Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Cluster of Rhinovirus/Enterovirus cases in Kwai Chung Hospital Cluster of Rhinovirus/Enterovirus cases in Kwai Chung Hospital **************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for Kwai Chung Hospital made the following announcement today (October 9): Three female patients (aged 33 to 64) in a ward of learning disabilities have been presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms since October 2. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Rhinovirus/Enterovirus. The three patients are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. Enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted according to prevailing guidelines. Droplet and contact precautions, hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of the environment and equipment have also been strengthened. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.
Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 16:40
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV Vice Chairman and East Londonderry representative Councillor Allister Kyle
“On Tuesday evening I along with a party colleague attended the ‘working with you to transform general surgery’ listening group, where we were informed about the Northern Trust’s plans for Causeway Hospital.
“It felt a bit like Deja vu, when I attended a similar meeting regarding the loss of the maternity unit at Causeway.
“It’s hard to see the logic of transferring more patients to Antrim Area Hospital when you only have to look at social media to see how much pressure the staff are already under. In fact, on Tuesday whilst the meeting was being held in the Lodge Hotel, there was a post from Antrim Area, stating that the Emergency Department was ‘extremely busy’ and there were ‘long delays’. It’s not only the hospital staff that are under pressure, ambulances are also in short supply, as are beds.
“More importantly, as the name ‘emergency surgery’ suggests, this is about time constraints. Some people won’t have the luxury of time to travel an additional 38 miles down the road.
“To date, Causeway has lost: in patient mental health; renal services; neurology; maternity; and now is potentially going to lose emergency surgery. Where will this end? There was a unanimous vote cast on the night, with no one in the room wanting to loose emergency surgery at Causeway Hospital. This was a room filled with surgeons and nurses, past and present NHS employees, political representatives and carers who all agreed and stood united in support of our local services being maintained.”
TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston has tabled the following questions on the issues:
To ask the Minister of Health how the potential loss of emergency surgery at Causeway is consistent with his comments to me in the Assembly on 1st October in which he gave an assurance that “Causeway Hospital will remain a key element of the hospital network in Northern Ireland”.
To ask the Minister of Health how waiting times at Causeway A and E compare with those in Antrim Hospital over the past 3 years.
To ask the Minister of Health to list the surgeries perform in Causeway Hospital and the number of each in each of the past 3 years.
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the (i) greatest and (ii) average bed occupancy in Antrim Hospital in the past 12 months.
To ask the Minister of Health if he believes the 8 new surgical beds in Antrim will be sufficient to meet demand if emergency surgery is lost at Causeway.
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the response to the current consultation on emergency surgery at Causeway which would be necessary in order to save the service.
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the number of babies born in ambulances parked in hospital grounds at each of our hospitals in each of the last 3 years and the (i) average and (ii) longest time spent by the mother in the ambulance in the case of each hospital.
To ask the Minister of Health what is the installation date for the promised MRI scanner at the Causeway Hospital.
Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn today delivered pre-recorded remarks at the 2nd China-ASEAN International Conference on Physical Fitness and Health Promotion, held in Xi’an, China. In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the importance of addressing aging population challenges and integrating innovative health technologies for overall wellness. The convening of the conference helps foster regional collaboration in improving health and wellness in communities across ASEAN and China.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers pre-recorded remarks at the 2nd China-ASEAN International Conference on Physical Fitness & Health Promotion appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
As World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum:
It’s a hidden epidemic and a silent killer. News reports show us the devastation of war. They show us refugees on the move, refugees in cities and refugees in large camps. But they don’t show us inside the minds of the people and how it affects their lives … Wounds heal. Homes are rebuilt. News cycles move on. But the psychosocial scars often go unnoticed and untreated for years.
Despite this recognition, there are gaps in what’s known about the mental health of refugees.
We conducted a multi-country survey of 16,000 refugees and host community members in cities and camps across Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. At the time of our research (between 2016 and 2018), these three countries hosted around 40% of Africa’s refugees – about 1.8 million people. The survey included Congolese and Somali refugees across most sites, as well as South Sudanese refugees in the Kenyan camps.
Our study found that refugees in east Africa experienced higher rates of depression (31%) and functional impairment (62%) compared to the host population (10% and 25%, respectively).
Prevalence was even higher among those exposed to violence and extended periods of displacement. They also faced greater economic hardship, such as higher unemployment, lower wages and poor diets.
Our findings highlight the profound impact of mental health on refugees’ ability to rebuild their lives. It highlights the urgent need for targeted screening and evidence-based treatments to prevent a vicious cycle of mental disorders, economic hardship and poor social integration.
What we studied
Our study had three main goals.
First, we wanted to see how common depression was among different refugee groups and how it compared to the local host communities. We measured depressive symptoms using a questionnaire that could evaluate moderate to severe depression. We also measured how well people were able to carry out daily activities, such as moving around, completing tasks and participating in community life – abilities that are often affected by depression.
Second, we wanted to understand how past experiences of violence – before refugees fled their home countries – affected their mental health. This used event data which tracked violent events in refugees’ home districts during the three years before they fled and a subjective, self-reported measure of violence experiences. This allowed us to study the correlation between exposure to violence and depressive symptoms.
And third, we explored the hidden toll depression takes across different life domains, including employment, health and overall well-being.
High levels of depression
The study found that 31% of refugees were depressed, compared to 10% of people in nearby host communities.
A staggering 62% of refugees reported difficulties in functioning, compared to 25% of host community members. For example, many refugees reported moderate to severe difficulties in walking (35%), doing household chores (31%), concentrating (22%), or joining community activities (24%).
Women, older refugees, and those who had been in exile longer were particularly vulnerable to worse mental health.
More than half of the refugees in the survey reported experiencing or witnessing violence, either in their home countries or while fleeing. Refugees who experienced violence were about 17 percentage points more likely to experience depression, and 18 percentage points more likely to report functional impairment.
We also found a “dose-response” relationship between violence and depression. This means the more severe the violence refugees experienced, the worse their mental health became over time.
The impact of violence and depression extended far beyond mental health. Refugees with higher levels of depression and those exposed to violence also faced significant economic challenges. They were more likely to be unemployed, earn lower wages, have poorer diets, and report lower life satisfaction.
This shows that depression directly affects individuals by limiting their ability to function. It also indirectly hinders their chances of rebuilding a stable, fulfilling life.
Mental health interventions
Our results highlight that refugees – particularly those exposed to violence and prolonged exile – are disproportionately affected by depression. It’s harder for them to achieve economic stability and integrate into their host communities.
We also found that mental health issues get worse the longer refugees remain in exile, underscoring the need for early screening for mental illness.
Based on our findings, we hypothesise that effective treatment of depression could potentially create a virtuous cycle, improving both refugees’ mental health and other broader economic outcomes. This makes a strong case for investing in refugees’ mental health in low- and middle-income countries.
As World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum:
It’s a hidden epidemic and a silent killer. News reports show us the devastation of war. They show us refugees on the move, refugees in cities and refugees in large camps. But they don’t show us inside the minds of the people and how it affects their lives … Wounds heal. Homes are rebuilt. News cycles move on. But the psychosocial scars often go unnoticed and untreated for years.
Despite this recognition, there are gaps in what’s known about the mental health of refugees.
We conducted a multi-country survey of 16,000 refugees and host community members in cities and camps across Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. At the time of our research (between 2016 and 2018), these three countries hosted around 40% of Africa’s refugees – about 1.8 million people. The survey included Congolese and Somali refugees across most sites, as well as South Sudanese refugees in the Kenyan camps.
Our study found that refugees in east Africa experienced higher rates of depression (31%) and functional impairment (62%) compared to the host population (10% and 25%, respectively).
Prevalence was even higher among those exposed to violence and extended periods of displacement. They also faced greater economic hardship, such as higher unemployment, lower wages and poor diets.
Our findings highlight the profound impact of mental health on refugees’ ability to rebuild their lives. It highlights the urgent need for targeted screening and evidence-based treatments to prevent a vicious cycle of mental disorders, economic hardship and poor social integration.
What we studied
Our study had three main goals.
First, we wanted to see how common depression was among different refugee groups and how it compared to the local host communities. We measured depressive symptoms using a questionnaire that could evaluate moderate to severe depression. We also measured how well people were able to carry out daily activities, such as moving around, completing tasks and participating in community life – abilities that are often affected by depression.
Second, we wanted to understand how past experiences of violence – before refugees fled their home countries – affected their mental health. This used event data which tracked violent events in refugees’ home districts during the three years before they fled and a subjective, self-reported measure of violence experiences. This allowed us to study the correlation between exposure to violence and depressive symptoms.
And third, we explored the hidden toll depression takes across different life domains, including employment, health and overall well-being.
High levels of depression
The study found that 31% of refugees were depressed, compared to 10% of people in nearby host communities.
A staggering 62% of refugees reported difficulties in functioning, compared to 25% of host community members. For example, many refugees reported moderate to severe difficulties in walking (35%), doing household chores (31%), concentrating (22%), or joining community activities (24%).
Women, older refugees, and those who had been in exile longer were particularly vulnerable to worse mental health.
More than half of the refugees in the survey reported experiencing or witnessing violence, either in their home countries or while fleeing. Refugees who experienced violence were about 17 percentage points more likely to experience depression, and 18 percentage points more likely to report functional impairment.
We also found a “dose-response” relationship between violence and depression. This means the more severe the violence refugees experienced, the worse their mental health became over time.
The impact of violence and depression extended far beyond mental health. Refugees with higher levels of depression and those exposed to violence also faced significant economic challenges. They were more likely to be unemployed, earn lower wages, have poorer diets, and report lower life satisfaction.
This shows that depression directly affects individuals by limiting their ability to function. It also indirectly hinders their chances of rebuilding a stable, fulfilling life.
