking spaces at Marsh Road between Lockhart Road and Hennessy Road;
        – Disabled parking spaces at Gloucester Road near Sugar;
        – Rumsey Street near Rumsey Street Multi-Storey Car Park;
        – Westbound Yiu Sing Street between Lung Wo Road and Man Yiu Street;
        – Goods vehicles parking spaces at westbound Man Kwong Street near Central Ferry Pier No. 3;
        – Goods vehicles parking spaces at westbound Man Kwong Street near Central Ferry Pier No. 8;
        – Disabled parking spaces outside Central Ferry Pier No. 4 and Central Ferry Pier No. 5;
        – Motorcycle parking spaces outside Central Ferry Pier No. 6 and Central Ferry Pier No. 7; and
        – Wan Shing Street opposite to Wanchai Station Building.

    Kowloon
    ——-

    A. Road closure and traffic diversions
     
           The following will be implemented by phases on February 9, until the roads are safe for reopening, except for vehicles with permit:
     
    Phase I (from 00.45am to about 1.15pm)
     
    Road closure

    – Southbound West Kowloon Highway between Mei Ching Road Roundabout and Western Harbour Crossing;
    – The slip road leading from northbound Lin Cheung Road near Civil Aid Service Headquarters to southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – The slip road leading from northbound Nga Cheung Road elevated road to southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – The slip road leading from westbound Jordan Road flyover to southbound Western Harbour Crossing;
    – The slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road near Yau Ma Tei Interchange to southbound West Kowloon Highway; and
    – The slow lane of northbound Lin Cheung Road lowest level underpass between Austin Road West underpass and exit of Lin Cheung Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Lin Cheung Road cannot turn to the slip road leading from northbound Lin Cheung Road near Civil Aid Service Headquarters to southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – Traffic along southbound Lin Cheung Road will be diverted to the slip road heading to Tsim Sha Tsui; and
    – Traffic along eastbound Mei Ching Road cannot turn to the slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road to southbound West Kowloon Highway.

    Phase II (from 1am to about 9am)

    Road closure

    – Eastbound Salisbury Road between Star Ferry Pier and Canton Road; and
    – Westbound Salisbury Road between Star Ferry Pier and Kowloon Park Drive.

    Traffic diversions

         Traffic along westbound Salisbury Road will be diverted via northbound Kowloon Park Drive.

    Phase III (from 1.40am to about 10am)

    Road closure

    – Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Kimberley Road and Middle Road;
    – Westbound Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road;
    – Westbound Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road;
    – Eastbound Cameron Road between Nathan Road and Cameron Lane;
    – Humphreys Avenue;
    – Westbound Carnarvon Road between Nathan Road and Bristol Avenue;
    – Mody Road between Nathan Road and Bristol Avenue;
    – Haiphong Road between Lock Road and Nathan Road;
    – Peking Road between Lock Road and Nathan Road;
    – Middle Road between Hankow Road and Nathan Road; and
    – Westbound Salisbury Road Underpass.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be diverted to eastbound Kimberley Road;
    – Traffic along Salisbury Road cannot turn to northbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Carnarvon Road cannot turn left to westbound Granville Road and westbound Kimberley Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Haiphong Road will be diverted to southbound Lock Road; and
    – Traffic along westbound Salisbury Road cannot enter westbound Salisbury Road Underpass near Chatham Road South.

