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Category: Health

  • MIL-Evening Report: Our new study shows life expectancy is stagnating for Australians under 50

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sergey Timonin, Research Fellow in Demography, School of Demography, Australian National University

    Global life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past century, with Australia among the best performing countries.

    But during the last two decades, some high-income countries have reported stagnation or even declining life expectancy, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.

    Could this indicate a broader decline in health advancements in English-speaking countries? Our new study compared life expectancy between English-speaking countries and against other high-income countries.

    We found Australians born between 1930 and 1969 continue to do exceptionally well for life expectancy. But the picture for those under 50 is not so rosy – life expectancy is stagnating for that younger group.

    Why measure life expectancy?

    Life expectancy is a valuable and widely used measure to examine health trends and patterns over time and compare different places or population groups.

    It estimates the average number of years a person would be expected to live. This is calculated using the mortality – or death rates – across different age groups within a specific period. When death rates fall, life expectancy rises, and vice versa.

    Life expectancy can tell a story about a population’s overall health.
    Christian Wiediger/Shutterstock

    Not only does life expectancy tell us about mortality in a population, it is indirectly a measure of overall population health. Most leading causes of death in high-income countries are chronic diseases. These typically affect the health of a person for multiple years before their death.

    Stagnations or reversals in life expectancy can be warning signs of both longstanding and emerging health problems.

    Nobel Prize-winning economist Amartya Sen has also pointed to mortality as a key indicator of economic success and failure. This makes it a powerful tool for researchers and policymakers.

    Thanks to a long and largely standardised tradition of collecting mortality statistics across high-income countries, researchers are able to carry out in-depth, comparative studies. This can help uncover how specific causes of death have contributed to the changes in life expectancy.

    What we did

    In our study, we analysed mortality trends and patterns in a broader group of English-speaking countries and compared them with other high-income countries. English-speaking countries have shown similarities in recent mortality trends and their causes, such as patterns of drug overdose and obesity prevalence.

    Our analysis focuses on six high-income English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and US. We compared them with the average in 14 other high-income, low-mortality countries from Western Europe (such as France and Norway), plus Japan. This was the “comparison group”.

    We used data from 1970 onwards from well-established, comprehensive sources of high-quality mortality data: the Human Mortality Database and World Health Organization Mortality Database.

    For each English-speaking country and the comparison group, we estimated:

    • life expectancy at birth
    • partial life expectancy between ages 0 and 50 years
    • remaining life expectancy at age 50
    • average length of life.

    Looking at average length of life helps to compare the mortality of the birth cohorts (people born in the same calendar year) as they age. This measure is the closest way to estimate how long people in different populations actually live, and can be used to assess the differences in survival between populations.

    First we looked at how age and causes of death were contributing to a gap between English-speaking countries and the comparison group. Then we compared the average length of life of different birth cohorts.

    What we found

    In the pre-COVID period, both men and women in Australia had a higher life expectancy at birth, compared to the non-English speaking comparison group (the average between those 14 countries). This was also true for men in Ireland, New Zealand and Canada. In the UK and US, however, life expectancy at birth was lower for both men and women, compared to the non-English speaking group.

    But the most striking finding was the difference in mortality for those under 50 in English-speaking versus non-English speaking countries.

    Relatively high death rates for those under 50 dragged the overall life expectancy at birth down for each English-speaking country, including Australia. Suicides and drug or alcohol-related deaths were the main reason for these trends.

    But over age 50, Australia performs exceptionally well in life expectancy for both men and women. Australians born in the 1930s-60s are likely to live longer than those in the non-English speaking comparison group and all other English-speaking countries. But Australians born in the 1970s onwards had lower life expectancy than the comparison group.

    This means overall, life expectancy at birth in Australia is higher than the average for the non-English group. But when you break it down by age, the results show a clear distinction in life expectancy according to when you were born.

    For example, in 2017-19 , male life expectancy between ages 0 and 50 years was 0.3 years lower in Australia compared to the average for the non-English group, while remaining life expectancy at age 50 was 1.45 years higher.

    What this means

    Our study shows a worrying trend for people born from the 1970s onwards. This is true in all English-speaking countries, even before accounting for the negative impacts of the COVID pandemic in places like the UK and US.

    In Australia, the results point to significant generational differences in life expectancy compared to other high-income countries. If the relatively high mortality rates of Australians born from the 1970s onwards continue into the future, then the gains in Australian life expectancy will likely slow. Our status as having one of the highest life expectancies of any country will diminish.

    Our research aimed to examine trends and potential causes of stagnating life expectancy, rather than make policy recommendations.

    But the results suggest real improvement could come through measures that reduce inequality and structural disadvantages that lead to poor health outcomes, such as improving access to education and security of employment and housing, supporting mental health and drug-related safety, and addressing diseases like obesity and diabetes.

    Sergey Timonin receives funding from the Australian Research Council (DP210100401).

    Tim Adair receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Our new study shows life expectancy is stagnating for Australians under 50 – https://theconversation.com/our-new-study-shows-life-expectancy-is-stagnating-for-australians-under-50-240790

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey, Massachusetts Delegation Secure Nearly $60 Million in Federal Funding to Fight the Opioid Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Funding will support efforts to mitigate the overdose crisis in Massachusetts, which has one of the highest overdose mortality rates in the country

    Boston (October 7, 2024) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with Representatives Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Richard Neal (D-Mass.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Bill Keating (D-Mass.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), today announced the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will receive nearly $60 million in federal grants for state and tribal opioid response and prevention from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

    The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that over 48 million people experienced substance use disorder in the past year, but only a quarter of those in need of substance use disorder treatment services actually received them.

    “The opioid crisis is indiscriminate in the impact it has on communities across Massachusetts, but the most effective solutions are driven by the communities on the frontline, living through the devastation that addiction and overdose can cause. The funding that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will receive will fuel strategies for prevention, expanding access to treatment, and providing holistic care that puts people’s health and dignity first. In short, this funding can help save lives,” said Senator Markey.

    “The opioid crisis is something we feel deeply across this country, especially in Massachusetts,” said Senator Warren. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s leadership, we can provide vital resources to hard-hit communities in Massachusetts, and I’ll keep fighting for more resources that allow us to address this crisis like the public health crisis it is.”

    “The opioid epidemic has devastated families and entire communities in Massachusetts and across America,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “Under the steadfast leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, we are expanding access to treatment options for Americans struggling with substance use disorder and ensuring they receive the care they deserve. This award builds upon that progress, and I am proud to have partnered with local and state champions to bring these critical dollars back home.”

    “Every community here in Massachusetts and across our nation has been impacted by the immense grief and hardship caused by the opioid crisis. The disease of addiction is a battle that no family should have to bear alone,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Critical investments like these that support prevention and treatment programs are instrumental in expanding access to treatment, supporting recovery, and preventing tragic overdose deaths.”

    The funds will be used to address the overdose crisis in Massachusetts and in tribal communities through prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support. This includes opioid reversal drugs such as naloxone, as well as medications for opioid use disorder.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Obtains Injunction to Prevent California Company from Manufacturing and Distributing Adulterated Food Following Listeria Outbreak

    Source: US State of California

    A federal court yesterday enjoined a California company from manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products following a listeria outbreak linked to multiple hospitalizations and two deaths.

    In a civil complaint filed on Sept. 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, the United States alleged that Rizo Lopez Foods Inc., along with its president, chief executive officer and co-owner, Edwin Rizo, and its chief financial officer, secretary and co-owner Tomas Rizo, violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) at the company’s facility in Modesto, California, by manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products. Rizo Lopez Foods produced cotija cheese and other cheeses, yogurt, sour cream and other foods sold under the brand names Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas and 365 Whole Foods Market.

    The complaint further alleged that, in January, Hawaiian state health officials detected Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono), the bacterial pathogen that can cause listeriosis, in cheese made by the defendants. The government further alleged that during a subsequent inspection of the defendant’s facility, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found L. mono in two locations as well as various insanitary conditions. The complaint alleged that a genetic analysis matched the L. mono strain collected in Hawaii to the strain from defendants’ facility, as well as to L. mono samples from patients sickened as early as 2014 during a years-long listeriosis outbreak. An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control identified 26 cases of listeriosis in 11 states linked to the same L. mono strain. The CDC reported that 23 individuals were hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, including two patients who died. In February, Rizo Lopez recalled all cheese and dairy products produced at their facility.

    “Food manufacturers have an important responsibility to ensure the safety of their products,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and FDA will continue to work closely on enforcement actions against food manufacturers who fail to meet their obligations and put the health of their customers at risk.”

    “Food producers in the Eastern District of California feed the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Our office is committed to assuring compliance with the FDCA throughout the District.”

    The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The injunction entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the FDCA. As part of the settlement, the defendants represented that they have discontinued all operations related to preparing and processing food. Under the permanent injunction, the defendants must notify FDA in advance of resuming such operations, comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction and allow FDA to inspect their facility, including the buildings, sanitation-related systems, equipment, utensils, all articles of food and relevant records.

    Trial Attorney David G. Crockett Jr. and Senior Trial Attorney James Nelson of the Justice Department’s Civil Division prosecuted this case, with assistance from Assistant Chief Counsel for Enforcement Lauren Fash of the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.

    Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

    The claims resolved by the consent decree announced today are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    Consent Decree

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson co-leads lawsuit against federal agency over staffing rule that would shut down some nursing homes and raise costsRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.)– South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announces that he has co-led a coalition of 20 state attorneys general and groups that represent hundreds of not-for-profit aging services providers across the country in filing a lawsuit to overturn a new nursing home staffing mandate that’s impossible to implement. The staffing mandate is being implemented by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS).

    Filed in the United States District Court’s Northern District of Iowa, the complaint intends to overturn the mandate itself and vacate certain of the more onerous requirements in the rule.

    “This new staffing rule is impossible to implement based on the nursing shortage and will force the closure of nursing homes and raise costs at those that remain, devastating families financially and leaving people without the care they need,” Attorney General Wilson said.

    In April, CMS released the Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards final rule to the Federal Register. The rule requires all federally funded nursing homes to produce a revised facility assessment and changes the minimum number of hours per resident day (HPRD). All providers must provide 3.48 hours of direct nursing care per patient, per day and staff a registered nurse 24 hours a day. These specific breakdowns also require 0.55 RN and 2.45 certified nurse aide (CNA) coverage per patient, per day.

    These newly prescribed HPRDs mean nursing homes across the U.S. will need an additional 27,000 full-time registered nurses (RNs) and 78,000 full-time nurse aides costing over $7 billion—an impossible requirement to meet amid a worldwide nursing shortage and dismal Medicaid reimbursement rates that do not fully cover the actual cost of care. Sadly, the HPRD limits the utilization of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who provide most of the direct patient care in nursing homes, potentially displacing thousands of these workers across the U.S.

    LeadingAge South Carolina’s CEO, Kassie South, commented, “We are thankful for Attorney General, Alan Wilson, for fighting for the elders, healthcare system, and taxpayers in South Carolina and nationwide that will be gravely impacted by this unfunded and unlawful mandate.”

    You can read the complaint here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Breast Cancer Survivor is an Inspiration for Others

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2024, there will be about 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women.

    But there is hope.

    Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.

    Annual mammograms for those over the age of 40 and other imaging as determined by your provider is the key to early detection.

    Terry Deely was diligent about her health and faithfully did all her preventative tests.  So, in May of 2021 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was shocked.

    “I was so surprised, my world crashed,” says Deely.  “My sister and husband were with me, and I could see the doctor’s mouth moving but I could not hear what she was saying.”

    All she could think was “how and why is this happening to me, I did all the right things.”

    About half of breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than age and sex. However, a woman’s risk of breast cancer increases if she has a first-degree relative with breast cancer. About 5–10% of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

    Deely’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 40 years old and had passed away from the disease at 47. Both of Deely’s sisters also had breast cancer.

    She had a painful lump in her breast that led to an MRI that showed a fibroadenoma.  A fibroadenoma is a non-cancerous, solid breast tumor that’s usually painless and feels like a marble under the skin. They are the most common type of benign breast tumor and are made up of glandular and connective tissue.

    Advocating for herself, she told her doctor that she wanted it removed. Upon removal a 1.7 cm tumor was found hiding behind the fibroadenoma that had travelled to her lymph nodes.  A biopsy concluded that two of the four nodes were cancerous.

    Yueming Chang, MD, is a physician in the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health. (Photo by LIndsay Vigue)

    Deely had a lumpectomy, and her breast surgeon referred her to oncologist, Dr. Yueming Chang to devise a treatment plan.

    “The first time I met her, I left her office, and I said to my husband Pat, I know I am in good hands,” says Deely. “She is amazing and throughout the whole journey she was there.”

    Deely had 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 21 rounds of radiation finishing chemotherapy in 2022.  She had horrible side effects including mouth sores and brittle nails as well as the loss of her hair which was the hardest for her.

    “If my hair doesn’t look good, I don’t feel good,” says Deely. “I hated wigs, but I lost all my hair, so I got a great wig and called it Amazing Grace.”

    Each day as Deely went to work, which she did throughout her treatment, she would say “Grace lets go be amazing.”   No one knew it was a wig until her hair started growing back.

    When she heard Dr. Chang had left the practice she went to, she was disappointed and didn’t want to see anyone else. So, when she learned from a colleague that Chang was now practicing at UConn Health, she picked up the phone to see if she could see her and was thrilled when they booked an appointment for her.

    “Honestly I love that woman, she is so good to me, so caring and concerned and always so positive,” says Deely.