Mental health interventions
Our results highlight that refugees – particularly those exposed to violence and prolonged exile – are disproportionately affected by depression. It’s harder for them to achieve economic stability and integrate into their host communities.
We also found that mental health issues get worse the longer refugees remain in exile, underscoring the need for early screening for mental illness.
Based on our findings, we hypothesise that effective treatment of depression could potentially create a virtuous cycle, improving both refugees’ mental health and other broader economic outcomes. This makes a strong case for investing in refugees’ mental health in low- and middle-income countries.
Olivier Sterck receives funding from the IKEA Foundation.
Julia R Pozuelo receives funding from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Maria Flinder Stierna receives funding from the Norwegian Research Council.
Raphael Bradenbrink received funding from the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The interdepartmental Pest Control Steering Committee (PCSC) convened a special meeting today (October 9) to discuss the response measures for preventing the local transmission of dengue fever (DF) through imported cases, the work plan for mosquito control in the coming year, as well as follow-up actions in response to the recent human infection of rat Hepatitis E virus (HEV).
Preventing the spread of DF
In the meeting, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health explained to the attendees the details of the latest imported DF cases and the CHP’s risk assessment. As of October 3, the CHP has recorded a total of 77 DF cases this year, including 73 imported cases (12 from the Mainland) and four local cases. The number of imported DF cases this year has surpassed the 62 cases recorded last year, with 13 cases recorded within the two-week period from September 20 to October 3. The patients had traveled to Guangdong Province (Foshan (nine cases) and Shenzhen (one case)), India (two cases), and Nepal (one case) during the incubation periods. According to the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong Province recorded over 3 000 local DF cases in September, 1 764 local DF cases within the past week from September 30 to October 6, with the highest numbers of cases reported in Foshan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jiangmen and Zhongshan. The continued occurrence of DF cases outside Hong Kong, coupled with the frequent travel by residents to and from Guangdong, Hong Kong and other areas, resulted in an increased risk of importing DF cases into Hong Kong, posing a risk of local transmission.
While the local gravidtrap index has shown a downward trend with the passing of the rainy season, in view of the DF situation in other areas, the Government not only instructed various bureaux and departments, as well as trade stakeholders, to strengthen territory-wide mosquito prevention and control work to prevent the local spread of DF in early October, but also discussed response measures with the bureaux and departments in today’s meeting.
Mosquito control
The representative from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reported to the PCSC that the mosquito infestation this year continues to be under control, and the overall trend of the gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus this year is similar to that of last year. The FEHD has also conducted site inspections with relevant departments, and provided them with professional advice and technical support to assist them in formulating and implementing effective anti-mosquito measures swiftly, as well as strengthening publicity and education in parallel. The departments will pay special attention to environments prone to mosquito breeding under their purviews, and proactively strengthen their mosquito preventive and control measures at places under their management, including carrying out regular inspections of the surrounding environment, eliminating potential mosquito breeding places, removing stagnant water, applying larvicides at appropriate locations, aptly placing more mosquito trapping devices and applying ultra-low volume foggers, etc. Looking ahead, the FEHD will continue to work closely with other departments and proactively take mosquito control actions, including eliminating potential mosquito breeding places, as well as the timely conducting of fogging operations in a concerted manner until the end of the rainy season. The departments will closely monitor the situation of mosquito infestation as reflected by the surveillance indices, and constantly update the list of mosquito infestation hotspots to adjust and plan their work based on the actual situation to ensure rapid and effective mosquito prevention and control efforts.
Investigation of human infection of HEV
Regarding the recent case of human infection of HEV, the CHP’s epidemiological investigations revealed that the patient resides in Hung Hom. She claimed that she did not have direct contact with rodents or rats, and had no travel history during the incubation period, indicating that this is a locally acquired infection.
The CHP and the FEHD reported to the PCSC that in response to the above-mentioned HEV case, the FEHD has carried out follow-up work over the past two weeks, including visiting the patient’s residence and surrounding areas to conduct rodent infestation investigations, providing advice on rodent control measures to property management personnel; as well as inspecting the patient’s residence, the places she visited before onset of the disease and the surrounding public areas, and stepping up street washing, rodent prevention and control work.
In the meeting, the FEHD reminded all bureaux and departments to diligently implement various rodent prevention and control measures in areas under their purview. Anti-rodent work requires co-operation from all sectors. The PCSC appealed to members of the public and all sectors to strengthen rodent prevention and control measures in their respective areas and tie in with the rodent prevention and control work of the Government to reduce the risk of HEV transmission.
The Environment and Ecology Bureau will also meet with the trade later to gather the collective efforts of different sectors, promoting cross-sector, multidisciplinary and public participation in preventing the spread of DF and HEV.
The meeting today was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. Government bureaux, departments and organisations attending the meeting were the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department; the Architectural Services Department; the Buildings Department; the Civil Engineering and Development Department; the Development Bureau; the Department of Health; the Drainage Services Department; the Education Bureau; the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; the Environmental Protection Department; the FEHD; the Government Property Agency; the Hospital Authority; the Home Affairs Department; the Housing Department; the Highways Department; the Information Services Department; the Lands Department; the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; the Marine Department; the Social Welfare Department; and the Water Supplies Department.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (October 9) the official naming of Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital as “The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong” (CMHHK) and launched the hospital’s logo at the same time. The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said that the establishment of the CMHHK marks a milestone in the city’s commitment to driving Chinese medicine (CM) development. The Government is actively progressing with various preparations for the commissioning of the CMHHK, aiming to commence services in phases starting from the end of next year.
Professor Lo said, “As the first CM service-predominant hospital in Hong Kong, the CMHHK will lead the way for local CM services to go beyond primary healthcare and play a part in secondary and tertiary healthcare, signifying a major breakthrough in CM development of Hong Kong. The CMHHK will also serve as the city’s flagship CM institution, taking on the roles of a pioneer and change-driver to leverage Hong Kong’s traditional advantages in CM through active interaction with various stakeholders in the CM sector and joining forces with the sector to promote CM development in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the international community as a whole, thereby contributing to the construction of CM Highlands in the GBA and the national CM development.” 　　 The design of the CMHHK logo, characterised by the outline of the hospital building, incorporates the Chinese character “且 among architectural features that depict the building outlines and colours resembling a mountain range. It also includes a moon gate design common in classical Chinese gardens, symbolising a welcoming passageway for the public into the extensive and profound realm of CM. The overall design of the logo showcases both traditional Chinese architectural elements and the vibrancy of Chinese culture, highlighting the unique position of the CMHHK within Hong Kong’s healthcare system.
The CMHHK will focus on providing pure CM, CM-predominant and integrated Chinese-Western medicine clinical services, covering government-subsidised inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital will also undertake key missions in training and education, research, collaboration and creating health values, including offering clinical internships to students of the three local universities with Schools of Chinese Medicine and serving as a clinical training platform for CM practitioners. Moreover, the CMHHK will collaborate with universities and education institutions in Hong Kong, on the Mainland and overseas on clinical research, proprietary Chinese medicines development and other CM-related research to push forward the research development of CM.
Located at 1 Pak Shing Kok Road in Tseung Kwan O, the CMHHK adopts a public-private partnership model with its construction fully funded by the Government. The Government commissioned Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) as the Contractor through tendering procedures in 2021. HKBU subsequently incorporated a company limited by guarantee (i.e. HKBU Chinese Medicine Hospital Company Limited) in the same year in accordance with the service deed to act as the Operator for managing, operating and maintaining the hospital.
UNFPA Honors India’s Leadership in Maternal Health and Family Planning Commends India’s monumental efforts in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by an impressive 70% between 2000 and 2020
Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 8:56AM by PIB Delhi
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has recognized India’s extraordinary progress in advancing Maternal Health and Family Planning. Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, felicitated Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary, by presenting a plaque and certificate and underlined UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to partnering with India toward women’s health and well-being.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing a number of programmes to improve maternal health outcomes toward achieving zero preventable maternal deaths. These include assured quality and respectful maternity care under the Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Yojana (SUMAN), Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) and the Midwifery Services Initiative.
In the presence of Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission; Smt. Meera Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Reproductive & Child Health (RCH); Mr. Pio Smith, Asia Pacific Regional Director for UNFPA; and Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative, Dr. Kanem commended India’s monumental efforts in reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by an impressive 70% between 2000 and 2020, positioning the country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of an MMR below 70 before 2030. This remarkable progress has saved the lives of thousands of women across the country, particularly those from marginalized communities.
India’s Family Planning program has reached new heights, with the Total Fertility Rate reduced below the replacement level (TFR-2). Over the years, UNFPA has played a key role in expanding the basket of contraceptive choices, including the recent inclusion of Subdermal Implants and injectable Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA).
The Ministry’s leadership in global reproductive health forums was acknowledged with India holding key positions in the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) and the Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) global partnership.
During the meeting, Dr. Kanem reaffirmed UNFPA’s steadfast commitment to supporting India’s efforts in advancing the health and well-being of women, girls, and young people.
As UNFPA commemorates 50 years of partnership with the Government of India, this event marks a significant moment in their shared mission to ensure the health and well-being of every woman and young person in India as the nation progresses toward the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Dr. Indu Grewal, Additional Commissioner (Family Planning/Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques/ABP), Dr. Pawan Kumar, Additional Commissioner (Maternal Health & Immunization), Dr. Zoya Ali Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner (Nutrition & Adolescent Health), delegates from UNFPA and other senior officials from the Ministry were also present at the event.
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MV
HFW/UNFPA Honors India’s Leadership in Maternal Health & Family Planning/9th October 2024/1
PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 7TH FOUNDATION DAY OF ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDA The idea of an integrative system of Medicine Is becoming popular all Over the world: President droupadi Murmu
Emphasises on cooperation among people associated with different systems Of medicine
Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 2:17PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the 7th foundation day of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi today (October 8, 2024).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Ayurveda is one of the oldest medical systems in the world. It is India’s invaluable gift to the world. Ayurveda emphasizes holistic health management while maintaining a balance between mind, body and spirit.
