NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Urgent Debates Declined — Heated Tobacco Products—Excise Tax Cuts – 001416

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    URGENT DEBATES DECLINED

    Heated Tobacco Products—Excise Tax Cuts

    SPEAKER: Members, I have received a letter from the Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall seeking to debate under Standing Order 399 the decision of the Associate Minister of Health to overrule official advice regarding excise tax cuts for heated tobacco products in favour of independent advice. This is a case of recent occurrence for which there is ministerial responsibility. However, the matter does not appear to be urgent enough to warrant setting aside the business of the House. The application is declined.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ATF Assembles Federal Law Enforcement Teams; Provides Emergency Support for Hurricanes Helene, Milton

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    WASHINGTON – The federal government’s Emergency Support Function #13 (ESF #13) was activated to provide federal public safety and security assistance in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. ESF #13 is managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on behalf of the Department of Justice.

    On Oct. 5, ESF #13 was activated to provide force protection for ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams and ESF #8 Public Health and Medical Services missions following Hurricane Milton. ESF #13 is also positioned to provide direct federal assistance to Florida if needed. Since arriving in Florida, ESF #13 has:

    • Pre-staged 34 Law Enforcement Strike Teams (LEST) comprised of more than 440 federal law enforcement officers (FLEO) from 12 separate federal agencies, including ATF, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Air Marshals (FAMS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). It is anticipated that more FLEOs will be requested to assist with response efforts.
    • Staged resources to provide law enforcement and security support for 22 US&R teams and two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT).

    On Sept. 24, ESF #13 was activated for Hurricane Helene to the southeastern part of the United States.

    At its peak, ESF #13:

    • Deployed more than 30 federal LESTs consisting of 400+ FLEOs from 15 federal law enforcement agencies, included ATF, DEA, FBI, USMS, BOP, CBP, BLM, USFWS, CGIS, Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID), Department of Transportation OIG (DOT-OIG), U.S. Treasury Inspector General (TIGTA), Health and Human Services OIG (HHS-OIG), FAMS, and IRS.
    • Deployed to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina for Helene recovery support.
    • Supported approximately 30 federal US&R teams from Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, California, Texas, Indiana, Missouri, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.
    • Deployed more than 40 K-9s to assist in searches.
    • Supported four Health and Medical Task Forces (HMTF) and DMATs in the Western North Carolina area.
    • Deployed approximately 10 peer support personnel from ATF and USMS.

    The federal government’s disaster response includes 15 Emergency Support Functions. ESF #13 coordinates the federal law enforcement response to any disaster requiring the federal whole-of-government response. In Feb. 2006, the Department of Justice was designated the ESF #13 coordinating department. In October 2008, ATF was assigned as the lead coordinating agency for ESF #13 on behalf of DOJ.

    [1:01 PM] Herman, Cara A. (ATF) ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement and security support to FEMA’s ESF #9 Urban Search and Rescue teams.

    ATF teams up with multiple agencies to stage resources to provide law enforcement
    and security support to ESF #9 Federal Urban Search and Rescue teams.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for Federal Urban Search
    and Rescue teams following Hurricane Milton.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 provides force protection for aUrban Search and Rescue
    team in the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    ESF #13 continues to provide force protection for Urban Search
    and Rescue teams as they use drones to look for victims across
    the southeastern part of the U.S. following Hurricane Helene.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Reforestation Underway on NSA Washington’s East Campus

    Source: National Security Agency NSA

    As construction continues on NSA/CSS Washington’s (NSAW) East Campus, hundreds of native trees have been planted as part of the agency’s reforestation effort.

    Reforestation is the process of planting new trees in areas that have been disturbed by construction, or where there were few trees initially. The construction of East Campus required the removal of many trees that had been part of the site, in order to construct the utility infrastructure, as well as the new buildings on site.

    This reforestation effort is driven by NSA’s Environmental Management System Policy, which states that the Agency is committed to the establishment and maintenance of world-class environmental, safety, and occupational health programs, and that these programs are designed to protect the environment and health of the workforce, customers, and communities.

    “We believe it is important to be a good neighbor, so we worked to incorporate the requirements of the Fort Meade forest policy into our site layout and construction,” said Matthew Boren, chief of the Military Construction (MILCON) office within NSA’s Installation and Logistics (I&L) organization.

    Reforestation has benefits to both the environment and to the workforce.

    Environmentally, it improves and expands the natural habitat of birds and animals. A large portion of the reforestation occurred along the Midway Branch, where the reforestation trees expand the stream buffer and ensure that development does not encroach on the stream. Additionally, the trees help reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from the site, as well as improve the quality of stormwater that does leave. In turn, that protects the Little Patuxent and the Chesapeake Bay and the quality of those waters.

    Reforestation replants trees in a more natural environment and in larger numbers. This is different from landscape trees, which are standalone and singular in nature and do not provide the same habitat features, or quantity of stormwater support.

    To grow these reforestation areas, MILCON office partners with Occupational Health and Well-Being Services to enhance the NSAW campus, adding shade, storm water management, and improving the well-being of the workforce by creating a more relaxed atmosphere, according to Williams.

    Both the reforestation areas and landscape trees require care and maintenance, from normal mulching to evaluation by an arborist. Whether it is a new tree that does not thrive or an established tree that is causing issues for the surrounding forestation, they may need to be trimmed or replaced.

    I&L tries to plant a new tree somewhere close to the original spot, but in a better location, whenever one is removed.

    “Our goal is to be a great place for the next generations of Agency employees,” Boren added.

    Interested in learning more about joining NSA’s mission? Visit NSA.gov/Careers for more information. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hezbollah says clashing with Israeli forces in S. Lebanon

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hezbollah said Monday that it clashed or has been clashing with Israeli forces in several border villages in southern Lebanon.

    “The Islamic Resistance fighters remain engaged in violent clashes with the Israeli enemy forces since afternoon in the village of Aita al-Shaab, using various types of machine guns, rockets, and artillery shells. The clashes are still ongoing,” it said in a statement.

    The Shiite group announced later in another statement targeting with guided missiles three Israeli Merkava tanks on the outskirts of Aita al-Shaab, saying, “The tanks were seen burning with those inside them, with flames rising from them.”

    In other separate statements, the group said it had confronted Israeli forces attempting to infiltrate the outskirts of the village of Markaba, the Labbouneh axis, and the plain of Khallet Wardeh in southern Lebanon.

    It also claimed to have fired rockets at several military bases, barracks, and settlements in northern and central Israel, including Haifa, Netanya, and Karmiel, among others.

    Meanwhile, the Lebanese army reported Monday that it monitored in the afternoon the launch of several drones and about 100 surface-to-surface missiles from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel.

    Lebanese military sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes on Monday carried out about 25 raids on southern Lebanon and 18 more in eastern Lebanon.

    Also on Monday, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Israeli airstrikes killed three people and injured 84 others across Lebanon on Sunday, bringing the death toll since the beginning of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict on Oct. 8, 2023, to 2,309 and injuries to 10,782.

    Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been launching an unprecedented, intensive air attack on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah. In early October, the army began what it said was a “limited” ground campaign, targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Speakers, vacuums, doorbells and fridges – the government plans to make your ‘smart things’ more secure

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Abu Barkat ullah, Associate Professor of Cyber Security, University of Canberra

    gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    The Australian government has introduced its first-ever standalone cyber security act. Along with two other cyber security bills, it’s currently being reviewed by a parliamentary committee.

    Among the act’s many provisions are mandatory “minimum cyber security standards for smart devices”.

    This marks a crucial step in defending the digital lives of Australians. So what devices would it apply to? And what can you do right now to protect your smart devices from cyber criminals?

    Smart devices are everywhere

    The new legislation aims to cover a wide range of smart devices – products that can connect to the internet in some way.

    This includes “internet-connectable” products – think smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs and gaming consoles. It also includes indirect “network-connectable” products, which can send and receive data. This means things like smart home devices and appliances, wearables (smart watches, fitness trackers), smart vacuums and many more.

    Simple electronic devices that don’t connect to the internet or can’t store or process sensitive data are not included.

    According to one study, 7.6 million Australian households – more than 70% – had at least one smart home device by the end of 2023, and 3 million of those households had more than five.

    To work as well as they do, smart devices typically collect, store and share data. This can include sensitive personal information, health data and geo-location data, making them attractive targets for cyber criminals.

    A notorious example is the Mirai botnet in 2016, when cyber criminals infected more than 600,000 devices such as cameras, home routers, and video players globally to use them in massively disruptive network attacks, known as a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS).

    Even implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, can have security flaws that could be exploited.

    Just last week, the ABC reported that one of the world’s largest home robotics companies has failed to address security issues in its robot vacuums despite warnings from the previous year.

    The consequences of such vulnerabilities can be even more dangerous when smart devices are part of critical infrastructure. As these devices become more interconnected, a breach in one can compromise entire networks, amplifying the security risks.

    What will be the ‘minimum’ security standards?

    The new cyber security act provides for “mandatory security standards” for smart devices. It establishes the legal framework for enforcing these standards, but doesn’t explicitly outline the technical details smart devices must meet. In the past the Department of Home Affairs has suggested that Australia consider adopting an international security standard, such as ETSI EN 303 645.

    The bill’s focus is on securing connected devices to protect users from internet-based threats, vulnerabilities and risks.

    In practice, this means manufacturers will have to ensure their products meet these minimum security standards and provide a statement of compliance. And suppliers will have to include statements of compliance with the product, and will be forbidden from selling non-compliant products.

    All this will be enforced through the Secretary of Home Affairs, who can issue compliance, stop, or recall notices for violations of these rules.

    You can do your bit to stay safe

    The proposed cyber security act is a significant step forward in protecting Australians from the growing threat of cyber attacks on smart devices.

    But this may only apply to new devices or ones still receiving updates from manufacturers. Exact details on how the legislation will apply to existing devices will be determined by the government agency responsible for its implementation.

    “Legacy” devices with outdated software – older products that are no longer supported and don’t receive the latest security patches – are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks.

    While the government works on introducing the new cyber security laws, there are several things you can do to protect your smart devices:

    • set up a strong wifi password to prevent unauthorised access to your home network
    • create a dedicated, more secure wifi network for smart home devices
    • always install security patches and updates promptly
    • create unique and complex passwords for each account
    • where possible, use two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security
    • disable unnecessary features or permissions, and be mindful of the information you share with apps and devices
    • make sure you understand how your data is collected and used by apps and devices.

    By mandating minimum cyber security standards and providing for effective enforcement mechanisms, Australia’s new cyber security act will help keep consumer devices safer.

    However, it’s important to note that as technology continues to evolve rapidly, the cyber crime ecosystem is also expanding. The global cost of cyber crime is projected to reach US$9.5 trillion in 2024.

    Given the dynamic nature of cyber threats, relying solely on standards may not be sufficient to address all potential risks. New vulnerabilities are discovered regularly, and it’s essential for every one of us to remain vigilant and practice good cyber hygiene by following the tips above.

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

    – ref. Speakers, vacuums, doorbells and fridges – the government plans to make your ‘smart things’ more secure – https://theconversation.com/speakers-vacuums-doorbells-and-fridges-the-government-plans-to-make-your-smart-things-more-secure-241057

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global partnerships to foster Singapore Project RESET against cardiovascular diseases, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Global partnerships to foster Singapore Project RESET against cardiovascular diseases, says GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    Given the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) among Singapore’s aging population, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Medicine has taken proactive steps with initiatives such as MOMENTUM-CVD and Project RESET to develop preventive measures. International collaborations are expected to strengthen these efforts, considerably advancing cardiovascular research in the country, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Agilent Technologies Inc. has recently formed a strategic partnership with the NUS, through NUS Medicine, to establish a Center of Excellence in Cell Metabolism. This collaboration aims to advance research in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases over the next four years.

    Shreya Jain, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Global collaborations such as Duke-NUS partnership and Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases are significantly advancing Singapore’s initiatives for CVD research and prevention by providing access to international expertise, technology, and funding. Partnerships with global leaders such as Agilent Technologies and academic institutions are likely to further enhance the country’s capabilities in developing innovative solutions for CVDs.”

    Agilent’s integrated metabolic and cellular phenotyping platforms such as xCELLigence, Seahorse XF, and BioTek technologies are said to offer multimodal workflow solution, enabling cell studies at exceptional speed and scale. Such combinations will facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic targets and cardio-liver-metabolic biomarkers to prevent CVDs.