    Phase IV (from 2.30am to about 10.45am)

    Road closure

    – The slip road leading from eastbound Lai Po Road to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – The slip road leading from westbound Tsing Sha Highway to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Southbound Lin Cheung Road between Lai Po Road and Hoi Fai Road;
    – Southbound Lin Cheung Road between Tonkin Street West and Yau Ma Tei Interchange; and
    – Westbound Yen Chow Street West between Sham Mong Road and Lin Cheung Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along eastbound Lai Po Road cannot turn left to the slip road heading to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Tsing Sha Highway will be diverted to the slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road heading to Cheung Sha Wan;
    – Traffic along eastbound Tonkin Street West cannot turn right to southbound Lin Cheung Road heading to Yau Ma Tei;
    – Traffic along southbound Lin Cheung Road will be diverted to the slip road leading from southbound Lin Cheung Road to Sham Shui Po (near Tonkin Street West);
    – Traffic along westbound Tonkin Street West cannot turn left to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Sham Mong Road cannot turn left to westbound Yen Chow Street West;
    – Traffic along southbound Sham Mong Road cannot turn right to westbound Yen Chow Street West; and
    – Traffic along westbound Yen Chow Street West cannot turn to the slip road leading to southbound Lin Cheung Road.

    Phase V (from 3.30am to about 10.30am)

    Road closure

    – Westbound Argyle Street between Nathan Road and Tong Mi Road, except the following lanes:
         – The first lane of westbound Argyle Street between Portland Street and Shanghai Street;
         – The first lane of westbound Argyle Street between Reclamation Street and Tong Mi Road; and
         – The fifth lane of westbound Argyle Street between Shanghai Street and Reclamation Street.
    – Westbound Cherry Street between Tong Mi Road and Lin Cheung Road, except the following lanes:
         – The first lane of westbound Cherry Street between Tong Mi Road and Hoi Wang Road; and
         – The third and fourth lanes of westbound Cherry Street between Hoi Wang Road and Cherry Street Underpass.
    – Southbound Lin Cheung Road between Hoi Fai Road Roundabout and southbound West Kowloon Highway;
    – Southbound Hong Lok Street between Argyle Street and Fife Street; and
    – Northbound Hoi Wang Road between Hoi Ting Road and Cherry Street.
     
    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along westbound Argyle Street must turn to southbound or northbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along the first lane of westbound Argyle Street must turn left to southbound Shanghai Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Shanghai Street must turn right to the fifth lane of westbound Argyle Street;
    – Traffic along the first lane of westbound Argyle Street must turn left to southbound Tong Mi Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tong Mi Road must turn left to eastbound Argyle Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Reclamation Street must turn left to the first lane of westbound Argyle Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Tong Mi Road must turn left to westbound Cherry Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Cherry Street must turn left to southbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hoi Ting Road cannot turn left to northbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Hoi Ting Road cannot turn right to northbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Hoi Wang Road must turn left to westbound Hoi Ting Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Tai Kok Tsui Road cannot go straight to southbound Hoi Wang Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Cherry Street cannot turn to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Hoi Fai Road cannot turn left to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along Hoi Fai Road Roundabout cannot turn to southbound Lin Cheung Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Hong Lok Street must turn right to westbound Fife Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Tong Mi Road must turn left to eastbound Bute Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Anchor Street must go straight to eastbound Mong Kok Road; and
    – Traffic along southbound Oak Street must turn left to eastbound Anchor Street.

    Phase VI (from 3.45am to about 9.15am)

    Road closure

    – The fast lane of northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Peking Road and Middle Road;
    – Ashley Road;
    – Hankow Road;
    – Lock Road;
    – Haiphong Road between Canton Road and Lock Road;
    – Ichang Street;
    – Peking Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Lock Road;
    – Middle Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Hankow Road;
    – Southbound Nathan Road between Salisbury Road and Middle Road; and
    – Middle Road between Nathan Road and Salisbury Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along southbound Canton Road cannot turn left to eastbound Haiphong Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road cannot turn left to northbound Hankow Road and northbound Middle Road; and
    – Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to eastbound Peking Road.