The President said that we have always been aware of the medicinal value of the trees and plants around us and have been using them. In tribal society, the tradition of knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants has been even richer. But as society embraced modernity and moved away from nature, we stopped using that traditional knowledge. It became easier to get medicine from a doctor than adopt home remedies. Now awareness among people is increasing. Today, the idea of an Integrative System of Medicine is becoming popular all over the world. Different medical systems are helping to provide health to people as complementary systems to each other.
The President said that we have unwavering faith in Ayurveda from generation to generation. Some people take advantage of this faith and cheat innocent people. They spread misleading information and make false claims, which not only harm the money and health of the public but also defame Ayurveda. She stated that more and more qualified doctors are needed so that people do not have to go to uneducated doctors. She was happy to note that in the past few years, the number of Ayurveda colleges and students has increased significantly. She expressed confidence that in the coming times, the availability of qualified Ayurvedic doctors will increase further.
The President said that the development of Ayurveda will not only be beneficial for humans but also for animals and the environment. Many trees and plants are becoming extinct because we do not know about their utility. When we know their importance, we will preserve them.
The President said that people associated with different systems of medicine often claim that their system is the best. It is good to have healthy competition among themselves but there should be no attempt to criticize each other. There should be a sense of cooperation among people associated with different systems of medicine. The aim of all is to do good to humanity by curing the patients. We all pray ‘Sarve Santu Niramayah’ – everyone should be free from diseases.
The President said that we have to focus on research and continuous improvement in the quality of medicines to ensure the relevance of Ayurveda. We also need to empower the Ayurveda educational institutions. She was happy to note that the All India Institute of Ayurveda, combining traditional education with modern technology, has made its important place in Ayurvedic medicine, education, research and overall healthcare in a short span of time.
Cabinet approves continuation of supply of free Fortified Rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes from July, 2024 to December, 2028 In line with the Prime Minister’s address on the 75th Independence Day, the continuation of Rice Fortification initiative will complement the interventions adopted under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy of the Government of India
Big step towards nutritional security in line with the PM’s vision
Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 3:09PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved continuation of the universal supply of Fortified Rice under all schemes of the Government including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and Other Welfare Schemes etc. in its present form, from July 2024 and upto December 2028.
The rice fortification initiative will continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY (Food Subsidy), thus providing a unified institutional mechanism for implementation.
Accordingly, in line with the Prime Minister’s address on 75th Independence Day on the necessity of Nutritional Security in the country, the initiative “Supply of fortified rice throughout the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Other Welfare Schemes, Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), PM POSHAN (Erstwhile MDM) in all States and Union Territories (UTs)” to address anaemia and micronutrients deficiency in the country was taken up. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in April 2022, decided to implement the Rice fortification initiative throughout the country in a phased manner by March 2024. All three phases have been successfully completed and the target of universal coverage to supply fortified rice in all schemes of the Government was achieved by March 2024.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, anaemia remains a widespread issue in India, affecting children, women, and men across various age groups and income levels. Besides iron deficiency, other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as Vitamin B12 and folic acid, also persist, impacting the overall health and productivity of the population.
Food fortification has been used globally as a safe and effective measure to address anaemia and micronutrient malnutrition in the vulnerable population. Rice is an ideal vehicle for supplying micronutrients in the Indian Context as 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple food. Rice fortification involves the addition of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) enriched with micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12) as per standards prescribed by FSSAI to regular Rice (Custom Milled Rice).
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The project will be completed in two phases.
The Cabinet also accorded in-principle approval for Phase 1B and Phase 2, as per master plan by raising funds through voluntary resources/ contributions and their execution after raising of the funds.
Construction of Light House Museum under Phase 1B will be funded by Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).
A separate society will be set up, for development of future phases, to be governed by a Governing Council headed by Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, under Societies Registration Act, 1860 for implementation, development, management, and operation of NMHC at Lothal, Gujarat.
The phase 1A of the project is under implementation with more than 60% physical progress and is planned to be completed by 2025. Phases 1A and 1B of the project are to be developed in EPC mode and Phase 2 of project will be developed through land subleasing/ PPP to establish NMHC as a world class heritage museum.
Major impact, including employment generation potential:
Around 22,000 jobs are expected be created in development of NMHC project, with 15,000 direct employment and 7,000 indirect employment.
No. of beneficiaries:
The implementation of NMHC will boost growth and immensely help the local communities, tourists and visitors, researchers and scholars, government bodies, educational institutions, cultural organisations, environment and conservation groups, businesses.
Background:
As per the vision of the Prime Minister to showcase 4,500 years old maritime heritage of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway (MoPSW) is setting up a world class National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal.
The masterplan of the NMHC has been prepared by renowned architecture firm M/s Architect Hafeez Contractor and the construction of phase 1A has been entrusted to Tata Projects Ltd.
NMHC is planned to be developed in various phases, wherein:
Phase 1A will have NMHC museum with 6 galleries, which also includes an Indian Navy & Coast Guard gallery envisaged to be one of the largest in the country with external naval artefacts (INS Nishank, Sea Harrier war aircraft, UH3 helicopter etc.), replica model of Lothal township surrounded by open aquatic gallery, and jetty walkway.
Phase 1B will have NMHC museum with 8 more galleries, Light house museum which is planned to be world’s tallest, Bagicha complex (with car parking facility for about 1500 cars, food hall, medical centre, etc.).
Phase 2 will have Coastal States Pavilions (to be developed by respective coastal states and union territories), Hospitality zone (with maritime theme eco resort and museuotels), Recreation of real time Lothal City, Maritime institute and hostel and 4 theme based parks (Maritime & Naval Theme Park, Climate Change Theme Park, Monuments Park and Adventure & Amusement Park).
Cabinet approves continuation of supply of free Fortified Rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes from July, 2024 to December, 2028 In line with the Prime Minister’s address on the 75th Independence Day, the continuation of Rice Fortification initiative will complement the interventions adopted under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy of the Government of India
Big step towards nutritional security in line with the PM’s vision
Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 3:09PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved continuation of the universal supply of Fortified Rice under all schemes of the Government including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and Other Welfare Schemes etc. in its present form, from July 2024 and upto December 2028.
The rice fortification initiative will continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY (Food Subsidy), thus providing a unified institutional mechanism for implementation.
Accordingly, in line with the Prime Minister’s address on 75th Independence Day on the necessity of Nutritional Security in the country, the initiative “Supply of fortified rice throughout the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Other Welfare Schemes, Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), PM POSHAN (Erstwhile MDM) in all States and Union Territories (UTs)” to address anaemia and micronutrients deficiency in the country was taken up. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in April 2022, decided to implement the Rice fortification initiative throughout the country in a phased manner by March 2024. All three phases have been successfully completed and the target of universal coverage to supply fortified rice in all schemes of the Government was achieved by March 2024.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, anaemia remains a widespread issue in India, affecting children, women, and men across various age groups and income levels. Besides iron deficiency, other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as Vitamin B12 and folic acid, also persist, impacting the overall health and productivity of the population.
Food fortification has been used globally as a safe and effective measure to address anaemia and micronutrient malnutrition in the vulnerable population. Rice is an ideal vehicle for supplying micronutrients in the Indian Context as 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple food. Rice fortification involves the addition of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) enriched with micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12) as per standards prescribed by FSSAI to regular Rice (Custom Milled Rice).
The Government announced the official naming of Hong Kong’s first Chinese medicine hospital as The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong and launched its logo today.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said that the hospital’s establishment marks a milestone in the city’s commitment to driving Chinese medicine (CM) development.
He noted that the Government is actively progressing with various preparations for the hospital’s commissioning, aiming to commence services in phases starting from the end of next year.
Prof Lo said as the first CM service-predominant hospital in Hong Kong, it will lead the way for local CM services to go beyond primary healthcare and play a part in secondary and tertiary healthcare, signifying a major breakthrough in Hong Kong’s CM development.
He added that the hospital will also serve as the city’s flagship CM institution, taking on the roles of a pioneer and change-driver to leverage Hong Kong’s traditional advantages in CM through active interaction with various stakeholders in the CM sector and joining forces with the sector to promote CM development in Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the international community as a whole, thereby contributing to the construction of CM Highlands in the GBA and the national CM development.
The hospital logo’s design, characterised by the outline of the hospital building, incorporates the Chinese character “中” among architectural features that depict the building outlines and colours resembling a mountain range.
It also includes a moon gate design common in classical Chinese gardens, symbolising a welcoming passageway for the public into the extensive and profound realm of CM.
The logo’s overall design showcases both traditional Chinese architectural elements and the vibrancy of Chinese culture, highlighting the hospital’s unique position within Hong Kong’s healthcare system.
The hospital will focus on providing pure CM, CM-predominant and integrated Chinese-Western medicine clinical services, covering government-subsidised inpatient and outpatient services.
It will also undertake key missions in training and education, research, collaboration and creating health values, including offering clinical internships to students of the three local universities with Schools of Chinese Medicine and serving as a clinical training platform for CM practitioners.
Moreover, the hospital will collaborate with universities and education institutions in Hong Kong, on the Mainland and overseas on clinical research, proprietary Chinese medicines development and other CM-related research to push forward the research development of CM.
Located at 1 Pak Shing Kok Road in Tseung Kwan O, the hospital adopts a public-private partnership model with its construction fully funded by the Government.
The Government commissioned Baptist University as the contractor through tendering procedures in 2021. The university subsequently incorporated a company limited by guarantee in the same year in accordance with the service deed to act as the operator for managing, operating and maintaining the hospital.
Headline: Adani Airport Holdings Limited and Thales Forge Strategic Partnership to Improve Airport Operations and Passenger Experience in India
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This strategic collaboration includes a fully integrated airport solution provided by Thales based on three pillars: smart airport security, biometric passenger journey, and operations efficiency; addressing all the airports operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) in India.