    Jain concludes: “By developing innovative, preventative healthcare strategies and enhancing local expertise in cardiovascular research, Singapore aims to reduce healthcare costs associated with CVDs. Furthermore, international collaborations will elevate Singapore’s status as a hub for biomedical research, attracting investment, talent, and boosting the local economy over time.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Inquiries – Auditor General inquiry into Oranga Tamariki welcomed, but must go wider – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Auditor General’s inquiry into Oranga Tamariki’s cuts to funding community services must go further with the axe hanging over social service providers funded by other government agencies.
    “The inquiry is welcome as this was a botched and heartless process which impacted critical support for children, flying in the face of the Government’s promise that its cuts would not hit the frontline,” said Melissa Woolley, Assistant Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “Oranga Tamariki was blind to the damage inflicted on tamariki, rangatahi and whānau from this rushed cut to contracts. In many cases there was no evidence to justify contracts being axed or funding being reduced.
    “Oranga Tamariki failed to communicate with providers, many of which had built up services over many years. There was little warning, and they had salt rubbed into their wounds by the Minister for Children, claiming many were abusing the funds, labelling Oranga Tamariki a ‘cash cow’ for them. They deserved better.”
    The sudden and deep cuts left many of those providing the services scrambling to make ends meet, resulting in job losses and the loss of critical support for many.
    “Many of our members including social workers now face losing their jobs, or hours being cut, and at a time of a cost-of-living crisis, many were already struggling to make ends meet.
    “These workers take pride in the difference they make to lives of the young every day. They care deeply about the children and whānau in their care. They too deserved better.
    “The Government’s drive to cut spending is impacting the whole funded sector – other community providers supporting various social services receive funding from agencies like the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Health. We know many are facing cuts which we believe are poorly thought through just like Oranga Tamariki.
    “The PSA urges the Auditor General to expand the scope if his inquiry before more damage is inflicted on providers and their workers who are doing the mahi to improve the health and wellbeing of so many in our community.
    “The blame must ultimately be sheeted home to the Government which has embarked on this cost cutting campaign with little regard to the consequences,” said Melissa Woolley.
    Other recent PSA releases on this issue:
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Final practise run at Ara for Global Chef competition

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    It’s 20 years since Southland’s Cameron Davies graduated with his cookery qualification from what is now Ara Institute of Canterbury. But last week he was back on campus cooking up a storm enroute to the prestigious Global Chef competition in Singapore.
    It was the final rehearsal for the Ara “dream team” made up of Davies, recent graduate Quinn Ojala and Ara tutor Mark Sycamore as coach. They worked under competition conditions to prepare 12 portions of the set menu (four courses) twice over three days. Each run through a seven-hour marathon effort.
    Now owner of the famed Fat Duck restaurant in Te Anau, it’s been a long haul for Davies and his team involving several rounds of qualifying, then test runs in training kitchens in Christchurch and Invercargill, spending hours getting to the point of perfection.
    “I’m excited. The final test runs have gone extremely well here at Ara. I’m privileged to represent New Zealand and now I can’t wait,” Davies said.
    The competition will see 16 international chefs cook four courses over seven hours with 20 judges constantly roaming by their benches, scrutinising their every move.
    Davies will be assisted by Ojala, an exceptional young chef currently working at Christchurch’s Inati restaurant and winner of Outstanding Emerging Chef at the recent Christchurch Hospitality awards.
    “I’m just incredibly excited. This will be an amazing experience on my chef’s journey,” Ojala said. 
    Sycamore, former NZ Chef of the Year is one of the very few New Zealanders to claim a spot in the famed Global Chef Challenge. He was impressed by what he saw in the Ara kitchen and said the team was ready for the pressure of international competition.
    “It can come down to tiny margins with mere points in it as 48 plates of food are prepared,” Sycamore said. “Just 60 percent of the marking is on food, forty percent of the mark is based on how they are in the kitchen, their set up, preparation, how they interact and their technique.”
    The competition menu is strictly set but Davies is getting as much “Kiwi” in there as he can including green lipped mussels, seaweed, New Zealand black garlic, mushrooms, clover honey, as well as Southland beetroot and hazelnuts.
    His own tutor, David Spice, who still wears a white coat at Ara, couldn’t resist keeping an eye on the final cook. Invited to dine at one of the rehearsals, Spice remembered Davies as a student “who had that drive to go a little bit further”.
    Singapore’s a long way from the Sheffield A&P show where Davies first entered competition cooking – winning awards with his grandmother’s jam recipes – but he says he’s ready for the international stage and grateful for his training and support from Ara.
    “I had amazing tutelage and amazing chefs around me when I was learning. Now having Quinn here alongside me and Mark in our team it almost feels like coming full circle,” Davies said.
    Twenty years since he honed his craft, Davies will be doing his all to taste success in Singapore on October 24.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Csongrád-Csanád County in Hungary suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 15) that in view of a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Csongrád-Csanád County in Hungary, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Hungary for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 40 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Hungary in the first six months of this year. 

         “The CFS has contacted the Hungarian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Urgent action needed as governments and donors fail children with tuberculosis

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • A new report released today shows that children are being left behind in the global fight to end tuberculosis.
    • Surveying tuberculosis policies from 14 countries, MSF found many countries are behind on the latest guidelines and policies from the WHO.
    • MSF urges all countries to update their national guidelines.

    Geneva- A new report released today by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), shows that children with tuberculosis continue to be left behind in the global effort to end the disease. The report, TACTIC: Test, Avoid, Cure Tuberculosis in Children, surveyed tuberculosis policy guidelines in 14 countriesAfghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, India, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Republic of South Sudan, Uganda.  with a high burden of tuberculosis, revealing that many countries lag behind in aligning their national tuberculosis policies with the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    We urge all countries to update their national guidelines to be in line with the WHO recommendations for the care of children with tuberculosis, and to allocate the needed resources—along with developing clear plans with timelines to implement the policies and increase access to tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the children with tuberculosis in the country. International donors and technical support agencies must provide sufficient funding to countries to support paediatric tuberculosis policy reforms and implementation.

    “Tuberculosis is curable, also in children. The WHO has updated policies to guide countries in providing the best possible care to children with tuberculosis, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases,” says Stijn Deborggraeve, diagnostics advisor at MSF’s Access Campaign. “Yet countries are lagging behind in adopting and implementing these solutions for testing, preventing, and treating tuberculosis in children. We urge countries, donors and technical agencies to put an end to this deadly status quo and step up their efforts to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in children. We can no longer afford inaction—every delay means that more children die unnecessarily.”

    Of the 14 policy indicators measured in our report, only one country’s policies are fully aligned with WHO guidance, while seven countries have more than 80% alignment, and four countries still fall below 50% alignment. The largest gaps were found in policies related to diagnosing tuberculosis in children. For example, only 5 out of 14 countries have adapted their guidelines to initiate tuberculosis treatment in children when symptoms strongly indicate the disease, even if bacteriological tests are negative. Additionally, only 4 of these 5 countries have the necessary resources to implement this guidance effectively.

    The WHO estimates that 1.25 million children and young adolescents (0-14 years) fall ill with tuberculosis each year, but that only half of these children are diagnosed and treated. Based on the latest scientific evidence, WHO revised its guidance in 2022 for the management of children and adolescents with TB and made several key recommendations, including the use of treatment decision algorithms that allow many children to be diagnosed based on symptoms alone in absence of lab confirmation, and offering short oral regimens to treat and prevent tuberculosis in children. If adopted and implemented, this would drastically improve the diagnosis and quality of care for children with tuberculosis.

    “Since we started implementing the WHO recommendations for children in Bombali district, we have begun to find and treat many more children with tuberculosis,” said Joseph Sesey, clinical officer with MSF in Makeni, Sierra Leone. “These new recommendations have helped us avoid misdiagnosing children: doctors who were hesitant to start children on tuberculosis treatment without positive tuberculosis test results now feel more confident diagnosing tuberculosis based on clinical symptoms alone by using the WHO recommendations. I have noticed a significant reduction of deaths among children with tuberculosis in many health centres.”

    However, the work does not stop with policy reforms. For example, new, shorter, all-oral regimens are now recommended by the WHO for both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in children, but their rollout in countries remains slow. Additionally, while new and child-friendly tuberculosis drugs are available for drug-susceptible and drug-resistant tuberculosis, these are not always procured by countries. 

    “It’s unfortunate that child-friendly formulations of tuberculosis drugs are still not available in many countries due to bureaucratic barriers and funding gaps,” says Dr Cathy Hewison, head of MSF’s working group on tuberculosis. “As a result, children with tuberculosis are forced to swallow crushed and bitter medicines without appropriate weight-based doses, putting them at grave risk of side effects and treatment failure. This neglect must end now. We call on governments, donors, and global health organisations to act with urgency, ensuring no child dies or suffers from a preventable, treatable disease like tuberculosis. The tools and treatments we have must reach the children who need them most – now.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow has seen a more than twofold increase in the number of tests for early detection of breast cancer

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    October 15 marks World Breast Cancer Day. The main factor for successful and effective treatment is early detection of the disease. The capital’s achievements in the field of breast cancer diagnostics were told by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    “Breast cancer is a common oncological disease among women. Timely detection of the disease is extremely important for successful treatment. Thanks to the new standard of oncological care, over the past five years we have achieved significant results in diagnostics. Thus, in 2023, the percentage of breast cancer detection at early stages was 79.1 percent, which is significantly higher than the 2018 figure of 73.2 percent. The introduction of modern technologies and equipment, such as digital mammographs, has also more than doubled the number of examinations. But for a timely diagnosis, it is also important for city residents to be aware of regular health checks and self-diagnosis of breast cancer. That is why on October 15, World Breast Cancer Day, many buildings in Moscow, including the Ostankino Tower and the Crimean Bridge, will be illuminated in pink, and in several Outpatient Oncology Care Centers we will open an exhibition dedicated to women who have overcome breast cancer. Bright photos and inspiring stories of heroines will become support for women who have faced breast cancer and will demonstrate that even in difficult times you can find the strength to fight,” said Anastasia Rakova.

    The opening of two women’s health centers in December 2023 and September 2024 played an important role in the early detection of the disease. They now have rooms for the early diagnosis of breast diseases, equipped with modern mammographs. For the early diagnosis of breast cancer, women aged 40 and over can undergo mammography as part of a medical examination, and women under 40 are offered an ultrasound.

    In case of suspected breast cancer, patients are referred to one of the outpatient oncology care centers. Here, a multimodal appointment with an oncologist is organized for them. Thanks to clearly defined algorithms, the necessary measures for diagnosis are carried out in the shortest possible time.

    In addition, the city cares about the mental state of patients and their relatives – the Moscow Oncopsychological Service works for them. The psychological well-being and positive attitude of the patient have a positive effect on the effectiveness of treatment.

    The capital is actively implementing new standards for breast cancer treatment. They include the use of innovative adjuvant, i.e., enhancing the body’s immune response, schemes with targeted drugs to prevent relapses.

    The city’s approach to breast cancer diagnostics and treatment continues to improve. It ensures high efficiency in the fight against this disease. Timely diagnosis, advanced surgical, radiation and drug methods in combination allow to significantly improve treatment results and increase the quality of life of patients.

    In order to detect the disease in a timely manner, women need to regularly conduct self-diagnosis. Information about it is available on the website Moscow City Health Department.

    Listen, explain, support: who are oncopsychologists and how do they help their patientsThanks to the digitalization of oncology laboratories, the time for diagnosis has been reduced by 20 percent

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145243073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Welcomes Ground-breaking Black British Ballet Exhibition

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A special exhibition and premiere showcasing the inspiring pioneers of Black British ballet is coming to Liverpool.

    The City’s Central Library is to host the exhibition, from 31st October to 30th November, which will be one of the showpiece events of Liverpool’s Black History Month celebrations.

    The groundbreaking exhibition is based on the research of Dr Sandie Bourne, a dancer, choreographer and academic, who brings together archival photographs, films and interviews to explore the under-representation of Black artists in British ballet.

    The touring exhibition, funded by a £245,500 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will visit 25 libraries across the UK, with Liverpool Central Library being one of the key stops.

    The celebration of Black dancers kicks off with Island Movements, an original Windrush-themed ballet.

    This free event will be staged at Discover in Central Library on Friday 18 October at 4pm

    Island Movements tells the powerful story of a family from the Windrush generation, beginning with a young Caribbean soldier during WWII and following the family’s experiences throughout their life in the UK.

    After the performance there will be a Q&A with the dancers and creators, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this special piece.

    This moving ballet will open the wider exhibition, celebrating the rich yet often overlooked contributions of Black British ballet dancers from the 1940s to today.

    Pioneers like Brenda Garratt-Glassman, the first Black British student at the Royal Ballet Upper School, and Darren Panton, the first Black British student at the Royal Ballet boarding school, are among the trailblazers featured.

    Throughout November, Liverpool Central Library is inviting people to take part in dance, writing, and photography workshops, panel discussions and a virtual reality experience as part of the exhibition’s activities.

    For more information and to book your place for performances and workshops please visit: https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/bhm/

    Cllr Harry Doyle Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture:“We’re incredibly excited to bring this exhibition to Liverpool Central Library during Black History Month. This event is a wonderful opportunity for everyone, not just for ballet lovers. It offers an interactive experience that invites all visitors to explore the inspiring stories and rich heritage of Black British dancers who have helped shape the world of ballet. Whether you’re a long-time fan, or new to ballet, these emotionally compelling performances and workshops are the perfect introduction.”

    Marsha Lowe, Director of Oxygen Arts, said: “This exhibition is an important step in giving our Black British pioneers the recognition they deserve, bringing their challenges and achievements to a much wider audience. But we want to go further, to change the perception of ballet by diversifying ballet audiences and encouraging the next generation of young Black dancers to see ballet is ‘for them’.”

    Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South – at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support this project, which thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, will mean that more people will be able to get involved with, protect and learn about the exciting heritage right on their doorstep. Heritage has a huge role to play in instilling pride in communities and boosting local economies, and this project is a fantastic example of achieving those aims.”

