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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Ukraine: 30% increase in ambulance referrals shows ongoing devastation of war in Ukraine – MSF

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

    Kyiv, 3 September 2024. Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) ambulances in Ukraine have transported more than 8,000 patients from hospitals near the frontline between January and July 2024, more than half with burn, blast and other injuries directly caused by the fighting. This represents a thirty per cent increase from the previous six months and shows the alarming and ongoing human impact of the war, warns the medical, humanitarian organisation.

    MSF’s 17 ambulances transport patients at the request of health facilities across areas near the frontlines in the east, south and northeast of the country to hospitals that are less overwhelmed or better equipped to treat their injuries. More than 15 per cent of patients transported so far this year were so ill that they needed to be referred in specially equipped intensive care unit (ICU) ambulances. Of those requiring ICU transportation, 38 were children, the youngest just three years old.

    “We need ICU ambulances to transport patients with severe injuries and breathing problems, such as head traumas, burns, multiple fractures, and damage to internal organs. They need equipment like ventilators and oxygen,” said MSF deputy medical coordinator Maksym Zharikov. “Sixty per cent of the patients we transport have war-related injuries such as head injuries, trunk and limb injuries, soft tissue injuries, and massive haemorrhages.”

    On 6 August, an MSF team in the east transported a 45-year-old man who had suffered burns to 90 per cent of his body, including his internal organs, as a result of shelling. Patients like this require specialised medical care, which is often only available in hospitals far from the conflict areas. MSF has been running an ambulance referral system since April 2022 and currently has 17 ambulances, including five ICU ambulances and three vehicles capable of transporting multiple patients at a time. Multi-patient ambulances can transport up to seven patients at a time, making it possible to transport several patients with varying degrees of severity. Additionally, during intense shelling, making one trip instead of several reduces the risk for patients and staff.

    The need for medical transportation by ambulance becomes especially acute during heavy missile attacks when hospitals are overwhelmed by mass casualties. It is difficult to predict how many intensive care or surgical beds will be needed in any given hospital from day to day. Shelling can occur at any moment, and our teams operate in a state of constant emergency. MSF paramedic Dmytro Bilous reports that when he asks civilians why they continue to live near the frontline despite the danger, the most common reply is that they just didn’t have time to evacuate.

    “We’re gravely alarmed by the devastating impacts of repeated attacks, including on civilian areas. We see the consequences every day. A recent attack in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region, on 9 August left 14 dead and over 40 injured. MSF doctors helped to respond, and two severely injured patients were transferred to Dnipro,” said Christopher Stokes, MSF emergency coordinator in Ukraine. “With a constant influx of trauma patients needing referrals, MSF ambulance teams ensure that patients are transferred to hospitals where they can receive the specialised care they require. But as more and more health facilities are destroyed, damaged or closed, and attacks like this continue, the pressure on the remaining hospitals is only going to grow, leaving more and more people without any access to the healthcare they need.”

    Notes:

    The war in Ukraine, ongoing since 2014, escalated significantly in 2022, with intense fighting in the east, southeast, and northeast.
    Civilian casualties and significant damage to medical infrastructure, particularly in Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions.
    MSF operates 17 ambulances near the frontline, including five ICU vehicles and three multi-patient transport vehicles.
    Ambulances are strategically based in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and other regions, covering the whole of Ukraine as per Ministry of Health requests.
    In 2024, patient transport increased by 30% compared to late 2023, with over 8,000 patients transported in the last six months.
    Ambulances cover up to 120,000 km monthly, with 40% of cases being non-traumatic and 60% war-related injuries.
    Among those transported, 136 were children, 38 of whom required ICU care. The youngest patient was three days old, and the oldest was 98.
    MSF first worked in Ukraine in 1999.

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

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: World Health – Parliamentarians call for strengthening health workforce in the Asia Pacific – WHO

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Port Vila, 6 September 2024: The eighth Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health concluded today, with parliamentarians from 13 countries in the Asia Pacific region emphasizing the need for a strengthened health workforce, which is essential for achieving health for all.

    The Forum was held from 4 to 6 September 2024 in Port Vila and hosted by the Parliament of Vanuatu, with support from the Vanuatu Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). The participants were speakers, members of national parliaments and ministers from Cambodia, Cook Islands, Niue, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

    Health workforce for a resilient health system

    The theme of the Forum was the health workforce. As the host, Honourable Simeon Davidson Seoule, Speaker of the National Parliament of Vanuatu, emphasized the crucial role of a strong health workforce in building a resilient health system: “A resilient health system depends on a well-functioning workforce that includes nurses, doctors, community health workers and specialists. To effectively support our communities and provide the care they need throughout their lives, we must ensure that our health workers are well-supported and equipped,” he said.

    He reminded his fellow leaders that, “As parliamentarians, we have a critical role in shaping health policies and ensuring that our health systems are both well funded and well managed. This includes creating and enacting stronger laws and creating support systems that address the needs of our health workers, enabling them to deliver the best possible care to our communities.”

    The meeting presented the latest evidence on health workforce in the region and enabled discussion on strengthening health workforce policy, in line with WHO’s Regional framework to shape a health workforce for the future of the Western Pacific. Participants exchanged country experiences on supporting health workforce policy through various system entry points, shared innovations addressing workforce issues, and forged connections with one another at global, regional, national and local levels.

    Common challenges across the region

    The parliamentarians also had the opportunity to conduct site visits to local health facilities, where they interacted with health workers and discussed the various challenges of providing care across different settings. These highlight the dedication and commitment of health workers and underscore the urgent need for better support and resources for them, especially for those working in rural and underserved areas – issues shared across the Asia Pacific region. A common challenge across all health systems is the need for a robust workforce, without which there can be no functioning health system.

    Addressing the challenges faced by Pacific island countries, Minister of Health of Vanuatu, Honourable John Still Tariqetu, said: “Ensuring that everyone in the Pacific has access to quality health services requires bold, new approaches to building and maintaining a well-trained health workforce. In Vanuatu, we are committed to implementing forward-thinking strategies to ensure we have the skilled workforce we need, so that our communities can receive the care they deserve.”

    Highlighting the importance of having a well-supported health workforce, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, reiterated: “The success of our health systems relies on having a workforce that is well prepared and supported. It is vital for parliaments to use their functions to advance health workforce development to ensure that our health systems can meet the needs of all people in the region.”

    Notes

    The Asia Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health is a platform for parliamentarians to exchange ideas, build political will, strengthen capacity and foster collaboration towards sustainable health action. This was the seventh meeting of the Forum, which was themed “Health Workforce”.

    Target 3c of the Sustainable Development Goals urges countries to substantially increase health financing and enhance efforts in recruiting, developing, training and retaining the health workforce, particularly in developing countries, least developed countries and small island developing states. Currently, eight countries from the Western Pacific Region (Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) are listed in the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List 2023. These countries face a low service coverage index (below 55) and have fewer health workforce than the global median of 49 doctors, nurses and midwives per 10 000 people. As such, these countries require prioritized support for health workforce development and health system strengthening, including measures to manage international recruitment effectively.

    Parliamentarians participating in the eighth Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health in Vanuatu this week: Hon. Mrs LORK Kheng, Cambodia; H.E. Ms MOM Sandap, Cambodia; Hon. Ms Te-Hani Rose Alexandra BROWN, Cook Islands; Hon. Dr Jiho CHA, Republic of Korea; Hon. Mr Bounelome KEOBOUAHOME, Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Hon. Mr Vongphet OUDOMLITH, Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Hon. Mr Suhaizan bin KAIAT, Malaysia; Hon. Mr Logopati SEUMANU, Niue; Hon. Mrs Florence Maureen VILITAMA, Niue; Hon. Mr Ciriaco B. GATO, Jr., the Philippines; Hon. Mr Foisala Lilo Tuu IOANE, Samoa; Hon. Mr Aiono Tile GAFA, Samoa; Hon. Dr Paul Popora BOSAWAI, Solomon Islands; Hon. Mr Morris TOIRAENA, Solomon Islands; Hon. Mr Tosaporn SERERAK, Thailand; Hon. Mr Iakoba Taeia ITALELI, Tuvalu; Hon. Mr Tuafafa LATASI, Tuvalu; Hon. Mr Seoule Davidson SIMEON, Vanuatu; Hon. Mr Alick TERRY, Vanuatu; Hon. Mr Blaise SUMPTOH, Vanuatu; Hon. Ms Julia Gloria KING, Vanuatu; Hon. Mr Marc MWELSUL, Vanuatu; Hon. Mr Silas BULE, Vanuatu; Hon. Mr Ulrich SUMPTOH, Vanuatu; Hon. Ms NGUYEN Thi Thu Dung, Viet Nam; Hon. Mr LE Van Kham, Viet Nam.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Nigeria: One out of every four children in Shinkafi and Zurmi is malnourished – MSF

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

    MSF is urging immediate action after screening results reveal a catastrophic malnutrition crisis across Northwest Nigeria.

    Abuja,10 September 2024: One out of every four children under the age of five is malnourished in the Shinkafi and Zurmi areas of Nigeria’s Zamfara state, according to a mass screening conducted in June by Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Ministry of Health. 

    Of the 97,149 children screened in 21 different urban and rural locations, 27 percent were found to be suffering from acute malnutrition, with five percent having severe acute malnutrition.

    These concerning figures far exceed the ‘critical level’ threshold established by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding malnutrition prevalence. MSF urges health authorities, international organisations, and donors to immediately intensify their efforts to tackle the escalating malnutrition crisis in Zamfara state, as well as whole of Northwest Nigeria – a region not yet included in the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan.

    The mass screening held in June in the Shinkafi and Zurmi areas further revealed that about 22 per cent of children screened are moderately malnourished. Currently, the nutritional supplies essential to treat such children, also known as ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), are unavailable, as UNICEF halted its supplies at the start of the year. This current lack of humanitarian response to treat those who are moderately malnourished in Northwest Nigeria risks the lives of these children who, without immediate care, will progress to severe acute malnutrition that threatens their survival and compromises their long-term health.