    Phase VII (from 4.15am to about 10am)

    Road closure

    – Southbound Nathan Road between Gascoigne Road and Kimberley Road;
    – Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Argyle Street;
    – Eastbound Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road;
    – Eastbound Austin Road between Pilkem Street and Cox’s Road;
    – Westbound Austin Road between Cox’s Road and Nathan Road;
    – Hillwood Road;
    – Pine Tree Hill Road;
    – Tak Shing Street between Nathan Road and Tak Hing Street;
    – Tak Hing Street;
    – Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;
    – Westbound Jordan Road between Cox’s Road and Pilkem Street;
    – Eastbound Jordan Road between Parkes Street and Chi Wo Street;
    – Chi Wo Street between Gascoigne Road and Nanking Street;
    – Ning Po Street between Parkes Street and Chi Wo Street;
    – Mau Lam Street;
    – Eastbound Pak Hoi Street between Woosung Street and Nathan Road;
    – Westbound Pak Hoi Street between Chi Wo Street and Nathan Road;
    – Kansu Street between Nathan Road and Temple Street;
    – Westbound Gascoigne Road between Jordan Road and Nathan Road;
    – Public Square Street between Nathan Road and Arthur Street;
    – Wing Sing Lane between Arthur Street and Nathan Road;
    – Man Ming Lane between Nathan Road and Arthur Street;
    – Eastbound Waterloo Road between Portland Street and Nathan Road;
    – Hamilton Street between Portland Street and Nathan Road;
    – Dundas Street between Portland Street and Nathan Road; and
    – Changsha Street between Portland Street and Nathan Road.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic along northbound Carnarvon Road must turn right to eastbound Kimberley Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Austin Road must turn right to northbound Cox’s Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Austin Road must turn left to northbound Pilkem Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Cox’s Road must turn left to eastbound Austin Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Cox’s Road must turn right to eastbound Jordan Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Jordan Road must turn left to southbound Cox’s Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Jordan Road must turn left to northbound Parkes Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Parkes Street cannot turn right to eastbound Ning Po Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Pak Hoi Street must turn right to southbound Woosung Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Woosung Street cannot turn left to Pak Hoi Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Gascoigne Road must turn left to southbound Cox’s Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Queen Elizabeth Hospital Road cannot turn right to westbound Gascoigne Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn left to eastbound Gascoigne Road;
    – Arthur Street between Public Square Street and Wing Sing Lane will be re-routed one-way southbound;
    – Traffic along Arthur Street must turn right to westbound Public Square Street;
    – Traffic along southbound Arthur Street cannot turn left to eastbound Wing Sing Lane;
    – Traffic along westbound Waterloo Road must turn left to southbound Nathan Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Waterloo Road must turn left to Portland Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Hamilton Street must turn left to northbound Portland Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Portland Street cannot turn right to eastbound Hamilton Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Dundas Street must turn left to northbound Portland Street;
    – Traffic along northbound Portland Street cannot turn right to eastbound Dundas Street; and
    – Traffic along northbound Portland Street cannot turn right to eastbound Changsha Street.

    B. Suspension of on-street parking spaces

    – The on-street parking spaces at Kimberley Road between Carnarvon Road and Observatory Road will be suspended from 00.01am to 10am on February 9; and
    –  The on-street parking spaces at Arthur Street between Wing Sing Lane and Public Square Street will be suspended from 00.01am to 10am on February 9.

    C. Temporary closure of Western Harbour Crossing (Hong Kong bound tube)

         The Hong Kong bound tube of the Western Harbour Crossing will be closed from 00.45am to about 1.15pm on February 9, or until the reopening of all connecting roads after the marathon. The Kowloon bound tube will maintain open to normal traffic.

    New Territories
    —————

        The following will be implemented by phases between February 8 and 9, until the roads are safe for reopening, except for vehicles with permit:

    Phase I (from 11.30pm on February 8 to 1.15pm of the following day)

         The slip road leading from Tuen Mun Road to southbound Ting Kau Bridge will be closed.