    Isobel Hunter, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said: “Public libraries, with their diverse audience base and commitment to democratising culture, are the perfect venue for this ground breaking exhibition. There has never been a better time to celebrate the achievements of these Black British pioneers; it’s hugely exciting to see their stories brought to life in this way.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese medical peacekeepers to Lebanon complete emergency defense drill 2024-10-14 20:27:33 Recently, the 22nd Chinese Peacekeeping Level-1+ Hospital to the UNIFIL successfully completed the “Blue Porcupine 2024” emergency defense drill organized by the UNIFIL Sector East amid the ongoing conflicts in the mission area.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      By Zeng Dele, Cheng Lu and Zhuang Xiaohao

      BEIRUT, Oct. 15 — Recently, the 22nd Chinese Peacekeeping Level-1+ Hospital to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) successfully completed the “Blue Porcupine 2024” emergency defense drill organized by the UNIFIL Sector East amid the ongoing conflicts in the mission area. The drill has examined and enhanced the emergency response capabilities of the Chinese peacekeeping medical contingent.

      After the drill began, the Chinese peacekeepers immediately put on their protective gear. The emergency combat team quickly collected weapons and ammunition, occupied a favorable position and stayed alert to the surrounding situation, while the rest of the personnel went to the designated bunker on standby.

      During the drill, the Chinese peacekeepers conducted medical treatment training. They provided emergency treatment for the wounded and then transferred them to the resuscitation room for fluid replacement and anti-shock therapy while monitoring the vital signs all the time.

      The UNIFIL Sector East sent special inspectors to verify the personnel composition, weapons and equipment, medical supplies and daily necessities in the two bunkers of the Chinese peacekeeping medical contingent. The inspectors used the communication facilities in the bunker to communicate with the UNIFIL Sector East and reported that the Chinese peacekeeping contingent fully met the exercise standards.

      In addition, the Chinese medical contingent conducted combat rescue knowledge and skills training for peacekeeping detachments and military observers from multiple countries, with a focus on several key subjects such as battlefield triage, spinal injury rescue, bleeding control, bandaging and fixation, airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in a bid to help friendly peacekeeping forces and military observers master the basic operational methods of self-rescue and mutual rescue.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This is the way we brush our teeth…

    Source: Mayor of London

    A quarter (25.8 per cent) of 5-year-olds in London have tooth decay.1

    Since 2012, local authorities have been responsible for improving health in local areas, including oral health.
    In 2014, Public Health England stated that “local authorities are statutorily required to provide or commission oral health promotion programmes to improve the health of the local population, to an extent that they consider appropriate in their areas”.

    London Boroughs commission a range of oral health prevention programmes for both adults and children, including supervised toothbrushing in schools. The London Borough of Brent commissions Whittington Health NHS Trust to deliver these programmes, including the following initiatives: 

    • Supporting a number of education (early years & school) settings to promote good oral health such as the supervised tooth-brushing programme. 
    • Providing dental health support to families with children under 5 years who are at high risk of developing tooth decay (dental caries). 
    • Family Wellbeing Centres, who support parents from the moment they know they’re expecting, through pregnancy and birth, until the child is 18 years old.

    Tomorrow, Members of the London Assembly Health Committee will visit Brentfield Primary School, where they will observe supervised toothbrushing, an initiative to reduce tooth decay in young children. 

    The meeting will include teachers, Brent Public Health and the NHS. The visit will form part of the Committee’s investigation into Dentistry in London.

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

    Location: Brentfield Primary School, NW10 0SL 

    Date:  Wednesday 16 October 2024

    Time: 12-1pm  

    Interviewees will include:

    • Krupesh Hirani AM, Chair of the Health Committee
    • Emma Best AM, Deputy Chairman of the Health Committee
    • Somebi Anwunah, Principal Public Health Strategist · Brent Council 
    • Erinna Proudfoot, Oral health promoter, Whittington Health, NHS Trust 
    • Debbie Edwards, Class Teacher and EYFS Leader 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mission Possible: How Doctors at the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station Save Patients

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A car with a red cross and flashing lights, a siren on, doctors and paramedics in blue uniforms – the ambulance service rushes to patients in the most urgent situations, when minutes count, and the price of delay can be human life. The fast and efficient work of one of the most important city services is ensured by its complex and well-thought-out structure.

    In anticipation of the 105th anniversary of Moscow’s ambulance service, which is celebrated on October 15, a mos.ru correspondent spoke with employees Stations of emergency and urgent medical care (SS and NMP) named after A.S. Puchkov and learned how the professionalism and dedication of doctors, combined with advanced technologies, save lives.

    Smart algorithms help process calls

    On October 15, 1919, a team of Moscow doctors went out for the first time to a patient with a broken leg. This date is considered the founding day of the Moscow ambulance service, which at that time occupied three rooms in the left wing of the Sheremetyevo Hospital (today, the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care. — Ed.). At that time, the service employed 15 doctors, 30 orderlies, and two service telephones.

    Today, more than a thousand medical teams make daily trips to the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station. By dialing 103 or the 112 system, anyone can contact the single city dispatch center, where more than 60 dispatchers work around the clock. The response time to a call is three to four seconds – and after the request is processed, a team of doctors is sent to the patient.

    “Since 2017, we have been transitioning to a single center for receiving ambulance calls. Depending on the workload, for example, during peaks of seasonal illnesses, we connect additional operators to process calls faster. The system allows us to analyze calls using elements of artificial intelligence to determine whether an ambulance team is really needed, and if so, what kind of ambulance it is — emergency or urgent. This data is very helpful in our work,” says Georgy Vvedensky, Deputy Chief Physician of the A.S. Puchkov SS and NMP for medical affairs, Honored Healthcare Worker of Russia and laureate of the Moscow City Prize in Medicine.

    The digitalization of the Moscow ambulance service and its integration with the Unified Medical Information and Analytical System (EMIAS) have simplified the work of doctors and made it even faster. Now specialists can review the patient’s medical history on the way to him. To do this, they use digital tablets. After examining and providing first aid, doctors enter data into the system, which is available in the electronic medical record for both the attending physicians and the patients. If a person is hospitalized, information about his condition is transmitted to the hospital online. It is seen by specialists in the admissions department. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, doctors can begin preparing for his arrival in advance. This is especially important when every minute counts.

    Morozov Hospital Cardiac Surgeons Save Child with Complex Congenital Heart DefectMoscow doctors have developed a technique for diagnosing childhood strokes — Sobyanin

    A miracle happens every day

    All Moscow ambulances are equipped with modern equipment. The teams have a defibrillator-monitor with a capnometry function, a portable compressor inhaler, an electrocardiograph, an artificial lung ventilation device and many medical drugs. And a tablet connected to the information system allows you to quickly select a hospital with available operating rooms, angiographs, etc.

    “Over the past few years, the working conditions of doctors and the approach to providing emergency care to patients have changed. Modern equipment, ambulances and advanced information services have appeared. Recently opened flagship centers and admission departments of multidisciplinary hospitals operate according to the new standard of emergency care. If before the patient was taken to the hospital and there might not be any available equipment, now we know where it is. As a result, we manage to save many more lives,” continues Georgy Vvedensky.

    Georgy Vvedensky began his career as a nurse in his second year at the medical institute. Today, at the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station, he oversees the most important issues – from organizational to modernization and digitalization projects.

    “Almost every day we see fantastic stories of rescue, when ambulance crews take very seriously ill patients, sometimes in a state of clinical death, and thanks to special equipment they take them to the operating room, where doctors bring them back to life. This can truly be compared to a miracle,” says Georgy Vvedensky.

    A Profession by Inheritance. A Surgeon at the V.M. Buyanov Hospital on How Work Becomes a CallingSobyanin: Grants from the city accelerate the development of new methods of treating patients

    Medical teams are advised by the best experts

    Specialists from the City Advisory Center for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, a center for critical conditions founded in 2021, help doctors save patients. They provide online consultations to ambulance crews and doctors from the intensive care and intensive care units of hospitals, and also monitor patients in serious condition. One of the founders of the center is Petr Davydov, Deputy Chief Physician for Medical Affairs and Curator of the Resuscitation Service of the A.S. Puchkov SS and NMP.

    “The Critical Conditions Center was conceived as a platform where emergency or hospital doctors can seek advice in particularly severe cases. The most competent medical professionals from the capital’s hospitals and the best emergency medical workers work there. We monitor severe calls, and in such cases, the center’s specialists connect with medical teams, analyze extracts, tests, images, and research data that are uploaded to EMIAS, and then offer the necessary solutions,” says Petr Davydov.

    Anesthesiologist-resuscitator Petr Davydov has been working in emergency services for 15 years, he is one of the best specialists in his field. The mos.ru interviewee chose his profession in childhood, inspired by the example of his relatives.

    “I remember one of the first cases – I had just learned how to do tracheal intubation. A car hit a young man on Maryinsky Park Street, he received severe injuries. I arrived on call and used this method to provide artificial ventilation, administered painkillers and hemostatic drugs, and then we took him to the hospital. A few months later, a guy came to my work and said that he was the same patient whose life I saved. This made an indelible impression on me, a young doctor at the time. And subsequently, I could no longer work with less dedication than on that day,” recalls Pyotr Davydov.

    Sobyanin: Vascular centers received 8 angiographs with 3D modeling functionNeural networks helped the capital’s radiologists process 13 million studies

    A special medical team is rushing to help

    Petr Davydov is one of the leading specialists in Moscow working in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team. The professionals have unique equipment at their disposal, which can be compared to an artificial heart and lungs inside an ambulance. Advanced technologies help save the lives of patients whose blood circulation has stopped. Through cannulas inserted into the large vessels and vena cava of the patient, with the help of pumps, blood is pumped through an oxygenator, saturating it with oxygen.

    The first ECMO ambulance team appeared in Moscow in January 2022.

    “In recent years, the Moscow ambulance system has undergone dramatic changes. Thanks to digitalization, we can obtain information about the patient and pass it on to our colleagues in the hospital. The equipment inside the salons is regularly updated. In each district of Moscow, resuscitation teams work at ambulance substations. They are considered a medical special squad,” says Pyotr Davydov.

    As little time as possible should pass from the arrival of the resuscitation team to the patient’s hospitalization, during which time doctors need to have time to carry out intensive therapy and stabilize the person’s condition.

    “The main quality of an ambulance worker is the desire for constant development. A good doctor must analyze each case, improve their knowledge and identify inaccuracies in order to avoid them in the future. Stress resistance is formed together with professionalism, when you clearly know how you will act in a given situation,” the anesthesiologist-resuscitator believes.

    The plans at the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station include the development of digital technologies. With their help, more and more results of examinations conducted by doctors and other patient data will be sent online to the critical care center and hospitals.

    Moscow has been digitalizing its healthcare system for over 10 years. The basis of this process is a single digital platform, which is being developed jointly by the Moscow Social Development Complex and the capital’s Department of Information TechnologyIt allows for personalized care of each patient at all stages – from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up.

    A large formation was removed from a patient’s heart at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency CareRobotic surgeons, transplantation and research. How Botkin Hospital became a scientific and clinical centerSergei Sobyanin spoke about the development of high-tech medical care for children in Moscow

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145254073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elafibranor approved to treat adults with a rare liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved elafibranor (Iqirvo) to treat adult patients with a rare type of liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

    PBC is a type of chronic liver disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. Where there are damaged bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage. This disease can get gradually worse over time and without treatment may lead to liver failure.

    Elafibranor helps to improve how the liver works by reducing the amount of bile acids the liver produces and reducing the build-up of bile. It also acts by reducing inflammation of the liver.

    The recommended dose is one tablet, once a day, at about the same time each day for adult patients. Elafibranor may be given by itself or together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Enabling safe access to high quality, safe and effective medicines is a key priority for us.

    We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review. 

    The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled main study involving 161 adults with PBC, the majority of whom had been taking UDCA for at least one year and continued taking it during the study (though some had stopped taking due to side effects).

    The measure of effectiveness was based on the number of patients whose blood levels of the substances Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (markers of liver damage) decreased to a level considered normal (for both ALP and bilirubin) and by at least 15% (for ALP) after 1 year of treatment.

    The study showed that elafibranor was more effective than placebo at reducing the blood levels of ALP and bilirubin. Overall, levels decreased by the required amount in around 51% (55 out of 108) of patients treated with elafibranor, compared with around 4% (2 out of 53) of patients on placebo.

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website. 

    If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted for elafibranor (Iqirvo) on 04 October 2024 to Ipsen Ltd via National Procedure.
    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Magistrates’ Court hosts anti-knife crime event for local London schools

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Around 30 schoolchildren aged between 14 and 16 years took over courtroom 10 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday 14 October 2024, as part of an initiative to highlight the dangers and consequences of carrying and using a knife.

    As well as playing leading roles in a mock trial, the teenagers heard from lawyers, first aiders and campaigners about the impact of knife crime, and what actions they could take to help make our streets safer.

    The event brought together pupils from Chadwell Heath Academy and Winchmore School – two schools in areas of London most affected by knife crime – for an interactive day of learning.