    “The screening results from Shinkafi and Zurmi are nothing short of alarming, revealing a catastrophic malnutrition crisis across Northwest Nigeria,” declares Abdullahi Mohammad, an MSF representative in Nigeria. “The response to this overwhelming disaster is grossly insufficient. With malnutrition rates soaring beyond critical levels and no immediate treatment available for moderate acute malnutrition apart from at MSF facilities, we’re effectively letting more children fall into life-threatening conditions. It is crucial we ensure every child receives the medical care they desperately need.”

    MSF currently runs four inpatient and 17 outpatient facilities in Shinkafi, Zurmi, Gummi and Talata Mafara in Zamfara – a state badly affected by malnutrition. Across all four inpatient facilities, MSF teams have treated over 7,000 children from January to July 2024. These figures for admissions are 34 per cent higher than for the same period in 2023. In Shinkafi and Zurmi, where MSF conducted the recent malnutrition screening, the increase in admissions is 50 per cent more than the same period last year. At the medical facility in Gummi, admissions in July 2024 were almost double compared to the same month last year.

     

    Alongside the significant increase in malnutrition admissions, MSF teams are seeing high numbers of children with vaccine preventable diseases such as measles. In Zamfara, they have treated at least 5,700 measles cases so far this year. Infectious diseases like measles, malaria, and acute watery diarrhoea, severely compromise the nutritional status of children. In turn, malnutrition makes them far more susceptible to these illnesses, with a higher risk of death.

     

    “When I first brought my son into the hospital, I didn’t know if he would survive,” says Hafsat Lawal, a mother whose child is being treated for malnutrition at an MSF facility in Zamfara. “Back at home because of the insecurity we don’t have food. The prices of food have more than doubled. If we had money, we would have bought some grains, but we cannot.”

     

    Communities are facing high levels of violence in Zamfara and have told MSF teams that they are scared to move around the state, taking huge risks to reach functioning healthcare facilities. It is estimated by the health authorities that as of 2023, only about 200 out of 700 healthcare centres in Zamfara are accessible, and the rest are non-functional. One of the reasons being that healthcare workers struggle to reach them.

     

    Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis and facing high levels of insecurity, communities in the Northwest have long been excluded from coordinated humanitarian response. It is essential that health authorities in this area, alongside international organisations and donors, urgently scale up their response. Immediate expansion of health facilities is needed to treat malnourished children to ensure that more hospitals can offer the type of inpatient care desperately needed to save lives. Moreover, UNICEF, as the primary supplier of RUTF, must ensure the consistent and sufficient delivery of these essential therapeutic foods to prevent more children from falling victim to this crisis.

     

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

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: MSF calls for quick response and unrestricted access as cholera poses latest peril in Sudan’s war – MSF

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

    Port Sudan, 11 September, 2024. A cholera outbreak is gripping central and eastern Sudan bringing more, death and misery to people already suffering under the country’s brutal war. Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)’s emergency teams are supporting by treating patients and providing water and sanitation services.

    Ongoing war, floods and now cholera

    In August, Sudanese authorities declared a cholera outbreak, which is currently heavily affecting the states of Kassala, Gedaref and River Nile, Al Jazirah and Khartoum. According to the Ministry of Health, over 5,000 cases of cholera and 191 deaths have been reported. In the second half of August the weekly cases of the disease multiplied by four.

    Cholera cases are not uncommon in Sudan, but this is the second time since the start of the war in April 2023, that the country is faced with outbreaks of the disease. For the past two years, our teams have been actively engaged in emergency responses to mitigate the spread of cholera.

    “The mix of heavy flooding and torrential downpours, combined with the terrible living conditions and inadequate access to drinking water that people, particularly in crowded displaced camps are facing, have created the perfect storm for the spread of this often deadly disease,” says Esperanza Santos, MSF emergency coordinator for Sudan.

    In Kassala, heavy rains and river floods have destroyed water and sanitation infrastructure and left both internally displaced communities and Eritrean and Ethiopian refugees living in even more appalling living conditions.

    “People are dying from cholera right now; and we are pleading on the UN and international organizations to fund and scale up activities, particularly water and sanitation services, which are crucial to stop the lethal spread of cholera,” says Frank Ross Katambula, MSF medical coordinator.

    Cholera adds yet another challenge to the crisis in Sudan and to the decimated health system, already struggling with increasing child malnutrition, high numbers of war wounded and regular cases of preventable diseases. The humanitarian response, frequently obstructed by both warring parties, remains far below what is needed.

    Case management and water and sanitation

    MSF teams in Khartoum, River Nile, Kassala and Gedaref have mobilized to support the Ministry of Health to respond to the situation, by setting up and running cholera treatment centres and units (CTCs and CTUs) and providing support to existing treatment facilities, in some of the most affected areas and hard-to-reach places. Between the end of August and 9 September, MSF teams treated 2,165 patients in our supported facilities.

     Caused by a water-borne intestinal infection, cholera is transmitted through contaminated food , water, or through contact with faecal matter. Cholera can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, and rapidly proves fatal, within hours, if untreated. But cholera is very simple to treat – rehydration is key.

    “One adult male was unconscious [upon arrival to the facility]. Dehydration causes the body to go into shock. Doctors were resuscitating him, squeezing liters of fluids in his veins for about five minutes,” recalls Angela Giacomazzi, a Human Resource coordinator in Tanedba, about a patient who fortunately survived.

    MSF teams are setting up oral rehydration points, trucking drinking water, constructing handwashing points and latrines, distributing hygiene kits and doing health promotion in the affected communities.In Darfur, where no cases have yet been registered, MSF teams are helping to improve cholera preparedness.

    Unrestricted rapid access for staff and supplies

    After nearly 17 months of challenges and obstructions around the provision of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, MSF calls on the warring parties to allow unhindered access for medical staff and supplies, to all the areas in need across Sudan, to enable a quick and coordinated response and prevent avoidable deaths.

    “There is a risk of running out of essential supplies such as cholera kits in a moment when scaling up the response is urgently needed. We call on the authorities to fast-track and facilitate the delivery of supplies and drugs, as bureaucratic obstacles remain a major challenge,” says Katambula, MSF’s Medical Coordinator.

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

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Asia Pacific – Singapore contributes to regional health emergency readiness through achieving Emergency Medical Team classification

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    SINGAPORE, 12 September 2024 – Singapore’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT), known as SGEMT, today joined the ranks of quality-assured EMT,  prepared for self-sufficient and high-quality response to a wide range of health emergencies. This builds on years of work by Singapore’s government to support emergency response regionally and globally. The classification followed two days of intense evaluation by a team of expert peer reviewers from EMTs in China and Thailand, along with EMT experts from the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Ensuring that Singapore is now able to deploy emergency responders to outbreaks or emergency events anywhere in the world, reflects the country’s commitment to advancing health security. SGEMT’s operational readiness reflects a whole-of-government effort that involves collaboration across multiple departments: health services, crisis strategy and operations, foreign affairs, military and civil defence forces.

    WHO’s EMT Global Classification is a quality assurance mechanism, using external peer review to assess compliance against international principles and standards. The process ensures that emergency medical teams are composed of trained team members, have appropriate equipment, are fully self-sufficient, and are well-integrated within national health systems when deployed for emergency response. This mechanism enables safe and high-quality medical care to be provided during public health emergencies are well-integrated within local health systems. This quality assurance mechanism enables the highest quality of medical care to be administered during any public health emergency.

    Enabling a network of emergency workforce across borders

    Members of classified emergency medical teams form an integral part of the global health emergency workforce, comprising a network of trained and equipped emergency responders that can surge when required and requested by affected countries. The EMT Initiative, hosted by WHO, aligns with global efforts to standardize quality and enhance interoperability between national, regional, and global emergency workforce capacities.

    EMT classification advances WHO’s Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) vision of a trained health emergency workforce centred in countries and coordinated regionally, as well as globally. GHEC provides a uniformly trained and globally connected emergency workforce corps that can effectively respond, as one cohesive unit, during a health emergency.

    Reiterating the value of global health emergency corps, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, noted: “In our interconnected world, efforts to build national emergency workforce capacities, simultaneously advance global health security. Initiatives like Emergency Medical Teams, ensure that countries are ready to respond with their own national emergency workforce during an emergency, and that they can access trusted networks of emergency responders across borders, when required.”

    The COVID-19 pandemic drove home the need for all countries to have emergency response capacities, a highly trained national workforce and access to essential technology and equipment. Through the Global Health Emergency Corps (GHEC) collaborations between surge capacities such as emergency medical teams and rapid response teams, and other emergency response networks such as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) expand countries’ capacities to diagnose faster and treat quicker.

    With the classification of the Singapore EMT, the Western Pacific now hosts 13 of 41 internationally classified EMTs, and national teams have been developed in  nearly every Member State across the Region, from Mongolia in the far north to New Zealand in the south, and in both the largest and smallest countries. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, who attended the EMT verification process shared: “EMTs form a crucial resource for countries in the Western Pacific and the world at large that require deployable clinical capacity to reach remote and emergency-affected communities.” EMTs in the Region have supported multiple emergency response efforts, including for COVID-19, measles outbreaks, cyclones, earthquakes and even a volcanic eruption and tsunami.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Tools, ties and taverns: early Father’s Day boosts household spending in August – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    The CommBank Household Spending Insights Index saw the impact of energy rebates lower spending on Utilities, while university and school fees drove up Education spending.

    The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose by 1.8 per cent in August to 154.3 as consumers splurged in the lead-up to an early Father’s Day.

    Ten of the 12 spending categories rose in the month, with Hospitality (+5.2 per cent) and Household Goods (+4.4 per cent) leading the way as consumers spoilt Dad at hardware stores, department stores and men’s clothing stores. Restaurants, pubs, taverns and bars and event hire saw a jump in spending in August.