The overall solution encompasses Thales’ Fly to Gate, deployed in early 2024 to provide passengers with touchless biometric solutions for DigiYatra1, and its Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC), which will be set up soon to enhance management and security at AAHL’s airports.
All in all, Thales’ technologies enable AAHL to revolutionise air travel in India by efficiently and securely managing complex airport operations while improving travel experience for passengers in full compliance with privacy regulations.
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the largest private airport operator in India, and Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise AAHL’s international airport operations and passenger experience across the country. Under this partnership, Thales has already deployed theFly to Gatesolution at seven of AAHL-managed airports2in India, streamlining and enhancing the journey for millions of travellers since early 2024. Extending this collaboration, AAHL has now awarded Thales an additional contract to deploy at all its airports, the innovative Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC)to optimise overall airport management and enhance passenger experience securely.
The seven airports operated by AAHL are currently equipped with DigiYatra powered by Thales’ Fly to Gate solution built on the responsible use of advanced facial recognition technology as a secure passenger ID proof. The pre-enrolled passengers can then benefit from a smooth and trusted way to speed up their journey, eliminating the need to show an ID document and the boarding pass at each check point (from check-in to boarding). Reducing passengers processing time up to 30% at these airports, this seamless integration of responsible biometric solutions (cfThales TrUE Biometrics) aligns with the Indian government’s vision of a digital India.
In addition, Thales has been awarded to work on the design, integration, and implementation of an end-to-end APOC solution for all AAHL-managed airports. This cloud-based ‘Smart Digital Platform’ will centrally host all the necessary applications to improve overall airport management, security, and passenger experience. The innovative APOC platform collects operational data from integrated airports sub-systems and sensors, while complying with standards of privacy. This data is then intelligently processed using automation, big data analytics, and robust artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The solution which will be deployed soon, will anticipate, and reduce unplanned resource shortages, hence increasing predictability and global efficiency.
“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Adani Airport Holdings Limited to bring innovative technology solutions to revolutionise airport operations and the passenger experience in India. Our Fly to Gate biometric solution for DigiYatra and the smart Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) will enable AAHL to streamline operations and also ensure a secure and simplified journey for millions of passengers. Together, we are committed to support India in its vision of becoming the largest aviation market in the world by 2047,” said Mr. Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director for India, Thales.
1DigiYatra is a Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India led initiative to make air traveller’s/ passenger’s journey seamless, hassle-free and Health-Risk-Free. The DigiYatra process uses the single token of face biometrics to digitally validate the Identity, Travel, Health or any other data that is needed for the purpose of enabling air travel.
2Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram.
The United States government is responding to the Marburg outbreak in the Republic of Rwanda, providing disease response and preparedness support. Marburg is a rare, severe, viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola, which is spread by contact with blood or body fluids of a person infected with or who has died from the disease. There are currently no confirmed cases outside of Rwanda.
Days after the outbreak was first announced by the Republic of Rwanda’s Ministry of Health on September 27, 2024, USAID activated a dedicated Marburg Outbreak Response Team to coordinate response efforts. Since the response team activation, USAID has provided an initial $1.35 million in pre-positioned outbreak response funding to address urgent gaps related to disease surveillance, contact tracing, case management, risk communication and community engagement, infection prevention and control, diagnostics, operations and logistics, safe and dignified burials, and point of entry screening. USAID also provided critical commodities to Rwanda from its outbreak response stockpile, including Marburg diagnostics and accessories to perform 288 tests, 2,500 sample collection media to collect and transport samples, and 500 units of Personal Protective Equipment for health workers.
USAID is coordinating with the Government of Rwanda, international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and local partners to help contain the outbreak, while also supporting neighboring countries with preparedness activities. We must also continue to build preparedness between crises, which is why the United States has supported global health security work for more than two decades to help build capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats across the world
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to partnering with national, regional, and global stakeholders to prevent, detect and respond to health emergencies globally while protecting Americans at home and abroad. The United States is implementing additional precautions for a small, select number of travelers that arrive from Rwanda to certain U.S. airports for entry screening and follow up measures. These measures will advance ongoing efforts to protect public health and reassure the traveling public that the risk of Marburg Virus Disease spreading by air travel is minimized.
The Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), a national sports safety research and advocacy organization located within UConn’s College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR), recently convened dozens of Minnesota’s foremost experts in medicine and sports as part of its Team Up for Sports Safety (TUFSS) initiative. The goal of the meeting was to develop a policy roadmap that advances best medical practices to reduce sport-related deaths. The group was hosted at Vikings Lake and assembled representatives from the Minnesota High School League’s sports medicine advisory committee, the Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association, sports medicine physicians, legislators, and others to discuss policies to improve high school sport safety in Minnesota.
“We know that implementation of these important health and safety policies is the first step toward reducing sport-related fatalities,” says KSI CEO and Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor at the University of Connecticut, Douglas Casa, ATC, FNAK, FACSM, FNATA. “We are excited that Minnesota is taking action to continue to improve its policies so they are in line with best practices for preventing sudden death in sport.”
Since launching its “Team Up for Sports Safety” (TUFSS) campaign in 2017, Minnesota is the 46th state that KSI has visited to work with state leaders to propel health and safety policy adoption forward.
The location also adds extra significance, since the institute is named in honor of Korey Stringer, pro-bowl offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings who died from an exertional heat stroke during training camp in August, 2001. Following Korey’s death, his widow Kelci Stringer, his agent Jimmy Gould, and expert witness in his case Dr. Douglas Casa worked directly with the NFL to create a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing sudden death in sport which later became the Korey Stringer Institute in 2010.
Since then, the Korey Stringer Institute has developed and disseminated practical strategies to prevent sudden death in sport, military, and laborers, promote health and safety best practices in the physically active, and optimize performance.
“The power of the TUFSS meeting is in collaboration,” says KSI Medical and Science Advisory Board member and emergency medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic, Neha Raukar MD, MS, FACEP, CAQ-SM. “By having experts, decision makers, and community leaders in one room, we can identify the most effective ways to adopt and implement safety measures that fit the specific needs of Minnesota’s athletes.”
Research has shown that nearly 90 percent of all sudden death in sports is caused by four conditions: sudden cardiac arrest, traumatic head injury, exertional heat stroke, and sudden collapse association with sickle cell trait. It has also been shown that adopting evidence-based safety measures significantly reduces these risks and can save lives.
Minnesota’s TUFSS meeting was focused on advancing policies in four key topic areas: pre-participation physical exams, CPR/AED training for all coaches, exertional heat stroke treatment, and emergency action planning. Policies discussed during the meeting are proven to support athlete safety. For example, venue specific emergency action plans, in combination with early access to CPR and AEDs, have been shown to increase the rates of sudden cardiac survival by as much as 90%. Additionally, cold water immersion has saved 100% of heat stroke victims when utilized within 10 minutes of the heat stroke.
“The Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association is very excited to convene with stakeholders in the state of Minnesota on the topic of sports safety,” says Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association president, Josh Pinkney, MS, LAT, ATC. “The TUFSS meeting provides an incredible platform for a diverse community to come together, review best practices, and positively influence the landscape of sports safety in our wonderful state.”
The meeting sought to produce best practice policy language for each of the four topic areas which will be taken forward by the MSHSL Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for consideration by the MSHSL and possible legislative pathways will be discussed.
“Hosting an event like this is so important for the state of Minnesota,” says Minnesota Athletic Trainers’ Association state representative, Troy Hoehn, LAT, ATC, CSCS, ITAT. “Having policies in place are paramount to ensure that everyone can come together to truly protect our young student-athletes. We all know that it isn’t a matter of if, but when. When these injuries happen, we need to provide the best care to lead to the best possible outcome. Everyone playing in a sport deserves to have fun and every student-athlete and their parents and caregivers need to know that their health and safety are being taken seriously.”
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused onEnhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Action Behavior Centers (ABC), one of the country’s leading providers of autism services, proudly marks the three-year anniversary of its ABC Foundations education program, which has saved employees hundreds of thousands of dollars in tuition and has significantly increased the first-pass exam rate for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification since its inception. ABC Foundations was designed in partnership with InStride, a human capital management company providing workforce education solutions, to provide ABC’s employees with education that supports career advancement and addresses the growing nationwide demand for BCBAs.
“We aim to enable children to achieve their fullest potential by being the leading Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider in the nation,” said Sharon Alpizar, ABC’s Chief People Officer. “Offering our teammates access to over 200 degree options helps us retain those committed to this mission and attract new employees who share our vision.”
CEO of InStride Craig Maloney added, “It’s a privilege to support ABC’s mission of transforming the lives of children with autism and the dedicated clinicians who care for them. By investing in their employees’ growth and development, ABC is meeting the critical need for skilled Board Certified Behavior Analysts and raising the bar for professional development in autism therapy services. This initiative demonstrates how targeted education programs can simultaneously improve quality of care, advance employees’ careers and address crucial workforce needs in specialized fields.”
Eligible from the first day of employment, ABC employees at centers located throughout Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, North Carolina and Illinois have the opportunity to earn undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees and certificates. ABC Foundations has seen an 84% enrollment increase year-over-year since its inception, with 87% of participants enrolled in a master’s degree program in Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis. This course prepares learners for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam, the gold standard in treatment.
“I’ve landed at a company that cares about my goals, is willing to help out, and makes it easier to pursue education. Ultimately I’d like to be able to keep moving up to senior BCBA and clinical director positions,” said Emily (Servais) Chapman, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at ABC’s Arrowhead Ranch location in Arizona.
As part of ABC’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, the organization is actively recruiting talented individuals to join its team. View available positions at http://www.actionbehavior.com/careers and get the opportunity for tuition assistance.