    Phase II (from 11.45pm on February 8 to 1.15pm of the following day)

    Road closure

    – Southbound carriageways of Tsing Kwai Highway, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Cheung Tsing Highway and Ting Kau Bridge;
    – All exits from Lantau Link to southbound Cheung Tsing Highway;
    – The slip road leading from Tsing Yi South Bridge, Kwai Chung Road and Tsuen Wan Road to southbound Tsing Kwai Highway;
    – Eastbound carriageways of Tsing Sha Highway between the access road of Cheung Tsing Tunnel and West Kowloon Highway, Stonecutters Bridge and Nam Wan Tunnel;
    – The slip road leading from Tsing Yi Hong Wan Road to eastbound Stonecutters Bridge;
    – The slip road leading from Container Port Road South to eastbound Tsing Sha Highway (Ngong Shuen Chau Viaduct);
    – The slip road from Mei Ching Road leading to southbound West Kowloon Highway, except for vehicles leaving Container Port via Roundabout 6 to Mei Ching Road and Tsing Kwai Highway (New Territories bound);
    – The North West Tsing Yi Interchange U-turn slip road leading from eastbound Tsing Yi North Coastal Road to westbound Tsing Yi North Coastal Road; and
    – The slip road leading from southbound Cheung Tsing Highway to Tsing Yi Road West.

    Traffic diversions

    – Traffic from Lantau to Kowloon will be diverted via North West Tsing Yi Interchange, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road;
    – Traffic from Ma Wan to Kowloon will be diverted via North West Tsing Yi Interchange, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road;
    – Traffic from Tuen Mun Road and Tai Lam Tunnel intending to use Ting Kau Bridge to go to the Airport, Lantau and Ma Wan will be diverted via Tuen Mun Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Tsuen Tsing Interchange, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsing Yi North Coastal Road and the slip road leading to Lantau Link before reaching Lantau Link (airport bound);
    – Traffic from Tuen Mun Road and Tai Lam Tunnel intending to use Ting Kau Bridge to go to Kowloon will be diverted via Tuen Mun Road, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road;
    – Traffic from Tsing Yi South intending to use Tsing Sha Highway to go to Kowloon will be diverted via Tsing Yi Road, Kwai Tsing Road, Kwai Tsing Interchange, Tsuen Wan Road, Kwai Chung Road, Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road; and
    – Traffic from Kwai Chung Container Port intending to use Tsing Sha Highway to go to Kowloon will be diverted via Container Port Road South, Hing Wah Street West and Lai Po Road.

         The above measures will not affect traffic from Kowloon or New Territories East via Route 3 or Route 8 to destinations including the Airport, Lantau, Ma Wan and New Territories West.

         All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

         Depending on the actual traffic and crowd conditions, appropriate traffic arrangements and crowd safety management measures will be implemented. Members of the public are advised to use public transport to visit the above areas and exercise tolerance and patience, and to take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness Common Good Fund awards for Inverness BID projects

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Inverness Councillors have reinforced The Highland Council’s partnership working with Inverness BID by approving Inverness Common Good Funding to the organisation for a range of projects.

    At the City of Inverness Area Committee today, Members approved 6 grant applications to Inverness BID from the Inverness Common Good Fund 2025/26 budget.

    The six projects that were awarded funding are:

    • City of Inverness Annual Floral Displays 2025 – £54,272
    • Wider City of Inverness Annual Floral Displays 2025 – £22,872
    • Operation Respect Easter/Summer/Autumn 2025 – £14,804
    • Safe Inverness Project 2025/26 – £10,750
    • Coach and Visitor Ambassador Project 2025 – £23,847
    • Inverness Gull Project 2025 – £16,798

    Regarding the application for City of Inverness Annual Floral Displays, Members agreed to move 6 of the hanging basket locations from Bridge Street to outside the Victorian Market.

    Members were informed that a site visit to the Bught Nursery is being arranged this May to view the works of the Grow Project and High Life Highland that currently deliver the annual city floral displays.