    University and school fees paid in August led to a jump in spending on Education (+3.6 per cent), while Food & Beverage goods (+1.2 per cent), Household Services (+1.8 per cent), and spending on Motor Vehicles (+1.4 per cent) also rose.

    The annual pace of spending in the year to August remains subdued at 3.7 per cent for the year.

    “An early Father’s Day boosted spending in August as consumers appear to have lifted spend on household goods, while hospitality venues also saw people open their wallets during the month. The last time Father’s Day fell so early in the year spending retreated in September, which is worth keeping in mind as the annual spending rate still suggests a relatively weak consumer,” CBA Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick said.

    The biggest spending falls in the month were Utilities (-0.3 per cent) and Transport (-0.3 per cent) as government rebates on electricity and lower petrol prices offered some relief to consumers. This led to notable shifts in spending across home ownership status as renters saw an uptick in the annual rate of spending to 1.3 per cent, while those with a mortgage (+2.8 per cent) and outright owners (+1.8 per cent) saw a slowdown in spending compared to July.  

    “For the first time in August we saw the impact of the various government electricity rebates on wallets which can be seen by the decreased spending on utilities. This, coupled with increased education spend, impacted spending across home ownership categories as we saw a jump in spending by renters likely due to university fees, while outright owners benefited from reduced spend on utilities as this is typically a larger share of their wallet,” Mr Halmarick said.

    “While the earlier timing of Father’s Day has added some complexity to the data, we still anticipate that softer economic conditions, easing inflation, and rate cuts by other central banks will prompt the RBA to lower interest rates later in 2024. However, there is a possibility of delays pushing this into early 2025.”

    The CommBank HSI Index tracks month-on-month data at a macro level and is based on de-identified payments data from approximately 7 million CBA customers, comprising roughly 30 per cent of all Australian consumer transactions.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Businesses increase asset investment despite economic uncertainty – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    CBA data shows small and medium-sized businesses are taking a long view on the economy, investing in their productive capacity.

    Businesses are continuing to invest in their operations despite the slower economy, with data from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s business bank showing a 15 per cent uplift in vehicle and equipment financing compared to the same period last year.1

    Motor vehicle purchases have been a key driver (up 55 per cent), as supply chains continue to improve post-Covid and new stock becomes available. Among this category, loans for hybrid vehicles increased fivefold (533 per cent) in the past financial year, and electric vehicles were up 254 per cent. Financing for light commercial vehicles such as utes, vans and light trucks – a category that is particularly popular with small business customers – rose 27 per cent.

    Businesses are also investing in shop and office fit-outs, with financing for shelving and furniture fittings up 25 per cent.

    Financing activity has been particularly strong in areas like Health & Community services (up 35 per cent), Education (up 24 per cent) and Manufacturing (18 percent).

    “Australia’s economic fundamentals are sound, and there are reasons for optimism about the future, but inflation and other global risks contribute to uncertainty that’s rightly prompting business owners to take steps to ensure their operations are future-fit and resilient,” said Grant Cairns, Executive General Manager Business Lending at Commonwealth Bank.

    “While companies are navigating ongoing pressure from rising cost of doing business, we are seeing many business owners taking the long view on the economy and investing in their operations.”

    As motor vehicles are one of the most common asset investments for small and medium-sized businesses, CommBank has collaborated with Carsales to launch a car buying service via the CommBank app or Netbank to help make finding and financing a car or electric vehicle easier for both business owners and individuals.

    A ute with equipment tray parked next to a construction site

    “We are very focused on ensuring access to capital to help drive productive capacity across the country,” Mr Cairns said.

    “For small and medium-sized businesses, this means making it simpler and easier to access funds and we’ve cut our funding time-to-decision by 20 per cent to provide that support faster.”

    Mr Cairns said the bank has also worked to automate and digitise its business lending products, including business overdrafts, which are now available to eligible small business customers via a fully automated online application process that can see funds credited to their account in as little as eight minutes.

    Still, Mr Cairns said, while many businesses were looking to invest, that wasn’t the case for all, and some businesses were doing it tough amid higher cost of living.

    “While there are these pockets of strength and optimism across the economy, we know that the economic climate is challenging some businesses more than others, and we have tailored support available for those who are doing it tough.

    “We have been proactively reaching out to hundreds of thousands of our business customers to check in on them and ensure that those who need support know how to access it and understand what measures are available and that we’re here to help,” he said.

    CBA has a range of measures are available for those who need support including deferred business loan repayments or debt restructuring. More information is available on our website.

    Businesses seeking support can speak to their Relationship Manager or call CBA’s dedicated Business Financial Assistance team, available 24/7, on 13 26 07.
     

    Footnote:

    [1] CBA asset finance data FY24 vs same period of FY23

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Sudan – Catastrophic situation in Zamzam camp, Sudan: every effort must be made to finally deliver food, medicines and essential supplies to blockaded and starved communities

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

     16 September – As the results of a nutrition screening carried out by the Sudanese health authorities and Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) earlier this month in Zamzam camp, North Darfur, indicate a catastrophic nutritional situation that is only getting worse, MSF urges the UN and international stakeholders involved in negotiating broader humanitarian access to consider all options to quickly deliver food and essential supplies in the area, including by airdrops.

    “Not only do the results confirm the disaster that we and other stakeholders have been observing and alerting on for months, they also indicate that every day things are getting worse and we’re running out of time” adds Michel Olivier Lacharité, head of emergency operations for MSF. “We are talking about thousands of children who will die over the next few weeks without access to adequate treatment and urgent solutions to allow humanitarian aid and essential goods to reach Zamzam”.

    Despite announcement that gave hope for positive developments, for instance following the Geneva peace talks, no significant amount of humanitarian relief has reached the population in the Zamzam camp and the nearby, war-stricken city of El-Fasher since the IPC Famine Review Committee concluded that famine conditions were prevalent in the area on 1 August this year. Most supply roads are controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who have made it all but impossible to bring therapeutic food, medicines and essential supplies into the camp since the intensification of fighting around El Fasher last May.

    There’s no more time to waste if thousands of preventable deaths are to be avoided. Among the more than 29,000 children under five years old screened last week during a vaccination campaign in Zamzam camp, 10.1 percent suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), a life-threatening condition, while 34.8 percent suffer from global acute malnutrition (GAM), which will evolve into more severe form of malnutrition if not treated effectively and in timely fashion.

    “The malnutrition rates found during the screening are massive and likely some of the worst ones in the world currently. It’s even more terrifying as we know from experience the results are often underestimated in the area when we use only the mid-upper arm circumference criteria like we did here instead of combining it with measuring weight and height” explains Claudine Mayer, MSF medical referent.

    An MSF mass screening carried out in March 2024 had revealed an 8.2 percent SAM rate and a 29.4 percent GAM rate, which was already twice as high as the 15 percent alert threshold of the World Health Organisation.

    The only food available is from pre-existing stocks, which is not sufficient for people living in the area, and food prices are at least three times as high as in the rest of Darfur. Fuel prices are soaring as well, making it very difficult to pump water and run clinics that rely on generators for electricity. Our staff on site report that for many, it’s impossible to rely on more than one meal per day.

    “In such a dire situation, we should be scaling up our response: instead, running critically low on supplies, we are reaching breaking point and were recently forced to reduce our activity to focus solely on children in the most severe conditions” says Claudine Mayer. “This means we had to suspend treatment for the less severe forms of malnutrition, who represented an active cohort of 2.700 children, and to put an end to consultations provided to adults and children over five years old, who represented thousands of consultations every month”.

    Zamzam camp is estimated to host between 300.000 and 500.00 people, many of them displaced many times over, who are trying to flee the war that has been tearing up their country since last year. In El Fasher, where many of the displaced used to live, only one hospital remains partially standing after the others were damaged or destroyed in the conflict.

    “Due to these unconscionable blockages on supplies, we feel like we are leaving behind an increasing number of patients who already have very few options for getting lifesaving medical care” adds Michel Olivier Lacharité. “If the roads are not an option for getting massive quantities of urgent supplies into the camp, the United Nations should look at every available option. Delaying these supplies meaning causing more deaths – thousands of them, among the most vulnerable.”

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

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Russia – MSF-Netherlands is instructed to deregister in the Russian Federation and consequently has to close its programmes in the country

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

    Moscow/ Amsterdam, 17 September 2024: Thirty-two years after starting work in the Russian Federation, Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) had to close its operations in the country.  

    “It is with a heavy heart that we have to close our activities in the Russian Federation,” says Yashovardhan, head of MSF programmes in the country. “Our organisation’s work is guided by the principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality and medical ethics, we provide assistance based on the needs.”

    In August this year, we received a letter from the Ministry of Justice of Russia, with the decision to withdraw the affiliate office of the non-profit association ‘Médecins Sans Frontières’ (Netherlands) in the Russian Federation from the Register of affiliate and representative offices of foreign NGOs.

    The international humanitarian medical organisation had been present in Russia since 1992. For more than 30 years, we successfully implemented dozens of programmes, ranging from assistance to the homeless to emergency response to the collaborative work with the Ministry of Health in the innovative tuberculosis treatment. We worked in various regions of the country: in Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Kemerovo region, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and – more recently – in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions as well as in the south of Russia in Belgorod and Rostov-on-Don.

    A significant part of the history of MSF in Russia and the region was linked to the implementation of advanced approaches to the treatment of tuberculosis. MSF has collaborated with medical academic community of Russia and other countries in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia to extend effective, innovative treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) to patients in penitentiary and civil sectors across the region.

    In 2004-2017, we worked in close partnership with the Chechen Ministry of Health (MoH), providing technical and advisory support to the local health authorities in the treatment of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant tuberculosis in the Chechen Republic. The programme covered different aspects of TB diagnostics, treatment, laboratory services and health education, as well as adherence counselling and psychosocial support for patients and their families. In 2014, MSF supported MoH in introducing new treatment regimens for patients with extensively drug-resistant TB which yielded impressive results giving hope to patients who previously had no treatment options left.