About Action Behavior Centers Founded in 2017, Action Behavior Centers (ABC) is a leading applied behavior therapy (ABA) provider offering comprehensive services and support to improve the lives of children on the autism spectrum. The provider’s high-quality, center-based care combined with its dedication to helping young children reach their full potential has made ABC one of the fastest growing and highest quality providers in the industry. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, ABC operates clinics in Texas, Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado. Learn more athttps://www.actionbehavior.com.
About InStride InStride is a human capital management company that delivers workforce education solutions in partnership with top academic institutions. InStride enables employers to provide career-aligned, debt-free education through a personalized, digital platform and a consultative service model. Empowering forward-thinking, talent-focused corporate partners such as Labcorp, Adidas, and Intermountain Health, InStride helps drive meaningful social and business outcomes by unlocking access to life-changing education. Visitinstride.comor follow InStride onTwitterandLinkedInfor more information and up-to-date news.
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 2X, the global leader in B2B marketing as a service (MaaS), today announced the launch of its highly anticipated ABX Accelerator Services at the 6sense Breakthrough 2024 Conference. As a premier Teal Service Partner of 6sense, 2X continues to drive scalable growth and operational efficiency for enterprises, helping them unlock the full potential of the 6sense platform.
Introducing the ABX Accelerator Services
2X’s new ABX Accelerator Services provide B2B marketing leaders with a complete, customized solution to rapidly scale ABX initiatives, streamline operations, and achieve faster ROI. From 6sense technology integration and program management to predictive analytics and customized reporting, these services empower businesses to optimize their investments and fuel pipeline growth without overextending their internal teams. Additionally, 2X offers advanced consulting to continuously refine ABX strategies, ensuring companies meet and exceed their growth targets.
At the heart of the launch is the ABX Maturity Assessment Tool, a complimentary resource for CMOs and marketing leaders, which will debut at the 6sense Breakthrough 2024 Conference. This tool enables businesses to benchmark their ABX performance against industry standards, providing actionable recommendations to enhance their strategies. Coupled with 2X’s Health Check Diagnostic Session, clients receive deep, tailored insights into the gaps in their ABX efforts, ensuring they maximize their 6sense platform investments.
“Our new ABX Accelerator Services directly address the challenges of scaling ABX programs by providing expert support and tailored solutions. We’re excited to showcase how businesses can optimize their 6sense investments and accelerate growth through our ‘all-in’ approach,” said Domenic Colasante, CEO of 2X.
“6sense is focused on partnerships that will add long-term value to our customers, and 2X has played a huge role in ensuring that clients are able to unlock the full potential of 6sense thanks in part to their ability to scale ABX strategies,” said Jo Wright, Global Director of Partnerships at 6sense.
Event Highlights and New Offerings
ABX Accelerator Services Launch: A powerful solution designed to fast-track 6sense implementations, helping businesses achieve measurable results while streamlining operations.
ABX Maturity Assessment Tool: Attendees will gain exclusive access to this tool, offering tailored insights to improve ABX strategies and drive growth.
Client Panel Discussion: Certinia CMO Drew Chapin, 2X CEO Domenic Colasante, and 2X CMO Lisa Cole will lead a thought-provoking session on how CMOs can do more with less in 2025, focusing on key trends in ABX and marketing budgets.
Client Success Story: JAGGAER Recognized as Award Finalist
Further underscoring the impact of 2X’s solutions, JAGGAER, a key 2X client, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 6sense Breakthrough “Efficiency Experts” award. With 2X’s expert guidance, JAGGAER achieved remarkable efficiency gains by leveraging automation and AI to optimize their ABX efforts.
“Working with 2X has transformed our approach to ABX, allowing us to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness without expanding internal resources,” said Annika Helmrich, VP of Growth Marketing at JAGGAER. “Their expertise with 6sense has been invaluable to our success.”
For more information on 2X’s ABX Accelerator Services and how your organization can go “all in” on 6sense, visit 2x.marketing/6sense.
About 2X 2X is the global leader in B2B marketing as a service (MaaS), helping marketing leaders achieve greater impact while lowering costs through its unique managed services delivery model. 2X provides best-in-class MOps and MarTech management, campaign build and optimization, content and creative production, and strategy consulting services. 2X is a services partner of 6sense, Salesforce, Adobe Marketo Engage, HubSpot, Bombora, Drift, WordPress, Google, Meta, and many other leading revenue platforms.
With more than 1,000 team members globally, 2X is backed by private-equity firm Recognize Partners. 2X has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the US by Inc. and the Financial Times. For more information, visit 2X.marketing or our LinkedIn.
Media Contact Audree Hernandez Jmac PR for 2X 2X@jmacpr.com
GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded two organizations cooperative agreements of up to $1.5 million to create curricula and programs for training the current and future regenerative medicine workforce in standards implementation. The award recipients were selected following an open, competitive process announced earlier this year.
Regenerative medicine, which includes cell therapy, gene therapy and therapeutic tissue engineering, aims to harness the body’s innate ability to heal for regenerating and replacing damaged or diseased cells, tissues and organs. The field provides unprecedented potential to treat previously intractable diseases, such as cancer and genetic disorders.
In 2023, Congress tasked NIST with supporting the development of the regenerative medicine workforce as part of the agency’s Regenerative Medicine program.
The awardees will create training programs on the standards, protocols and measurements underpinning the field.
“We are thrilled to announce our new partnerships to develop an innovative standards education program, paving the way for flexible and immersive learning experiences that support advanced biomanufacturing,” said Sheng Lin-Gibson, chief of NIST’s Biosystems and Biomaterials Division. “These educational programs will facilitate the adoption of standards and best practices to increase quality and consistency of advanced therapies and ultimately bring down costs.”
The two cooperative agreements are for $250,000 each per year with the option to renew for up to three years.
The organizations receiving the awards are Brammer Bio, a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Patheon Pharma Services, and the Standards Coordinating Body (SCB) for Gene, Cell and Regenerative Medicines and Cell-Based Drug Discovery, a nonprofit organization based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
These organizations will produce a wide range of training opportunities including traditional classroom and hands-on teaching, self-paced e-learning and use of digital tools, multimedia resources and immersive augmented reality.
Training will be provided to current and future members of the regenerative medicine workforce through continuing education and college- and graduate-level programs.
Earlier this year, a new self-identification act for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary persons was enacted in Germany. The law adds to the growing number of European jurisdictions that have recently enacted self-identification laws for legal gender purposes, including Sweden. The legal landscape is not uniform, however. Other European jurisdictions are curbing the right to change one’s gender, most recently Georgia, which has forbidden the reassignment of one’s gender, and Bulgaria, where the courts have determined that a person cannot change his or her legal gender from that assigned at birth.
Please join us on October 29, 2024, at 2 p.m. EDT for our next foreign, comparative, and international law webinar titled, “What’s in a Legal Gender? A Guide to European Gender Determination Laws.“ This webinar is the latest installment in the Law Library’s Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar Series.
This webinar will describe and discuss the regulation of gender self-determination in select jurisdictions in Europe. In particular, the webinar will focus on the existence of gender self-determination laws, the possibility of identifying as a third gender, the rules for changing legal gender, and the use of “X” as a gender marker in passports, among other topics. Similarities and differences in the countries’ approaches will be highlighted.
Please register here.
Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].
The webinar will be presented by Jenny Gesley and Elin Hofverberg, foreign law specialists in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress. Jenny holds a Master of Laws from the University of Minnesota Law School, a Juris Doctor equivalent from the Goethe University of Frankfurt, Germany, and a doctorate in law. Her doctoral dissertation on “Financial Market Supervision in the United States: National Developments and International Standards” (in German) was awarded the Baker & McKenzie Award in 2015. Dr. Gesley is admitted to the New York State Bar and is qualified to practice law in Germany. Elin holds a Master of Laws in international and comparative law from The George Washington University Law School and a Juris Doctor equivalent (Jur. kand.) from Uppsala University Law School. Elin is a member of the New York State Bar and is qualified to practice law in Sweden.
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, in collaboration with the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, completed a drill today for the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area.
The Health Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR explained that the drill was aimed at testing the routing of the cross-boundary ambulance between Macau’s Conde S. Januario Hospital (CHCSJ) and Hong Kong’s Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), as well as the immigration arrangements.
After departure from CHCSJ, the ambulance headed to PMH and returned to CHCSJ by making use of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge for both journeys.
Further to the successful completion of the drill conducted by the Hong Kong SAR Government with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government on August 23, today’s drill was also carried out smoothly in general, the bureau said.
It added that relevant departments of the two SAR Governments will review the cross-boundary ambulance arrangement, with a view to launching the pilot scheme within 2024.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau noted that the pilot scheme will start with a direct ambulance transfer of patients from designated hospitals in Shenzhen and Macau to designated public hospitals in Hong Kong.
He said: “I am glad that the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Macao SAR Government have also made today’s drill a success through concerted efforts, further streamlining the flow of a direct cross-boundary ambulance transfer to get better prepared for the launch of the pilot scheme.”
In addition to the entry arrangement of vehicles into Hong Kong, the Health Bureau is in discussion with Macau authorities on the implementation details regarding the entry of medical items and personnel on the direct cross-boundary ambulance into Hong Kong.
In particular, as CHCSJ will deploy healthcare personnel to escort patients with clinical needs on the ambulance, the Hong Kong SAR Government will ensure compliance by the doctors concerned with Hong Kong laws, such that they can continue to carry out the necessary medical procedures on board the ambulance upon entry into Hong Kong.
In this connection, the Hong Kong Medical Council has issued a promulgation regarding limited registration in accordance with the Medical Registration Ordinance.
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority is making limited registration applications for the Macau doctors who will provide support aboard the direct cross-boundary ambulances.
The weight loss jab Mounjaro will soon be made available to nearly a quarter of a million NHS patients, according to proposals made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). Previously, it was only available on the NHS for patients with diabetes.
Under Nice’s proposals, the drug will gradually be rolled out over the next three years. Access to it will first be prioritised to patients who are severely obese and have at least three weight-related health problems – for example, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea.