    Deely doesn’t mind the 45-minute drive from Watertown to Farmington to see Chang at UConn Health, “I’d follow her to the ends of the earth, I didn’t want to see anyone else.”

    During her residency training, Chang’s mother who came to visit and help her taking care for her 2-month-old baby, started having some health issues and a colonoscopy detected colon cancer.  For Chang, it was a harsh moment, she felt like she was in the medical field and didn’t know what to do.  She leaned on her attending physicians and mentors for support, and her mother has since made it through and is now well.

    Going through that experience made her want to help others knowing that patients and their family members need someone who understands when they get such a difficult diagnosis, and this led her to oncology as her subspecialty.

    Chang joined the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health a year ago and has been helping patients with breast and lung cancer navigate their treatment.

    “Early detection is very important, know your risk and going for screenings, you have a higher chance to cure the disease,” says Chang. “With advances in early detection and treatment options the survival rate is better compared to decades ago.”

    In addition to a healthy diet, Chang encourages patients to exercise as physical activity helps reduce fatigue and exercise itself reduces the risk of recurring cancer.

    “The prognosis and treatment are different for each patient, and here at UConn Health we individualize the patient’s treatment plan. Our multidisciplinary team considers genetics, tumor molecular changes, overall medical conditions, patient’s preference, psychosocial status to provide personalized care, ” says Chang.

    Deely who is the clerical coordinator in the recovery room at a hospital sees this as her opportunity to be an inspiration to others and help them get through. She saw how hard her mother fought for her family, and she had to do it for hers.  She is cancer free now and is regularly monitored.

    “It’s a journey, everyone has the strength to overcome it. We are here to provide cancer patients the right support and care they need to navigate this challenging time, offering compassion and understanding every step of the way,” says Chang.

    It takes a team to beat a breast cancer diagnosis and the team approach is the cornerstone of our breast cancer services at UConn Health.  Every patient’s case and treatment program is designed specifically for the patient and is carefully assessed and frequently reviewed by a diverse team of specialists. In addition our breast cancer program offers support care services.  To schedule your mammogram contact 860-679-2784.

    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 09/10/2024 Prague Consultations between the Polish and Czech governments

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The 9th Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations were held in Prague. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the head of the Czech government, Petr Fiala. We have many common interests and we look at issues in a similar way, such as the role of Europe, assistance to Ukraine, security and actions related to crisis situations. Polska and Chequia also have a common position on illegal immigration in the European Union. Prime Minister Donald Tusk was accompanied by 14 members of the Council of Ministers. Joint action of Poland and Checo. Cooperation between Warsaw and Prague is very good. This was especially visible during the tragic flood that hit both of our countries in September. “With a rare partner we have relationships so intense, so good and so characterized by mutual understanding,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the opening of Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations. Special thanks go to to the pilots of Checo Mi-17 helicopters, who actively helped in rescue operations on the Polish side of the border. “This is just an illustration of our very good cooperation in the broadly understood field of security. What we are trying to do together – both bilaterally and in Europe – is the best example of how to build security policy in relations between nations and states,” noted the Prime Minister. At the same time, Donald Tusk recalled the Polish initiative to organize a meeting in Wrocław regarding the rapid and flexible aid from the European Union, which will concern flood-affected areas. “The idea is to use European funds as effectively as possible and in some situations also jointly […] so that we can jointly and effectively counteract this type of disasters in the future,” explained the head. Polish government. Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who was one of the participants of the meeting in Wrocław, thanked the Polish initiative in the EU. “I thanked the Prime Minister for his actions. It was a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Ministers of Central European countries in Wrocław,” emphasized the head of the Czech government. Countries struggling with the effects of the September flood will be able to benefit from aid in the amount of EUR 10 billion for reconstruction from the Cohesion Fund. For our country, it will be half of this amount – 5 million de euros, i.e. approximately PLN 20 billion. Together in the international arena, Poland and the Czech Republic cooperate very well in the European Union forum, as well as in the matter of helping the struggling Ukraine. “I would like to thank the Czech Republic very much for their initiatives regarding Ukraine. We will cooperate even closer. We do it in a responsible, rational and very solidary way – both when it comes to helping refugees from Ukraine and helping to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression,” explained the head of the Polish government. El primer ministro checo, Petr Fiala added that both our countries are perfectly they know that the defense of Ukraine is an issue directly related to our security. “We know from our own experiences that we cannot allow Russia to make any expansion […]. Poland and the Czech Republic also have in common the fact that we have accepted a huge number of Ukrainian refugees in both countries. This shows that for us, words about solidarity are not just platitudes,” noted Petr Fiala. Poland and the Czech Republic, as one of the first countries in the EU, have been helping fighting Ukraine from the very beginning of the war. Poland and Chequia together on the issue of illegal immigration in the EUWarsaw and Prague also has a common position on illegal immigration in the European Union. El primer ministro Donald Tusk explained that during the Polish presidency in 2025, our governments will cooperate on a profound correction of some traditional European policies on illegal migration. “We present a common, firm and rational position, without any obsessions. We are definitely in favor of defending Europe against the wave of illegal migration,” emphasized the Prime Minister. As he explained during the press conference after the consultations, Poland and the Czech Republic must convince other partners in the European Union that the EU’s task is to protect the external border, not to create internal borders and searching in, which only consist in moving groups of illegal immigrants within Europe. “We will cooperate here in all aspects. Poland can count on Chequia and Chequia can count on Poland. We will give examples of this at the next meeting of the European Council,” announced the head of the Polish government. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also drew attention to the need for decisive action in the fight against illegal migration. “A change of perspective is necessary on migration. We need to be more active and more assertive towards third countries. I am convinced that both our countries have similar positions and views here,” said the head of the Czech government. As he added, organized pseudo-terrorist groups are particularly active in the matter of illegal migration. Polish-Czech energy cooperation One of the topics of intergovernmental consultations in Prague was energy cooperation .“Cooperation in the field of energy is important to us. We are starting nuclear energy practically from scratch. You already have a very long experience […]. Therefore, I am very glad that we have decided to cooperate closely and exchange information so that our activities in this field are effective and as cheap and effective as possible,” emphasized Donald Tusk. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also drew attention to the aspect of developing energy cooperation. “In both Our countries are preparing to build new nuclear blocks […]. The nuclear alliance is a form of cooperation that makes sense,” said the head of the Czech government. As he added, both countries see the benefits of the development of nuclear energy. By train from Prague to the Polish seaThis year’s tourist season on the Baltic Sea was exceptional – over half a million Czechs visited Poland beaches. “I am an eyewitness to the most friendly and expected invasion of ours, which were tourists from the Czech Republic at our seaside. You broke all Historical Records. We are very proud of it […]. Czech women and men are the most welcomed tourists on Polish soil,” emphasized Donald Tusk. Soon, tourists will have a new opportunity to reach the Baltic Sea. A direct railway connection between Prague and Tricity will be opened. Trains will run 4 times a day. Prime Minister Donald Tusk was accompanied in Prague by 14 members of the Council of Ministers: Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of State Assets Jakub Jaworowski, Minister of EU Affairs Adam Szłapka, Minister de Infraestructura Dariusz Klimczak, Minister de Cultura y National Heritage Hanna WróblewskaMinister of Climate and Environment Paulina Henning-Kloska,Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek,Minister of Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak,Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski,Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk,Minister of Industry Marzena Czarnecka,Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna ,Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz,Minister – Member of the Council of Ministers, Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Jan Grabiec.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eight Charged in $68M Social Adult Day Care and Home Health Care Scheme

    Source: US State of Vermont

    An indictment was unsealed today in Brooklyn, New York, charging eight defendants for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud Medicaid of approximately $68 million through the operation of two social adult day cares and a home health care financial intermediary that were paying kickbacks and bribes for services that were not provided.

    According to court documents, Zakia Khan, 53, of Brooklyn, and Ahsan Ijaz, 27, of Brooklyn, owned two social adult day cares, Happy Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. (Happy Family) and Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. (Family Social), and a financial intermediary, Responsible Care Staffing Inc. (Responsible Care), for the New York Medicaid Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services Program (CDPAP), which permits family members of Medicaid recipients to receive payment for assisting Medicaid recipients with activities of daily living. Beginning in approximately October 2017, in exchange for kickbacks and bribes, marketers Elaine Antao, 45, also known as Aleena, of Brooklyn, Omneah Hamdi, 61, of Brooklyn, and Manal Wasef, 44, of Brooklyn, allegedly referred Medicaid recipients to Happy Family, Family Social, and/or Responsible Care. The marketers in turn allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to Medicaid recipients for social adult day care and CDPAP services that Happy Family, Family Social, and Responsible Care billed to Medicaid but were not provided or were induced by kickbacks and bribes. Ansir Abassi, 38, also known as Zaib Abassi and Ansir Zaib, of Brooklyn, and Amran Hashmi, 53, of Brooklyn, allegedly managed Happy Family and Family Social and the marketers. To carry out the kickback scheme, Khan, Antao, Ijaz, Abassi, and Hamdi allegedly used business entities to launder the fraud proceeds and generate the cash used to pay kickbacks and bribes. Seema Memon, 30, of Brooklyn, an employee of Happy Family who was previously charged by complaint on July 1, was also indicted.

    “As alleged in the indictment, these defendants orchestrated a years-long scheme to defraud Medicaid of tens of millions of dollars for social adult day care and home care services for seniors that they did not provide,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants allegedly paid cash bribes and kickbacks to recruiters and Medicaid recipients as part of a scheme to enrich themselves at the expense of vital programs for senior citizens. Today’s charges make clear that the Criminal Division will not tolerate schemes that brazenly steal from federal health care programs.”

    “Social adult day care and home health services are meant to help seniors, but as alleged, the defendants allegedly turned their businesses into a brazen cash grab of millions of dollars from the Medicaid program,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “My office is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who plunder taxpayer-funded, federal health care programs dollars while purporting to offer health care services.” 

    “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that bribes and kickbacks are paid with Medicaid monies,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.”

    “The crimes outlined in this indictment took advantage of a network that offers essential health care and other services to those in need,” said Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). “Let it be clear: anyone who attempts to profit by defrauding the system will face consequences, as these schemes drain already limited resources and deprive beneficiaries of crucial funds. I commend our NYPD investigators and federal law enforcement partners for their successful and continued collaboration.”

    “As alleged, the defendants saw nothing beyond the dollar signs associated with their crimes, and in turn defrauded the U.S. government of $68 million in welfare funds meant for one of our country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Today’s announcement underscores the HSI New York El Dorado Task Force’s unrelenting focus on dismantling and disrupting financial fraud schemes that exploit the American public and hurt our economy.”

    Khan is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, paying health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and paying health care kickbacks, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Abassi, Antao, Hamdi, and Ijaz are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Hashmi is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and paying health care kickbacks. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and paying health care kickbacks, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Memon is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and paying health care kickbacks. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and paying health care kickbacks and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Wasef is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    HHS-OIG, NYPD, and HSI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha R. Payne for the Eastern District of New York is assisting with forfeiture matters.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: BrucePac Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that BrucePac is recalling nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

    The recalled products were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024, and were shipped and/or distributed nationwide to establishments, distributors, restaurants, and institutions. The recalled products have establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 inside or under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) mark of inspection. USDA will provide updates about product labels and list of products when they are available.

    USDA urges restaurants, institutions, and other establishments to not use or serve the recalled products. The recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

    There have been no confirmed reports of illnesses related to recalled products.

    Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the illness and symptoms may last from days to several weeks. Consumers who may have consumed the affected product and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues should seek medical attention.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Astronauts, Leadership Visit Children’s Hospital, Cancer Moonshot Event

    Source: NASA

    NASA astronauts, scientists, and researchers, and leadership from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) met with cancer patients and gathered in a discussion about potential research opportunities and collaborations as part of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative on Oct. 4.
    Roundtable discussions centered conversation around the five hazards of human spaceflight: space radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity, and closed or hostile environments. Many of these hazards have direct correlations to a cancer patient’s lived experience, like the isolation of a hospital room and long-term effects of radiation.
    During the visit with patients at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco, NASA astronaut Yvonne Cagle and former astronaut Kenneth Cockrell answered questions about spaceflight and life in space.
    Patients also received a video message from NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station, and met with Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Eugene Tu, director of NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, and other agency leaders.

    By connecting the dots between human space research and cancer research, NASA and the University of California hope to open doors to innovative new research opportunities. NASA is working with researchers, institutions, and agencies across the federal government to help cut the nation’s cancer death rate by at least 50% in the next 25 years, a goal of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative.
    Learn more about the Cancer Moonshot at:
    https://www.whitehouse.gov/cancermoonshot

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 8TH FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATION OF ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDA, NEW DELHI TODAY

    Source: Government of India

    PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 8TH FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATION OF ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDA, NEW DELHI TODAY

    Ayurveda is one of the oldest holistic medical systems in the world. It focuses on establishing harmony between mind, body and spirit: Smt. Droupadi Murmu

    Ayurveda is a very ancient medical system, it is becoming popular in the world at a very fast pace: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the 8th Foundation Day celebration of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi today and also took a visit to the AIIA campus. Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi; Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush were among the dignitaries who were present on the occasion along with senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and senior faculty members of AIIA.

     

    The launch of the Ayush Aushadhi Pharmacy Programme and the unveiling of the Shashwat Ayush Expo by the President of India marked the inauguration of the Foundation Day celebrations. The pharmacy aims to make quality Ayurvedic medicines accessible to all, enhancing healthcare delivery through Ayurveda.