    In 2021, MSF and local health authorities of the Arkhangelsk region in the north of Russia started successful implementation of a nine-month all-oral course of treatment for DR TB. 173 patients were enrolled on this treatment regimen. And later, in 2023, we started enrolling patients on an even shorter – just six months-long – all-oral treatment course that was recommended by the World Health Organization in the updated treatment guidelines in late 2022.

    In Arkhangelsk and starting from 2024 in Ivanovo, MSF was providing expertise and technical assistance to health authorities with a special emphasis on implementing new treatment regimens and enhancing patients’ adherence and integrating person-centred care. To date, 41 patients in the Arkhangelsk and Ivanovo regions started treatment for DR TB within this joint programme. The aim of the collaboration was to contribute to the evidence base for more effective – less toxic, person-centred – treatment with a view to scale up these scientifically proven treatment protocols in Russia.

    In Moscow and St Petersburg since 2020, MSF partnered with two community-based NGOs to support access to general healthcare, as well as testing and treatment for infectious diseases, for people living with HIV and other vulnerable groups, such as migrants, who otherwise struggle to obtain medical assistance.  Over 14,000 medical consultations were supported for patients from these vulnerable groups.

    Since the escalation of the armed conflict in Ukraine in 2022, many people have sought safety in Russia, and MSF in partnership with local NGOs in the Belgorod and Rostov regions in the south of Russia started providing assistance to those who crossed into Russia from Ukraine and later – with the development of the situation – internally displaced people. Since the start of our response in 2022, more than 52,000 refugees and displaced people were provided with humanitarian aid and more than 15,400 received free medical, mental health and psychosocial support.

    As part of this partnership, we were also planning to respond to the humanitarian and medical needs of the internally displaced people in the Kursk region. MSF continues to stand in solidarity with people impacted by this conflict and remain steadfast in our commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, irrespective of what side of the front line they are on, should the necessary conditions for our work be provided by relevant authorities.

    “We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our colleagues in Russia for their hard work and commitment to humanitarian values we hold high as an organisation,” says Norman Sitali, MSF Operations Manager responsible for programmes in Russia. “We are very sad to conclude our programmes in the country as many people in Russia in need of medical and humanitarian assistance will now be left without the support we could have provided to them. MSF would like to still work in Russia again if and when possible”.

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

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business and Tech – 25 Disruptive Technology Startups Join Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab’s 10th Cohort

    Source: Morgan Stanley

    • Tenth Lab cohort includes 25 disruptive technology and technology-enabled startups from the Americas and EMEA
    • Five-month accelerator program to provide founders with $250,000 (£250,000) investment, as well as mentorship and business-growth resources
    • 117 companies have participated in the Lab to date.

    Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) today announced the 2024 global cohort of the Inclusive Ventures Lab, with 25 companies selected from the Americas and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Over the next five months, the companies will participate in an in-house accelerator program designed to further develop and scale technology and technology-enabled startups in the seed to Series A funding round stage.

    Chosen from thousands of applications, the 25 startups represent a range of disruptive technologies across industries such as Climate Tech, Retail, Healthcare, FinTech, SaaS, Enterprise Software, Consumer and Travel – with many incorporating AI and sustainability into their products and services. Cohort companies will receive a $250,000 investment (£250,000 in EMEA) from Morgan Stanley, as well as a variety of mentorship opportunities, a tailored entrepreneurship curriculum and business-growth resources from the firm’s ecosystem of internal and external partners.

    “In today’s challenging venture capital environment, we are proud to welcome our largest cohort of groundbreaking startups to the Inclusive Ventures Lab and are eager to support them as they scale their innovations and work to build a better world,” said Selma Bueno, Global Head of the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Group. “Each year since the Inclusive Ventures Lab’s launch in 2017, we have expanded our efforts to ensure that more entrepreneurs around the world can succeed – and this year is no different.”

    The companies selected to participate in the 2024 cohort include the following:

    • Agri-Trak digitizes small farm operations with a smart platform for real-time labor, crop yield and cost tracking to optimize productivity, sustainability and profitability (US)
    • Beta Financial provides a transparent and comprehensive small business credit scoring solution, fostering financial inclusion and access to capital through innovative AI-driven technology (US)
    • Blip Energy is building a drop-in distributed energy resource to mitigate surging peak demand, optimize energy costs for users and reduce operating costs for utilities (US)
    • Compare Ethics is an AI-powered sustainability compliance platform that reduces costs by helping retail brands simplify, streamline and scale the way they make accurate green claims (UK)
    • Darent is a vacation rental marketplace platform in Saudi Arabia for travelers to search for properties with a focus on local experiences, a secure payment system and property insurance for hosts (Saudi Arabia)
    • For The Creators is an omni-channel circular fashion marketplace where women can rent and buy high-quality clothing for each stage of motherhood (UK)
    • GroceryList is a marketplace connecting immigrants worldwide with local merchants across Latin America and the Caribbean, enabling them to purchase groceries and essentials for their loved ones back home (US)
    • HANX is a consumer platform bringing together medically designed women’s reproductive health products, prescription treatments and community-focused content (UK)
    • Hire Ground is a B2B software platform that enables enterprise buyers to source and manage third party vendors while optimizing their procurement process (US)
    • Infinite Giving is a fintech platform that enables nonprofits to raise money, manage their cash reserves, and conservatively invest and grow (US)
    • Juniver is a health company leveraging AI technology to provide personalized digital interventions for lasting eating disorder recovery (UK)
    • KSI Vision uses existing AI on store and shopping center security cameras to generate real-time customer data and increase sales conversion (Uruguay)
    • Mavity is an AI-powered operating system for design and marketing teams that connects companies with on-demand creatives to streamline asset creation (US)
    • MyARC is a platform that enables fitness content creators to train their fans at scale (UK)
    • NÜWIEL provides electric mobility solutions for the cities of today and tomorrow (Germany)
    • OVUM is a one-stop shop for fertility wellness, providing educational resources, products and services for improving fertility outcomes (UK)
    • Research Grid is an automation engine for admin-free clinical trials (UK)
    • Revere is reinventing how allocators manage their alternative asset portfolios through AI, workflow automation tools and custom reporting (US)
    • Route is a platform of business management tools for commercial cleaning companies to automate sales, streamline operations, build contractor relationships and connect the entire cleaning industry (US)
    • Sanarai connects the Latino community to mental health professionals in Latin America and the US to offer culturally sensitive, Spanish-language emotional support at accessible prices (US)
    • Soralink leverages AI and smart sensors to assist manufacturers in preventing critical machine failures (Canada)
    • Sortile provides the textile industry with a system that enables the identification, traceability and recycling of textiles (US)
    • SWYE360 Learning is a data analytics company that uses machine learning and AI in education to measure software efficacy and detect students at risk of dropping out (US)
    • Tendo Technologies addresses the challenges faced by aspiring online retail entrepreneurs in Africa by connecting independent resellers to suppliers (Ghana)
    • Zest Equity is digitizing private market transactions, building tools to streamline and ensure greater transparency in how entrepreneurs, funds and investors transact (UAE).

    Programming will culminate in February 2025 with a global Demo Day, when participating companies will present to potential investors, business partners and customers. The investment firms in attendance at the last showcase represented over $40 billion of dry powder and indicated a high level of interest following the event.

    About the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab
    The Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab (MSIVL) is an intensive five-month in-house accelerator program designed to help further develop and scale startups, culminating in a showcase presentation and Demo Day to the investor community. Morgan Stanley launched MSIVL, formerly called the Multicultural Innovation Lab, in 2017 in order to address inequities in funding of startup founders, which our research shows equals over four trillion dollars in unrealized returns.

    About Morgan Stanley
    Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Readout of White  House Roundtable with Youth Voting  Leaders

    Source: The White House

    Yesterday, on National Voter Registration Day, the White House hosted a roundtable discussion to hear directly from youth leaders about their nonpartisan efforts to promote youth civic engagement across the country. College and high school student leaders from Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas discussed their nonpartisan efforts to help eligible young Americans register to vote and cast their ballots. Leaders of organizations that support nonpartisan youth civic engagement highlighted their work to strengthen young peoples’ ability to make their voices heard and have an impact on issues that they care most about. Participants discussed barriers to voting that young Americans face, including unfamiliarity with the voting process, lack of access to and information about voter registration opportunities and convenient ballot polling locations or ballot drop boxes, voter suppression such as laws that limit the ability of students to use their school IDs to vote, and the chilling effect of state restrictions on voter registration activity. During the roundtable, the Biden-Harris Administration discussed its efforts to expand voting access for young Americans, including improving and promoting vote.gov, which offers guides for college students and those approaching voting age, and the Department of Education’s toolkit to provide schools with nonpartisan strategies to help their eligible students register to vote and cast their ballots.

    As extremists across the country continue to advance policies that make it harder for Americans to vote and spread baseless lies to sow doubt about the integrity of our elections, the Biden-Harris Administration reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to ensuring that all eligible Americans, regardless of their political affiliation, are able to vote in free, fair, and secure elections. That is why, for example, Vice President Harris announced National Voter Registration Day as one of three National Days of Action on Voting Rights. President Biden and Vice President Harris will continue to stand up to attacks on Americans’ fundamental right to vote, and call on Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to fully protect the right to vote for all eligible Americans in every state.