There are plans to increase NHS access to more patients after the initial three-year period. It will also remain available for patients with diabetes.
This recent approval provides new treatment options for people with obesity – but how effective it is will depend on whether supplies can keep up with anticipated demand.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the UK brand name of the drug tirzepatide, which, until now, has only been prescribed on the NHS for patients with diabetes to help control blood sugar and encourage weight loss.
In the US, Mounjaro is used for diabetes treatment. Another version of tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is used for weight loss treatment. Zepbound is not licensed as a weight loss product in the UK.
Tirzepatide works for weight loss by mimicking hormones in the body that tell our brain we feel full. A weekly injection is needed, which may be increased in strength each month, depending on the patient.
Clinical studies have found tirzepatide is even more effective than semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) for weight loss. In some studies, patients have lost up to 20% of their body weight.
Supporting weight loss
Until now, Wegovy was the only weight loss injection authorised for NHS use under the care of specialised weight loss services. These services offer patients clinical treatment, mental health support, access to a dietitian and physiotherapy.
But the availability of such services is patchy and recently access to many local services has even been paused or stopped. This means many patients who need effective weight loss treatments may not have access to them. Among the reasons for these services being suspended is there was greater demand than availability of services in some areas, as well as attempts to control prescriptions of crucial drugs due to ongoing shortages.
Now that Mounjaro has been authorised for use on the NHS, it will be key that access to specialist weight loss services is improved throughout the country so that people who need weight loss support are able to get it. NHS England are in the process of developing a range of community and digital services to address this.
Is there enough Mounjaro for everyone?
The change in guidance may lead to a rush in demand for referrals to weight loss services when the drug becomes available. This could add more pressure to an already challenged system.
This uptick in demand may also affect access to Mounjaro for patients who use the drug for diabetes. This was the case with Ozempic (semaglutide) in 2023 – despite it only being licensed for the treatment of diabetes. Demand for the drug by those who wanted to use it to lose weight led to a surge in private prescribing of the drug off-label – leading to global stock shortages of semaglutide.
Many patients using the semaglutide for diabetes were unable to source the product. Semaglutide’s manufacturers did not foresee this hike in demand and were not prepared to maintain supplies for people with diabetes.
Since it was introduced on the market, Mounjaro has proved to be a popular product, with sales making its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, greater profits than expected. Stock shortages have already been experienced in Australia and the US. Due to ongoing demand and previous shortages of similar products (such as semaglutide) one would hope that Eli Lilly has anticipated increased demand for Mounjaro in the UK and will have adequate supplies from the outset.
But with British pharmacies reportedly planning to reduce the private price of weight loss products (including Wegovy and Mounjaro), this could increase demand further – which may subsequently affect the availability of supplies for NHS patients.
Given the successes of semaglutide and tirzepatide, it’s expected that further similar drugs will be developed. Many of these alternative products are already showing promise in clinical trials – such as an oral weight loss pill. Having alternative products available will ease strain on the supplies of current weight loss products.
Will Mounjaro help with the obesity crisis?
It’s thought that up to 25% of adults in the UK are obese. Obesity is linked to many health problems – including heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Obesity-related healthcare is estimated to cost the NHS billions of pounds every year. Improvements in diet and lifestyle are recommended to tackle obesity, but, understandably, many patients find sustained change difficult.
Greater access to weight loss drugs could help patients lose weight and prevent the associated health problems. This could also save the NHS money and improve long-term health. Weight loss drugs, such as Mounjaro, could be an important solution to a growing problem – but only if access to these treatments is available to those who need them most.
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.
On September 26, 2024, Chief Dwayne Laboucan of Driftpile Cree Nation, along with Council, Elders, community members, and representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, celebrated the start of construction of the Mihtatikaw Sipiy Health and Wellness Facility.
October 08, 2024 — Driftpile Cree Nation, Treaty 8 Territory, Alberta — Indigenous Services Canada
When we invest in healthcare, we invest in the prosperity of our communities. On September 26, 2024, Chief Dwayne Laboucan of Driftpile Cree Nation, along with Council, Elders, community members, and representatives from Indigenous Services Canada, celebrated the start of construction of the Mihtatikaw Sipiy Health and Wellness Facility.
With a total investment of $13 million from Indigenous Services Canada, the health centre will blend modern architecture, Indigenous cultural values and Cree symbolism, reflecting the Nation’s commitment to community health, healing and Cree heritage.
The project will bring together mental wellness and community health services under one roof, creating a central hub for holistic health support. The construction of the new health centre will replace an aging facility and double the footprint of health services to the community, from 527 square metres to 1,047 square metres. The centre will increase current health programming and offer enhanced mental wellness and community health services that meet the growing needs of the Driftpile Cree Nation.
Quotes
“The $13 million federal investment in Driftpile Cree Nation’s new Mihtatikaw Sipiy Health and Wellness Facility will provide community members with the essential health services that they need, incorporating Indigenous cultural values and traditional knowledge.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services
“We are proud of the new health centre being built for our people as it was needed so that we can take care of our own”
Chief Dwayne Laboucan Driftpile Cree Nation
Quick facts
The project began in 2021 and is expected to be completed in March 2026.
Driftpile Cree Nation is located in Treaty 8 Territory, nestled on the southern shore of Lesser Slave Lake in Northern Alberta. It has an on-reserve population of 1,041 and a total population of 3,223.
Through the Government of Canada’s Health Facilities Program, Indigenous Services Canada works with First Nations and Inuit communities to provide funding for infrastructure that supports the delivery of health-related programs and services.
Associated links
Contacts
For more information, media may contact:
Jennifer Kozelj Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor Jennifer.Kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is asking patients who use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or insulin pump to report any safety problem with their device through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme without delay.
Over 5.6 million people in the UK live with diabetes, many of whom rely on these devices to manage their condition, and their use can significantly improve the quality of life for patients.
However, adverse incidents relating to these devices can occur, and while most of these incidents do not result in harm to the patient, they can potentially lead to the incorrect amount of insulin which can lead to abnormal blood sugar levels, with potentially serious health consequences.
The MHRA utilises the Yellow Card reporting scheme for signal detection and trending activities to identify safety concerns that may require action. As of January 2023, the MHRA has received fewer than 300 Yellow Card reports from healthcare professionals and members of the public relating to these devices, which is significantly fewer than we would expect given their widespread use. The MHRA is therefore reminding users how to report adverse incidents and potential safety issues to us.
To aid this vital reporting, the MHRA has today, Tuesday 08 October, introduced new step-by-step guidance, giving individuals living with diabetes detailed information on how to report any safety concerns with their device and what information they need to include. This guidance provides examples of the types of issues which should be flagged and images to help guide users in their reporting.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said:
Patient safety is our top priority, which is why we urge anyone using devices to manage their diabetes to report to us without delay any safety concerns they may have. We know adverse incidents can occur with the use of these devices. The vast majority of these incidents don’t result in harm but potentially could have serious consequences.
Every report is valuable to us as it will provide valuable insight and potentially inform future regulatory measures designed to protect patients. We are ready to take whatever action is needed.
If you are concerned that there is an issue with any of your diabetes devices, please use the guidance [LINK] to complete a Yellow Card report online using the Yellow Card website or via the free Yellow Card app.
Douglas Twenefour, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, said:
Diabetes technology can be a life-changing tool, helping people living with the condition improve their quality of life.
Unfortunately, we know that sometimes this technology doesn’t work as intended, so it is important that users of diabetes tech have a clear and accessible way to report any issues with continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and pens.
Diabetes UK welcomes any guidance that gives reassurance for people using diabetes tech to highlight potential problems quickly and easily. We would encourage anyone with a concern about diabetes tech to report it, as this vital information can help improve the quality of devices.
However, if there is any immediate concern about technology that could affect a person’s safety, advice from an appropriate healthcare professional should be sought first.
Professor Partha Kar, NHS England Type 1 Diabetes & Technology lead, said:
We welcome this work and its important role in ensuring safety while we oversee the widespread adoption of diabetes technologies using continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps.
These devices can be life-changing for people living with diabetes, giving them the confidence to go about their days knowing they are safe and able to enjoy themselves, so their operationally effectiveness is of paramount importance.
This initiative will help to ensure standards stay at the highest level as the market continues to expand with new developers.
The MHRA also urges people to speak to a healthcare professional without delay if they have concerns that their health may have been impacted by a potential safety issue relating to their device.
Examples of the types of issue with continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps that should be reported include:
Concerns with accuracy of delivery from the insulin pump (for example, suspected underdose or overdose, unexpected bolus doses, non-delivery of insulin)
Concerns with accuracy of results from a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). As part of your report, please tell us what the readings were on both the CGM and the approved blood glucose meter (see page 6) including the time elapsed between the 2 readings
Skin reaction to the sensor adhesive. If a patch test was carried out, please let us know.
Technology concerns, such as:
Connectivity issues between the various parts of the diabetes management system
Concerns with the touchscreen, display or buttons
Physical failures, including leaks and cracks
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
If history holds true to form, I expect the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to begin touting their support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative as Election Day approaches.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, or GLRI, is a federal program that funds water and habitat protection and restoration for the Great Lakes, which contain over 20% of the world’s surface freshwater. While voters in some parts of the country may have never heard of it, it is a big deal in the eight states that border these inland seas.
A 2021 poll by the Great Lakes Water Quality Board found that 90% of U.S. and Canadian residents in the region support the lakes’ protection.
But the popularity of the Great Lakes would not have blossomed into such an ambitious and bipartisan conservation effort without another critical fact. Three of those eight surrounding states – Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania – are critical swing states in 2024. And Ohio, although no longer considered a swing state, had been one until 2016.
I have seen how politicians and conservationists deftly use the region’s political battleground status to draw support for Great Lakes restoration from presidential candidates from both major parties. And I believe this is unlikely to change in 2024 and beyond.