    Heidi Alexander MP, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services at the Ministry of Justice, joined the students and expressed her support, saying:

    Reducing knife crime is a priority for this government, and today’s event demonstrates the power of collaboration between the justice system, schools, and community organisations to address this issue. It is vital that young people understand the dangers of carrying knives and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities.

    I am incredibly impressed by the dedication of everyone involved in organising this initiative, and I hope it inspires these young people to make positive choices for their futures.

    HMCTS legal adviser, Ian Rawlins, who has been involved for many years in community volunteering to tackle knife crime, was the organiser behind the day. With an impressive line-up of speakers and practical sessions, the day offered students insight into the criminal justice process, support services, the role of law enforcement, and the broader impact of knife crime on lives and communities.

    Toks Adesuyan, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

    It’s really important that we contribute to events like this that target and engage young people, not only to inspire future legal and Civil Service careers, but also to educate on the real and devastating consequences of carrying knives.

    Some of the messages we deliver are hard-hitting, but if that means we’ve helped to divert young people away from knife crime, then we must continue to provide platforms for education in order to reduce the prevalence of violence amongst children and young adults.

    Speakers inspire and educate

    The event featured a range of expert speakers, who engaged the students with powerful talks and practical tips about community support, first aid, and self-empowerment when it comes to reducing violence among young people.

    Speakers included:

    • Tan Ikram CBE DL, the Deputy Senior District Judge, who addressed students on the importance of understanding and respecting the law
    • Toks Adesuyan, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, who spoke about their role in the criminal justice process
    • Saj Hussain, Detective Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, who explained the role of the police in attempting to reduce knife crime and the steps they take when suspecting someone of knife-related offences
    • Fadi Daoud, Crime Partner at Lawrence and Co. Solicitors, who spoke about the role of a defence solicitor in representing a person accused of a criminal offence
    • The High Sheriff of Greater London, Millicent Grant KC, who explained her personal and professional experiences of the criminal justice system
    • Anti-knife crime charity Steel Warriors, which provided real-world perspectives on how knife crime can harm lives and communities
    • Street Doctors, who aim to put young people at the centre of emergency first-aid provision
    • Representatives from the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity that aims to tackle knife crime through education and campaigning

    Students also had the opportunity to speak to professional footballer Kayne Ramsey of Charlton Athletic Football Club about following personal goals and avoiding violent crime.

    Mock trial sees teenagers take over courtroom 10

    A highlight of the day was a mock trial, organised by the National Justice Museum, in which students took on the roles of legal professionals, judges and others involved in a criminal court hearing. Through this hands-on experience, they gained a better understanding of the justice system and the consequences of breaking the law. This session aimed to raise aspirations for legal careers while offering students a new perspective on how courts work to ensure justice is served.

    For more information about the day, stay tuned to the Inside HMCTS Podcast channel on GOV.UK, where an episode about Ian’s work and the event at Westminster Magistrates’ Court will be published soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour’s approach to Middle East conflict “failing” as civilian death toll mounts

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green Party Co-Leader, Carla Denyer said, “The reports over the weekend that no food has entered Northern Gaza since the 1st of October, of Israel’s attack on al-Aqsa Hospital, of chemical weapons being used to attack UNIFIL peacekeepers, of mass civilian casualties in Gaza’s Jabalia Refugee Camp and of increased rocket fire into Israel from Hezbollah are extremely disturbing. The huge numbers of civilian deaths and the prospect of widespread starvation in Northern Gaza are intolerable.

    The Labour government must recognise that violence in the Middle East is escalating rapidly and that their current approach is failing. The Government needs to consider far more direct measures to incentivise a ceasefire including an end to arms sales, the introduction of divestments, boycotts and sanctions, prosecutions for all those who have committed war crimes and a plan for a viable Palestinian state.”

    / by Green Party

    Press Releases

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024-45 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ URGES FEDERAL JUDGE TO ORDER THE FDA TO REVIEW ITS RESTRICTIONS ON ABORTION MEDICATION MIFEPRISTONE

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2024-45 ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ URGES FEDERAL JUDGE TO ORDER THE FDA TO REVIEW ITS RESTRICTIONS ON ABORTION MEDICATION MIFEPRISTONE

    Posted on Oct 14, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

    News Release 2024-45

     

    ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ URGES FEDERAL JUDGE TO ORDER THE FDA TO REVIEW ITS RESTRICTIONS ON ABORTION MEDICATION MIFEPRISTONE

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 14, 2024

     

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez is urging a federal judge in Spokane, Washington, to rule that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s restrictions on the abortion medication mifepristone are inconsistent with the Administrative Procedure Act.

     

    “Since 2000, more than 5.6 million patients have safely used mifepristone. We should not be afraid to increase access to a medication whose safety and efficacy is based in science and proven over time. Artificial limitations on safe and effective medication are actual limitations on access to healthcare,” said Hawaiʻi Deputy Attorney General Erin Lau.

     

    The multistate lawsuit was filed last year in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington by 17 plaintiff states, including Hawaiʻi, and the District of Columbia.

     

    Of the more than 20,000 drugs approved by the FDA, only 73 drugs have extra restrictions known as a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), including highly addictive drugs such as Oxycontin. An even smaller subset of drugs carries additional restrictions known as Elements to Assure Safe Use (ETASU), including certain risky cancer drugs and high-dose sedatives. Despite its proven safety and efficacy, mifepristone has both a REMS and an ETASU restriction.

     

    Although the REMS and ETASU restrictions have been relaxed over time, certain restrictions remain. To prescribe mifepristone, health care providers must be specially certified by the drug distributor and submit their certification form to every pharmacy to which they send a mifepristone prescription—an administratively burdensome requirement that is unique to mifepristone. The pharmacy must also be specially certified with the drug distributor before it can dispense a prescription.

     

    To receive the prescription, the patient and their provider must sign an agreement that certifies the patient has decided to take the medication to end the pregnancy—regardless of whether they are seeking an abortion or are being treated for a miscarriage, which is a common use for mifepristone. These remaining requirements are excessive when considering mifepristone’s safety profile.

     

    The multistate lawsuit asserts the restrictions on prescribing and dispensing mifepristone are unduly burdensome, harmful and unnecessary, reduce access to a critically important drug, and expose providers and patients to unnecessary privacy and safety risks. The risks are exacerbated by the growing criminalization and penalization of abortion around the country in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The Dobbs case overturned nearly a half-century of precedent, stripping away the constitutional right to abortion recognized by the Court’s Roe v. Wade decision.

     

    The plaintiff states recently filed a motion for summary judgment, seeking to require the FDA to review whether mifepristone still meets the statutory requirements to impose a REMS with ETASU restriction based on its safety profile. The motion argues that decades of data conclusively show that mifepristone is safe and effective, and that medical experts have long opposed the FDA’s restrictions on the medication. By keeping the restrictions on mifepristone, the states argue that the FDA is unnecessarily and unlawfully limiting access to a medication that is safer than Tylenol, Viagra, and insulin.

     

    Along with Attorney General Lopez, attorneys general for Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Washington, D.C. joined the case.

     

    A copy of the motion can be found here.

     

    ###

    Media Contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    808-586-1284

    Email: [email protected]

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office: 808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email: [email protected]

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation to prevent gas price spikes and save Californians money

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 14, 2024

    What you need to know: New measure will help prevent price spikes that cost Californians upwards of $2 billion last year, giving the state more tools to require that petroleum refiners backfill supplies and plan ahead for maintenance.

    SACRAMENTO – Today, surrounded by legislators and community leaders in the rotunda of the California State Capitol, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to help prevent gas price spikes and save consumers money at the pump.

    The legislation — ABX2-1 authored by Assemblymembers Gregg Hart and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Senator Nancy Skinner — allows the state to require oil refiners to maintain a minimum inventory of fuel to avoid supply shortages that create higher gasoline prices for consumers and higher profits for the industry. It also authorizes the California Energy Commission to require refiners to plan for resupply during refiner maintenance outages. A signing message can be found here.

    “Price spikes have cost Californians billions of dollars over the years, and we’re not waiting around for the industry to do the right thing — we’re taking action to prevent these price spikes and save consumers money at the pump. Now, the state has the tools to make sure they backfill supplies and plan ahead for maintenance so there aren’t shortages that drive up prices. I’m grateful to our partners in the Senate and Assembly for acting quickly to push this forward and help deliver relief for Californians.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “With this new law, big oil companies are now responsible for stabilizing prices at the pump. It’s a critical accomplishment, but our work is not done. I will continue to fight to lower the cost of living, because housing, groceries and everyday necessities must be more affordable for all Californians.” — Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas)

    “Today, we’re coming together to provide needed relief at the pump and help keep hard-earned dollars in the pockets of Californians. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom, Speaker Rivas, and members of the Senate and Assembly for taking swift action on this critical issue. That said, our work isn’t stopping. We’re going to continue to grind away to help lower the cost of living for folks in every corner of the Golden State. It’s a necessity.” — Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast)

    Why it’s needed

    Price spikes at the pump are profit spikes for oil companies, and they’re overwhelmingly caused by refiners not backfilling supplies when they go down for maintenance. If this proposal had been in effect last year, Californians could have saved hundreds of millions — if not billions — of dollars at the pump according to analysis from the  Division of Petroleum Market Oversight (DPMO):

    Experts have come out in support of this measure, including Stanford economists who praised the proposal for being “an economically sound policy that addresses an important problem in a well-targeted way” and the “additional supply would free up refinery capacity to serve Nevada and Arizona, also reducing prices in these markets.”

    Supporters of the bill include mayors, local leaders, consumer organizations, environmental advocates, labor, business leaders and consumer groups. Last month, the Governor and supporters met and discussed how gasoline price spikes affect millions of Californians’ everyday lives, and shared why this plan will help California families.

    How we got here

    The Governor convened a special session to focus on saving Californians money at the pump. The proposal authorizes the California Energy Commission (CEC) to require petroleum refiners to maintain a minimum inventory of refined fuel throughout the distribution chain to avoid supply shortages that create higher prices at the pump for consumers. It also authorizes the CEC to require refiners to plan for resupply during scheduled refiner maintenance. The text of the proclamation calling for a special session is available here.

    Following gasoline price spikes in 2022, Governor Newsom called for a special session and worked in partnership with the Legislature to sign into law a package of reforms holding Big Oil accountable. 

    California’s new watchdog found that higher gasoline prices were caused by a suspicious market transaction, refinery maintenance without properly preparing for it, and more. 

    In January of this year, the watchdog sent Governor Newsom and the legislature a letter outlining specific proposals to reform California’s gasoline spot market, which included a minimum inventory requirement to prevent price spikes due to lack of stable supply.

    The state’s gasoline price watchdog also found that, in 2023, gasoline prices spiked largely due to refineries going offline without adequately planning to backfill supplies, which caused refining margins to spike as spot and retail prices jumped — indicating that refinery margins made up the largest proportion of the price spikes between July and September 2023.

    Convening experts, community leaders, and consumer advocates

    The Governor today also announced his appointments to the Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee:

    Martha Dina Arguello, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee. Arguello has been Executive Director at Physicians for Social Responsibility – Los Angeles since 2007. She was Director of Health and Environmental Programs at Physicians for Social Responsibility – Los Angeles from 1999 to 2007. Arguello is Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Standing Together Against Neighborhood Drilling and Californians for a Health and Green Economy. She is a member of the California Air Resources Board AB 32 Environmental Justice Advisory Committee and the Steering Committee of Californians for Pesticide Reform. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Arguello is a Democrat. 

    Michael Jorgenson, of Mill Valley, has been appointed to the Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee. Jorgenson has served as Supervisory Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General since 2018. He was Deputy County Counsel IV at the Marin County Counsel’s Office from 2017 to 2018. Jorgenson served in several roles at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General from 2003 to 2017, including Deputy Attorney General in the Public Rights Division, Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the Civil Division and Deputy Attorney General in the Civil Division. He was an Associate at Berman Tabacco from 2001 to 2003 and at Kelly Gill Sherburne & Herrera from 1999 to 2001. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and History from University of Michigan. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Jorgenson is a Democrat. 

    Neale Mahoney, of Stanford, has been appointed to the Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee. Mahoney has been a Professor of Economics at Stanford University since 2020. He was a Special Policy Advisor for Economic Policy at The White House from 2022 to 2023. Mahoney was a Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago from 2013 to 2020. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Economics from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Brown University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Mahoney is a Democrat. 

    Deborah “Debbie” Meeks, of Walnut Creek, has been appointed to the Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee. Meeks has been Manager of United States West Coast Policy and Business Coordinator at Shell USA since 2021. She was a Manager of Alliances and Portfolios at Shell US Retail from 2017 to 2021. Meeks was Americas and Mexico Regional Manager, Principal Account Executive, and Senior Account Manager at Shell Catalysts and Technologies from 1995 to 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Meeks is a Democrat. 

    Norman Rogers, of Santa Ana, has been appointed to the Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee. Rogers has been Second Vice-President at United Steelworkers Local 675 since 2021, and a Plant Operator in Oil Movements at Marathon Petroleum Corporation since 2018. He was a Plant Operator for Oil Movements at Tesoro Refinery from 2013 to 2018. Rogers was a member of the Fire Brigade at the Carson Refinery from 2001 to 2021. He was Plant Operator for Oil Movements at BP from 2001 to 2013, and at Arco Refinery from 1999 to 2001. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Rogers is registered without party preference.