    Additionally, on National Voter Registration Day, the Biden-Harris Administration announced actions that agencies are taking to promote access to voting for all eligible Americans, building on the progress that agencies have made since President Biden issued an Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting on March, 7, 2021:

    1. The General Services Administration (GSA) recently launched a revamped vote.gov website, where Americans can find nonpartisan information about registering to vote and how to vote. The new vote.gov is now available in 19 languages, accommodating 96% of the American public, and has new accessibility features like compatibility with screen readers. Vote.gov partnered with the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to now offer an accessible tool that helps voters more easily fill out the National Mail Voter Registration Form online, then print and mail it to their state or territory. While vote.gov itself does not register voters or store any personal data, it serves as a helpful one-stop tool that connects Americans to their state election websites to register to vote. 
    2. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is making it easier for interested consumers on HealthCare.gov to connect to voter registration services. Starting on September 20, 2024, the HealthCare.gov online application will include an optional question allowing consumers to express an interest in receiving information about registering to vote, and those who select to express an interest will receive a link to vote.gov for additional information.
    3. GSA partnered with the United States Postal Service to display vote.gov posters in approximately 17,000 Post Offices across the country.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Releases U.S. Strategy on Global  Development

    Source: The White House

    Today, the White House launched the U.S. Strategy on Global Development to codify the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment and work over the past four years to accelerate development progress in pursuit of a world that is more free, open, prosperous, and secure.  Our approach to global development – rooted in partnership, transparency, and a commitment to sustainable outcomes – positions the United States to better meet the challenges of today and tomorrow in coordination with global partners. 

    The world is at a critical moment.  People around the globe are struggling to cope with the effects of compounding crises and challenges that cross borders – whether it is climate change, food insecurity, pandemics, or fragility and conflict.  At the same time, in this age of interdependence in which we must find new and better ways to work together to confront shared challenges, geopolitical competition is also reshaping the global development system.  Our affirmative development agenda reinforces the United States’ commitment to promoting a world in which everyone can live in dignity, all people are afforded equal opportunity, and no one is left behind. 

    THE NEW GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

    The U.S. Strategy on Global Development articulates an integrated, whole-of-government approach, building on more than 75 years of U.S. leadership and investment in global development as a strategic, economic, and moral imperative.  The United States remains committed to accelerating development progress around the world and to fully implementing the ambitious, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by 194 nations in 2015.  More than halfway to 2030, we are collectively only on track to achieve 15 percent of the SDGs targets.

    The United States has redoubled its efforts to protect hard-won development gains and to help developing country partners meet urgent needs, by leveraging the full suite of tools, resources, and expertise across 21 U.S. Government Departments and Agencies.  In the first three years of the Biden-Harris Administration, we invested [more than $150 billion and mobilized billions more in private sector investment] to drive progress on the SDGs. 

    Today, U.S. global development investments are better targeted to achieve sustainable development outcomes and to maximize critical partnerships with other donors, the private sector, international financial institutions, multilateral organizations, and nongovernmental partners.  The Strategy sets out five strategic objectives:

    • Reduce Poverty through Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth and Quality Infrastructure Development.  For the first time in decades, we saw an increase in extreme poverty and inequality during the pandemic.  We recognize that many countries and communities around the world continue to struggle economically following the COVID-19 crisis.  The United States is committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth – growth that improves the lives of all members of society, including those in vulnerable situations. In the first three years of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have invested over $58.5 billion to reduce poverty and advance shared prosperity.  We have also accelerated investment in high-quality infrastructure as key driver of sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development.  Over the last three years through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, we have mobilized nearly $60 billion in public and private sector funding for infrastructure investments to advance climate resilience, energy security, secure digital connectivity, health and health security, agriculture and food security, and water and sanitation.

    We have also led a global effort to reform the multilateral development banks to equip these institutions to better address today’s complex development challenges like climate change, pandemics, and fragility and conflict.  Addressing these challenges is integral to achieving their core mandates to end extreme poverty and promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.  Recognizing that too many countries around the world are forced to make tough choices between making debt payments or investing in their own development progress and addressing global challenges, the Biden-Harris Administration launched the Nairobi-Washington Vision, calling on the international community to step up support for developing countries committed to ambitious reforms and investments that are held back by high debt burdens. 

    • Invest in Health, Food Security, and Human Capital.  The United States is committed to sustaining critical investments in the fundamentals of all thriving societies: health, food security, and human capital.  The United States continues to build resilient, responsive, and sustainably financed health systems, accelerate efforts towards universal health coverage, and promote primary health care and health equity.  As infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics are increasing in both severity and frequency, U.S. leadership on global health security saves lives and strengthens health systems abroad, while keeping Americans safer at home.   The United States has led an international effort to vaccinate the world against COVID‑19 – donating more than 692 million doses to 117 countries – while simultaneously investing in strengthening countries’ capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to future global health threats.  The Biden-Harris Administration has sustained the United States’ longstanding leadership and investments in the fight to end HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as public health threats by 2030, including through robust commitments to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved more than 25 million lives to date, and a commitment to five-year authorization.  The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to securing a clean, five-year reauthorization for PEPFAR that is fully funded.  President Biden also led the historic replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in 2022, which raised $15.7 billion.  In June, we announced a new five-year commitment to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, totaling at least $1.58 billion, to help reach the goal of vaccinating more than 500 million more children and save more than 8 million lives by 2030.

    Meanwhile, hunger and malnutrition are affecting the world’s most marginalized communities.  After decades of progress, a series of unprecedented shocks and stresses –exacerbated by the climate crisis – have reversed many development gains.  An estimated 152 million more people are hungry today than in 2019. The United States continues to lead global efforts to address food insecurity, having invested over $20 billion, including through Feed the Future, to boost food production, provide critical aid to reduce malnutrition, build more resilient food systems, and strengthen countries’ capacity to better withstand shocks. The Biden-Harris Administration also remains committed to supporting human capital development, including and especially children and youth, by expanding access to quality, inclusive, safe, and equitable education. In the first three years of the Administration, we have invested over $4.2 billion to support efforts to expand education access.

    • Decarbonize the Economy and Increase Climate Resilience. The climate crisis has reached existential proportions, shattering records for catastrophic droughts and extreme weather events, decimating livelihoods, and undermining health, food, and water security.  This is the decisive decade for tackling the climate crisis, and the Biden-Harris Administration is advancing bold efforts at the nexus of decarbonization, energy security, and energy access.  In the first three years of the Administration, the United States has invested over $1.9 billion to expand energy access and over $4.5 billion to combat climate change.  We have taken steps to doing our part to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by putting in place ambitious policies to achieve at least a 50 percent decrease in emissions domestically by 2030. 

    Through the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience, we are helping strengthen the climate resilience of countries and communities, supporting more than half a billion people reduce risks and adapt to climate change-related impacts by 2030.  We have bolstered efforts to increase inclusive, transparent, and accountable access to climate finance for developing partner countries, in pursuit of the President’s commitment to work with Congress to increase U.S.-provided international climate finance to $11 billion annually.  Building on the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act, the United States is helping developing country partners reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase clean energy access, through data-driven clean and just energy transitions, green transportation, climate-smart agriculture, and efforts to halt deforestation to preserve carbon critical landscapes. 

    • Promote Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, and Address Fragility and Conflict. Democracy and human rights are under threat worldwide.  Over the last decade, there has been a resurgence of authoritarianism and democratic backsliding.  Conflict is on the rise across the globe and threatens to undermine future progress on all SDGs.  In response, the United States has invested $27.2 billion in the first three years of the Biden-Harris Administration to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and building effective and accountable institutions.  Through the Presidential Initiative for Democratic Renewal and the U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption, the United States has made historic commitments to promote accountability, advance digital democracy, support free and independent media, fight corruption, bolster human rights and democratic reformers, and defend free and fair elections.  Given that this decade will likely experience levels of conflict not seen since the 1980s, we are also taking steps to promote stability, prevent and respond to conflict and violence, and address the drivers of fragility, including through the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, the U.S. Women, Peace and Security Strategy, and the U.S. Strategy to Prevent, Anticipate and Respond to Atrocities. 
    • Respond to Humanitarian Needs.  At a moment of unprecedented global need, the United States continues to be the world’s leading single-country humanitarian donor.  Under the Biden-Harris Administration, we have provided over $49 billion to programs delivering principled, live-saving humanitarian assistance to people in need around the world.  This critical funding has saved lives, alleviated human suffering, and reduced the impact of disasters by supporting people and communities in the most vulnerable situations to become more resilient to shocks and stressors.  On average, the United States responds to 75 crises in 70 countries each year, reaching tens of millions of people around the world with life-saving humanitarian assistance, including food, water, shelter, health care, and other critical aid.  In an era of ever-increasing needs, we are also taking steps to unlock new and innovative financing to support more sustainable solutions, reducing the need for humanitarian assistance over time, while promoting cost-effective systemic reforms.

    In the face of global challenges, we are committed to reclaiming lost development gains and accelerating collective progress toward the SDGs.  A more secure and prosperous world is only possible when we stand together to tackle complex global challenges and advance dignity and freedom for all.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: FACT SHEET: President  Biden and Vice President Harris Are Delivering for Latino  Communities

    Source: The White House

    Since Day One, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to ensure every community—including Latino communities—can access a quality education, obtain a good-paying job, own a home, start a business, and afford high-quality health care. This National Hispanic Heritage Month, President Biden and Vice President Harris celebrate and honor the rich contributions of Latinos and remain committed to ensuring every family has a shot at the American Dream.