But in 2000, when the Florida Everglades ecosystem – which sits in what was a key swing state at the time – received over US$4 billion in federal funding for a massive cleanup, the Great Lakes still didn’t have the resources for even basic remediation of toxic sites.
This led many in the region to suffer from what I heard many lawmakers and others describe as “Everglades envy.” They shared maps of how the entire Everglades ecosystem could fit into one corner of the Great Lakes. More importantly, they plotted how to get funding to clean up toxic hot spots, restore degraded habitats, expand recreational access and educate the next generation of Great Lakes leaders.
George W. Bush’s executive order
When President George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection team wanted to secure the electoral college votes of Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, regional lawmakers and advocates helped them craft an executive order. It declared the lakes a “national treasure” and required federal agencies to work together on a “regional collaboration of national significance for the Great Lakes.”
After Bush’s reelection, his executive order was used to organize over 1,500 diverse stakeholders into eight strategy teams. These teams created a $20 billion plan for restoring the Great Lakes.
However, the plan existed only on paper – until the presidential campaigns of 2008, when advocates and political leaders leveraged the swing state status of Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin to garner support for funding the cleanup plan.
After winning all eight Great Lakes states in 2008, Obama used stimulus funds to launch the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in 2010.
With an initial congressional appropriation of $475 million in 2010, and nearly $300 million in each of the following two years, it was one of the rare times Obama’s proposed budget aligned with Republican priorities in Congress.
In the run-up to the 2012 presidential election, both Obama and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee whose father was a former governor of Michigan, declared their support for Great Lakes restoration. This came after the Healing Our Waters coalition pressed both campaigns to pledge to fund GLRI and to stop invasive species from reaching the Great Lakes via the Chicago River.
When President Obama proposed cutting Great Lakes funding from $300 million to $250 million per year, Congress rebuffed him. Mark Wilson via Getty Images
After the 2012 election, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative continued to receive approximately $300 million per year and strong support in Congress. When Obama proposed modest cuts to the program during his second term, Republicans and Democrats united to restore the funding. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative inspired “rare bipartisanship,” as The Associated Press reported at the time.
Trump moves to eliminate funding
In the 2016 election, representatives for both Trump and his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, pledged support for Great Lakes restoration during the annual meeting of the Healing Our Waters coalition in Sandusky, Ohio. The Trump team, however, was ambiguous about the funding level it supported.
Congress, led by bipartisan members of the Great Lakes Congressional Task Force – including U.S. Rep. David Joyce and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, Ohio Republicans who held powerful appropriations positions – fought back fiercely and restored the funding.
In 2018 and 2019, Trump’s budgets proposed cutting funding for the initiative by 90%. But again, with strong bipartisan support, it was restored to levels nearing $300 million per year.
By 2020, concerns tied to his reelection prospects changed Trump’s approach.
The famous turning point allegedly came during a car ride to a West Michigan campaign rally in 2019 when Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga emphasized the importance of the Great Lakes to Michigan politics.
He went further: “I support the Great Lakes. Always have. They’re beautiful. They’re big. Very deep. Record deepness, right? … We’re going to make the Great Lakes great again.”
In response, Michigan Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee quipped, “The President claiming to support the Great Lakes is like an arsonist congratulating themselves for putting out a fire they started.”
Regardless, Trump’s shift helped the restoration initiative reach $320 million in funding in the 2021 budget – the first time it topped $300 million since its first year.
On the campaign trail in 2020, both Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden highlighted their support for GLRI during swing state stops in the upper Midwest. Biden ultimately won all three of the current Great Lakes swing states and strongly supported the GLRI while in office too.
Since its launch in 2010, the GLRI has funded over 7,500 projects to clean up polluted waterways, restore habitats, control invasive species, reduce polluted runoff, improve recreational access and educate the public.
Great Lakes pollution remains a complex problem, however, and climate change further complicates cleanup efforts.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate on the Democratic ticket, briefly referenced the Great Lakes’ freshwater supply during the Oct. 1, 2024, vice presidential debate. He too has strongly supported efforts to restore them during his time in office.
Although Great Lakes restoration has not yet played a major public role in either Trump’s or Harris’ 2024 campaign, history tells us that the issue plays well politically in key swing states in the upper Midwest. In fact, it has become a rare bipartisan litmus test of allegiance to this politically divided and critically important region.
Mike Shriberg was previously the Great Lakes Regional Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation, which entailed being a co-chair (and, for part of the time, Director) of the Healing Our Waters – Great Lakes Coalition that is referenced in the article.
Comprehensive sex and reproductive health education aims to promote positive attitudes toward sex and reproductive health, and empower young people to make informed decisions.
But decent sex and reproductive health education is still lacking in many parts of the world. This leaves significant gaps in young peoples’ knowledge and understanding.
We have carried out research to figure out what young people in England are missing in their sex education lessons. We reviewed the relationships and sex education (RSE) curricula across the UK.
We found that, in England, much of the focus of sex and reproductive health education is on pregnancy prevention. Much less emphasis is given to reproductive health topics such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fertility and the menopause.
We also carried out a survey of 931 students aged 16-18 across England. We found students were missing key aspects of reproductive health knowledge.
Students are not being adequately informed about fertility, despite the RSE curriculum guidelines stating that students must be taught “the facts about reproductive health, including fertility, and the potential impact of lifestyle on fertility”.
Lack of knowledge
For example, despite the fact that students learn about the menstrual cycle in RSE lessons, half of them did not know when women are most fertile during the menstrual cycle.
Less than 3% of teenagers in our study told us that they had been taught about specific reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS. Just over 10% said they had learned about menopause.
Over 70% of students recognised the decline in egg quality and quantity with age, but only about 50% understood the effects of age on sperm quality and quantity.
In our survey, we asked students what reproductive health topics they research about outside of school. Students told us that they had sought out knowledge on a variety of reproductive health topics, including PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, miscarriage and abortion – subjects that are seldom covered in detail during RSE lessons.
Many turned to social media and the internet for answers on sex and reproductive health. While these platforms offer easy access to information, they can also expose students to misinformation from non-credible sources.
In our survey, 70% of students said that they had “a little” sex education at their school. Only 30% rated their school’s sex education as good or very good. This shows a major gap in the quality of sex education most students are getting at school.
Knowledge seeking
Our study shows that students in England want to learn more about these topics in school. When we asked them what could be done to improve sex education at school, they called for a more inclusive and comprehensive curriculum that covers a wider variety of topics – including miscarriage, abortion, masturbation and how to access sexual and reproductive health services. One student said:
All we’ve done in school is go over and over having safe sex and talked about periods which whilst is important is barely scratching the surface of things people need to know about.
Students want greater focus on sex positivity because current discussions mostly highlight negative aspects of sexual activity. They believe the importance of sexual wellbeing is often ignored. They want honest, transparent, and non-judgmental education – not teaching methods driven by fear.
Based on our findings, our research team, as part of the non-profit International Reproductive Health Education Collaboration has developed evidence-based educational resources to enhance reproductive health education. These include an education resource for teachers, information leaflets and a fertility education poster.
These tools aim to help teachers, health professionals and the public access accurate and comprehensive reproductive health education.
Teens turn to other sources, such as social media, to get information they’re missing at school. Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock
Under the previous government, the Department of Education proposed an update to the RSE curriculum, which included the addition of topics such as “menstrual and gynaecological health, including endometriosis, PCOS, and heavy menstrual bleeding.”
The results of a consultation on this and other proposed changes are currently under analysis. But adding these topics to the curriculum would be a crucial advancement in school reproductive health education.
Reproductive health education must be given equal importance to core academic subjects, and schools need to actively engage with students, addressing their reproductive health needs and concerns. This is crucial, as school is often the only time that students receive formal education on these topics.
By providing comprehensive and accessible information at this stage, schools can equip students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health throughout their lives.
Rina Biswakarma is affiliated with the charity Fertility Network UK.
Daniel Marcu owns shares in Virilitas Labs and he is the President of the Network for Young Researchers in Andrology (non-profit).
Joyce Harper gives paid talks on reproductive health education and has written a book called Your Fertile Years.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas)
WASHINGTON– Today, Congressman Greg Casar (D-Texas) and 46 other Members of Congress are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of an herbicide, Paraquat, in the U.S. to protect public health. Paraquat is already banned in over 70 countries.
The Members of Congressreleased a letter todayurging EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan to protect farm workers, rural Americans, and the environment from the harmful effects of Paraquat and ban the use of the herbicide in the U.S. Exposure to the herbicide is linked to life threatening diseases like Parkinson’s disease and thyroid cancer, and linked to an increase in soil and water pollution.
“Paraquat is a toxic substance linked to life threatening diseases and grave impacts on the environment — it has been banned in dozens of countries and should be banned in the United States,” the members wrote. “We urge the EPA to change course and deliver critical protections for farmworkers, agricultural communities, and the environment by banning Paraquat.”
The EPA has already banned Paraquat for areas such as golf courses and recreational areas. If Paraquat is too dangerous for golfers, it is too dangerous for farm workers and rural Americans. Nearly 70 countries have banned or discontinued the use of Paraquat, including China, Brazil, the European Union, and Canada.
Theletteris led by U.S. Representative Greg Casar (TX-35), and signed by U.S. RepresentativesAlma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Cori Bush (MO-01), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-07), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Barbara Lee (CA-12), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Katie Porter (CA-47), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).
It is endorsed by the Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, American Sustainable Business Network, Beyond Pesticides, the Brian Grant Foundation, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Food Safety, the Davis Phinney Foundation, Earthjustice, Ecological Landscape Alliance, Environmental Working Group, Friends of the Earth, Green New Deal Network, HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance, GreenLatinos, Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!), League of Conservation Voters, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Parkinson Association of Alabama, Parkinson Association of Northern California, PD Avengers (Global Alliance to End Parkinson’s Disease Assn.), Pesticide Action and Agroecology Network (PAN), Pesticide Action Network, Power for Parkinson’s, Power Over Parkinson’s, the Rachel Carson Council, Re:wild Your Campus, Rural Coalition, United Farm Workers (UFW), and the United Farm Workers Foundation (UFWF).