    Astrid Zuniga, of Modesto, has been appointed to the Independent Consumer Fuels Advisory Committee. Zuniga has been President at United Domestic Workers/AFSCME 3930 since 2024 and was Vice President from 2016 to 2024. She has been Executive Secretary/Treasurer at the Stanislaus and Tuolumne Central Labor Council since 2013, and an In-Home Support Services Caregiver since 1998. Zuniga is a member of the California Democratic Party Executive Board and the Women’s Advisory Committee for AFSCME International. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Zuniga is a Democrat. 

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SPEECH BY MINISTER FOR HEALTH MR ONG YE KUNG AT THE SILVER GENERATION OFFICE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, AT SUNTEC CITY SINGAPORE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, 11AM

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Dr Gerard Ee, Chairman, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC),

    Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Chief Executive Officer, AIC,

    Silver Generation Ambassadors,

    Advisers,

    Silver Generation Office (SGO) colleagues and partners,

    The Early Years

    1. A very good morning to all of you.
    2. SGO started as the Pioneer Generation Office (PGO), because there was the Pioneer Generation (PG) package. As Kiat How mentioned, PGO started off in a storeroom in Tampines. At that time, the headquarters of PGO was at Treasury Building. They were trying to recruit more ambassadors and staff, so they had many interviews. They went to Funan Shopping Mall, had many cups of coffee, tea and milo, and interviewed and recruited a lot of people. Through all that hard work, the team doubled to 100 pax by the end of 2014.
    3. In 2018, PGO expanded and merged with AIC and became part of the Ministry of Health (MOH), and was renamed the Silver Generation Office. In that process, the work also expanded. Beyond the Pioneer Generation, it also covered the younger seniors and rolled out the Merdeka Generation Package.

       

      Recognition of SGAs

    4. Our Silver Generation Ambassadors (SGAs) are the backbone of SGO, and their role involves a lot of hard work, going door to door. We planted seeds and laid the foundation, and today SGO has become a very big and powerful force and asset that we have on the ground.
    5. In the past, your work was a bit different. Your engagements were mostly through pen and paper. You had to bring stacks of engagement forms, brochures, and a file with lots of information to share details about the Pioneer Generation Package with seniors. Then you started showing a video of then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong talking to seniors about the PG package. I was told some seniors waved back at him.
    6. Today, some things have improved, but by and large some things have not changed. The work is still the same. You are still walking door-to-door, walking up and down stairs, knocking on every door, and engaging seniors. That has not changed, it should not change, and will not change. Because that is fundamentally what you do – connecting people to people.
    7. Over the years, by doing so, you have helped to communicate and explain many national schemes and initiatives to our seniors. The seniors actually read a lot more newspapers and watch a lot more TV than young people. And yet, they really enjoy and appreciate it when you explain the policies to them, when there is face-to-face communication and the policy comes to life. You have helped countless seniors to benefit from the support that is available.
    8. Today we are recognising many SGAs for your hard work. Over 200 awards will be given out. We will be giving out 17 Exemplary Awards, 61 Platinum Awards, and 10 Family Awards on stage. The rest of the awards will be distributed off-stage. All in all, many thanks to 10 years of hard work! Thank you very much.

      Update on Age Well SG

    9. As SGO became part of AIC, the scope of your work expanded to all seniors aged 60 and above. Beyond the PG package, we then had me the Merdeka Generation (MG) Package and Majulah Package. Through the process, the nation, government and people started to have a focus on seniors. This is a group that is growing, and we need to take care of them. If we take care of them well, they are not a challenge, but an asset.
    10. Seniors can be young, healthy and active. I meet so many people who are in their 60s and 70s, who behave like they are so young. It is an inspiration. With proper policies and engagement, whether you are young or old, it is in the mind. Let’s not be bogged down in saying that we are always going to be an ageing society. We cannot stop ageing by age, but we can reverse ageing in spirit. Because of that, we have started to think of different policies that help the seniors.
    11. Healthier SG was conceived. Without PG, maybe there would not have been an inspiration to start Healthier SG. Without SGO, PG package and SGAs, I don’t think we would have thought of Age Well SG, which has everything to do with seniors. We need to connect the Active Ageing Centres’ (AAC) work together with the SGAs. SGAs have become an indispensable, important capability to support all our senior-related programmes, such as Age Well SG and Healthier SG.
    12. We have set up over 200 AACs. As I always say, it is not difficult to fill the four walls of an AAC with activities and regular visitors. But to be truly successful, it has to go beyond that. There has to be proper outreach to seniors living around the area, within your service boundary, and with many levels of engagement with all the seniors. Then you are successful. You can only achieve that if you knock enough doors. In fact, you have to knock on doors every day. Otherwise, you have no chance to succeed. The roles of SGAs and AACs are now symbiotic. One cannot do without the other.
    13. Today, let me report on the progress of Age Well SG. It has been one year since we rolled out this major programme with your help. We added 60 more AACs over the past one year. We now have 214 AACs, and our target is 220 by 2025.
    14. AACs have expanded activities and programmes well beyond the confines of their centres. It is now common to see AAC events held in public spaces, such as parks, coffee shops, void decks, sports centres and Residents’ Network (RN) centres. Activities are now much more broad ranging, way beyond Rummy-O. There are now carpentry work, community cooking and dining, all kinds of fitness programmes, gym tonic, excursions and learning classes. All these are now available at AACs, and there is a lot of innovation coming up on the ground.
    15. Engagement has greatly improved. I think our SGAs have really helped. In FY2021, each AAC engaged on average 17 seniors a day. In FY2023, this has gone up to 42, which is almost triple. This is also reflected in the activity participation numbers. In FY2021, the number of seniors who participated in AAC activities was 17,000. In FY2023, it was 80,000. We have multiplied our engagement by at least four times.
    16. We launched the Silver Guardian programme in April this year, also inspired by SGAs, to encourage more senior volunteerism in the AACs. We have now recruited, trained and deployed 800 volunteers, and are on track to reach our target of 2,400 Silver Guardians by 2028.
    17. As Mr Gerard Ee mentioned, we can do even better by having RN ambassadors. We have 6,000 SGAs. We can have a lot more senior volunteers all over Singapore, not necessarily SGAs. I think we can do much better than 6,000 SGA volunteers. We can multiply it by 100 times. We will have one million seniors by 2030. It is not unthinkable that out of one million seniors, 60% of them do some form of volunteer work, such as micro jobs, SGAs, or RN ambassadors and volunteers with social organisations. It is possible.

      New Initiatives

    18. We will further strengthen Age Well SG, with the help of SGAs. We are working on three new initiatives.
    19. First, we will continue to upgrade existing AACs. We announced earlier that we would set aside $800 million over five years (FY2024 to 2028) to support AACs for their programmes. To support their work further, we will now enhance this by $140 million, to upgrade the facilities of existing AACs.
    20. Second, we will strengthen outreach to seniors. This is the starting point of all our effective engagement with seniors and a successful senior engagement strategy. Today, one-third of our AACs manage to reach out to 30% of seniors. We see that as an effective engagement rate. This is a vast improvement from the previous year, but there is still much more room for improvement.
    21. We need to further expand outreach where we can, partly from SGAs, but more importantly, to bring in new volunteer groups. For example, the People’s Association volunteer groups and community Grassroots Leaders are important resources for us to tap on, and also corporate volunteers. More corporates want to volunteer, and they will get their staff to work in the community. If you engage them well, they are extremely reliable.
    22. SGAs, AACs and community volunteers will become tripartite partners on the ground, working closely together with each other, knocking on every door to engage seniors and attract them to AACs. Our hospital clusters will support health services in the AACs as well. With these three partners and outreach on the ground, I think we can have a successful strategy. MOH is working on the processes to facilitate this community tripartite partnership.
    23. On the ground, when we try to work with each other, we always say we cannot share information due to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). This is actually not true. When you dig deep enough, it is possible to have a collaborative working relationship. We have worked out the processes and will roll that out, starting with Sembawang. I think it will work. Once it is successful, and no doubt it will, it will be at a community near you.
    24. Third, we will improve the home care system. This includes the Enhanced Home Personal Care service which provides more tailored support to seniors, even those with higher care needs. Essentially, we have home care staff closer to the client’s home, who will be able to respond faster. This model has shown promising results and MOH is planning to mainstream this service island-wide by end of next year.
    25. As the range of services and number of providers grow, we need to better coordinate care. AIC has taken the lead to work with providers to deliver coordinated care with a single contact point, care assessment and care plan for seniors. It is not an easy task, as we have many providers on the ground in certain constituencies and divisions. AIC will do their best to coordinate care. Our vision is to have one contact point, one assessment and one care plan for every senior, even though we have many service providers.
    26. Our community partners are supportive. We are working towards implementing this across Singapore by 2026. By end of this year, we will start to seek out interested players to operate in a few locations that are currently green fields and have no providers. They can start off with very coordinated services on the ground. For other areas with incumbent providers, they will work out arrangements to come together as a coordinated unit to realise this vision and ambition. I understand there is a lot of work ahead, but it is a meaningful undertaking to serve our seniors better.

       

      The Meaning of Volunteerism

    27.  Every one of you became an SGA because of the spirit of volunteerism. What is the benefit of volunteerism? I think there are at least three. One, to help others. I am the Chairman of the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC). Sometimes, young people come to us to say that they want to volunteer, and they have plans. They want to do a seminar, fundraising or help the environment. It is good for young people to have that sense to want to contribute to society. But I always tell them to start by helping one person. In CDAC, there is a programme where if you are a young volunteer, you can mentor a child of a challenging, vulnerable background. So to help others is one major motivation to volunteer.
    28. The second is to help yourself. There are also many young people who come to my Meet-the-People sessions to do volunteer work. Many of them tell me that before they came, they thought they had a lot of problems. After seeing all the difficult cases, their problems are not big at all. In this generation where there is a lot more challenging mental health issues, for many people, helping others is to help yourself.
    29. Finally, I will say volunteerism makes you young and healthy. I have seen it with my own eyes. Volunteers are often very young-spirited and enthusiastic. There is a lot of research and literature that show that if you keep yourself busy even after retiring, just by volunteering in the community, you feel that you are still contributing to society as a useful person. That is the most important driver of good health, so keep that going. We would rather a senior be a volunteer and become part of the solution today, than not volunteer or exercise, become sick and a problem tomorrow. Be a solution today, rather than a problem tomorrow.
    30. We talked about planting seeds, starting off with the PG package and a small group of volunteers who were PG ambassadors. Those were the seeds for a much larger strategy and national effort to keep our seniors healthy. Keep on planting seeds, growing the trees and working. We will support you where we can. We assure you that you are making a huge difference to Singapore and our seniors. Thank you.

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Approves $441 Million to Helene Survivors, and $349 Million in Funding to Support Communities, As President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Florida Following Hurricane Milton

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Biden-Harris Administration Approves $441 Million to Helene Survivors, and $349 Million in Funding to Support Communities, As President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Florida Following Hurricane Milton

    Biden-Harris Administration Approves $441 Million to Helene Survivors, and $349 Million in Funding to Support Communities, As President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for Florida Following Hurricane Milton

    WASHINGTON – FEMA remains fully committed to assisting survivors affected by Helene and Milton as response teams work tirelessly to address immediate needs. Yesterday, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell returned to North Carolina to oversee ongoing response and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene. President Biden will visit Florida tomorrow to support communities impacted by Hurricane Milton. 

    In response to Hurricane Milton, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida that allows FEMA to provide federal funding to 34 counties, in addition to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. This includes assistance to individuals and households, in addition to public assistance for emergency work.

    Throughout the Southeast, FEMA personnel are on the ground, working closely with state officials to ensure survivors receive the support they need. As of today, FEMA has approved $441 million in assistance for individuals affected by Hurricane Helene and over $349 million in public assistance funding to help rebuild communities.   

    Hurricane Milton Recovery Update

    While Hurricane Milton has passed, flooding is expected to continue throughout the weekend. People in Milton-affected areas should continue following safety guidance from local officials – stay clear of downed power lines and continue to practice power outage and generator safety. 

    Power Restoration: Power restoration efforts have significantly improved across the region following Hurricane Milton, with outages decreasing from a peak of 3.3 million to 1.6 million, as crews work around the clock to bring communities back online. 

    Debris: FEMA is currently working with state and local officials on debris removal plans for areas affected by the storms. Residents should pay attention to local guidance related to debris removal in their area.  

    Staffing: More than 600 FEMA staff are on the ground providing support to affected communities. FEMA mobilized search and rescue teams, disaster response units and vital resources across Florida. Urban Search and Rescue continue to support state search and rescue teams, the National Guard and local authorities with rescues. Federal teams supplemented the state’s critical operations, such as water rescues, Emergency Operations Center support, volunteer and donations management and fire/HAZMAT response.

    Sheltering: Over 50 shelters are currently housing over 3,100 people impacted by Milton, a significant decrease from nearly 13,000 yesterday.

    Commodities: FEMA has delivered more than 1.6 million meals and 400,000 liters of water to augment the state’s supplies. FEMA has an additional 5.3 million meals and 3.9 million liters of water available to support survivors of Hurricane Milton, ensuring critical supplies are ready for immediate distribution.

     Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

    FEMA has approved $441 million in federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Helene survivors and over $349 million in public assistance funding to help communities rebuild.   

    Hurricane Helene recovery efforts continue, with federal responders working throughout the region to provide immediate and long-term support. FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are open across the region to provide support.

    The agency is actively working alongside state, local and tribal partners to assess damage and support those affected by Helene. Over 10,000 personnel from across the federal workforce, including FEMA staff, are deployed to affected communities. To date, FEMA has delivered over 12.6 million meals and more than 12.9 million liters of water to the region. 

    Disaster survivors in certain areas of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia can begin their recovery process by applying for federal assistance through FEMA. People with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated areas should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay. Homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property from previous disasters, whether they received FEMA funds or not, are still eligible to apply for and receive assistance for Helene.   

    There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:  

    Support for North Carolina

    Financial Support: FEMA has approved more than $79 million in housing and other types of assistance for over 62,000 households.

    Power and Cellular Restoration: More than 95% of originally reported power outages have been restored. Cellular restoration continues to improve, with more than 92% of cellular sites in service as of today.  

    Staffing: As response efforts continue in North Carolina, more than 1,200 FEMA staff are on the ground providing support to affected communities. Over 250 Urban Search and Rescue personnel remain in the field helping people. These teamshave rescued or supported over 3,200 survivors to date.

    Sheltering: More than 1,800 families who cannot return home are staying in safe and clean lodging through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. Under FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, residents in declared counties who have applied for disaster assistance may be eligible to stay temporarily in a hotel or motel paid for by FEMA while they work on their long-term housing plan. FEMA will notify applicants of their eligibility for this assistance through an automated phone call, text message and/or email, depending upon the method of communication they selected at the time of application for disaster assistance. Shelter numbers continue to decline, with 15 shelters housing just over 500 occupants. 

    Commodities: Commodity distribution, mass feeding, and hydration operations remain in areas of western North Carolina. Voluntary organizations are supporting feeding operations with bulk food and water deliveries coming via truck and aircraft. Mobile feeding operations are helping survivors in heavily affected areas, including mass feeding sites in Buncombe and Watauga counties serving locations across the impacted areas. 

    Resources

    • There are more than 300 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors without cell coverage or power.
    • There are three Disaster Recovery Centers now open, where survivors can speak directly with FEMA and state personnel for assistance with their recovery. To find the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC.
    • Residents can visit: ncdps.gov/helene to get information and additional assistance.  
    • Residents can get in touch with loved ones by calling 2-1-1 or visiting unitedwaync.org to add them to search and rescue efforts.  

    Support for Florida

    As Helene recovery efforts continue in Florida, FEMA has approved more than $157 million for over 51,800 households. FEMA specialists are canvassing Florida communities affected by Helene to help survivors apply for assistance. Additionally, FEMA inspectors are visiting applicants’ homes to verify disaster-caused damage.

    There are 97 FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and three Disaster Recovery Centers are open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Additional centers will reopen following assessments to the facilities following Milton. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents in need of information or resources should call the State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-342-3557. English, Spanish and Creole speakers are available to answer questions.  

    Support for South Carolina

    As recovery efforts continue in South Carolina, FEMA has approved over $106 million for more than 121,500 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties continuing to help survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connect them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    There are 73 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods and one Disaster Recovery Center open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents with questions on Helene can call the state’s toll-free hotline, open 24 hours a day, at 1-866-246-0133. 

    Residents who are dependent on medical equipment at home and who are without power due to Helene may be eligible for a medical needs shelter. Call the state’s Department of Public Health Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information. 

    Support for Georgia

    FEMA has approved over $85 million for more than 92,300 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources. 

    There are 129 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods and two Disaster Recovery Centers open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Resources: Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene. 

    Support for Virginia  

    To date, FEMA has approved over $3.2 million for over 1,000 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    There are about 38 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods, and three Disaster Recovery Centers open where survivors can speak to state and federal personnel to help with their recovery. Survivors may find their closest center by visiting FEMA.gov/DRC.

    Residents can find resources like shelters and feeding sites at: Recover – Hurricane Helene | VDEM (vaemergency.gov)

    Support for Tennessee

    FEMA has approved more than $9 million for disaster assistance for over 1,800 households. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are on the ground in neighborhoods across the affected counties helping survivors apply for FEMA assistance and connecting them with additional state, local, federal and voluntary agency resources.

    There are more than 39 Disaster Survivor Assistance members going into neighborhoods to connect with survivors without cell coverage or power.

    Counties continue to establish donation centers. For the evolving list, visit TEMA’s website.

    Voluntary Organizations

    Voluntary organizations are also providing personnel and resources to the hardest hit areas. The American Red Cross has hundreds of trained disaster workers providing comfort and operating shelters. Additionally, they are helping find loved ones through their helpline 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by the Red Cross Hurricane Helene Reunification page where people can enter pertinent information about the person they’re looking for. If someone is missing a child related to this disaster or any other incident, they need to call 9-1-1 and then 1-800-THE-LOST to receive assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

    FEMA remains steadfast in its mission to support survivors as they begin their recovery from these historic storms. The agency will continue to work with federal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by Milton and Helene.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: GOOD PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AGE WELL SG

    Source: Government of Singapore

            To provide more conducive environments and reach more seniors, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will dedicate $140 million to enhance and expand our Active Ageing Centres (AACs). We will also roll out the enhanced Home Personal Care (HPC+) service island-wide by end-2025, to further strengthen care support in the community. These were announced by Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung, at the Silver Generation Office’s (SGO) 10th Anniversary celebration event today, as he provided an update on Age Well SG.

     2.    Announced in November 2023, Age Well SG is our national programme to help our seniors age well in the community. As announced in Budget 2024, the Government has set aside $3.5 billion for this effort over the next decade.

    Encouraging Active Ageing

    3.    Key to the Age Well SG strategy is to anchor ageing in the community. Our AACs serve as key nodes for seniors to stay socially engaged and physically active.

    4.    We have been reaching out to seniors across Singapore to understand their needs and connect them to the AACs. Since 2022, SGO has been conducting door-to-door Preventive Health Visits to engage seniors, to find out about their health and social needs and connect them to a nearby AAC or relevant support services in the community. To date, more than 480,000 seniors have been engaged through these visits, with the support of our Silver Generation Ambassadors.

    5.    We are also making good progress in expanding our AAC network and programmes, and stepping up engagement efforts to reach more seniors.

    a. Over the past year, we have added 60 more AACs, bringing the total number of AACs to 214. We are on track to reach 220 AACs by 2025.

    b. All AACs have now expanded their programmes beyond the confines of their centres, including at Residents’ Networks, sports centres and community decks. Beyond traditional programmes like Rummy O and morning exercise, AACs now offer programmes such as robotics, carpentry and language classes. More than eight in 10 AACs now offer programmes in at least four out of five domains (social, physical, cognitive, learning and volunteerism).

    c. AACs have also been stepping up engagement of seniors in their assigned boundaries. As of FY2023, senior attendances at AACs have more than doubled to an average of 42 seniors per day, up from an average of 17 seniors per day in FY2021. Close to 80,000 seniors took part in the AAC programmes in FY2023, up from around 17,000 in FY2021.  

    d. More seniors are volunteering at the AACs. Since the launch of the Silver Guardian Programme in April this year, SGO has recruited, trained and placed more than 800 volunteers in the AACs. We are on track to reach 2,400 Silver Guardians at the AACs by 2028.

    6.    We will continue to invest in our AACs to improve service delivery for seniors. To date, we have set aside $800 million from FY2024 to FY2028 to fund a wider range of AAC programmes and services for seniors such as communal dining and frailty programmes.

    7.    In addition, we will be dedicating another $140 million from FY2025 to FY2027 to allow infrastructural upgrades for existing AACs. This will support over 100 existing AACs to expand or refurbish their centres to provide a more conducive and attractive environment for seniors, and expand existing AACs that are operating from smaller sites.

    Strengthening Care Support in the Community

    8.    We are developing more options for seniors to receive timely and appropriate care where they are residing in the community.

    Enhanced HPC+ Service

    9.    Since March 2023, the enhanced HPC+ service has been rolled out as a pilot at 11 sites. It is now able to provide more responsive and frequent support to seniors. We have also introduced new features and modules such as the 24/7 technology-enabled monitoring and response element to detect falls and incidents. Findings from the pilot study have been positive, with HPC+ being able to support the demand for higher intensity and frequency of care among seniors. We have also observed lower nursing home admission rates among frailer seniors.

    10.    MOH will mainstream HPC+ island-wide by end-2025 to benefit more seniors, including more than 4,500 seniors currently on the existing home personal care service who will be transited to HPC+.

    Streamlining Care Journey for Seniors

    11.    We are also working to streamline the care journey for seniors. Today, seniors and their families may have to interact with multiple care providers and undergo repeated assessments by each provider.

    12.    To provide a more seamless care journey for seniors and their caregivers, we will appoint an Integrated Community Care Provider (ICCP) to oversee care coordination for each region. We have been in consultation with key stakeholders and many of our sector partners are supportive of this effort. The first Request for Proposals for regions without existing providers will be launched by Q4 2024. We will encourage existing providers to come together and form partnerships to perform the ICCP functions, and are working towards implementing this across Singapore by 2026.

     

    Improvements to the Living Environment

    Enhancing Homes and Communities to Make Them More Senior-friendly 

    13.    Under Age Well SG, we are making a bigger and more concerted push to further enhance the living environment to make it safer and easier for seniors to engage in their daily activities.

    a. Under the Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP), around 24,000 seniors across 26 precincts with higher densities of seniors in Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Queenstown, and Toa Payoh can look forward to new active ageing facilities like therapeutic gardens and fitness trails, barrier-free access, rest points along pathways, as well as dementia-friendly elements to aid in navigation. These senior-friendly enhancements will be progressively carried out over the next five years, with all works estimated to be completed by 2029. 

    b. Future projects under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) will also include more senior-friendly amenities as part of estate rejuvenation works. These amenities will enhance the safety and connectivity of our neighbourhoods while helping seniors to stay active and engaged within their community. 

    c. Similar upgrading works will also be carried out at selected older private residential estates under the Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP).

    14.    Within homes, we have expanded the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme to offer a wider range of senior-friendly features.

    a. From 1 April this year, seniors can choose from 11 different fittings, including newly introduced fittings such as foldable shower seats, the Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD), lowered toilet entrance kerbs, and handrails at multi-step flat entrances, to create a safer environment at home that supports ageing-in-place.

    b. Since the programme’s launch in July 2012, more than 293,000 households have had senior-friendly fittings installed in their flats, either in conjunction with the Home Improvement Programme, or through direct application to HDB. Fittings offered under EASE are heavily subsidised, and flat owners pay as low as 5% of the cost of the chosen fittings, depending on their flat type.

    15.    For vulnerable seniors living in public rental flats, we will progressively expand the provision of the wireless alert alarm system to all public rental households with at least one senior aged 60 and above from early 2025. Seniors who press the alert device in their homes will be connected to CareLine, a 24/7 hotline that responds to callers in distress. The expansion is expected to benefit around 26,800 more seniors living in around 170 rental blocks.

    16.    We also expanded our housing options for seniors.

    a. Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok, Singapore’s first Community Care Apartment (CCA) project, will be completed by October 2024. CCA is a public housing typology that pairs senior-friendly housing with on-site social activities and care services that can be customised according to the senior’s care needs. Seniors living in CCAs will be supported by a community manager who will facilitate light social programming, basic health checks, assistance with simple household fixes, and round-the-clock emergency monitoring and response service.

    b. At the upcoming October sales exercise, the fourth CCA project featuring 260 CCAs will be launched in MacPherson.

    c. By 2030, we will launch up to 30 CCA projects, if the model of care provision proves to be effective and scalable. These projects will be in different locations across Singapore, so that more seniors can have the option to spend their golden years in neighbourhoods that they are familiar with.

    Friendly Streets

    17.     Commuting, especially within the local neighbourhood, is an integral part of the daily living experience of our seniors. We have thus introduced the Friendly Streets initiative, which will make our neighbourhood roads more pedestrian-friendly with features such as: more barrier free crossings, more road humps and raised zebra crossings to slow down traffic, and longer and more frequent green-man signals.

    18.    As of September 2024, we have completed two Friendly Streets pilots at Ang Mo Kio Street 31 and West Coast Road. Works on the other three Friendly Streets pilot locations are ongoing and will be progressively completed by 2025. We have also commenced engagements with the local communities for the next batch of Friendly Streets in 10 more towns as announced at MOT’s Committee of Supply 2024. By 2030, the Friendly Streets initiative will be expanded to all towns to make walking and cycling safer, more inclusive and comfortable for seniors and the community.

    19.    Beyond Friendly Streets, improvements will also be made to commuter infrastructure over the next 10 years to support walking as the first- and last-mile mode of commuting, improve public transport experience, and support seniors commuting in the community. They include: 

    a. Building more covered linkways to connect MRT stations to Friendly Streets and key amenities nearby;

    b. Upgrading more bus stops with senior-friendly features such as additional seats with arm and back rests, and ensuring these are wheelchair accessible; and

    c. Retrofitting more pedestrian overhead bridges with lifts to provide barrier-free access, especially those near public transport nodes and healthcare institutions.