    Growing Economic Prosperity for Latino Communities

    The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda has created five million jobs for Latino workers—achieving a historically low Latino unemployment rate, reported at 5.5% through August 2024, down from 8.6% when the President and Vice President took office. The Biden-Harris Administration has delivered record economic results for Latinos, including:

    • Hispanic business ownership is up 40%–growing at the fastest rate in 30 years.
    • Doubled the number of Small Business Administration-backed loans to Latino-owned businesses in FY 2023 compared to FY 2020.
    • Cut mortgage interest premiums for Federal Housing Administration loans, saving over 185,000 Latino homeowners more than $1,000 per year.
    • Achieved the largest increase in homeownership rates for Hispanic homeowners versus the previous year and took historic action to root out home appraisal bias, which contributes to the wealth gap by unfairly undervaluing homes owned by Latinos and in majority-Latino neighborhoods
    • Awarded nearly $11 billion in Federal contracts to Latino-owned small businesses in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, an increase of nearly $1 billion since FY 2020.
    • Increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program—the major Federal child care grant program—by almost 50% to serve half a million more children, and issued a rule to cap out-of-pocket child care costs in that program at 7% of income, saving about 100,000 low-income families over $200 a month on average.
    • Expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC) under the American Rescue Plan, which helped cut Latino child poverty nearly in half to a record low of 8.4% in 2021—lifting 1.2 million Latino children out of poverty that year and bringing the gap between Latino and white child poverty rates to a historic low.  President Biden and Vice President Harris continue to call on Congress to restore the full expanded CTC expanded benefit so that millions of children can be lifted out of poverty. The Biden-Harris Administration also modernized SNAP benefits for the first time since 1975, lifting about 700,000 Latino families, including 360,000 Latino children, out of poverty each month.
    • Took action to establish the first-ever Federal heat safety standard in workplaces combatting extreme weather to protect 36 million farmworkers, construction workers, manufacturing workers, and others.
    • Invested more than $140 billion to drive an economic turnaround in Puerto Rico—creating more than 100,000 jobs and lowering the unemployment rate to 5.8%, near its lowest level ever. The American Rescue Plan also permanently made Puerto Rican families eligible for the same Child Tax Credit as other Americans, making nearly 90% of Puerto Rican families newly eligible for the credit.

    Ensuring Equitable Educational Opportunity for Latino Students

    President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that every student in this country deserves access to a high-quality education and a fair shot at the American Dream. This Administration has taken action to expand educational opportunities and improve college affordability for all students, including:

    • Invested a record over $15 billion in Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)— the largest investment in U.S. history.
    • Signed an Executive Order establishing a President’s Advisory Board and White House Initiative on HSIs to coordinate Federal resources and bolster collaboration between institutions.
    • Secured a $900 increase to the maximum Pell Grant award—the largest increase in the past decade, helping the over 50% of Latino college students who rely on Pell Grants.
    • Approved the cancellation of almost $170 billion in student loan debt for nearly 5 million borrowers—including for Latino borrowers, who are disproportionately burdened by student debt.
    • Proposed a rule to expand TRIO college access programs to Dreamers and others, which would allow an estimated 50,000 more students each year to access Federal college preparation services and programs, such as counseling and tutoring, and thousands more to attend college.
    • Announced nearly $15 million in new grants under the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program (Hawkins) to advance teacher diversity and prepare the next generation of educators at Minority Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges Universities—who can provide culturally and linguistically responsive teaching in our country’s underserved schools. This new round of grants—which includes awards to 15 HSIs—brings the total investment in Hawkins to $38 million under the Biden-Harris Administration, which is the first Administration to secure funding for the program.

    Improving Health Outcomes for Latino Communities

    From beating Big Pharma and lowering prescription drug costs to expanding health care coverage, President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken action to make high-quality health care more affordable.

    • Starting in 2025, all out-of-pocket drug costs will be capped at $2,000 per year and the cost of insulin is now capped at $35 for Medicare Part D enrollees, which includes five million Latinos.
    • In August 2024, the President and Vice President announced new, negotiated prices for the first ten prescription drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation—expected to save Medicare enrollees $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs in the first year of the program alone.
    • Latino enrollment in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace coverage has doubled under the Biden-Harris Administration, which also extended ACA healthcare benefits to Dreamers starting on November 1, 2024.
    • Launched a new grant program to train doctors and physician assistants on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate care for individuals with limited English proficiency, including those who speak Spanish, to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
    • Added Spanish text and chat services to the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline so that individuals can now connect directly to Spanish-speaking crisis counselors.

    Reducing Gun Violence and Saving Lives

    President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken historic action to reduce gun violence and keep our communities safe:

    • After the heroic advocacy of families from Buffalo and Uvalde and so many other communities across the country, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law—the most significant gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years.
    • Established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris, which has accelerated work to reduce gun violence and engaged with Latino communities—including survivors of mass shootings in Uvalde and El Paso and survivors of community violence disproportionately affecting Black and Latino communities.
    • Secured $400 million for the first-ever federal grant program solely dedicated to community violence interventions.

    Addressing America’s Broken Immigration System

    On Day One, President Biden introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill and has repeatedly called on Congressional Republicans to pass the SENATE bipartisan border security bill – the toughest and fairest set of border reforms in decades. Throughout this Administration, the President and Vice President have taken action to improve our country’s immigration system.

    • Took action to speed up work visas, to help people who graduated from U.S. colleges and universities—including Dreamers—land jobs in high-demand high-skilled professions.
    • Took action that would allow 500,000 spouses of American citizens who have been in the country for 10 years or more to apply for lawful permanent residence while staying in the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration is fighting efforts by Republican officials to block this work in court, so that families—including Latino families—can stay together.
    • Directed the Department of Homeland Security to take all appropriate actions to “preserve and fortify” Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and continue to defend the DACA rule in court.
    • Streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.
    • Took executive action to secure the border when Congressional Republicans twice blocked the Senate bipartisan border security deal.


    Advancing an Unprecedented Whole-of-Government Equity Agenda to Expand Opportunity

    President Biden and Vice President Harris promised to leverage the power of the Federal Government to deliver for all communities and build an Administration that looks like America.

    • Assembled the most diverse administration in U.S. history, including four Latino Cabinet members—Department of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra, Department of Education Secretary Cardona, and U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Guzman.
    • Signed two Executive Orders directing the Federal Government to address system inequality and barriers to equal opportunity faced by underserved communities.
    • Updated Federal race and ethnicity data collection standards for the first time in almost 30 years, which is expected to improve Latino community data representation in the U.S. Census and Federal programs.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: A Proclamation on National Service Dog Day,  2024

    Source: The White House

    On National Service Dog Day, we recognize the proven benefits that service dogs bring to so many people across our Nation.

    Service dogs have long been at people’s sides — acting as an important source of comfort and an essential resource to help with everyday life.  It was not until 1990, when we passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, that our Nation fully recognized and protected service dogs by law.  I am proud to have co-sponsored this landmark legislation years ago, and I am proud of its continued legacy today.  Service dogs continue to provide valuable aid and support, improving people’s lives — and even sometimes saving them.  For people with disabilities and those struggling with their health, service dogs can help them perform everyday tasks, alert them of oncoming medical episodes, or remind them to take medication.  For those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety, service dogs can be a source of comfort and care — waking their owner up during nightmares or helping them navigate large crowds. 

    My Administration has worked to ensure that everyone has access to the health care and support services they need.  I signed the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act, which established a pilot program that makes veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder eligible to train service dogs.  Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs has also provided the Service Dog Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit to over 1,400 veterans, ensuring that veterinary costs for their service dogs are covered.  And the Department of Transportation established the first-ever Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, which affirmed the right to travel with a service animal, and proposed a rule to ensure all passengers with disabilities — including those with service animals — can travel safely and with dignity.

    Today, may we celebrate service dogs, who offer assistance, comfort, and unconditional love to so many. 

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 20, 2024, as National Service Dog Day.  I call upon the people of the United States to honor the role of service dogs in the lives of people with disabilities and America’s veterans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                  JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Community Committee reflects on the value of ‘community’  

    Source: Auckland Council

    Auckland Council’s newly formed Community Committee has met for the first time this week at Auckland House, with chair Cr Angela Dalton referencing the national campaign of Mental Health Awareness Week during her opening speech.

    She encouraged councillors, staff, and Aucklanders to reach out to neighbours, check in with colleagues and take a moment to share gratitude, in support of the Mental Health Foundation’s 2024 theme – of ‘Community is…what we create together’. 

    “There has never been a more important time to focus on community. It is our strong social connections that keep us moving forward through the tough times and able to navigate the ups and downs a bit easier,” says Cr Dalton.

    The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging New Zealanders to focus on one action each day from 23-29 September to improve the wellbeing of people, whānau and communities in line with its Five Ways of Wellbeing.

    Deputy chair Councillor Julie Fairey says Council wants to support people to be able to add in the five ways to their daily routines.

    “The five ways to boost your wellbeing are to connect, give, take notice, keep learning and be active. Today is Tautoko Tuesday, which is about noticing the positives around you and offering your thanks to those who provide them. I think we can all make someone else smile by letting them know how much we appreciate them,” she says.

    The Community Committee has community matters at the heart of its focus. It makes decisions on all regional grants and oversees community programmes and assets.

    Its yearly work programme includes:

    • regional strategy for arts, culture and events
    • managing the regional grants programme and decisions
    • sports and recreation decisions, plus community facilities and services
    • community partner organisation arrangements and reporting.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Special Envoy for road safety visits Latin America to battle silent pandemic on the roads

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will visit Ecuador (20-21 August), Peru (22-24) and Chile (24-28) this week. During the visit, he will meet with key government officials, representatives of the international community, private, and public sectors to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures. This aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030. This mission takes place a few weeks after the adoption of the new UN resolution for improving road safety ahead the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety to be held in Marrakech, Morocco on 18 and 19 February 2025.

    A silent pandemic…

    In the region of Latin America and the Caribbean, 110,000 people die and more than 5 million are injured annually in road crashes (IDB 2024). Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 5 and 14 and the second leading cause for young adults, representing a significant social and economic burden.

    … and an economic and development issue  

    These countries are losing people in their most productive years, which, In addition to the human tragedy, traps countries into a vicious circle of poverty. According to the World Bank, the cost of road crashes represents 2 to 6 % of GDP in the region.  Another reason to rethink mobility and to invest in road safety.

    An efficient and safe road system with good private and public transportation facilities also means a better access to education, health care, food in an equitable way. Such a system also connects all parts of a country and society, contributing to building economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas.