    Speaking on the occasion the President of India said, “Ayurveda is one of the oldest holistic medical systems in the world. It focuses on establishing harmony between mind, body and spirit. Ayurveda medical system is our heritage and the Ministry of Ayush is doing the work of establishing this heritage as an authentic medical system. As I got to know that in the last 10 years since its establishment in 2014, the Ministry of Ayush has been making continuous efforts to bring traditional medical systems into the mainstream. Many important changes have been brought by the Ministry of Ayush in education, research, quality control of medicines, medicine and public health.

    In a short period of just 5 years of its inauguration, AIIA GOA was established as a remarkable achievement of the institute, which is today becoming a major center of TRADITIONAL Medical Value Travel and Medical Health Tourism.

    Seeing the work being done in this institute today, I am confident that through the joint efforts of all of us, we can take forward our heritage like Ayurveda with the prescriptions of our grandmothers and get it recognized globally through EVIDENCE BASED and SCIENTIFIC APPROACH. I have been told that the theme of this year’s Ayurveda Day is – AYURVEDA INNOVATION FOR GLOBAL HEALTH which is timely and I hope that through this Ayurveda will be able to reach the masses in an easy manner. I wish good luck to the Ministry of Ayush for this.

    Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi said, “If we look back, since its inception in 2014, AIIA has brought new hope to healthcare systems across the world. Reflecting on the journey so far, I am particularly impressed by the impact AIIA has made on the health of the community, where health services have been provided to over 28 lakh beneficiaries across various specialties.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has recently announced that 10 new Ayurveda Institutes will be opened in the country in next five years.

    Shri Prataprao added that ‘Today is a historic day for the Ministry of Ayush that the President of India visited our institute All India Institute of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a very ancient medical system and it is becoming popular in the world at a very fast pace. The Minister said that the Ministry of Ayush has initiated “Ayush Aushadhi Kendra” to provide authentic and affordable Ayurvedic medicines to rural areas.

    In the past seven years, AIIA has marked significant milestones in advancing the integration and promotion of traditional medicine. AIIA has provided treatment to more than 27 lakh patients through its 44 specialty clinics, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality Ayurvedic healthcare across the nation.

    A total of 73 national and international Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed, further solidifying AIIA’s global and domestic collaborations in the field of Ayurveda.

    Ayurveda, with its rich heritage and holistic approach to health, offers invaluable insights into achieving physical, mental and emotional well-being. Faced with the challenge of environmental degradation, Ayurveda offers holistic solutions that promote not only individual health but also the well-being of our environment.

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    (Release ID: 2063551) Visitor Counter : 82

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEPwD and its institutions organizing series of activities during Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

    Source: Government of India

    DEPwD and its institutions organizing series of activities during Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

    Campaign aims to build a National Dialogue on Mental health for building Inclusive and Supportive Communities

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    National Institutes under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, are taking proactive steps in organizing a series of activities under the Mental Health Awareness Week 2024. The activities are aimed at promoting mental health awareness across the country, and fostering inclusive communities that prioritize mental well-being for all.

    In a major initiative, the National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR), Sehore, is running a dedicated campaign themed ‘Mental Health at the Workplace’, conducting multiple workshops to inspire action towards creating supportive and healthy work environments. This campaign aims to shed light on the crucial role that workplaces play in maintaining the mental well-being of individuals and calls for collective efforts to make workspaces more inclusive and mentally healthy.

     

    The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, kick-started the week with a motivational rally, creating energy and awareness around mental health issues.

     

    Simultaneously, the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata, and the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Pt. DDU NIPPD), New Delhi, are hosting a variety of workshops, health camps, and other interactive activities to engage communities and offer support.

     

    Through these efforts, the DEPwD and its institutions are working to build a national dialogue on mental health, encouraging people from all walks of life to take mental well-being seriously. These steps are aimed at creating a culture where mental health is prioritized, and every individual can thrive.

     

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    (Release ID: 2063566) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Praise Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Promote Women’s Economic Empowerment, Ask about Progress in Abolishing the Male Guardianship System and Promoting Women’s Access to Justice

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Saudi Arabia, with Committee Experts praising the State’s measures promoting women’s economic empowerment and raising questions about its progress in abolishing the male guardianship system and promoting women’s access to justice.

    A Committee Expert welcomed initiatives for women within the Saudi Vision 2030.  The increase in women’s participation in the labour force showed the State’s efforts to promote the economic empowerment of women.

    One Committee Expert said the State party continued to entrust the protection of women to male guardians. The guardianship system led to women being controlled by their guardians and being subjected to domestic violence. When would the Kingdom abolish male guardianship?

    Nahla Haidar, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Saudi Arabia, noted that there were barriers to access to justice for women in Saudi Arabia, including due to the guardianship system. What measures were in place to ensure women could benefit from legal services?

    Hala Mazyad Altuwaigri, President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation, said the Saudi Vision 2030 included numerous programmes that sought to increase women’s participation in the labour market.  The Government had launched the “Qurra” programme to support childcare services for working women, and part-time and remote work programmes for women. As a result of these national efforts, the participation rate of women in the labour market until the end of the second quarter of 2024 was 35.4 per cent.

    In 2017, the delegation reported, a Royal Decree was adopted that made the guardianship system obsolete.  Women no longer needed permission to receive State services, including police services. Husbands were not allowed to impose obedience on their wives; such actions were grounds for the dissolution of marriages.

    Access to justice was ensured for women on an equal footing with men, the delegation said. Women were allowed to access the judicial system in marriage and divorce matters.  An application had been developed that allowed the Ministry of Justice to share documents and rulings on court cases with women living in rural areas, giving them access to justice.

    In closing remarks, Ms. Altuwaigri said the recommendations provided by the Committee would be heeded and followed up on by Saudi Arabia. The Government was determined to take all measures necessary to fulfil women’s rights and eliminate discrimination of women, in cooperation with all relevant international bodies, including the Committee.

    Ana Peláez Narváez, Committee Chair, in her concluding remarks, said the dialogue had allowed the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in Saudi Arabia.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and encouraged it to take all necessary measures to better implement the Convention for the benefit of all women and girls in the country.

    The delegation of Saudi Arabia consisted of representatives from the Human Rights Commission; Shura Council; Ministry of Justice; Council of Ministers’ Experts Authority; Ministry of Education; Public Prosecution; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance; Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development; Ministry of Information; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Culture; Family Affairs Council; General Authority for Statistics; King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre; National Women’s Observatory; Quality of Life Programme; Digital Transformation Programme Centre; Ministry of Economy and Planning; and the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of Saudi Arabia at the end of its eighty-ninth session on 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 10 October to consider the ninth periodic report of New Zealand (CEDAW/C/NZL/9).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fifth periodic report of Saudi Arabia (CEDAW/C/SAU/5).

    Presentation of Report

    HALA MAZYAD ALTUWAIGRI, President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation, said significant changes had been achieved in Saudi Arabia in the interest of women and girls over the reporting period.  The empowerment of women was one of the goals of the National Transformation Programme, one of the programmes of the “Saudi Vision 2030”, which implemented more than 150 reforms and policy measures.  In the field of human rights, more than 50 legislative, institutional, judicial and procedural reforms and measures were devoted to women’s rights and empowerment.

    The report was prepared by the Standing Committee for the Preparation of Reports, which was established in January 2015; it was the national mechanism for the preparation of reports to treaty bodies and follow-up to the implementation of treaty body recommendations.  It had found that most of the Committee’s previous recommendations had been implemented.

    Many laws had been amended and issued to ensure gender equality and equal opportunities and promote women’s empowerment, and to harmonise them with international standards. Among these was the amendment of the travel document system to ensure that women had access to travel documents and travel abroad on an equal basis with men.  The civil status law was amended to allow women to obtain civil documents and to report marriages, divorces and deaths on an equal basis with men. The social insurance system was amended to achieve gender equality in the retirement age, which was now 60 years for both sexes. 

    The labour law was amended to ensure equality between women and men in job interviews, employment, wages, allowances, benefits and training.  The protection from abuse law was amended to enhance the protection of victims of violence, provide them with assistance, and prosecute perpetrators, by doubling penalties in specific cases that required severe punishment.  The personal status law strengthened the rights of women and girls by restricting the discretionary power of judges, as well as by setting a minimum age for marriage, giving women priority in the custody of their children, and prohibiting the banning of women from marrying those they consented to.  In 2017, a Royal Order was also issued that removed the requirement for women to obtain a guardian’s permission to obtain services or complete procedures in all aspects of life.

    The National Policy to Encourage Equal Opportunities and Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation was released in January 2023 to eliminate all discrimination in the field of work, enabling marginalised groups to enter the labour market.  The Government had launched the “Qurra” programme to support childcare services for working women, the “Self-Employment Support” programme, which expanded opportunities to increase women’s income according to their skills, and part-time and remote work programmes, which enabled women to achieve a balance between work and family. 

    As a result of these national efforts, the participation rate of women in the labour market until the end of the second quarter of 2024 was 35.4 per cent.  The number of women in senior positions in government jobs in 2023 reached 27,942, an improvement of 38 per cent compared to 2019. The number of women in senior and middle positions in the private sector in 2023 increased by 282 per cent compared to 2019. 

    An initiative had been launched to empower women in the field of cybersecurity, which had resulted in an increase in women’s participation in communications and information technology jobs, from seven per cent in 2017 to 25 per cent in 2024. Around 250 women had been appointed to the judiciary in the Public Prosecution, and the number of female lawyers had reached 2,136.  Women also actively participated in the security and military sectors alongside men, and had played a role in the evacuation of civilians of various nationalities during the Sudanese crisis in 2023.

    In 1961, Saudi Arabia had only four female university students.  Today, the number of girls graduating from universities almost exceeded the number of male graduates.  There had been a significant increase in the enrolment rates of girls at various educational levels.  More than 1,000 educational projects have been launched in various regions and governorates of the Kingdom, and places in kindergartens had been increased by 400,000.

    The Government had provided a package of basic health services for women before and during pregnancy and after childbirth.  Mobile clinics covered remote and rural areas, providing maternal care, mental health, and programmes to prevent chronic diseases.  As a result of efforts in the field of health, the Kingdom ranked 44 out of 143 countries in the Global Women’s Health Index.

    Saudi Arabia worked in cooperation with friendly countries to promote and protect women’s rights by highlighting Islamic values that enhanced the status of women in society and ensured their enjoyment of all their rights.  The Kingdom would continue to fulfil its obligations under the Convention and endeavour to strengthen partnership and cooperation with international organizations and mechanisms concerned with human rights.  It would continue reforms in the field of women’s rights and empowerment to achieve the best possible results for women, within the framework of the “Saudi Vision 2030”.

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Saudi Arabia, welcomed Saudi Arabia’s reforms to improve the situation of women, including reforms allowing women the right to a driver’s licence and passports.  Reforms needed to be effectively implemented.  There were challenges to fulfilling women’s rights, however, including related to the guardianship system, free speech, the protection of foreign workers, domestic violence and the death penalty.

    The 1982 basic law did not include guarantees of non-discrimination and gender equality.  Would this law be amended?  It was welcome that the State party had a national human rights institute, but it was not in line with the Paris Principles.  Would the State party make it fully independent?

    There were barriers to access to justice for women, including due to the guardianship system.  How many female judges were there in Saudi Arabia?  What measures were in place to ensure women could benefit from legal services?  Was there gender sensitive handling of cases?  Did the country plan to amend the 2017 law on the financing of terrorism and the anti-cybercrime law to bring them in line with international standards? Could the State party provide data on the women subjected to the death penalty?  Would the State party implement a moratorium on the death penalty?

    How many complaints of discrimination against women had been received by the national human rights institute. Could women leave care centres without the permission of their guardians?  Would the State party stop issuing the death penalty to women who acted in self-defence?

    Another Committee Expert said that the State party’s reservation to the Convention was counter to article 27 of the Vienna Convention.  Would the State party review this reservation?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the basic law was based on transparency and justice and instilled the virtue of equality between men and women.  The Convention was included in State legislation and relevant agencies had been tasked with implementing it.  Discrimination against women was prohibited in law and in practice.

    There were seven women judges, and the State party was encouraging women to become judges.  Access to justice was ensured for women on an equal footing with men. Women were allowed to access the judicial system in marriage and divorce matters.  Marriage documents were provided to both spouses.  An application had been developed that allowed the Ministry of Justice to share documents and rulings on court cases with women living in rural areas, giving them access to justice.

    The national human rights institute was independent in its activities and worked in step with the Paris Principles. It was not directly linked to the executive power.  Its members were well-trained in human rights.  It received complaints through a hotline, prepared annual reports on the situation of human rights in the country, and expressed opinions on draft and promulgated laws.  The complaints it received were referred to competent authorities as required.

    There were thousands of members of civil society advocating for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia in the press and through social media.  Such practices were guaranteed so long as they did not threaten the security of society. Imprisoned persons had committed criminal acts under the Kingdom’s legislation, including inciting hatred.

    Capital punishment was only imposed for the most serious crimes.  Death penalties were required to be reviewed in appellate courts by 13 judges.  The State party was developing databases on domestic workers to inform policies related to such workers.  There were only two domestic workers on death row in 2023 and one in 2024.  One of these women had killed a child by suffocation, another had killed another woman using acid, while a third had set fire to a man while he was sleeping.