    20.    More details can be found on http://www.agewellsg.gov.sg. Together with the efforts of the community and the family, we will continue to make Singapore a home where seniors can age well in their homes and communities, while remaining connected to their loved ones.

     
    MINISTRY OF HEALTH

    MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT

    12 OCTOBER 2024

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SPEECH BY MINISTER FOR HEALTH MR ONG YE KUNG AT THE SILVER GENERATION OFFICE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, AT SUNTEC CITY SINGAPORE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE, 11AM

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Dr Gerard Ee, Chairman, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC),

    Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, Chief Executive Officer, AIC,

    Silver Generation Ambassadors,

    Advisers,

    Silver Generation Office (SGO) colleagues and partners,

    The Early Years

    1. A very good morning to all of you.
    2. SGO started as the Pioneer Generation Office (PGO), because there was the Pioneer Generation (PG) package. As Kiat How mentioned, PGO started off in a storeroom in Tampines. At that time, the headquarters of PGO was at Treasury Building. They were trying to recruit more ambassadors and staff, so they had many interviews. They went to Funan Shopping Mall, had many cups of coffee, tea and milo, and interviewed and recruited a lot of people. Through all that hard work, the team doubled to 100 pax by the end of 2014.
    3. In 2018, PGO expanded and merged with AIC and became part of the Ministry of Health (MOH), and was renamed the Silver Generation Office. In that process, the work also expanded. Beyond the Pioneer Generation, it also covered the younger seniors and rolled out the Merdeka Generation Package.

       

      Recognition of SGAs

    4. Our Silver Generation Ambassadors (SGAs) are the backbone of SGO, and their role involves a lot of hard work, going door to door. We planted seeds and laid the foundation, and today SGO has become a very big and powerful force and asset that we have on the ground.
    5. In the past, your work was a bit different. Your engagements were mostly through pen and paper. You had to bring stacks of engagement forms, brochures, and a file with lots of information to share details about the Pioneer Generation Package with seniors. Then you started showing a video of then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong talking to seniors about the PG package. I was told some seniors waved back at him.
    6. Today, some things have improved, but by and large some things have not changed. The work is still the same. You are still walking door-to-door, walking up and down stairs, knocking on every door, and engaging seniors. That has not changed, it should not change, and will not change. Because that is fundamentally what you do – connecting people to people.
    7. Over the years, by doing so, you have helped to communicate and explain many national schemes and initiatives to our seniors. The seniors actually read a lot more newspapers and watch a lot more TV than young people. And yet, they really enjoy and appreciate it when you explain the policies to them, when there is face-to-face communication and the policy comes to life. You have helped countless seniors to benefit from the support that is available.
    8. Today we are recognising many SGAs for your hard work. Over 200 awards will be given out. We will be giving out 17 Exemplary Awards, 61 Platinum Awards, and 10 Family Awards on stage. The rest of the awards will be distributed off-stage. All in all, many thanks to 10 years of hard work! Thank you very much.

      Update on Age Well SG

    9. As SGO became part of AIC, the scope of your work expanded to all seniors aged 60 and above. Beyond the PG package, we then had me the Merdeka Generation (MG) Package and Majulah Package. Through the process, the nation, government and people started to have a focus on seniors. This is a group that is growing, and we need to take care of them. If we take care of them well, they are not a challenge, but an asset.
    10. Seniors can be young, healthy and active. I meet so many people who are in their 60s and 70s, who behave like they are so young. It is an inspiration. With proper policies and engagement, whether you are young or old, it is in the mind. Let’s not be bogged down in saying that we are always going to be an ageing society. We cannot stop ageing by age, but we can reverse ageing in spirit. Because of that, we have started to think of different policies that help the seniors.
    11. Healthier SG was conceived. Without PG, maybe there would not have been an inspiration to start Healthier SG. Without SGO, PG package and SGAs, I don’t think we would have thought of Age Well SG, which has everything to do with seniors. We need to connect the Active Ageing Centres’ (AAC) work together with the SGAs. SGAs have become an indispensable, important capability to support all our senior-related programmes, such as Age Well SG and Healthier SG.
    12. We have set up over 200 AACs. As I always say, it is not difficult to fill the four walls of an AAC with activities and regular visitors. But to be truly successful, it has to go beyond that. There has to be proper outreach to seniors living around the area, within your service boundary, and with many levels of engagement with all the seniors. Then you are successful. You can only achieve that if you knock enough doors. In fact, you have to knock on doors every day. Otherwise, you have no chance to succeed. The roles of SGAs and AACs are now symbiotic. One cannot do without the other.
    13. Today, let me report on the progress of Age Well SG. It has been one year since we rolled out this major programme with your help. We added 60 more AACs over the past one year. We now have 214 AACs, and our target is 220 by 2025.
    14. AACs have expanded activities and programmes well beyond the confines of their centres. It is now common to see AAC events held in public spaces, such as parks, coffee shops, void decks, sports centres and Residents’ Network (RN) centres. Activities are now much more broad ranging, way beyond Rummy-O. There are now carpentry work, community cooking and dining, all kinds of fitness programmes, gym tonic, excursions and learning classes. All these are now available at AACs, and there is a lot of innovation coming up on the ground.
    15. Engagement has greatly improved. I think our SGAs have really helped. In FY2021, each AAC engaged on average 17 seniors a day. In FY2023, this has gone up to 42, which is almost triple. This is also reflected in the activity participation numbers. In FY2021, the number of seniors who participated in AAC activities was 17,000. In FY2023, it was 80,000. We have multiplied our engagement by at least four times.
    16. We launched the Silver Guardian programme in April this year, also inspired by SGAs, to encourage more senior volunteerism in the AACs. We have now recruited, trained and deployed 800 volunteers, and are on track to reach our target of 2,400 Silver Guardians by 2028.
    17. As Mr Gerard Ee mentioned, we can do even better by having RN ambassadors. We have 6,000 SGAs. We can have a lot more senior volunteers all over Singapore, not necessarily SGAs. I think we can do much better than 6,000 SGA volunteers. We can multiply it by 100 times. We will have one million seniors by 2030. It is not unthinkable that out of one million seniors, 60% of them do some form of volunteer work, such as micro jobs, SGAs, or RN ambassadors and volunteers with social organisations. It is possible.

      New Initiatives

    18. We will further strengthen Age Well SG, with the help of SGAs. We are working on three new initiatives.
    19. First, we will continue to upgrade existing AACs. We announced earlier that we would set aside $800 million over five years (FY2024 to 2028) to support AACs for their programmes. To support their work further, we will now enhance this by $140 million, to upgrade the facilities of existing AACs.
    20. Second, we will strengthen outreach to seniors. This is the starting point of all our effective engagement with seniors and a successful senior engagement strategy. Today, one-third of our AACs manage to reach out to 30% of seniors. We see that as an effective engagement rate. This is a vast improvement from the previous year, but there is still much more room for improvement.
    21. We need to further expand outreach where we can, partly from SGAs, but more importantly, to bring in new volunteer groups. For example, the People’s Association volunteer groups and community Grassroots Leaders are important resources for us to tap on, and also corporate volunteers. More corporates want to volunteer, and they will get their staff to work in the community. If you engage them well, they are extremely reliable.
    22. SGAs, AACs and community volunteers will become tripartite partners on the ground, working closely together with each other, knocking on every door to engage seniors and attract them to AACs. Our hospital clusters will support health services in the AACs as well. With these three partners and outreach on the ground, I think we can have a successful strategy. MOH is working on the processes to facilitate this community tripartite partnership.
    23. On the ground, when we try to work with each other, we always say we cannot share information due to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). This is actually not true. When you dig deep enough, it is possible to have a collaborative working relationship. We have worked out the processes and will roll that out, starting with Sembawang. I think it will work. Once it is successful, and no doubt it will, it will be at a community near you.
    24. Third, we will improve the home care system. This includes the Enhanced Home Personal Care service which provides more tailored support to seniors, even those with higher care needs. Essentially, we have home care staff closer to the client’s home, who will be able to respond faster. This model has shown promising results and MOH is planning to mainstream this service island-wide by end of next year.
    25. As the range of services and number of providers grow, we need to better coordinate care. AIC has taken the lead to work with providers to deliver coordinated care with a single contact point, care assessment and care plan for seniors. It is not an easy task, as we have many providers on the ground in certain constituencies and divisions. AIC will do their best to coordinate care. Our vision is to have one contact point, one assessment and one care plan for every senior, even though we have many service providers.
    26. Our community partners are supportive. We are working towards implementing this across Singapore by 2026. By end of this year, we will start to seek out interested players to operate in a few locations that are currently green fields and have no providers. They can start off with very coordinated services on the ground. For other areas with incumbent providers, they will work out arrangements to come together as a coordinated unit to realise this vision and ambition. I understand there is a lot of work ahead, but it is a meaningful undertaking to serve our seniors better.

       

      The Meaning of Volunteerism

    27.  Every one of you became an SGA because of the spirit of volunteerism. What is the benefit of volunteerism? I think there are at least three. One, to help others. I am the Chairman of the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC). Sometimes, young people come to us to say that they want to volunteer, and they have plans. They want to do a seminar, fundraising or help the environment. It is good for young people to have that sense to want to contribute to society. But I always tell them to start by helping one person. In CDAC, there is a programme where if you are a young volunteer, you can mentor a child of a challenging, vulnerable background. So to help others is one major motivation to volunteer.
    28. The second is to help yourself. There are also many young people who come to my Meet-the-People sessions to do volunteer work. Many of them tell me that before they came, they thought they had a lot of problems. After seeing all the difficult cases, their problems are not big at all. In this generation where there is a lot more challenging mental health issues, for many people, helping others is to help yourself.
    29. Finally, I will say volunteerism makes you young and healthy. I have seen it with my own eyes. Volunteers are often very young-spirited and enthusiastic. There is a lot of research and literature that show that if you keep yourself busy even after retiring, just by volunteering in the community, you feel that you are still contributing to society as a useful person. That is the most important driver of good health, so keep that going. We would rather a senior be a volunteer and become part of the solution today, than not volunteer or exercise, become sick and a problem tomorrow. Be a solution today, rather than a problem tomorrow.
    30. We talked about planting seeds, starting off with the PG package and a small group of volunteers who were PG ambassadors. Those were the seeds for a much larger strategy and national effort to keep our seniors healthy. Keep on planting seeds, growing the trees and working. We will support you where we can. We assure you that you are making a huge difference to Singapore and our seniors. Thank you.

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Govt’s shameful backtrack on marine conservation

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party has condemned the Government’s late change to allow commercial fishing in protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf.

    “This Government has bent over backwards to give fishing lobbyists exactly what they asked for, in an area of precious biodiversity facing ecological collapse,” says the Green Party Spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham. 

    “Healthy marine environments are the lifeblood of our planet. We can have healthy and thriving fisheries and marine life – now and in the future – if we give fish stocks a chance to recover. 

    “The Auckland and wider Hauraki Gulf community alongside iwi and hapū have worked hard for many years to develop a framework for protecting the health of the Gulf, under the guidance of the Hauraki Gulf Forum, but this coalition comes along and rides roughshod over that mahi at the whim of commercial fishing.

    “To exempt commercial fishing from the provisions in the Hauraki Gulf Protection Bill means the Government is prepared to allow stocks of various fish and marine species to tip over the edge into extinction.

    “The Minister’s spin about ‘significant protection’ should fool nobody. The Government is backtracking on marine conservation goals long established through community consensus, placing the ecological health of Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana at grave risk.

    “This is how the Luxon Government approaches lawmaking – erode the agency of community-driven consensus, particularly where it relates to the environment – in order to line the pockets of their industry mates.

    “The Bill had been supported unanimously by coalition parties at the Environment Select Committee, with careful consideration of different uses of the Gulf. So to come in at the last minute and exempt commercial fishing in this backhanded manner is another undemocratic trait of this Government.

    “Be it tobacco, fossil fuels, seabed mining or fisheries, this Government has made it crystal clear that the rules which apply to everyone else in our democratic and legislative processes don’t apply to industry and companies who have the ear of ministers. 

    “New Zealanders deserve a government that acts in the interests of our whole community, not the lobbyists with the deepest pockets,” says Lan Pham.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Laos witness new landmark of friendship, ready to reap more fruits

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attend the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    VIENTIANE, Oct. 12 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Saturday attended here the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building, pledging to reap more fruits in the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future.

    Li extended warm congratulations on the successful completion of the Mahosot General Hospital building, noting that builders from both countries have worked together to overcome difficulties and complete various tasks with quality and quantity assured throughout the construction.

    Mahosot General Hospital has become the largest in scale, most comprehensive in functions, and best equipped modern comprehensive hospital and medical teaching base in Laos, Li said.

    It has played an important role in improving local medical conditions and enhancing the technical skills of medical staff, which has truly benefited the people of Laos and also witnessed the enduring and increasingly strong friendship between China and Laos, Li said.

    Noting that Mahosot General Hospital is an important achievement of China-Laos high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, the two countries have closely focused on building a community with a shared future with high standards, high quality, and high level.

    The two countries have continued to strengthen the synergy of development strategies, deepen practical cooperation, and work hard to complete a number of important infrastructure projects, injecting strong impetus into the economic construction and improvement of people’s livelihood in both countries, Li said.