    Latin America is one of the most urbanized regions in the world. Road safety should be therefore at the heart of cities’ development strategies, with increased focus on bicycles and pedestrians’ lines and itineraries, particularly around schools, and access to safe and clean public transport for all.

    During his mission, the Special Envoy will also advocate for more investment for road safety, including through the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) which is running several projects in the region.

    “In Latin America, investing in road safety is key if we want to achieve our goal to halve the number of victims on the road by 2030. It will also help the region to decongestion cities with streets designed for pedestrians and bicycles and efficient public transport accessible to all” stressed the UNSG’s Special Envoy Jean Todt.

    Solutions exist

    The good news is that solutions exist. Law enforcement, urgent investment in education, better post-crash services, enhancing road infrastructure and vehicles, integrating advanced safety technologies are part of the recipe to stop the carnage on the road. Furthermore, mobilizing political leadership is essential to increase action and funding. Awareness campaigns also contributes to promote responsible behavior among all road users.

    Ecuador faces critical road safety challenges with high fatality rates

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, Ecuador has seen a concerning rise in road fatalities, with a mortality rate of 23 per 100,000 people, which is more than three times the European average (6,5 per 100,000 people).

    During his visit to the country, the Special Envoy will hold important meetings with high-ranking officials from the Foreign Minister, the Minister of Education, the Mayor of Quito, officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the United Nations Country Team. Additionally, he will participate in a dialogue with representatives from the Ecuadorian Automotive Companies Association, civil society, and other road safety partners, emphasizing the urgent need for actions on this issue, both nationally and throughout Latin America.

    24.7 million trips per year in Metropolitan Lima

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, Peru has a road traffic fatality rate of 13 per 100,000 people, which is more that the double of the European average (6,5 per 100,000 people).

    Currently, around 30% of the Peruvian population lives in Metropolitan Lima, the capital, generating 24.7 million trips per year, of which 57% are made by public transport, according to the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU). The National Road Safety Observatory reports that, according to the National Police, in 2023 there were 87,083 traffic crashes, resulting in 58,000 injuries and 3,316 deaths. According to an unofficial Global Road Safety Facility (GRSF) estimate, the socio-economic costs of road deaths, serious injuries, and disabilities are up to 4.6% of GDP.

    In response to these challenges, the Peruvian government is prioritizing strengthening road safety institutions.

    During his mission in Peru, the Special Envoy will meet with Peruvian authorities and representatives of the private sector and civil society working in the sector.

    Raising awareness of life-saving road safety measures in Chile

    Despite recent improvement, Chile has a road traffic mortality rate of 10 per 100,000 people (World Health Organization (WHO)’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023). According to the most recent traffic report from the National Traffic Safety Commission of Chile (CONASET), 78,238 traffic crashes were recorded in 2023, resulting in 1,635 deaths and 45,679 injuries.

    The national authorities and civil society, with the support of the UN, increase efforts in addressing these challenges. In 2021, the United Nations Global Road Safety Week was celebrated with an intervention jointly organised by CONASET and PAHO/WHO that aimed to advocate for the establishment of 30 km/h speed limits on urban roads and to promote local support for such measures.

    Considering the exponential increase in the use of motorbikes in the country in recent years, and the proximity of the Independence Day celebrations in Chile, during his visit the Special Envoy will address the prevention of road crashes, use of helmets compliant with the UN safety regulation and promote road safety and coexistence measures.

    In this framework, he will participate in coordination meetings with government authorities, such as members of the Ministry of Transport, CONASET, Ministry of Health and the Chilean Police, as well as representatives of civil society and the private sector.

    During the visit, the Special Envoy will promote the UN-JCDecaux Global Road Safety Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of life-saving road safety measures. Launched globally in cooperation with JCDecaux Global under the motto #MakeASafetyStatement, it will run through 2025 in over 80 countries in the world, featuring safety statements from 14 global celebrities such as the F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher, singer Kylie Minogue, motorcycle race Marc Marquez, or the tennis champion Novak Djokovic. The messages the celebrities focus on mitigating risk factors on the road. Key aspects include wearing a seat belt, driving slowly, wearing a helmet, not texting and driving, not driving under the influence or while tired, and respecting pedestrians.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lujan Grisham travels to New York City

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham traveled to New York City yesterday to participate in a major announcement during Climate Week 2024.

    Lujan Grisham is co-chair of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors representing approximately 60 percent of the U.S. economy and 55 percent of the U.S. population.

    The governor’s itinerary also includes remarks at a U.S. Climate Alliance panel on natural and working lands, a keynote address on aging at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting, and a meeting with World Health Organization Secretary General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    She is accompanied by a state delegation that includes Senior Advisor Courtney Kerster and Senior Climate Policy Advisor Travis Kellerman.

    The governor will return to New Mexico on September 24 or 25. Lt. Gov. Howie Morales will assume the role of New Mexico governor during her time in New York City.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH awards $27M to establish new network of genomics-enabled learning health systems

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release

    Monday, September 23, 2024

    Network will analyze and improve how genomic information is integrated into patient care.

    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is awarding $5.4 million in first-year funding to establish a new program that supports the integration of genomics into learning health systems.

    Present in many hospitals across the United States, learning health systems are a type of clinical practice that bridges research and patient care. These systems use a variety of methods to continually analyze patient data. Clinicians then use the results of those analyses to refine practices and improve future care.

    The new Genomics-enabled Learning Health System (gLHS) Network aims to identify and advance approaches for integrating genomic information into existing learning health systems. As genomic testing becomes increasingly common, more and more genomic data are available in clinical settings, and learning health systems present an opportunity to translate this evidence quickly and directly into improvements in medical care.

    The network consists of six clinical study sites and a coordinating center, all of which have an operating learning health system. Each clinical site will propose a project that uses patient data to develop and refine some aspect of genomic medicine. These could include implementing testing for hereditary diseases or using genomic information to select which medications a patient is given.

    The network also includes a coordinating center, which will select a set of projects that both seem feasible in the program’s five-year duration and have the potential to be shared throughout the network.

    “We are excited to bring this network together to move genomic discoveries into clinical practice,” said Robb Rowley, M.D., a program director in the Division of Genomic Medicine at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of NIH. “Learning health systems present an excellent opportunity to generate new medical understandings from genomic data, which is critical to realizing the promise of precision health for everyone.”

    A major aim of the gLHS Network is to create generalizable knowledge and genomic medicine practices so that data collected at each clinical site can improve patient care more broadly. Beyond exchanging information within the network, the coordinating center will orchestrate sharing the network’s tools and resources with the greater clinical and scientific communities.

    Such sharing practices have the potential to reach patients outside of hospitals with learning health systems. This includes many under-resourced settings, such as rural hospitals or other clinical settings in low-income areas.

    “Currently, the success of learning health systems is typically limited to highly-resourced medical centers,” said Teri Manolio, M.D., Ph.D., director of NHGRI’s Division of Genomic Medicine. “We hope this initiative will provide generalizable tools that enable limited-resource settings to learn from their ongoing experiences to improve their implementation of genomic medicine.”

    The awards are jointly funded by NHGRI and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and total $27 million, which will be distributed over the program’s five years, pending the availability of funds.

    Coordinating center and principal investigators

    Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, TN

    • Josh F. Peterson, M.D., M.P.H.
    • Carolyn Audet, Ph.D.
    • Wesley Self, M.D., M.P.H.

    Clinical sites and principal investigators

    Boston Veterans Administration Research Institute — Boston, MA

    • Jason Vassy, M.D., M.P.H.
    • Maren Scheuner, M.D., M.P.H.
    • Deepak Voora, M.D.
    • Lori Orlando, M.D.

    Geisinger Health System — Danville, PA

    • Adam Buchanan, M.P.H.

    Indiana University School of Medicine — Indianapolis, IN

    • Todd C. Skaar, Ph.D.
    • Paul R. Dexter, M.D.

    Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine — Chicago, IL

    • Patricia D. Franklin, M.D., M.P.H.
    • Elizabeth M. McNally, M.D., Ph.D.
    • Lucy A. Godley, M.D., Ph.D.
    • Rinad S. Beidas, Ph.D.

    University of Utah Health—Salt Lake City, UT

    • Kensaku Kawamoto, M.D., Ph.D.
    • Mark Yandell, Ph.D.
    • Martin Tristani-Firouzi, M.D.

    Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, TN

    • Dan Roden, M.D.
    • Sunil Kripalani, M.D.
    • Alexander Bick, M.D., Ph.D.

    About the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI): At NHGRI, we are focused on advances in genomics research. Building on our leadership role in the initial sequencing of the human genome, we collaborate with the world’s scientific and medical communities to enhance genomic technologies that accelerate breakthroughs and improve lives. By empowering and expanding the field of genomics, we can benefit all of humankind. For more information about NHGRI and its programs, visit www.genome.gov.

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

    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory – These atrocities must end

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME/WASHINGTON – As world leaders gather in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, and as the threat of a wider regional escalation looms, we renew our demand for an end to the appalling human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

    We mourn the loss of innocent life everywhere, including those killed on October 7 and during the 11 months of conflict since then.

    We urgently call for a sustained, immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This is the only way to end the suffering of civilians and save lives.

    All hostages and all those arbitrarily detained must be released immediately and unconditionally. 

    Humanitarians must have safe and unimpeded access to those in need.

    We cannot do our jobs in the face of overwhelming need and ongoing violence. More than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza – the majority of them civilians, including women, children, older persons and at times entire families – have reportedly been killed, and more than 95,500 have been injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. It is estimated that a quarter of the injured in Gaza, or around 22,500 people, will require lifelong specialized rehabilitation and assistive care including individuals with severe limb injuries, amputations, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and major burns.

    More than 2 million Palestinians are without protection, food, water, sanitation, shelter, health care, education, electricity and fuel – the basic necessities to survive. Families have been forcibly displaced, time and time again, from one unsafe place to the next, with no way out. 

    Women and girls’ dignity, safety, health and rights have been severely compromised. 