    Saudi Arabia had the right to express reservations to the international treaties to which it was a party.  The reservation made at the time of ratification was precautionary but had not been an obstacle to the State’s fulfilment of its commitments under the Convention.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert said Saudi Arabia had taken positive steps for women, including by establishing the Council of Family Affairs and the Committee for Women under the Ministry of Resources, which all contributed to the empowerment of women.  Did the Council have sufficient status and budget?  What outcomes had been achieved by these bodies? The Government had included a budget for the empowerment of women within the national budget.  What achievements had been made through this budget?

    There had been reports of torture by authorities against women who protested the male guardianship system. These individuals were imprisoned for long periods and issued travel bans.  Did the State party plan to lift travel bans and other laws inhibiting the activities of women activists?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed initiatives for women within the Saudi Vision 2030.  The increase in women’s participation in the labour force showed the State’s efforts to promote the economic empowerment of women.  Did the State party plan to increase the representation of women within the Shura Council from the current 20 per cent? What quota was being debated? What steps had been taken to collaborate with civil society to implement temporary special measures to fulfil the rights of women?  Did the Saudi Vison 2030 include plans to appoint female judges and lawyers?  Did women have access to training that prepared them for high-level Government positions and positions in science and technology fields?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the Council of Family Affairs was established in 2016.  It was independent of the Government.  The Committee on Women included specialists and experts.  It revised policies and took initiatives to empower women in all sectors.  The State party had developed a “Strategy of Women” which sought to provide economic opportunities and training to enhance women’s participation in information and communication fields and increase the work-life balance for women.  The budget for the Council for 2023 was 49 million riyals, which guaranteed the sustainability of its programmes.  The Ministry of Finance was working to establish a coding system to determine the overall budget allocated for women.

    The Saudi Vision 2023 aimed to empower civil society, which effectively partnered with the Government.  Civil society organizations received complaints of abuse from women and conducted awareness raising on the rights of women and the Convention.  They had produced a shadow report to the Committee.

    There was no restriction on the freedom of movement of women, except when they had violated the law. Restrictions aimed to ensure the security of society and prevent the repetition of crimes.

    The national strategy for women aimed to increase opportunities for women in leadership positions.  There were programmes in place to improve the quality of life of Saudi women in all facets of life.  There were indicators in place on women’s representation in leadership positions in the 13 districts in the State.  There had been an improvement in women’s representation in high-level Government positions by around 30 per cent between 2019 and 2023, and a three-fold increase in their representation in high-level positions in the private sector. The Government aimed to reach gender parity in the Shura Council.

    Laws in the Kingdom underwent constant review, including laws on terrorism and capital punishment. Persons could not be punished for exercising their right to self-defence.  The “Qurra” programme promoted childcare for working women. Over 117,000 women had benefitted from childcare programmes.  The cost of transport had also been reduced for working women, and women’s choices for specialisation in university and vocational education had been expanded.

    The Saudi Vision 2030 included numerous programmes that sought to improve access to services for women, increase women’s participation in the labour market, and strengthen the empowerment of women.  In 2024, women’s participation in the labour market had increased to 37 per cent.  The Government was also supporting women’s participation in sporting and cultural programmes.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked how the State party monitored and evaluated policies for women.

    Another Committee Expert asked why the State party had many more female lawyers than judges.  Were there plans to appoint more female judges?

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Saudi Arabia, asked if there was a possibility to reopen cases of travel bans issued for women human rights defenders.

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, asked about obstacles to introducing a moratorium on the death penalty.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Council of Family Affairs ensured that Government bodies were playing their roles regarding matters concerning families and women.

    The right to go before the judicial system was guaranteed for all individuals.  Legal aid was provided to individuals to appeal decisions such as travel bans.  There were plans to support increased appointments of women judges and magistrates. The judiciary was completely independent and could not be interfered with.  This ensured that trials were fair and that human rights were respected.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked if the State party would develop a national action plan on women, peace and security that called for women’s leadership in the field.  The Committee acknowledged the State’s efforts to promote ceasefire talks between warring parties in Sudan.  How many women had participated in these talks?

    The State party continued to entrust the protection of women to male guardians.  The guardianship system led to women being controlled by their guardians and being subjected to domestic violence.  When women left home without permission, guardians could compel them to return through the courts.  When would the Kingdom abolish male guardianship?  Would it accord women with the same legal capacity as men?  Would the State party ensure that the definition of rape in the upcoming Penal Code was based on affirmative consent, and that the Code addressed psychological violence?

    Saudi women were subjected to various forms of digital violence.  The potential weaponizing of the cybersecurity law could shrink the civil space for women human rights defenders.  How would the State party address these issues?

    One Committee Expert said Saudi Arabia had developed many measures to prevent trafficking in persons and support victims of trafficking.  The Expert welcomed efforts to harmonise legislation on trafficking with international standards.  However, domestic workers continued to lack sufficient legal protections, making them vulnerable to trafficking.  The State’s anti-trafficking hotlines were available in only two languages, limiting access for migrants.  Domestic workers also lacked labour law protections, leading to a high risk of forced labour.  Did the State party plan to increase the number of shelters for victims of human trafficking?  How did the State party ensure that all persons in migration shelters were assessed to determine if they were victims of trafficking, and how was it protecting domestic workers from trafficking and forced labour?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Saudi Arabia was implementing the Security Council resolution on women, peace and security. Women were engaging in conflict resolution efforts and humanitarian activities.

    In 2017, a Royal Decree was adopted that stipulated that women did not need permission to obtain State services. This Decree made the guardianship system obsolete.  Women no longer needed permission to receive State services, including police services. Women could marry a person of their choice.  Husbands were not allowed to impose obedience on their wives; such actions were grounds for the dissolution of marriages.  Decisions on guardianship considered the opinions of mothers and medical professionals.

    The Kingdom had set up a national committee to combat trafficking in persons and a national action plan on combatting the phenomenon, and had established the crime of trafficking in persons.  The national action plan enhanced measures to identify and protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.  The State party was enhancing cooperation mechanisms with international organizations and civil society to combat the crime.  It was working to ensure migrant workers were aware of their rights and complaints procedures.  Around 141 persons had been convicted between 2020 and 2024 for trafficking, with sentences of up to 15 years imprisonment issued.  All migrant workers had the right to keep their passports and they could not be ordered to work for more than 10 hours per day.  In 2021, 76 victims of trafficking were identified, and 128 were identified in 2023.  Victims of trafficking were given priority access to justice.

    State legislation regulated the behaviour of people in cyberspace and protected children from online abuse. Last month, a national conference on the empowerment of women in cyberspace was held.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert commended Saudi Arabia for leading the implementation of the Security Council resolution on women, peace and security.  What support would the State party give to women in developing countries to access digital technology?  Remnants of the guardianship system still lingered in the Kingdom.  How was the State party addressing these?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, said that male guardianship of minors and persons with disabilities continued.  When would the State party abolish the guardianship system for women with disabilities?

    One Committee Expert said that since 2016, Saudi Arabia had shown a great capacity to promote change for women, but violence and discrimination against women persisted.  Implementation of the 2018 law on harassment was thus essential.

    Another Committee Expert said that children born to Saudi women married to foreign men were not automatically granted Saudi nationality.  Did the State party plan to amend nationality legislation in this regard?  It was welcome that kindergarten education was free for foreign children; did they have access to higher education and free healthcare?  How many children born to Saudi mothers and foreign fathers had been granted nationality in the past 12 months?  Foreign mothers did not have the right to register the births of their children. Why was this?  Saudi Arabia hosted a large population of Bedouins who were not eligible for Saudi citizenship.  How was the State party strengthening protections for this population?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party had launched several initiatives to promote women’s empowerment in the digital environment.  Forty thousand women had been trained in artificial intelligence and digital security.

    There were numerous non-governmental organizations working to detect cases of trafficking and providing shelters for victims of trafficking. 

    Guardianship was only implemented for certain persons with disabilities who could not make autonomous decisions, not for all persons with disabilities.

    Women were included in the Saudi team working to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan.  A large percentage of the State’s diplomatic corps were women.  There was no maximum representation of women in the Shura Council.  The Government had taken measures to protect women refugees, providing them with shelter, and psychological and legal aid.  The Government was addressing all forms of violence against refugee women and girls and helping them to integrate into their community.  Around 292 projects had been developed for displaced persons around the world. Female aid workers were providing aid in disaster zones.

    Saudi legislation ensured that foreign citizens could receive Saudi nationality if they fulfilled certain conditions, such as mastering Arabic, and forfeiting their original nationality.  A decree was passed that granted the children of Saudi women married to foreigners with the same rights as Saudi children.  Non-nationals could receive education in the State’s higher education facilities.

    The State party and its national human rights institute had implemented awareness raising campaigns on domestic violence, as well as training programmes for civil servants and civil society on the Convention and on combatting gender-based violence and domestic violence.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    One Committee Expert congratulated Saudi Arabia on making education free and mandatory for children up to 15 years. It was commendable that 98 per cent of women had received an education.  What temporary special measures had been put in place to ensure that girls had the same opportunities as boys to participate in sports and physical education?  Women made up 69 per cent of students in higher education, but this did not translate to their employment.  There was a disproportionate percentage of men in sectors such as engineering and construction.  Why was this?  How had temporary special measures been used to encourage women’s representation in the oil and gas sector?  How many girls had pursued education outside of the country without the permission of guardians compared to boys?  How many women held professorships in universities?

    A Committee Expert asked about barriers that remained regarding women’s labour participation and how they were being addressed.  How was the State party working to narrow the gender pay gap and encouraging women to pursue non-traditional career paths?  How were the national policy on equality in work and anti-discrimination laws being enforced?  How was the State party combatting workplace harassment against women?

    Women had the right to maternity leave with full pay for up to 10 weeks.  What challenges had the State party encountered in enforcing maternity leave, and were there plans to extend maternity leave to 14 weeks in line with international standards?  What steps had been taken to establish labour inspections and complaints mechanisms for domestic workers?  How did the State party ensure that domestic workers were not penalised when they reported abuse?  Did the State party intend to ratify International Labour Organization Convention 189 on domestic workers?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Saudi Arabia was working to implement measures to ensure quality education for boys and girls. Forty per cent of scholarships were granted to girls to receive education in science and technology. Around 75 per cent of teachers were female.

    The State party had prohibited discrimination and harassment in the public and private sector workplaces and implemented a code of workplace behaviour to prevent discrimination. Workers could submit complaints regarding wage discrepancies to the Government.  Inspections were carried out to ensure that labour laws were being respected.  Sanctions were issued to companies that discriminated against women in terms of wages. 

    Migrant workers could change jobs without requiring consent from their former employers; the State party had abolished the kafala system.  National legislation on domestic work prohibited employing workers under 21 years of age, and forbade discrimination and breaches of the dignity of migrant workers. Abuse of domestic workers was a crime. A law had been implemented in 2024 to protect domestic workers from being penalised for reporting abuse. There were housing units that provided shelter, and psychological and medical support to migrant victims of abuse. Persons who came to these units were screened to ensure that they were not victims of trafficking.

    Vocational training had been provided to 15,000 women, which had led to a 25 per cent increase in the number of women in the labour market.  There was also a digital training programme in place, which around 1,000 women had benefited from.  The State party had recently extended maternal leave to 12 weeks with full pay and four weeks with partial pay.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    One Committee Expert asked about the reasons for gaps in education and employment outcomes between boys and girls. Why did the oil and gas sector have the lowest inclusion rate of women of all sectors?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed amendments to legislation to include “women’s health” as a public service and to make maternity healthcare free.  Did the State party include a gender sensitive approach in mental health programmes?  Did women still require guardians’ permission to access certain health services, such as reproductive health services?  Did women have full autonomy in relation to their reproductive health rights? 

    Abortion was illegal in Saudi Arabia except in cases to save a woman’s life.  Male guardians’ approval was necessary to receive abortions.  Did the State party plan to increase the situations in which abortion was allowed, including in cases of rape, and to remove the requirement of permission from male guardians to receive abortions? Would it decriminalise abortion? There were reports that migrants found to have AIDS were immediately detained and deported.  How did the State party ensure that migrant women, including women with AIDS, had access to health care?

    A Committee Expert asked how the State party was combatting stereotypes related to women in the labour force. Over 3,000 women had received business licences over the reporting period.  How did this compare to the number of licences issued to men?  Were there microfinancing programmes in place for women-led small businesses?  What reforms were being made to the social insurance scheme to benefit women, and what was the timeline for reforms?  How was the State party encouraging women’s participation in sports?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Government provided comprehensive health care services to all citizens on an equal footing. Reproductive and maternal health services were available for women across the State.  Around 88 per cent of women visited health care centres before childbirth.  Permission was not required from legal guardians to receive health care services. Abortion could only take place for medical reasons and needed to take place before the 20th week of pregnancy.

    The State party provided comprehensive health care and health care insurance to all residents, including non-nationals.  Persons with HIV/AIDS were guaranteed the right to education, work and psychological counselling.  Medical centres were required to provide services to persons with HIV/AIDS.

    The State party’s social security system supported the cost of living.  The State was supporting access to low-rate bank loans for women. Mortgage loans for women with favourable conditions were also being offered.  There had been a large increase in beneficiaries of these loans over the past five years.

    Saudi Arabia had six female ambassadors and 204 female diplomats who held key posts in the Foreign Ministry. The share of female diplomats had increased to over 30 per cent of the foreign service in 2024.