    Faced with the current complex and turbulent international situation, China is willing to always stand closely with Laos, work together and move forward side by side, to promote China-Laos cooperation to new heights and greater achievements, Li said.

    For his part, Sonexay said that the hospital is a significant livelihood project, with its foundation stone jointly laid by the top leaders of the two parties and countries. It has played an important role in improving medical conditions and safeguarding the health of the Lao people, becoming a landmark project of Lao-Chinese traditional friendship and cooperation.

    Laos appreciates China’s long-term strong support for Laos’ economic and social development and valuable assistance in improving people’s livelihood, and is willing to work with China to strengthen all-round cooperation and push for more fruitful results in the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future, Sonexay said.

    Nearly 200 representatives from the governments of the two countries, construction companies, and medical staff of Mahosot Hospital attended the ceremony.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attend the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Across the UAE, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia: Diverse Adoption Rates, Consistent Outcomes

    Source: Center of Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

    The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is transforming medical practices worldwide by significantly reducing patient care wait times and reducing physician’s workload. This was a key topic at the international session of the Russian Diagnostic Summit, where representatives from the UAE, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia shared insights into their AI initiatives in radiology. Despite the differing speed of AI adoption, the outcomes in each country have been strikingly similar.

     During the session, experts from these nations discussed their experiences with AI in medical imaging. China is prioritizing the standardization and regulation of AI technologies in healthcare, while the UAE is advancing the use of AI in ultrasound. Saudi Arabia is leveraging remote CT and MRI scanning to address healthcare access challenges in rural areas. Russia, meanwhile, has developed the Unified Radiology Information Service, which centralizes patient records, providing physicians with real-time access to diagnostic data.

    This innovative system drew the attention of international delegates, who expressed interest in adopting similar solutions in their countries. As Yuri Vasilev, Senior Consultant for Radiology and Instrumental Diagnostics of the Moscow Healthcare Department, stated, AI’s implementation across all participating countries has led to faster patient care and reduced physician workload.

     In his presentation on musculoskeletal diagnostics, Dr. Abdulla Alremaithi, President of the Radiology Society of Emirates, highlighted that AI has reduced scanning times by 88% and improved image quality in the UAE.

     Peijun Wang, Professor and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Society of Radiology, outlined China’s comprehensive efforts to regulate and validate AI-enabled medical devices. As of 2022, China had issued 22 regulatory documents, and by 2023, 62 companies were involved in developing AI-driven medical imaging tools, with 45 products supporting the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, chest illnesses, and fractures.

     In Saudi Arabia, Dr.Mashael Alrujaiba, a board member of the Radiological Society of Saudi Arabia, discussed how remote diagnostic technologies, such as CT and MRI scans, are improving access to healthcare for patients in rural regions.

     Shazia Khan, Professor of Radiology from Pakistan, emphasized the impact of AI on workflow efficiency, citing the automation of measurements as a key advantage.

     The Russian Diagnostic Summit saw participation from over 13,000 attendees, including representatives from all regions of Russia and delegations from 28 countries, such as Abkhazia, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, India, and Syria. The event featured 236 scientific and educational sessions, held across 21 conference halls, including forums, seminars, roundtable discussions, and masterclasses. More than 800 leading professionals presented, and over 230 companies exhibited their latest technological innovations at the Diagnopolis exhibition.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Court shuts down industry attempt to block enforcement of California’s hemp regulations

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 11, 2024

    What you need to know: A court has rejected a legal maneuver to stop enforcement of California’s emergency regulations banning THC-containing hemp products that harm the public, especially children. The ban remains in effect after the court affirmed that the potential harm to Californians supported the need for the regulations.

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California’s emergency regulations to protect children and teens from the adverse effects of dangerous intoxicating hemp products will remain in effect after a court blocked an industry attempt to stop enforcement of the regulations.

    “We will not sit on our hands while bad actors in the hemp industry target our children with dangerous and intoxicating hemp products containing THC at our retail stores. Industry concerns about the regulations are more about protecting their profit than the public. We are pleased the court saw through their bogus arguments and put the safety of Californians first in its decision.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Today’s decision affirmed that the potential harm to Californians, especially children, outweighs the potential that individual hemp businesses will not be able to adapt to the new regulations. The court also dismissed industry arguments that the regulations would make CBD products for medicinal use unavailable, noting that these items would remain available without THC at retail stores, and with THC at licensed cannabis dispensaries. 

    The decision upholds California’s restrictions, which prohibit selling any industrial hemp food, beverage, or dietary product intended for human consumption if there is any detectable THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids per serving.

    The emergency regulations respond to increasing health incidents related to intoxicating hemp products, which state regulators have found sold across the state. Children are particularly at risk should they consume these products. Studies show that use of these products can negatively impact cognitive functions, memory, and decision-making abilities in developing brains.

    What the regulations do

    The new regulations for hemp-derived food, beverage, and dietary products:

    • Ban any detectable amount of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids per serving. 
    • Ban sales to people under 21.
    • Limit servings to five per package. 
       

    What the regulations do not do

    • The regulations do not ban hemp-derived CBD products with no detectable THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids.
    • The regulations do not impact the sale of any cannabis products. Cannabis products, including products purchased for medical use and products with CBD and THC, will remain for sale at cannabis dispensaries. 
       

    Why this matters

    California became the first state to allow medicinal cannabis use when voters passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, and then in 2016, voters legalized the recreational use of cannabis. California’s cannabis regulatory framework requires that businesses operate safely, that products are labeled and tested to protect consumers from contaminants, and that children are prevented from accessing cannabis products. Absent stronger laws and regulations like those the state just adopted, hemp manufacturers have been exploiting the law to produce and market hemp products that contain THC without the safeguards in place for similar cannabis products. Intoxicating hemp products have been made available at major and small retailers and marketed for their intoxicating THC properties. These new regulations ban these sales.

    State regulators, including the Department of Public Health, the Department of Cannabis Control, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and state and local law enforcement officials, enforce these requirements. 

    Copy of the decision 

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  • MIL-OSI USA: News Release – DOH Reports Additional Mpox Cases

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News Release – DOH Reports Additional Mpox Cases

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

    KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIA‘ĀINA

    KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    DOH REPORTS ADDITIONAL MPOX CASES

    Mpox vaccination encouraged for anyone at risk

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 11, 2024                                                                                                    24-135

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is reporting two additional cases of mpox diagnosed in Hawaiʻi. One case was associated with out-of-state exposure. In the other case, no out-of-state exposure or link to other prior cases was identified, suggesting the mpox infection was locally acquired.

    There have been seven mpox cases diagnosed in Hawai‘i in 2024. These additional cases bring the total number of cases reported to the Hawaiʻi DOH since June 3, 2022 to 53. Those at higher risk of mpox infection should consider being vaccinated with two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine. JYNNEOS vaccination will be offered at this year’s Honolulu Pride Festival, Saturday Oct. 19 at the Waikīkī Shell.

    Health care providers in each county continue to vaccinate high-risk individuals. Additionally, retail pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens now offer JYNNEOS vaccinations. Find a provider offering the vaccine here: https://health.hawaii.gov/mpox.

    Transmission

    The risk of mpox infection remains low for most Hawai‘i residents. Mpox is mainly spread through close, intimate contact with body fluids, lesion material or items used by someone with mpox. The infection may be spread through large respiratory droplets, which generally cannot travel more than a few feet, so prolonged contact is required.

    The current cases of clade II mpox, both nationally and in Hawai‘i, are primarily spreading among social networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. However, anyone who has close contact with someone with mpox is at risk of infection, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Ask new partners about their health, including recent rashes or sores. If you or your partner feel sick or have new or unexplained rashes or sores, avoid close contact with others until getting checked out by a health care provider. Don’t share bedding, clothing, or toothbrushes with people outside your household. If attending events with lots of direct, skin-to-skin contact, minimizing physical contact and partners can reduce risk.

    Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

    Individuals with mpox symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or new or unexplained rashes or sores, should immediately contact their health care provider. Testing and treatment are available. Persons without a health care provider can seek care at the STI/HIV Clinic at the Diamond Head Health Center.

    Public Health Monitoring for Clade I Mpox Virus

    On Aug. 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an ongoing clade I mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The clade I mpox has not been detected in the U.S. or Hawaiʻi and only few travel-associated cases have been identified to date outside the currently affected countries in central Africa.

    The Hawaiʻi Department of Health will continue to monitor for clade I mpox through investigation of all suspected mpox cases. Hawaiʻi residents traveling internationally are encouraged to review updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mpox vaccination recommendations and travel health notices.

    The JYNNEOS vaccine, which protects against clade II mpox, is also expected to protect against clade I mpox.

    Vaccination Recommendations

    The JYNNEOS vaccine is available statewide. For full protection, you should get two doses of JYNNEOS four weeks apart. Those at higher risk for mpox and who should consider being vaccinated include:

    • Individuals who meet both the following criteria:
      • Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, as well as transgender people who have sex with men; and
      • Have multiple or casual sex partners (such as through dating apps) or expect to have this mpox risk in the future.
    • People who have a sex partner in any of the categories described above;
    • Anyone with close contact in the last 14 days to a person with known or suspected mpox infection;
    • Travelers to a country with a clade I mpox outbreak who anticipate any of the following activities during travel, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation:
      • Sex with a new partner
      • Sex at a commercial sex venue (e.g., a sex club or bathhouse)
      • Sex in exchange for money, goods, drugs or other trade
      • Sex in association with a large public event (e.g., a rave, party, or festival)
    • Anyone in any of these categories who has received only one mpox vaccine dose.

    Vaccine Sites 

    Pharmacies 

    Vaccine Clinics 

    Oʻahu residents can contact:

    • Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center (in Honolulu) at 808-521-2437
    • Kaiser Permanente, Māpunapuna Medical Office (in Honolulu) at 808-432-2000
    • Waikīkī Health at 808-922-4787

    Kauaʻi residents can contact:

    • Malama Pono Health Services (in Līhuʻe) at 808-246-9577

    Maui residents can contact:

    • Malama I Ke Ola Health Center (in Wailuku) at 808-871-7772

    Hawaiʻi Island residents can contact:

    • Hāmākua-Kohala Health Centers (in Honokaʻa) at 808-930-2751
    • Kumukahi Health + Wellness (in Hilo and Kona) at 808-982-8800

    On April 1, 2024, Bavarian Nordic commercially launched its JYNNEOS vaccine and opened ordering of the vaccine through commercial wholesalers. As a result, the JYNNEOS vaccine may potentially be accessed at other clinics and pharmacies. Those interested in getting mpox vaccination at other locations can call ahead to determine availability.

    Further information and updates can be found at health.hawaii.gov/mpox.

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Kristen Wong

    Information Specialist

    Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

    808-586-4407

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: AI in Healthcare in UAE, China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: Different Pace of Adoption, Similar Results

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

    The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is transforming medical practices around the world, significantly reducing patient waiting times and reducing the workload of doctors. This was the key topic at the international session of the Russian Diagnostic Summit, where representatives from the UAE, China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia spoke about their initiatives to introduce AI in radiology.

    Despite the different speeds of AI adoption, the results in each country were strikingly similar. During the session, experts from these countries shared their experiences with AI in medical imaging. China is prioritizing standardization and regulation of AI technologies in healthcare, while the UAE is advancing the use of AI in ultrasound diagnostics.

    Saudi Arabia uses remote CT and MRI scanning to address access to healthcare in rural areas, while Russia has developed a Unified Radiological Information Service that centralizes patient records, giving doctors access to diagnostic data in real time.

    This innovative system attracted the attention of international delegates, who expressed interest in implementing similar solutions in their countries. According to Yuri Vasiliev, Senior Consultant for Radiology and Instrumental Diagnostics at the Moscow Department of Health, the implementation of AI in all participating countries has led to faster patient care and a reduced workload for doctors.

    In his presentation on musculoskeletal diagnostics, Dr. Abdulla Alremaithi, President of the Emirates Radiological Society, highlighted that in the UAE, AI has reduced scanning times by 88% and improved image quality.

    Peijun Wang, professor and vice chairman of the Chinese Society of Radiology, spoke about China’s comprehensive efforts to regulate and validate AI-enabled medical devices. As of 2022, China had issued 22 regulations, and by 2023, 62 companies were involved in the development of AI-based medical imaging tools, with 45 products supporting the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, chest diseases, and fractures.

    In Saudi Arabia, Dr. Mashael Alrujaiba, board member of the Saudi Arabian Radiological Society, spoke about how remote diagnostic technologies such as CT and MRI are improving access to healthcare for patients in rural areas.

    Shazia Khan, a professor of radiology from Pakistan, highlighted the impact of AI on workflow efficiency, citing automation of measurements as one of the key benefits.

    The Russian Diagnostic Summit was attended by over 13,000 people, including representatives from all regions of Russia and delegations from 28 countries, such as Abkhazia, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, India and Syria.

    The event featured 236 scientific and educational sessions in 21 conference halls, including forums, seminars, round tables and master classes. More than 800 leading experts presented their reports, and more than 230 companies presented their latest technological innovations at the Diagnopolis exhibition.

    MIL OSI Russia News –