“The people who feed us should not face twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said Geoff Horsfield, policy director for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “President Biden’s EPA should put the people who feed us ahead of the profits of a pesticide company that hid the risks of paraquat for decades. Seventy countries have banned paraquat, so we know that farmers have plenty of safer options. We are grateful to Rep. Casar for his leadership in protecting farmers and farmworkers.”
“More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s disease, the second most common and fastest growing neurodegenerative disease in the world,” said Ted Thompson, senior vice president of public policy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “With only about 30 percent of Parkinson’s risk explained by genetics, we know that other factors — including environmental risks like exposure to toxic chemicals — can play a role in the development of the disease. We appreciate Representative Casar’s efforts to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency is doing all it can to protect Americans from the harms associated with exposure to these toxins.”
“Every day across America, farm workers, as well as their families and communities, are exposed to Paraquat – a dangerous chemical known to cause severe health impacts,” said Teresa Romero, president of UFW. “We commend Congressman Casar for fighting to ensure that every worker is safe on the job and we call on the EPA to listen to the concerns of the people who put food on all of our tables.”
“The UFW Foundation supports the banning of Paraquat, a chemical whose exposure puts the lives of hundreds of thousands of farm workers at risk,” said Erica Lomeli, interim chief executive officer of the UFW Foundation. “Farm workers deserve a safe environment free from harmful substances that can impact not only their health but also the well-being of their families. Not only is Paraquat dangerous for farm workers, but it also poses significant risks to consumers who may ingest produce treated with this pesticide.”
“We thank Rep. Casar and his colleagues for their leadership in urging the EPA to finally remove this dangerous chemical from the market,” said Lorette Picciano, executive director of the Rural Coalition. “We have heard from far too many farmers, ranchers and workers in communities we serve who have developed Parkinsons and other diseases. The devastating cost to their lives and health, families and communities far outweigh any possible benefit of Paraquat’s continued use.”
Thefull letter can be viewed here.
Learn more atbanparaquat.org
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Congressman Greg Casar represents Texas’s 35th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which runs down I-35 from East Austin to Hays County to the West Side of San Antonio. A labor organizer and son of Mexican immigrants, Casar serves as the Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus for the 118th Congress. He also serves on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture.
As part of World Green Building Week, Samsung, in partnership with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), hosted a compelling panel discussion themed ‘Planet Shapers’ on Thursday, 12 September 2024. The event, held at the Samsung DQX store at Design Quarter in Fourways, served as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and dialogue on the intersection of clean air technology, climate change, and environmental health.
The session, expertly facilitated by Abi Godsell, GBCSA’s Research and Technical Coordinator, brought together a distinguished panel of industry leaders and experts in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) field. The discussion featured Joseph Kaseke, HVAC Engineering Manager at Samsung; Annelide Sherratt, Head of Green Buildings Certification at Solid Green Consulting; Martin Smith International Professional Engineer and Design Director at Zutari; Matthew Marshall Co-founder and Partner at Redimension Capital; and Alex Varughese Senior Technical Coordinator at GBCSA.
The panelists addressed the profound impact of clean air technology on human health, productivity, and environmental sustainability. The conversation underscored that clean air is not only vital for well-being but also plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity across various building types, from residential homes and schools to hospitals, offices, and recreational facilities such as malls and museums.
When sharing his insights, Kaseke noted a World Health Organisation article published back in 2018, which stated that wildfires, climate change, city pollution, greenhouse gases, and pandemics were the biggest aspects that were detrimental to the health of our respiratory systems. He stressed the importance for manufacturers of air-conditioners to consider and ensure that when they build their products, they take into account all these factors and thus produce air-conditioners that create clean air which would be good for users’ health, while also being comfortable for them.
He also spoke about the latest advancements in Samsung’s HVAC systems designed to improve indoor air quality and said these innovations are crucial in mitigating the effects of pollution and creating healthier living and working environments. Kaseke shared four air-conditioners that have shown to be excellent in the provision of clean air.
WindFree 1-Way Cassette (Indoor Unit), which is Samsung’s best-selling air-conditioning unit globally, comes with prefiltration, deodorisation and PM 1.0 filters and its cooling helps maintain a comfortable level of coolness without the feeling of direct cold wind draft. At a height of only 135 mm, it is the thinnest indoor air-cooling unit in Samsung’s line-up. The compact, lightweight design makes installation and maintenance in your space easier than ever. These high-performing units are so subtle that they can easily blend into interiors of all types and styles. A quiet workplace is not only more comfortable for employees, but it also aids productivity.
The bigger capacity WindFree 4-Way Cassette also maintains a comfortable level of coolness as cool air is gently dispersed through 15,672 micro air holes, so you won’t feel too cold. It has a prefiltration filter, a secondary filter for dust electrification as well as the PM 1.0 filter that all work together to remove the air’s impurities. The 4-Way Cassette allows efficient energy saving of up to 55%[1] and has a Motion Detect Sensor which enables customised air flow and energy efficient operation.
According to Kaseke, the best in the line-up in terms of design is the 360 Cassette, which has the most momentum in all these air purification categories and ideal for large open spaces. It also comes standard with all the filtration features. Its innovative circular design can match a multitude of interior designs, so it perfectly fits in everywhere. Its minimalist modern styling creates a sophisticated look, and its circular shape stands out beautifully. The AR9000 wall-mounted unit, which is the premium range of Samsung’s residential line-up also comes with that same technology.
The panel concluded with a call to action, urging attendees and the broader public to prioritise clean air in their environmental strategies. The discussion reaffirmed the necessity of collaborative efforts among companies, communities, and individuals to combat climate change and enhance the quality of life through improved air quality.
The session was a testament to the power of dialogue and collaboration in driving forward the green building agenda. It highlighted how technological advancements, and thoughtful strategies can collectively contribute to a healthier planet and more sustainable future.
Tested on Outdoor unit AC140MXADKH, Indoor unit AM140FN4DEH when running simultaneously. Individual result may vary depending on consumer usage.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
Palo Alto, CA– Representative Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16) and San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller applauded the California Attorney General’s decision to file a lawsuit against Seton Coastside owner AHMC Healthcare, Inc. The enforcement action filed in San Mateo County court compels AHMC Healthcare, Inc., to reopen Seton Coastside with all the services it agreed to provide as part oftheJuly 27, 2020 contract of sale outlining conditions of Seton Coastside’s sale to AHMC Healthcare, Inc. This includes the provision of emergency services.
“I am highly pleased that the Attorney General of California has responded forcefully to my call to hold AHMC accountable for its flagrant violations of the law and their Contract of Sale violations. The action today reinforces an important message: irresponsible actors will not be allowed to gamble with the wellbeing of patients,” Rep. Eshoo said.
“The closure of Seton Coastside by AHMC was more than a breach of contract—it was a violation of the trust our community placed in them. I want to thank California Attorney General Bonta for responding to the calls for justice from Congresswoman Eshoo and my office. Together we are making it clear that such actions will have consequences. AHMC will face accountability for their failure to uphold legally binding agreements meant to protect healthcare access on the Coastside. Separately, the action by the Attorney’s General lays a foundation for a claim by the County that AHMC has violated the terms of a multi-million dollar loan the County of San Mateo provided them. This is not just about righting a wrong—it’s about sending a message. No corporation can put profits over people without facing the full weight of the law. We are committed to restoring healthcare access and safeguarding our community’s future. Above all our community deserves the heathcare they were promised,” Supervisor Mueller said.
Rep. Eshoo has pressed for action to hold AHMC Healthcare, Inc., accountable since it closed the Seton Coastside facility in April 2024. She sent a letter to the Attorney General in July specifically listing AHMC’s violations in their contract of sale. Before that, she sent two letters to the California Department of Public Health.
You can read the full letter to the Attorney Generalhere.
This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, an annual campaign designed to highlight that everyone’s experience with mental illness is unique and to encourage empathy towards those affected.
October 8, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada
This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, an opportunity to highlight that everyone’s experience with mental illness is unique. Almost all of us have been affected by mental illness, either directly or through the experiences of our family, friends or colleagues. This year’s theme, “Access For All: Time for Action, Time for Change,” is a reminder that we must all work together to promote access to mental health care for everyone.
Mental illness, including mood disorders, can affect how someone thinks, feels, and behaves, and can significantly impact a person’s day to day. Improving our knowledge and understanding of mental illness helps reduce barriers to care, like stigma. The Government of Canada is working to improve access to mental healthcare by challenging stigma, improving mental health literacy, funding culturally relevant and tailored resources and normalizing conversations to increase awareness and understanding of mental illness.
Getting help for a mental illness can significantly improve your quality of life. Learning about mental illness and knowing when to reach out for help is an important part of self-care. Through the recently announced Youth Mental Health Fund, the government of Canada has committed to helping young Canadians access the mental health care they need by reducing wait times and providing more care options.
If you or a loved one are struggling with lasting negative emotions or have concerns about mental health, visit Canada.ca/mental-health for free mental health resources.
For those living with mental illness, support is available. Speak to a health care professional or someone you trust. You can also connect with Kids Help Phone which provides confidential mental health resources 24/7 for kids, teens and young adults, or the Hope for Wellness Helpline which provides Indigenous Peoples with immediate emotional support and crisis intervention with experienced and culturally sensitive helpline counsellors.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline at any time, from anywhere in Canada to access bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally appropriate suicide prevention support.
Mental Illness is as real as any physical illness, and no one should have to face it alone. We are working with all levels of government so that everyone in Canada has the mental health care support they need, when or where they need it.