    There were seven women presidents of sports federations, which had over 50,000 female members.  The number of sport clubs for women had increased by 37 per cent from 2018 to 2024.  Sports facilities had been constructed in 590 schools for boys and girls.  Women were being encouraged to become physical education teachers.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked about the number of medical practitioners who had been punished for performing illegal abortions over the reporting period.

    One Committee Expert welcomed legal reforms to eliminate barriers to education and employment for women with disabilities, and efforts to combat desertification and drought and support small-scale rural farmers.  Far fewer women were employed in agriculture compared to men.  How would the State party ensure women’s equal participation in agriculture and the blue economy, and boost women’s knowledge of agribusiness?

    Female migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers continued to face arbitrary detention and other forms of abuse. How was the State party addressing this? Did it intend to ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention?

    The Committee welcomed the State party’s initiatives to combat climate change.  Saudi Arabia regularly faced heatwaves and the adverse effects of climate change, which disproportionately affected marginalised women.  How were these women involved in climate change mitigation strategies and decision making on risk management?

    Another Committee Expert said that many public and private institutions continued to demand the permission of guardians without consequences.  Did the State party plan to impose sanctions for such actions?  Were there plans to provide training to officials on legislation on the provision of services?  What were the exceptional cases in which child marriage was allowed?  What awareness raising campaigns were in place regarding child marriage?  Men received a higher portion of inheritance than women.  Did the State party plan to amend legislation to provide women with equal access to inheritance?

    Many husbands reportedly prevented their wives from participating in work or education.  Muslim women could only marry Muslim men, but Muslim men could marry women of other faiths.  Women did not have the right to unilaterally end a marriage.  After divorces, the custody of children was automatically granted to women until the children reached age 15, but men retained guardianship of the children.  What measures were in place to provide equal marriage and divorce rights to women?

    A Committee Expert cited reports of Saudi women who sought asylum in other countries being intercepted by the Government.  Could the State party comment on these reports?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said rural women helped Saudi Arabia to achieve sustainable development.  The State party had implemented a programme that supported women farmers to access land and training without discrimination.  In 2022, there were 57,000 beneficiaries of the programme, 63 per cent of whom were women.

    The Kingdom provided humanitarian aid to refugees, helping them to access passports, health services, education, care and assistance.  It also guaranteed their freedom of movement.  The competent Saudi authorities were considering the possibility of ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention.  The State party had responded to the individual cases brought to it by United Nations bodies regarding asylum seekers through written responses published on a Government website.

    Civil society organizations and the national human rights institute provided avenues for women to lodge complaints related to direct and indirect discrimination.  Saudi Arabia planned to develop its statistics on women and had created the National Observatory on Women towards this aim.

    Inheritance was regulated by the personal status law, which was based on the Islamic Sharia.  There were more than 30 situations in which inheritance was equal for women and men.  The Personal Status Code did not contain provisions that suppressed the rights of women. It promoted women’s rights and the best interests of the child

    Concluding Remarks 

    HALA MAZYAD ALTUWAIGRI, President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation, said the recommendations provided by the Committee would be heeded by Saudi Arabia and followed up on by the dedicated Standing Committee.  The Government was determined to take all measures necessary to fulfil women’s rights and eliminate discrimination of women, in cooperation with all relevant international bodies, including the Committee.

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had allowed the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in Saudi Arabia.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and encouraged it to take all necessary measures to better implement the Convention for the benefit of all women and girls in the country.  The Committee would select measures for immediate follow-up and called on the State party to report on the implementation of these measures within the required period.

     

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CEDAW24.024E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 9686, HEALTH Panel Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 9686 would amend the Congressional Budget Act to establish in statute a Panel of Health Advisors for the Congressional Budget Office. Under the bill, the 15-person panel would provide technical advice to CBO, meet at least once each year, and report annually to the House and Senate Committees on the Budget.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor finds Nebraska farm cooperative exposed employees stacking pallets of pork to musculoskeletal disorders

    Source: US Department of Labor

    Employers:    Wholestone Farms Cooperative Inc.

                                 900 South Platte Ave.

                                 Fremont, NE 

    Actions:          OSHA investigation

    Findings:         The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Wholestone Farms Cooperative Inc. for three serious safety and health violations and proposed penalties totaling $36,873, following a March 2024 complaint investigation. 

    OSHA issued serious violations under the general duty clause, after finding employees were exposed to ergonomic stressors likely to cause musculoskeletal disorders and injuries when working in the palletizing area.

    The company put employees at risk of musculoskeletal injuries by requiring them to manually lift boxes weighing up to 99 pounds from the palletizing conveyor onto pallets at floor level and stack them up to nine boxes high. The frequency and duration of lifts, weights lifted, motions repeated, forced exertions, and irregular postures exposed employees to the risk of injuries.

    Wholestone also received a serious violation for exposing workers to slip and fall hazards by allowing employees to walk and work on a damaged, uneven surface in the shipping department’s cold storage area and by not keeping aisles and a passageway clear and in good repair.

    Quote: “Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most frequent causes of lost or restricted work time and a known hazard in the meatpacking industry. Such injuries occur when lifting heavy items, bending, working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively,” said OSHA Area Director Matthew Thurlby in Omaha, Nebraska. “Work-related musculoskeletal injuries can be prevented by creating an effective ergonomics program that includes training, hazard analysis and control, medical management, and process evaluation to limit muscle strain.”

    Background: Learn more about OSHA’s Ergonomics Program Management Guidelines for meatpacking plants.

    The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. 

    Learn more about OSHA and industry-recognized safety rules for agricultural operations. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Eke Panuku Development Auckland directors appointed

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council has appointed Brett Ellison and Aaron Hockly as directors of Eke Panuku Development Auckland.

    The council sought candidates with experience in the property industry relevant to the governance of Eke Panuku, experience in driving outcomes from board level and the ability to work in regulatory frameworks. Council also sought candidates who would bring expertise in iwi relationships, understanding of Te Ao Māori and tikanga Māori, legal expertise and experience of health and safety.

    Councillor Greg Sayers chaired the selection panel and welcomes the appointments.

    “I am pleased to welcome Mr Ellison and Mr Hockly to the Auckland Council whanau as two seasoned property professionals with the leadership skills and experience to provide real strength to the Eke Panuku board. They each bring a set of skills that will complement the existing board members and support the good governance of this organisation, with Mr Ellison providing the board with a strong Māori perspective and Mr Hockly bringing legal expertise,” says Cr Sayers.

    The appointment was approved by the Performance and Appointments Committee on 24 September. The committee is responsible for all appointments to the boards of council-controlled organisations, in accordance with the council’s Appointment and Remuneration Policy for Board Members and the Local Government Act.

    About Brett Ellison

    Brett is an experienced executive across the iwi commercial sector, having spent over 10 years in senior roles across the Ngāi Tahu Holdings Group and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu – focusing on their seafood and property sector, and Crown relationships and Settlement rights. He was formerly the GM for Business Development at Ngāi Tahu Property which has played a key role in the urban development of Christchurch.

    Brett is an Investment Manager with Koau Capital Partners and supports the property activity of various iwi, and acts as investment manager for the Hāpai property collective – an iwi owned and governed property vehicle with a focus across the commercial, development and housing sectors.

    Born and bred at Ōtākou, and a graduate (BA, MA) of the University of Otago, Brett has been a director on Rangitāne Holdings, and chairs Te Rūnaka Ōtākou Ltd.

    About Aaron Hockly

    Aaron Hockly has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, property and law and currently heads up the NZX-listed, Vital Healthcare Property Trust, which owns hospitals and other healthcare facilities across New Zealand and Australia valued at ~$3.2 billion. Originally from New Zealand, Aaron spent 17 years in the UK and Australia until returning in 2018. He was Chief Operating Officer for a large ASX listed property group for ~10 years where he was responsible for strategy, major transactions and investor relations.

    Among other qualifications, Aaron has a Masters in Applied Finance and a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland. He is a Fellow of both Governance New Zealand and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (NZ) and a member of INFINZ.

    Aaron has served on the boards of several charities in both New Zealand and Australia and is currently a member of the Auckland Urban Design Panel.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day 2024

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

    “This week, from October 6 to 12, we observe Mental Illness Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and advocate for better access to mental health care for all.

    • Read more about Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on Mental Illness Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day 2024
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Marconi: UK Embassy celebrates ‘Britishness’ of Italian genius

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    • English
    • Italiano

    Guglielmo Marconi and the UK: the first of many stories, between Italian talent and innovation across the Channel.

    image of the young Marconi with radio apparatus

    In the year in which Italy celebrates the 150th anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi’s birth, the British Embassy in Rome hosted a special event – “Guglielmo Marconi and the UK – Stories of Italian Talent and Innovation Across the Channel ’ – to celebrate the close ties that the Italian genius, Nobel Prize for Physics in 1909, had with the UK.

    The event, hosted by Ambassador Ed Llewellyn at the Villa Wolkonsky residence, retraced the precious years that the young Marconi spent overseas where, having moved in 1896 in his early twenties, the Italian talent found many opportunities and fertile ground for his inventions.

    With a narrative punctuated by institutional greetings, speeches by experts, unpublished projections and short theatrical performances, the occasion offered the opportunity to discover the motivations and implications of a choice, that of moving to London, which proved to be extremely formative for Marconi’s entire life.

    After Ambassador Llewellyn’s welcome and the institutional greetings of Giulia Fortunato, President of the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation as well as of the Guglielmo Marconi 150 Committee, the body that oversees the numerous initiatives organised in his honour, Dr Barbara Valotti, Head of the museum activities of the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation, gave a speech that delved into the most significant and lesser known aspects related to Marconi’s years overseas.

    Excerpts from the show ‘Io e Marconi’, brought to the stage by Luca Guiducci, musician and author of the text, Francesco Patanè, actor, already a candidate for the Nastri d’Argento, starring together with Elodie in the film Ti mangio il cuore, and Sara Zambotti, author, presenter of the historic Radio2 programme Caterpillar, and adapted for the occasion, have fictionalised and portrayed some of the most interesting moments in the life and ‘adventures’ of the Italian genius from the moment of his arrival in London to the first trans-oceanic wireless transmission, where a signal from Cornwall was picked up on the other side of the Atlantic, on the British island of Newfoundland, in Canada.

    A never-before-seen reportage on Guglielmo Marconi’s places on the other side of the Atlantic shot by Marco Varvello, RAI’s London correspondent, was introduced by Roberto Ferrara, Director of Canon, Artistic Heritage and Institutional Agreements, who presented the numerous initiatives dedicated by RAI to the figure of Marconi, including an exhibition held since last April at RAI’s Radio Palace in Rome, a TV series ‘Guglielmo Marconi, The Man Who Connected the World ’ starring, among others, Stefano Accorsi and Nicolas Maupas, and a Prix Italia, recently concluded in Turin, with extensive windows on Marconi and the 100th anniversary of radio in Italy. Much biographical information on Marconi can be found on Wikipedia.

    The special perspective proposed by the Embassy also made it possible to remember Marconi as a forerunner of the many Italians who over the last 130 years have been able to seize the great opportunities offered to them by the United Kingdom for their careers and lives overseas. Testifying to Guglielmo Marconi’s incredible legacy are two of the 600,000 or so Italians currently living and working in the UK, Sara Bernardini, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Oxford and the University of Rome ‘La Sapienza’, and Teresa Castiello, President of Cardiology at the Royal Society of Medicine and founder/CEO MIAL Healthcare, illustrated the latest achievements in the application of wireless communication to two key areas of our times: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Health, i.e. Digital Medicine.

    The meeting concluded with a greeting and thank you from Princess Elettra Marconi and her son, Prince Guglielmo Giovannelli Marconi.

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    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Project to Protect Hudson River Water Quality Complete

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the City of Newburgh’s North Interceptor Sewer Improvement Project, crucial to protecting the water quality of the Hudson River and increasing storm resiliency. It’s the first clean water infrastructure construction project in New York State completed with funding in part from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The more than $31 million project was funded by State and federal investments, including $28 million in grants and $3 million in interest-free financing. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State continues to get the federal funding out the door equitably and efficiently to help communities undertake and complete critical wastewater and drinking water projects, minimizing the financial impact on local ratepayers.

    “Combined with our state’s unprecedented clean water investments, funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a crucial opportunity to make significant environmental improvements that will protect public health across the state for generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “These upgrades are vital to protecting the environment and enhancing quality of life in Newburgh, and my administration will continue to work hard to get funding out the door to help communities undertake and complete critical projects, and to do so as affordably as possible.”

    In addition to $6 million in federal grants and interest-free financing from the BIL, the project received $15 million in state grants from the Water Quality Improvement Project and Water Infrastructure Improvement programs, a $5 million grant from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, a $3 million federal Community Grant, and a $2 million grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

    The significant state and federal investments supported construction of 8,700 linear feet of new, larger sewer pipes and other crucial upgrades to strengthen the city’s ability to withstand high water events and reduce pollution in the Hudson River. Innovative microtunneling techniques were used to install over 2,000 linear feet of underground sewer pipeline, reducing disruption for community residents and expediting construction. The new, larger pipes are increasing system capacity and reducing pollution discharged to the Hudson River by diverting more flows to the city’s treatment plant during wet weather events.

    The federal funding is administered through the State Revolving Funds by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) in coordination with the Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health. EFC closed on $96 million in federal funding for eight projects as part of a record $2.2 billion investment in clean water infrastructure in State Fiscal Year 2024.