    Following a motion from the Committee Chair, Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Ian Brown, the Committee voted to award the 2025 Inverness Gull Project the full application sum of £27,050 (which includes £9,663 granted exceptionally from this year’s 2024/25 budget). and to:

    • acknowledge the commitments made by the Council, Inverness BID, and the city’s population, to limit the problems caused by the growing and increasingly aggressive bird population.
    • recognise the overall vulnerability of several natural bird species, the expectations placed on NatureScot in its conservation goals, and the consequent reduction in granting licence applications for egg and nest removal.
    • support the range of preventative and non-lethal measures proposed, and would also seek to maintain egg and nest removal.
    • urge NatureScot to expedite the licensing process, working closely with Inverness BID and local conservation groups.
    • write to the Minister responsible to highlight the situation here with the purpose of creating more constructive relations with NatureScot
    • seek to enhance community involvement, and to increase public awareness through educational campaigns, events, and local partnerships, highlighting the programme’s environmental and community benefits.
    • Implement with partners a regular monitoring system to track the programme’s success, identifying the positive impacts for future support.

    Another meeting to discuss Gulls in the City of Inverness and Area will be arranged for a future date.

    3 Feb 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – “In Bukavu, young people are joining self-defense militias”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “The situation in Bukavu is calm at the moment, but young people are flocking en masse to the recruitment centers of the self-defense groups of the so-called ‘Wazalendo’ militias,” report Fides sources from the capital of the Congolese province of South Kivu, which is now also threatened by the advance of the rebel movement M23, after it has already taken Goma (capital of the province of North Kivu).”The M23 seems to have stopped its advance on Bukavu,” say the observers. “So we are living from day to day without really knowing what to expect. The army has also launched a campaign to recruit civilians to join self-defense groups. Many young people have answered the call of the authorities and are now strengthening the ranks of the so-called ‘Wazalendo’ militias.” The observers report that “life is slowly recovering in Goma too. Electricity has returned to some neighborhoods and, since yesterday evening, internet connections have also been restored. Schools have reopened today, at least those that were not intended to accommodate displaced people.” “As for the displaced people, the various refugee camps around the city have meanwhile been dismantled; those who were able to do so have returned to their places of origin; the others have been forced to take shelter in schools and other public buildings,” the observers continue.According to the Congolese Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), the health situation in the city is very serious. “Several health facilities are working beyond their capacity: there is a lack of beds, medicines, medical equipment, emergency kits, blood donations, fuel, surgical supplies and other equipment,” says a report dated January 30, sent to Fides. “The morgues are overflowing (more than 770 lifeless bodies have already been collected, others are still scattered in the streets of the unsafe districts and are in an advanced stage of decomposition)”. According to the report, 2,800 injured people are in the city’s hospitals. Many of the injured remain at home without adequate medical care, while the risk of epidemics remains high.At the political level, the Heads of State of the member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to continue to support the Democratic Republic of Congo in its efforts to preserve its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity” at the end of their extraordinary summit on 31 January in Harare (Zimbabwe). There is therefore a fear that the conflict will expand into a confrontation that goes beyond the Great Lakes region, as the President of Burundi explained in a video published on his YouTube channel: “If there is no peace in eastern Congo, there will be no peace in the region. The conflict does not only affect Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, but the entire region”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 3/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 4, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Legacy of MLK Jr. Carried On at UConn Health’s Inaugural Service and Advocacy Summit

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On Jan. 30 the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated at the first Service and Advocacy Summit at UConn Health.

    The summit’s keynote speaker was Linda Sprague Martinez, Ph.D., director of the Health Disparities Institute.

    She kicked off her address with the famous words of MLK: “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman.”

    “We see inequities in health care and in health outcomes across a spectrum of chronic conditions,” she stressed in her address to faculty, students, and staff about the benefits of “Community Based Participatory Research Advancing Health Equity.”

    “Participatory research is a collaborative approach to research,” she says. “Advancing health equity requires conducting research with the community. Working in partnership facilitates an environment in which we are co-learning.”

    She adds, “People in the community know what they need to be healthy,” and recommends research priorities originate in the community, building trust relationships with the community members, and then co-designing research protocols based on community identified priorities.