    EFC President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, EFC is committed to working with local communities to safeguard water quality throughout New York State, making record investments to protect public health and the environment while ensuring these projects are affordable. EFC’s ongoing partnership with the City of Newburgh to complete critical wastewater upgrades is helping to make marked improvements in the water quality of the Hudson River, saving an estimated $24 million for local ratepayers.

    DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Completion of the city of Newburgh’s $31 million sewer improvement project will have a lasting positive impact for local residents and the health of the Hudson River. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s sustained and generational investments in water quality bolstered by funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the major upgrades to clean water infrastructure completed today will enhance community storm resiliency while reducing pollution, benefitting the entire region.”

    Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “I fought hard to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs law to help fund projects like the vital North Interceptor Sewer Improvement Project in Newburgh, which will install modern sewer pipes to increase protection against storms and help keep the Hudson River clean. For years, I’ve worked with the City of Newburgh, Riverkeeper, the Newburgh Clean Water Project, and other local advocates to improve Newburgh’s water infrastructure to make our beloved Newburgh neighborhoods healthier and safer places to live and work. I thank Governor Hochul for her work using federal funds to complete the first clean water infrastructure project in New York with support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, and will continue fighting to deliver funding to support our Hudson Valley communities.”

    EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia said, “Right here in Newburgh, the Biden- Harris Administration has delivered on its promise to invest in the health, equity and resilience of communities across the nation to address the generational challenge of combined sewer overflows. When we invest in wastewater infrastructure, we not only invest in the health of a beloved natural resource like the Hudson River but also in the community members who live along its banks. Congratulations to Newburgh for being the first in New York State to complete a clean water project funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This is an exciting milestone and just the first of many success stories here in New York.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Clean water should be accessible to all Americans regardless of where they live. High-quality wastewater systems are vital to protect the environment and public health, and I am grateful to see federal funding being used to upgrade this critical infrastructure. I worked hard to help pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I am proud that funding from this historic legislation is already making a difference for communities in New York.”

    Representative Pat Ryan said, “Clean water is vital for our families’ health and for our environment to thrive. I’m proud that this project, fueled by landmark investments from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marks a new chapter for Newburgh families by delivering cleaner water today and for generations to come. I’ll keep working to bring more of these monumental federal investments home and keep fighting for the clean water every Hudson Valley family deserves.”

    Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson said, “Congratulations to the City of Newburgh for completing this monumental environmental project in record time — 2 ½ years. This project has stopped 56 MILLION gallons of raw sewage from being dumped into the Hudson River. Newburgh took advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through funding from the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the American Rescue Plan, and the State. More than half of the funding came from New York State — $15 million. This vital project was completed at minimal cost to Newburgh taxpayers. Thank you to the hard-working union members and my partners in State government, including Governor Kathy Hochul, as well as Federal government and local officials, for getting this project over the finish line.”

    Mayor of Newburgh Torrance R. Harvey said, “Governor Hochul understands the policy imperative of hardening municipal infrastructure to combat the effects of climate change, and the moral obligation of stewardship for our vital natural resources. Governor Hochul’s administration efficiently and effectively delivered state and federal funding from the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law directly to the City of Newburgh for this transformative clean water project that will benefit all Hudson River communities. The City of Newburgh is forever grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to the health of our residents, and to all residents of the Hudson Valley.”

    Riverkeeper Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy, and Planning Dan Shapley said, “Riverkeeper has advocated for more than 50 years to stop pollution in the Hudson. As communities up and down the river make investments to eliminate overflows from water treatment infrastructure that combines sewage and stormwater, this project means we’ll get to enjoy cleaner water. That’s good for all the life that relies on the Hudson, including us humans. Already most of the river is safe for swimming, most of the time – and this project will help open more opportunities for safe recreation in the future. We want to thank Newburgh, as well as the state and federal leaders who have made funding available for projects like these. As we move toward the next legislative session in Albany, Riverkeeper will be advocating for continued commitments to the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and Environmental Protection Fund so that communities can continue to make these kinds of improvements.”

    New York’s Commitment to Water Quality
    New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY25 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $5.5 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. Governor Hochul’s State of the State initiatives are helping to ensure ongoing coordination with local governments and ensure communities can leverage these investments. The Governor increased WIIA grants for wastewater projects from 25 to 50 percent of net eligible project costs for smaller, disadvantaged communities. The Governor also expanded EFC’s Community Assistance Teams to help small, rural and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with its water infrastructure is encouraged to contact EFC.

    The funding, in addition to other substantial water quality investments, includes the voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 which is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities’ ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats; and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. The first round of funding under the Environmental Bond Act was awarded through the WIIA/IMG programs in December, when Governor Hochul announced $479 million in grants to 156 projects across New York State, including $309 million made available to disadvantaged communities. Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Holds Roundtable With Veterans To Discuss Bipartisan Legislation That Would Address Epidemic Of Traumatic Brain Injuries In Service Members and Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Following a disturbing report showing that service members are sustaining crippling traumatic brain injuries as a result of firing their own weapons, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a roundtable with veterans at VFW Post No. 9587 in Staten Island to discuss the her Blast Overpressure Safety Act, legislation to address traumatic brain injuries among service members and veterans. Service members who regularly fire heavy weapons are at increased risk of brain injury as a result of repeated exposure to explosions or blasts from their own weapons and explosives – otherwise known as blast overpressure. These brain injuries can cause depression, anxiety, cognitive problems, hallucinations, panic attacks, violent outbursts, suicidal tendencies, psychiatric disorders, dementia, and a variety of other serious health problems. At least a dozen Navy SEALs who have died by suicide over the past decade were later found to have suffered blast injuries, and many more service members have complained of health issues after blast exposure. Despite this, the Pentagon has struggled to properly investigate the impact of blast overpressure, effectively track the prevalence of blast overpressure-related injuries, or offer appropriate care to service members and veterans. Gillibrand is calling for more research and better treatment for those affected.
    Gillibrand was joined by New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and local veterans.
    “After repeatedly being exposed to blasts from their own weapons during both training and combat, our service members are sustaining severe and crippling brain trauma,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This bill will require the DoD to investigate the prevalence and causes of these brain injuries; to track each service member’s exposure to blasts; and to help service members access care. This is a critical bill and I look forward to getting it passed in the NDAA.” 
    “I want to thank Senator Gillibrand for joining us here on Staten Island for this veteran’s roundtable,” said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “It’s always an honor to meet with our veterans and discuss these important issues affecting them and their families. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my federal, state, and local colleagues to advance policies that support our veterans.”
    Specifically, the Blast Overpressure Safety Act would: 
    Mandate regular neurocognitive assessments over a service member’s career, including a baseline neurocognitive assessment before training. 
    Create blast overpressure exposure and TBI logs for all service members.
    Increase transparency regarding blast overpressure safety in the weapons acquisition process. DoD must consider the minimization of blast overpressure during the acquisition process, require contracting entities to provide blast overpressure safety data, and publish blast overpressure safety data for weapons systems and its plans to better protect service members from in-use weapons systems. 
    Improve data on concussive and subconcussive brain injuries service members sustain. This includes information on discharges related to and medical providers trained in these injuries, as well as efforts with allies and partners to better address these injuries. 
    Enhance efforts to mitigate exposure and help service members access care. This includes retaliation protections for those who seek care; modifying existing weapons system to reduce blast exposure; updating and making publicly available blast overpressure thresholds and creating a waiver system for exceeding these thresholds; training high-risk service members to help them recognize exposure symptoms and creating strategies to mitigate their risk; and expanding the types of technologies in the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative pilot blast monitoring program. 
    Support service member treatment by establishing a Special Operations Comprehensive Brain Health and Trauma program, making the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) a program of record and requiring DoD to provide childcare services to those seeking treatment there, and mandating training for medical and training personnel on blast overpressure and exposure and TBI. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wittman Hosts Veterans Seminar in Mechanicsville

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01)

    MECHANICSVILLE, Va. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today hosted a community seminar at American Legion Post 175 in Mechanicsville to convene veterans, their families, support organizations, and community members to provide resources and discuss the challenges faced by the veterans community in Virginia’s First District.

    Watch the livestream here.

    “American history – and world history – would be much different without the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Rep. Wittman. “Whether it’s accessing healthcare, employment, or education opportunities, our veterans deserve our unequivocal commitment to ensuring their successful transition to civilian life. I thank today’s panelists for sharing such valuable information and engaging with Virginia’s First District residents, and I look forward to our continued efforts to support our veterans community here in the Commonwealth.”

    The congressman was joined by Bruce Voigt, executive director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Roanoke Regional Office, and Harry Schein, veterans service representative at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

    Throughout his time in Congress, Rep. Wittman has supported the following legislation to support veterans:

    • Voted for the PACT Act

      • Expands VA health care to veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their military service. 

      • Extends the period of time post-9/11 combat veterans have to enroll in VA health care from five to 10 years post-discharge. 

      • Requires veterans enrolled in VA health care to be screened regularly for toxic exposure related concerns.

      • Invests in VA health care facilities by authorizing 31 major medical health clinics and research facilities in 19 states.

      • Requires VA to conduct outreach to any veteran who had previously filed a claim for benefits related to toxic exposure and was denied ensuring they are aware of the opportunity to refile.

    • Cosponsored the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act

      • Improves the delivery of healthcare, benefits, and services at the VA for veterans, their families, and their survivors.

      • Expands economic opportunity, modernizes the disability claims process, improves elder care, and expands mental health support.

    • Cosponsored the Not Just a Number Act

      • Directs the VA to study which programs work best to stop suicide and expand upon them. 

      • Enhances accuracy of data, timely reporting of veteran suicides, and improves prevention efforts through better service delivery and the proposal of new administrative structures.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: UPDATE: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Continues Life-Saving Preparations for Hurricane  Milton

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    The Biden-Harris Administration continues to mobilize a whole-of-government effort to prepare for the impacts of Hurricane Milton, including pre-positioning resources and personnel and expediting debris removal efforts in Florida. These actions supplement the ongoing response and recovery efforts to the impacts of Hurricane Helene across the Southeast and Appalachia.
    Today, President Biden was briefed by members of his Administration who are driving preparations for Hurricane Milton and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene. The President directed his team to do everything possible to save lives and help communities before, during, and after these extreme weather events.
    The President urges everyone to be aware of the evacuation orders that are in effect in multiple Florida counties. Shelters are open, and evacuation assistance is available. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately for your safety and that of your loved ones. If you need a safe place to go nearby, text SHELTER & your zip code to 43362 to get a list of open shelters near you.
    Yesterday, President Biden had calls with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor to get firsthand reports on recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene and to discuss preparations for Hurricane Milton. The President also spoke with National Weather Service Director Ken Graham, who briefed the President in detail on the forecast and expected impacts of Hurricane Milton for the State of Florida. 
    At the direction of President Biden, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was on the ground in Tampa, Florida, yesterday, where she met with local leaders to coordinate preparations ahead of Milton’s landfall.
    Yesterday, President Biden quickly approved the Governor of Florida’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration. Under an emergency declaration, FEMA provides direct Federal support to states for life-saving activities and other emergency protective measures, such as evacuation, sheltering, and search and rescue. Earlier today, the President also approved an emergency declaration request from the Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
    The Administration has been in touch with officials from the State of Florida, as well as more than 60 local officials in cities and counties along the likely path of impact, to ensure needs are met in advance of the storm. The Administration has also been in touch with officials from the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes. The Administration has also reached out to state officials in South Carolina and Georgia and will continue outreach efforts based on Hurricane Milton’s latest trajectory.
    FEMA has sufficient funding to both support the response to Hurricane Milton and continue to support the ongoing response to and recovery from Hurricane Helene– including funding to support first responders and provide immediate assistance to disaster survivors.
    Additional updates include:
    Pre-Staging Personnel and Resources
    FEMA is pre-staging a full slate of response capabilities in Florida and the region, including seven FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams, eight FEMA Urban Search & Rescue and swift water rescue teams, three U.S. Coast Guard Swift Water Rescue teams, four Health Care System Assessment Teams, five Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and an Incident Management Team from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
    Additional pre-staged capabilities include U.S Army Corps of Engineers temporary power teams, debris experts and a roofing team, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency debris removal and wastewater experts, and 300 ambulances. In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense is posturing and staging forces to support FEMA and state partners including helicopters for search-and-rescue operations and to enable movement of personnel, equipment and commodities; and High Water Vehicles.  
    FEMA has five incident staging bases with commodities including food and water. Right now, FEMA currently has 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water in the pipeline to deploy as needed to address ongoing Helene and Milton response efforts and can expand as needed.
    Protecting Public Health and Health Care Systems
    Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a Public Health Emergency for Florida to address the health impacts of Hurricane Milton, the second public health emergency declaration for the state to aid in a hurricane response within the past two weeks.
    The Department’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) pre-positioned approximately 100 responders in Atlanta along with medical equipment and supplies to support the delivery of health care services in Florida following the landfall of Hurricane Milton. The deployed personnel include ASPR Health Care Situational Assessment Teams who stand ready to work with state officials to assess the storm’s impacts on hospitals, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and other health care facilities and a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) from ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) for rapid response following health care assessments. A second DMAT is being pre-positioned in Atlanta to support additional response to either Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton, as needed.
    In addition to the assessment teams and disaster medical system personnel, ASPR deployed personnel from an Incident Management Team and Regional Emergency Coordinators who integrate with FEMA, state health authorities, and emergency response officials to anticipate and assist Florida in meeting public health and medical needs in the wake of the storm. Logisticians and security personnel are also pre-positioned to provide support. ASPR is prepared to facilitate Public Health Emergencies for Hurricane Milton upon request. ASPR has also supported the HHS emPOWER program, which is available to identify the number of Medicare beneficiaries in affected zips codes who rely on electricity-dependent durable medical equipment and certain healthcare services, such as dialysis, oxygen tank, or home health, to help anticipate, plan for, and respond to the needs of at-risk citizens in potentially impacted areas.
    Preparing for Impacts to Infrastructure
    The Department of Transportation is deploying a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Field Incident Response (FIR) team to Florida and pre-staging operations in Jacksonville to prepare support for any impacted towers and airports. The team will work with the state and local authorities and the Department of Defense within the established Emergency Operations Center. The Department of Transportation is also deploying the FAA Communication Support Team (CST), which plays a critical role in supporting communication restoration at impacted airports. Specifically, the CST will set up Starlink and Mobile Phone Bonding kits, which increase signal stability and data throughout the region. The FAA is placing aircraft on standby to transport personnel from various agencies, mobilize resources, and support damage assessments to infrastructure.
    In addition, similar to the approach on Hurricane Helene, the FAA will continue to closely coordinate with the Department of Defense, the Armed Services, including Active Duty and National Guard units, and State Emergency Operations Centers to support their use of drones to support response and recovery.  Drones can play a critical role in supporting search and rescue operations and damage assessments by providing real time video, imagery, and sensor capabilities in hard-to-reach places.       The Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is coordinating with the Florida Department of Transportation and monitoring the situation to be prepared to support.
    The Environmental Protection Agency is working closely with Federal, state, local, and Tribal partners to support water systems, prepare for debris management, and ensure facilities, including Superfund sites, maintain critical public health and environmental protections while they recover from Hurricane Helene and prepare for Hurricane Milton. The agency has personnel on the ground in regional and national operations centers who are continuing to respond to Hurricane Helene and are preparing to offer support, guidance, and assistance to the State of Florida and everyone in the new storm’s path.
    Additional Pre-Landfall Preparations
    The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is deploying wave sensors at eight locations in Florida between Naples and Crystal River to measure the coastal waves caused by the storm. USGS Field crews are also installing one rapid-deployment gauge on the Sunshine Skyway bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida. This specialized piece of equipment is a fully-functional streamgage designed to be deployed quickly and temporarily to measure and transmit real-time water level data in emergency situations. This data can be used by decision makers and emergency managers to monitor water levels as they work to save lives and property.
    The Department of Energy’s Energy Response Organization remains activated to respond to storm impacts. Via the Electricity Sub-Sector Coordinating Council and Oil and Natural Gas Sub-Sector Coordinating Council, the Department of Energy has been coordinating continuously with energy sector partners on both the ongoing Hurricane Helene response and potential impacts from Hurricane Milton.
    The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has notified local public housing authorities and owners of its assisted multifamily and heath care properties within the State of Florida to immediately implement all appropriate safety protocols for residents and workers. HUD is committed to ensuring that residents of its assisted homes and properties receive critical information that can save lives during extreme weather events. HUD is also conducting outreach and communications on the programmatic flexibilities and waivers that can be utilized to assist communities and survivors.
    The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced it is extending measures to assist customers, U.S. exporters, and financial institutions impacted by Hurricane Helene and forecasted to be impacted by Hurricane Milton. EXIM is offering assistance to allow businesses and financial institutions that participate in EXIM’s programs to return to their business concerns when appropriate and without penalty due to missed deadlines or other timeliness issues.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hysterectomy is more common, and occurs at younger ages, for women with less education

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Erin A. Brennand, Gynecologist & Associate Professor, University of Calgary

    Nearly one in three Canadian women over age 60 has had their uterus removed. (Shutterstock)

    Hysterectomy is one of the most common inpatient surgeries. Currently, nearly one in three Canadian women aged 60 and older have had their uterus removed.

    While this rate is falling, mainly due to greater use of non-surgical treatments for many gynecological conditions, hysterectomy appears to be normalized in Canada. Many women and some physicians view hysterectomy as a routine part of aging or natural step after childbearing.

    This cultural acceptance is a problem because, in the long term, hysterectomy appears to be associated with an increased risk of heart problems and other chronic illnesses.

    In Canada, approximately 35,000 hysterectomies are performed annually. The majority are for non-cancerous conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroid growths, and pelvic organ prolapse.

    In Alberta, the rate of hysterectomy is more than 20 per cent higher than the national rate (328 versus 269 per 100,000 adult women), and Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) data shows the province has had a comparatively higher rate since 2010.

    Hysterectomy and education

    Within our team of medical professionals and health researchers, we know hysterectomy can have long-term health consequences and that it is overused in certain patient populations. Our research focuses on female reproductive health across the lifespan, with an overarching vision to make the future of women’s health a priority. We want to understand who is most at risk for poor health outcomes and identify strategies to reduce avoidable harm.

    In a recent study, we investigated whether women with lower levels of education were more likely to have a hysterectomy, and at what ages.

    We analyzed data from Alberta’s Tomorrow Project, a large, long-term study tracking health and chronic illness in Albertans. We studied almost 35,000 women over a 15-year period. The findings were stark: 29.7 per cent of women with a high school diploma or less had a hysterectomy, compared to 14.7 per cent with a university degree.

    After we accounted for several social and medical factors, it appeared that women with a high school education were roughly 1.7 times as likely to have a hysterectomy than those with a university education. Even women with a college degree were approximately 1.6 times as likely to have a hysterectomy than those who were university educated.

    We also found that less education meant women were more likely to have surgery at a younger age, and before menopause. This timing is important because when performed before natural menopause, hysterectomy appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and earlier onset of menopause symptoms.

    Social disparities

    Our findings raise important questions about social disparities in Canadian medical care. We know that women with lower levels of education often face economic challenges that can limit access to alternative treatments.

    For example, if employment does not provide extended health benefits to cover the costs of medical management, women may view surgery — which is covered by Canada’s universal health-care system — as their only viable option. Moreover, they may have less access to health-care providers who are familiar with newer, non-surgical treatments, or who are willing to offer them.

    Women with precarious employment or multiple roles at work and home may not be able to cope with unpredictable symptoms, such as unpredictable uterine bleeding, leading them to choose a more definitive treatment earlier.

    Our research also questions whether health-care providers may be more likely to recommend surgery to women with less education, possibly due to biases or assumptions about women’s ability to afford or manage non-surgical treatments.

    It is also possible that women with less education may have lower health literacy, affecting their ability to make informed decisions, or to participate in shared decision-making. Being less likely to question a doctor’s recommendations or seek second opinions could lead to a higher likelihood of surgery.

    It is evident that despite medical advances reducing the need for hysterectomy, there are significant variations in its use across different groups of women. This suggests some surgeries are not driven by medical necessity and may be avoidable. Our study adds to growing evidence calling for greater attention to the social determinants of female reproductive health. We expect it will require multiple approaches to address these disparities.

    To begin with, it is essential to improve information about, and access to, non-surgical treatments for all women, including tailoring this as needed for those with less education. One potential area of improvement is Canada’s recent commitment to federal coverage for birth control, since this can provide excellent treatment for conditions such as heavy uterine bleeding.

    Investment in pelvic floor physiotherapy is also necessary to ensure non-surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse is available to everyone.

    Secondly, there is an urgent need for increasing awareness among health-care providers about the importance of shared decision-making and addressing unconscious bias.

    Lastly, interventions to improve health literacy among women with lower education levels are critical to enable patients to be more active participants in their health-care decisions. It could also reduce the likelihood of experiencing a potentially avoidable hysterectomy and subsequent long-term health issues.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Hysterectomy is more common, and occurs at younger ages, for women with less education – https://theconversation.com/hysterectomy-is-more-common-and-occurs-at-younger-ages-for-women-with-less-education-237937

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Giving Back in Hartford

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On Saturday, October 5 the interprofessional health students of the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars training program at UConn Health contributed once again to the longstanding Ollie M. Williams (OMW) Health and Wellness Fair at Thirman Miller Middle School in Hartford.

    This is the 14th consecutive-year UConn Health students have supported the annual community event attended by hundreds of community members.

    The UConn Health students helped administer free health care and screenings such as administering the pneumococcal vaccine, provided oral, blood pressure, and blood glucose checks, and health education about asthma triggers, oral hygiene, and the benefits of good nutrition and an active life style.

    Preceptors overseeing the student care from UConn Health included: Dr. Victoria Massey, Dr. Nancy Wong, Dr. Kiran Lorick, Dr. Gary Rhule, and Dr. Bruce Gould.

    “This event is an example of the value our strong academic-community partnership has in promoting better health for all of Connecticut’s citizens,” said Petra Clark-Dufner, director of CT AHEC. “No partnership better amplifies the power and strength of the unique academic-community partnership than the one with the Ollie M. Williams Community Organization.”

    CT AHEC-based at UConn Health annually works with hundreds of partners statewide to address health disparities and promote better health outcomes for the state’s citizens.

    “The amount of services and resources provided at Thirman Miller Middle School was amazing,” said Clark-Dufner.  “The focus of partners working in collaboration to provide early detection and prevention screenings was a beautiful thing to see.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New report shows improvements in air quality

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The latest report from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ, Our air 2024, reveals that overall air quality in New Zealand is improving, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly say.

    “Air pollution levels have decreased in many parts of the country. New Zealand is making measurable progress towards achieving the Government’s air quality targets,” Ms Simmonds says.

    “While there is still work to be done, the overall trend is positive. We are committed to continuing this progress to enhance the wellbeing of our communities.”

    The independent report, released as part of a regular three-yearly review, brings together recently updated Stats NZ indicator data, as well as insights from research literature.  

    The six refreshed air quality indicators, released by Stats NZ in September, reveal that pollutant concentrations decreased at most monitoring sites between 2016 and 2023. In some areas where air quality has improved, the data shows that pollutant levels still occasionally exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended guidelines.

    “The report shows that human activities, as well as environmental factors, such as temperature and winds, can impact air quality in some areas at certain times,” Ms Simmonds says.

    Key pollutants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which have significant health effects. Burning wood for home heating is a major source of PM2.5, while the main source of NO2 is motor vehicles. Breathing these pollutants can cause a range of health issues.

    “Continued action to improve air quality is needed. These findings will help shape future decisions on air quality management, ensuring cleaner air for all New Zealanders” Ms Simmonds says.

    Mr Bayly emphasised the importance of the robust data gathering processes.

    “Our air 2024 is supported by independent experts, based on environmental data that have been quality assured and analysed. Access to high-quality data like this is crucial for informing targeted policy decisions that will enable us to meet our environmental targets,” Mr Bayly says.

    “The report provides important evidence which helps broaden our environmental data reporting system.”

    New Zealanders are encouraged to read and engage with the findings of Our air 2024 to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between human activities, natural pressures, air quality and health. 

    Further information:

    • Review Stats NZ’s updated air quality indicators here 
    • Read Our Air 2024 here 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: 10.08.2024 ICYMI: Sen. Cruz Demands Transparency on Tim Walz’s Ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, last week, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to the Hormel Institute regarding its partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and financial resources secured for the Hormel Institute by Governor Tim Walz. The WIV has been credibly implicated as the point of origin of COVID-19 and conducts its activities under the auspices of the Chinese Communist Party.
    In the letter, Sen. Cruz wrote, “For over a decade, Governor Tim Walz has acted as one of the Institute’s most ardent supporters, securing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund its operations, including over $2 million in federal funding for technology acquisitions and a $5 million earmark to expand your Institute’s reach. The Governor’s support for the Hormel Institute has remained steadfast, continuing even after the FBI concluded on February 28, 2023 that COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from the WIV.
    “Governor Walz’s personal connections to China—his honeymoon there, over 30 trips, and public comments downplaying the strategic threat posed by the CCP13—only raise further questions about his motivations for promoting your institution. 
    “Your institute’s ongoing partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and by extension the People’s Liberation Army, reflects a troubling disregard for national security concerns…The American people deserve assurance that their resources and institutions are not inadvertently supporting the goals of our chief geopolitical adversary.”
    Read the full letter here or below:
    Dear Director Clarke:
    I write to you today with growing concern regarding the Hormel Institute’s longstanding partnership with China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). 
    The WIV, as you are certainly aware, has been credibly implicated as the likely point of origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even more troubling are its direct ties to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its involvement in classified military research including laboratory animal experiments under the auspices of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at least as recently as 2017. Despite these alarming connections which raise obvious national security concerns, the institute you lead has not only maintained its collaboration with WIV but it has done so with the backing of Minnesota’s top elected official. 
    For over a decade, Governor Tim Walz has acted as one of the Institute’s most ardent supporters, securing millions of taxpayer dollars to fund its operations, including over $2 million in federal funding for technology acquisitions and a $5 million earmark to expand your Institute’s reach. The Governor’s support for the Hormel Institute has remained steadfast, continuing even after the FBI concluded on February 28, 2023 that COVID-19 pandemic likely originated from the WIV.
    In recent years, researchers at the Hormel Institute have collaborated with the Wuhan Institute of Virology on a variety of projects, including a 2020 COVID-19 study and, as more recently as of 2024, on structural biology research.
    The COVID-19 study, titled “A dynamic regulatory interface on SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase,” was authored by four WIV researchers, three Hormel Institute researchers, and a Yale School of Medicine professor. Similarly, in January 2024, Hormel Institute researchers published a study on genes with the WIV’s Lina He, Wei Zhou, and Yangbo Hu. In 2023, WIV’s Yangbo Hu also worked with the Hormel Institute’s Dmytro Kompaniiets, Dong Wang, and Bin Liu on research titled “Structure and molecular mechanism of bacterial transcription activation,” among other collaborations. 
    Furthermore, the resignation of your predecessor, Dr. Zigang Dong, who served as Executive Director for nearly 18 years and resigned following an FBI investigation into his “possible failure to disclose foreign backing when applying for grants,” should have prompted a thorough reassessment of your institute’s engagements with foreign entities. Yet, despite this disconcerting event, Governor Walz continues to promote and direct public resources to your institute. Even after the U.S. government ceased funding to organizations working with the WIV, Governor Walz toured your facility and publicly praised its work.
    Governor Walz’s personal connections to China—his honeymoon there, over 30 trips, and public comments downplaying the strategic threat posed by the CCP—only raise further questions about his motivations for promoting your institution. 
    Additionally, in 2020, the Hormel Institute’s disclosure in a 2020 EMBO Journal Study that it received “help from the Core Facility and Technical Support” of the WIV for “radioactive and fluorescent tests” adds to the concern. Further raising suspicions is that Bin Liu, a professor at the Hormel Institute who worked on that 2020 EMBO Journal study, attended Wuhan University. Federal records indicate that the researchers for this particular study included those affiliated with the WIV, in addition to the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and China’s Zhengzhou University. 
    In light of these recently-disclosed facts, it is critical to understand the full extent of your institute’s involvement in a partnership that risks benefitting our nation’s chief geopolitical adversary. Accordingly, for the purposes of oversight, I request that you respond to the following questions and requests by October 31, 2024: 
    1. How much public and private funding has the Hormel Institute received specifically for projects involving collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV)? Please provide an itemized accounting of all such funding. 
    2. When did the Hormel Institute first initiate collaboration with the WIV, and what were the specific reasons for choosing to partner with a facility known to have ties to China’s People’s Liberation Army? 
    3. What actions has the Hormel Institute taken to ensure that its collaborative work with the WIV does not benefit China’s military or pose a risk to U.S. national security? 
    a. If no such actions were taken, what was the rationale behind this decision? 
    4. Given the WIV’s ties to China’s military, why has the Hormel Institute not publicly disclosed the full extent of its collaborations with the WIV? 
    a. If this information has been withheld, please explain why. 
    5. Please provide all internal documentation or communications related to the Hormel Institute’s partnerships with Chinese research facilities, including but not limited to the WIV. 
    6. What was the Institute’s reasoning behind continuing its collaboration with the WIV, even after serious concerns about the origins of COVID-19 and the lab’s military affiliations became widely known? 
    7. How can the American public trust that the Hormel Institute’s partnerships with the WIV are not inadvertently advancing China’s geopolitical goals, particularly in biotechnology and biomedical research? 
    8. Given the U.S. government’s cessation of funding to other nonprofits with ties to the WIV, what justifications does the Hormel Institute offer for continuing its relationship with the WIV? 
    9. Why did the Hormel Institute continue collaborating with the WIV after your predecessor, Dr. Zigang Dong, resigned amid an FBI investigation into his failure to disclose foreign funding when applying for grants? 
    10. The Hormel Institute’s work with the WIV includes research on gene structures and SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase. What measures have been taken to ensure that no sensitive intellectual property or technology has been transferred to China’s military-backed labs during these studies? If no measures were taken, why not? 
    11. Please provide any documentation or communications between the Hormel Institute and the Office of the Minnesota Governor regarding the Institute’s partnerships with Chinese research facilities, particularly the WIV. 
    Your institute’s ongoing partnership with the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and by extension the People’s Liberation Army, reflects a troubling disregard for national security concerns. The devastating impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the seriousness of these issues, as the pandemic has severely affected lives and economies worldwide. The American people deserve assurance that their resources and institutions are not inadvertently supporting the goals of our chief geopolitical adversary. As Executive Director, it is crucial that you address these concerns transparently. Failure to do so will only deepen public mistrust and undermine confidence in your institute’s integrity and intentions. 
    The American people look forward to your timely and comprehensive response. 
    Sincerely, 
    /X/

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brown Hosts 9th Student Leadership Summit in Dayton

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Ohio Sherrod Brown

    DAYTON, OH – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted the Propel Ohio 2024 Student Leadership Summit in Dayton. The one-day nonpartisan summit connects Ohio students at community colleges and technical schools, colleges, and universities and promotes student leadership. More than 250 students and 42 administrators from more than 51 Ohio community colleges, colleges, and universities are expected to attend this year’s summit.

    “I started the Propel Leadership Summit nearly a decade ago to bring together student leaders from around Ohio and help them make connections with each other and with leaders in public service, business, and nonprofits in our State,” said Brown. “Our democracy, our businesses, and our communities are  always stronger when more young people participate and take on leadership roles.”

    The conferenced featured panel discussions on professional development in Ohio, as well as breakout sessions for students to engage with regional experts and other students on public service and civic engagement in Ohio. Students also packaged school supplies for classrooms, teachers, and students in need of resources.

    Brown hosted the summit in partnership with the University of Dayton, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, American Airlines, CareSource, Community Campus Coalition, Crayons to Classrooms, Dayton Development Coalition, Joby Aviation, Premier Health, and United Steelworkers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Gaza – Israeli forces pushing people from north Gaza to the south will only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe – MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Jerusalem, 9 October 2024: Israeli evacuation orders for parts of northern Gaza, issued on 7 October, are pushing tens of thousands of people to immediately flee south as the area is targeted by airstrikes and a ground offensive. In this latest forced mass displacement, residents of Beit Hanoun, Jabalia and Beit Lahia have been urged to move to the overcrowded, so-called humanitarian zone between Al-Mawasi and Deir Al-Balah, where one million people are already living in inhumane conditions. The zone also remains unsafe for civilians and aid workers, as Israeli forces continue to repeatedly strike the area.

    These forced mass evacuations of homes and bombing of neighbourhoods by the Israeli forces are turning the north of Gaza into an unliveable wasteland, effectively emptying out the whole north of the Strip of Palestinian life. To make matters worse, no humanitarian supplies have been allowed to enter the area since 1 October.

    MSF calls on the Israeli forces to halt evacuation orders, which are causing the forced displacement of people, and to ensure the protection of civilians. They must also allow desperately needed humanitarian supplies to enter the north as a matter of extreme urgency.

    “All of a sudden, I was told that we had to move from the north,” says Mahmoud, a Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) watchman, who left Jabalia at night to find refuge at the MSF guest house in Gaza City. “We left our home in despair, under bombs, missiles and artillery. It was very, very difficult. I would prefer to die than to be displaced to the south; my home is here, and I do not want to leave.”

    Israeli forces also called for the evacuation of the three main hospitals in northern Gaza, namely Indonesian, Kamal Adwan and Al-Awda hospitals. These are operating at minimal capacity and have a total of 317 patients still hospitalised, with around 80 people in intensive care and unable to move, according to the Ministry of Health. These three medical facilities, as well as those that remain partially functional across the Strip, must be protected at all costs.

    The MSF clinic in Gaza City received 255 patients on Sunday and Monday alone, as options for people to access medical care shrink by the day. For some people, accessing the few existing health facilities is impossible; our teams have received reports of wounded people who have died as they were unable to seek medical care.

    Among those facing evacuation orders in the north are seven MSF staff who managed to find shelter in Gaza City. Five others remain blocked in Jabalia, where the Israeli forces are on the ground carrying out attacks.

    “The latest move to forcefully and violently push thousands of people from northern Gaza to the south is turning the north into a lifeless desert, while aggravating the situation in the south, where more than one million people have already been squeezed into a small portion of the Gaza Strip and live in deplorable conditions,” says Sarah Vuylsteke, MSF project coordinator in Gaza.

    “Access to water, healthcare, and safety is already almost non-existent, and the thought of more people fitting into this space is impossible to imagine,” says Vuylsteke. “People have been subjected to endless displacement and relentless bombing for the past 12 months. Enough is enough, this must stop now.”

    While the Israeli authorities have recently declared a minimal expansion of the so-called humanitarian zone, the area remains subject to evacuation orders and is unsafe due to regular Israeli bombardment. Many people living in the zone are suffering from skin diseases and respiratory infections because of the dire conditions. The situation is even more worrying with the approach of winter and the cold temperatures that people will be exposed to.

    Israeli forces must urgently halt evacuation orders in the north of Gaza. The relentless killing of people in Gaza must stop now, and an immediate and sustained ceasefire must be implemented.

    MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Motor vehicle improvements are helping to reduce air pollutant emissions – Stats NZ media and information release: New Zealand’s environmental reporting series: Our air 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Motor vehicle improvements are helping to reduce air pollutant emissions – 9 October 2024 – Improvements to the motor vehicle fleet are helping to reduce air pollutant emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    That is one of the findings of the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ’s latest three-yearly update about air quality in Aotearoa. Our air 2024 brings together recently updated Stats NZ indicator data, as well as insights from research literature. The report shows that air pollutant levels have decreased at most monitoring sites over the last eight years. However, some sites showed worsening air quality, while pollutant levels at sites where air quality improved were at times above levels in World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

    MfE’s Deputy Secretary – Strategy, Stewardship and Performance, Natasha Lewis, says emissions from motor vehicles (as well as aviation, shipping and rail) were lower in 2019 than in 2012 for all monitored pollutants, except sulphur dioxide. “Air pollutants from motor vehicle exhaust emissions are reducing per kilometre as a result of vehicle emissions standards, lower-emissions vehicles and improvements in engine technology and fuel quality,” she says.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Unveils New Bill to Support the Next Generation of Farmers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    LAS CRUCES, N.M. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) announced the introduction of his bill, the Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act, that supports farmers by creating mentorship programs where experienced farmers can provide hands-on training and guidance to new producers. 

    In New Mexico, farming is a way of life that has been passed down through generations. However, many new farmers often face challenges in accessing vital information from federal agencies. The Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act ensures that new farmers have access to local, on-the-ground knowledge from experienced farmers who have been cultivating their land for generations.

    “My Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act will ensure young, upstart farmers can run productive, sustainable farms by directly connecting them to seasoned growers who understand their challenges,” said Vasquez. “Our farming population is aging, and we are facing a significant shortage of skilled new farmers. This program ensures the quick and efficient exchange of local knowledge — providing beginning farmers with ways to overcome many of their existing barriers.”

    “There are no better or more trusted voices for farmers looking to adopt conservation practices than other farmers,” said Samantha Levy, Conservation and Climate Policy Manager for the American Farmland Trust. “We applaud Rep. Vasquez for introducing a bill that would build the capacity for farmer-to-farmer networksto provide the very support farmers and ranchers — including young and farmers of color — need to implement practices critical to the resilience and viability of their operations.”

    The Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act will promote regional knowledge exchange by encouraging farmers to share their farming practices and experiences that have worked in the area with new farmers and will improve communication between federal agencies and local farming communities to ensure that all farmers have access to essential information and support. By having someone with firsthand experience address the difficulties that can prevent farmers from trying a new practice, the next generation of farmers will be better equipped to succeed and ensure the longevity of farming in New Mexico.

    “The majority of young and beginning farmers are motivated by stewarding and protecting the land and natural resources. In fact, 83% of young farmers who took the National Young Farmer Survey stated that one of their farm’s primary purposes for existing is to ‘engage in conservation or regeneration,’” said Lotanna Obodozie, Climate Policy Director of National Young Farmers Coalition. “However, they are starting their farm businesses in an increasingly uncertain climate. When looking for information on how to adapt to a changing climate, many farming communities already hold deep knowledge on how to build resilience and mitigate climate change in their region. Young farmers just need these connections and resources. The Farmer-to-Farmer Education Act will provide critical investments in farmer-led education, particularly for young farmers and farmers of color, who are already leaders in building resilience and enhancing conservation on their farms.” 

    As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Vasquez is committed to supporting agricultural producers and ensuring that the rich tradition of farming continues to flourish in New Mexico and every corner of the United States.

    The bill is endorsed by the American Farmland Trust, National Young Farmers Coalition, National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, La Semilla, The Nature Conservancy, Kiss the Ground, New Mexico Healthy Soils Working Group and more. The full list of endorsements is available HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Motor vehicle improvements are helping to reduce air pollutant emissions – Stats NZ media and information release: New Zealand’s environmental reporting series: Our air 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Motor vehicle improvements are helping to reduce air pollutant emissions – 9 October 2024 – Improvements to the motor vehicle fleet are helping to reduce air pollutant emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    That is one of the findings of the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Stats NZ’s latest three-yearly update about air quality in Aotearoa. Our air 2024 brings together recently updated Stats NZ indicator data, as well as insights from research literature. The report shows that air pollutant levels have decreased at most monitoring sites over the last eight years. However, some sites showed worsening air quality, while pollutant levels at sites where air quality improved were at times above levels in World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

    MfE’s Deputy Secretary – Strategy, Stewardship and Performance, Natasha Lewis, says emissions from motor vehicles (as well as aviation, shipping and rail) were lower in 2019 than in 2012 for all monitored pollutants, except sulphur dioxide. “Air pollutants from motor vehicle exhaust emissions are reducing per kilometre as a result of vehicle emissions standards, lower-emissions vehicles and improvements in engine technology and fuel quality,” she says.

    Visit Statistics NZ’s website to read this news story and information release:

    • Motor vehicle improvements are helping to reduce air pollutant emissions
    • New Zealand’s environmental reporting series: Our air 2024

    MIL OSI –

    January 23, 2025
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