    “If we are not translating knowledge generated in community settings in partnership with community members, we are not going to bring about meaningful change,” reports Sprague Martinez.

    Student showcase on Jan. 30 (UConn Health Photo/Tina Encarnacion).

    As a strong example of participatory research, Sprague Martinez shared how her UConn Health Disparities Institute is collaborating with the state of Connecticut’s Commission on Racial Equity for Public Health to launch a community-based research project recruiting citizens from across the state as community research advisors and faculty to advance health equity.

    Sprague Martinez serves UConn School of Medicine as professor in the Department of Medicine and Department of Public Health Sciences, and faculty affiliate at UConn School of Social Work.

    At the event student organization’s such as UConn School of Pharmacy Diversity Committee, Pathway Scholars Foundation, Student National Medical Assoc (SNMA), Latin Medical Student Assoc (LMSA), Medial Students for Choice (MSFC), and the Student Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee (SDEIC) also showcased their community outreach efforts.

    Class of 2027 medical student Uma Mehta was one of the student organizers of MLK Week, along with Cailyn Regan and Jenn Casparino, and attended the Summit’s student showcase.

    Medical student Uma Mehta visiting the LMSA table at the MLK Week student showcase.

    “When I think of MLK I envision hope, symbols of resistance, and expression of ideals,” shared Mehta. “For our patients things are at times uncertain, especially after a diagnosis. But as providers we can help give them a sense of hope, autonomy, and power over their diagnosis. This can be really helpful, healing, and powerful.”

    MLK week festivities also celebrated the health care disparities research of medical and dental students in a research poster showcase outside the Academic Rotunda lobby.

    All medical students are required as part the curriculum to complete a Public Health Certificate in Social Determinants of Health and Disparities. In fact, UConn medical school was the first in the nation to require students to complete a certificate curriculum in social determinants of health.

    Final projects for the second-year students were displayed in the Rotunda Lobby for over a week with live poster session presentations.

    Medical student Uma Mehta also had the opportunity to share her student research team project to School of Medicine Dean Dr. Bruce T. Liang.

    For example, Joseph Chopra of Bedford, New Hampshire is a second-year medical student. He presented his research team’s project focused on solving the issues of the underserved COPD population in Connecticut’s census. His research team is proposing a community-driven initiative and inexpensive intervention tool to improve indoor air quality thru DIY air filters.

    “Our COPD populations are underserved. COPD is associated with more sickness and poorer outcomes overall. COPD leads to worse outcomes for older people too,” said Chopra. “We wanted to find an intervention that helped.”

    Chopra has been inspired by MLK’s legacy and also the community outreach efforts he has witnessed while in medical school at UConn.

    Second-year UConn medical student Joseph Chopra presenting his student team’s poster on COPD and how to help the underserved community with its health disparities.

    “I have found a lot of inspiration from the people inside the community. Community outreach is very important and its wonderful to have the opportunity to learn from them about health disparities,” he says.

    Second-year medical students Samantha Mae Mallari of Milford and Ethan Knapp of Ridgefield were presenting their research project for their student team.

    It was about “Evidence-Based Strategies to Address Coronary Heart Disease in Norwalk, CT” and how a soda tax, produce prescription program, and Farmer’s Market could potentially lead to a healthier city.

    “Coronary artery disease and diabetes are big issues and we need to address their root causes,” shared Knapp. “We need to focus on diet.”

    They have both really enjoyed UConn School of Medicine’s teachings about health disparities and the certificate program.

    Second-year medical students (both right) Ethan Knapp and Samantha Mae Mallari presenting their student team research outside the Academic Rotunda on Jan. 30.

    “It’s a good way to teach us all the social factors that go into medicine, and for a well-rounded curriculum,” says Knapp. “A lot of our medical school graduates stay in Connecticut to serve underserved populations, so it’s good for us to learn how to address all their social determinants of health.”

    Mallari concludes, “We have MLK Day, but we should be thinking about health disparities always, especially in the medical field.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 4, 2025
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