    The risk of famine persists with all 2.1 million residents still in urgent need of food and livelihood assistance as humanitarian access remains restricted.

    Healthcare has been decimated. More than 500 attacks on health care have been recorded in Gaza.

    Aid hubs have been forced to relocate and re-build many times over; convoys carrying life-saving aid have been shot at, delayed and denied access; and relief workers have been killed in unprecedented numbers. The number of aid workers killed in Gaza in the past year is the highest ever in a single crisis.

    Unnecessary and disproportionate force unleashed in the West Bank, combined with escalating settler violence, house demolitions, forced displacement and discriminatory movement restrictions, have caused increased fatalities and casualties.

    The war is also jeopardizing the future for all Palestinians and rendering eventual recovery far from reach.

    Meanwhile, close to 100 hostages remain in Gaza, while freed hostages have reported ill treatment, including sexual violence.

    The parties’ conduct over the last year makes a mockery of their claim to adhere to international humanitarian law and the minimum standards of humanity that it demands. 

    Civilians must be protected and their essential needs must be met. There must be accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

    Humanitarian and aid organizations have been doing their utmost to provide relief in Gaza and the West Bank, often at great personal risk, and with many aid workers paying the ultimate price. 

    Our capacity to deliver is indisputable if we are granted the access we need. The first round of the polio vaccination campaign, reaching more than 560,000 children under the age of 10, is but one example. The second round of vaccinations must be carried out safely and reach all children in Gaza.

    We urge world leaders, once again, to wield their influence to ensure respect for international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the rulings of the International Court of Justice – through diplomatic pressure and cooperation in ending impunity. 

    Let us be clear: The protection of civilians is a bedrock principle for the global community and in all countries’ interest. Allowing the abhorrent, downward spiral caused by this war in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to continue will have unimaginable, global consequences. 

    These atrocities must end.

    Signatories:

    • Ms. Joyce Msuya, Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
    • Ms. Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro, Secretary General, CARE International 
    • Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 
    • Ms. Amy E. Pope, Director General, International Organization for Migration (IOM) 
    • Mr. Tom Hart, President and Chief Executive Officer, InterAction
    • Ms. Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps
    • Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) 
    • Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (SR on HR of IDPs)  
    • Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
    • Ms. Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children US 
    • Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) 
    • Mr. Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)  
    • Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 
    • Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF)  
    • Ms. Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women 
    • Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP)  
    • Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Avole Inc. Emite Aviso de Retiro del Mercado su Producto Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para Freír Bacalao por Falta de Declaración del Nombre Común Pescado (Pollock)

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Avole Inc., localizado en San Sebastián, Puerto Rico está retirando del mercado fundas de 7 onzas de Bacalaitos Criollos Mezcla para freír Bacalao, porque pueden contener falta de declaración del nombre común Pescado (Pollock) en la declaración de ingredientes o contenido. Las personas que tienen al

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    FEMA Celebrates Climate Week NYC, Officials Across the Agency Participate in Events, Promote FEMA’s Year of Resilience

    WASHINGTON – As extreme weather events caused by climate change continue to increase across the nation, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, and FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington will attend Climate Week NYC and lead FEMA’s largest contingent of FEMA officials to ever attend the annual gathering. During the week, FEMA officials will highlight FEMA’s Year of Resilience, host several engagements, and participate in Climate Week NYC Events. 

    FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will attend several events and address topics including extreme heat, climate risk, resilience, and how climate change is impacting the insurance market. Administrator Criswell will be a keynote speaker at the WSJ House, Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum, AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk, and Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat – Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level.

    As New York City hosts the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in addition to Climate Week NYC, FEMA is proudly supporting efforts to ensure a safe event each year and is dedicated to ensuring a unified coordinated effort between Local, State, and Federal agencies throughout the greater New York City area throughout the week. 

    Kicking off Climate Week NYC this year, the U.S. Fire Administration will host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective  to bring together officials to discuss the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

    FEMA will also host a Risk Communications Webinar, where presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. 

    FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy, and sustainable disaster debris management. 

    The following events are open to the media: 

    Monday, September 23

    10:00 AM: U.S. Fire Administration to Host a Fire Chiefs Roundtable: Climate Change Driven Risks, Response and Resilience: Fire Chiefs’ Perspective (Virtual; In-Person Registration is Closed)

    What: The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) will host an interactive roundtable discussion on climate change driven risks, response and resilience during Climate Week NYC. This interactive roundtable brings together fire chiefs and their government counterparts including U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, FEMA Associate Administrator for External Affairs Justin Ángel Knighten, FEMA Associate Deputy Administrator for Resilience Robin Keegan, FEMA Regional Administrator Region 2 David Warrington, Fire Chief Orange County Brian Fennessy, Fire Chief Los Angeles County Tony Marrone, Fire Chief Fairfax County John Butler, Fire and EMS Chief Washington, D.C. John Donnelly and acting Fire Chief New York City John Esposito. Discussion topics will include the current wildfire situation and what it will take to get ahead of future wildfire ignitions and the devastating impacts of intensifying storms. FEMA Region 2 will host the roundtable discussion including stakeholders from academia, nongovernmental organizations, U.S. and international government representatives and fire service leaders. The roundtable will build on discussions and information exchanges that occurred during the inaugural World Fire Congress convened by FEMA/USFA in Washington, D.C. in May 2024.

    2:30 PM: FEMA to Host National Webinar – Risk Communications (Virtual)

    What: Presenters will share successful strategies to communicate risk and inspire preparedness action in the face of increasingly frequent hazards—an alarming consequence of climate change. This event is a valuable opportunity for risk and crisis communicators, community leaders, emergency management professionals and stakeholders involved in disaster preparedness. Participants will learn strategies for creating awareness and activities that help communities plan for disasters and build resilience amid the climate crisis. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to support communications best practices related to developing and sharing critical preparedness messaging.

    Tuesday, September 24

    9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: FEMA and EPA to Host Event: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future (Virtual and In-Person Registration Required)

    What: FEMA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are partnering for a full-day summit exploring resilient infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions through discussions on the recently published National Resilience Guidance, nature-based solutions, energy efficiency, net-zero energy and sustainable disaster debris management. Attendees will get to hear from FEMA and our public, private and academic partners on several topics including nature-based solutions, net-zero energy projects, energy efficiency efforts, the use of salvaged materials and how each of these fit into nationwide resilience strategy.

    Where:  Climate Week NYC: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future.

    Register: Climate Resilient Infrastructure: Building a More Sustainable Future Tickets, Tue, Sep 24, 2024 at 9:00 AM.

    2:45 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to Speak at WSJ House 

    What: FEMA Administrator Speaks at Wall Street Journal Live on resilience.

    Where: Bryant Park Grill, 25 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018. 

    To register for this event, please contact WSJ Live.

    Wednesday, September 25

    9:20-10:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at AON’s Resilience and Adaptation: Ensuring Economic Progress and Combating Climate Risk

    What:  FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion on how the unprecedented risk environment has upended the traditional balance where insurance was the dependable safeguard enabling the flow of capital across the economy. Severe weather and a changing climate are rendering historically safe investments uninsurable, sending shockwaves through the financial systems and threatening the livelihoods and progress of institutions and individuals alike. This high-level dialogue will touch on the major challenges a lack of insurance access creates for the public and private sectors, what needs to be done and the potential for new paradigms to bring the system back into balance. 

    Where: Aon Corporate Headquarters, One Liberty Plaza (165 Broadway), New York, NY 10006.

    To register for this event, please contact Aon. 

    11:00 AM: FEMA Administrator to speak at Global Citizen Addressing the Human Costs of Extreme Heat – Financing Measures to Safeguard Human Health at an International and National Level 

    What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will join a panel discussion to discuss extreme heat. 

    Where: Guastavino’s located at 409 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022.

    To register for this event, please contact Global Citizen.

    Thursday, September 26

    1:30 PM-2:00 PM: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will speak at Bloomberg’s Sustainable Finance Forum

    What: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will headline the Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum at Bloomberg Headquarters for a fireside chat with Bloomberg Intelligence Director of ESG Research Eric Kane. 

    Where: 731 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022.

    To register for this event, please contact Bloomberg Sustainable Finance Forum.

    3:00 PM-4:00 PM: Climate Resiliency Fireside Chat with FEMA, NASA and NOAA (Virtual Registration Required)

    What: FEMA, NASA and NOAA will be discussing climate resiliency and the importance of forward-thinking programs that equip communities for the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. Panelists include FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, NASA Chief Scientist Dr. Kate Calvin and NOAA Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Deputy Administrator Jainey Bavishi. This is a unique opportunity for community leaders and members from federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, nonprofits, the private sector and academia to connect with subject matter experts, share knowledge and deepen understanding of how to build resilient communities in the face of a changing climate.

    amy.ashbridge

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gilead Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Veklury (Remdesivir) for Injection 100 mg/vial Due to the Presence of a Glass Particle

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Foster City, Calif., September 20, 2024 – Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced it is issuing a voluntary recall of one lot of Veklury® (remdesivir) for Injection 100 mg/vial, to the consumer level. Gilead received a customer complaint and confirmed the presence of a glass particle in

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secret Service is Slow-Walking Investigation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    In the week since the second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, we still have far more questions than answers about both events.Two attempts in a little over 60 days is horrendous and unacceptable.
    There’s just basic information we should have right now, and we don’t have it. Regarding the July 13 assassination attempt against President Trump, the Secret Service and FBI fail to provide unredacted documents and they are slow-walking witnesses to Congress. Subpoenas must be issued to compel compliance.
    The Secret Service’s budget has increased 65% over the past decade. They don’t lack resources, they simply lack good management. 
    READ Fox News: Sen. Ron Johnson describes ‘heavily redacted’ documents provided to lawmakers
    WATCH Real America’s Voice: Sen. Johnson talks about upcoming preliminary report on July 13 assassination attempt. 
    LISTEN to Clay & Buck Show: Why we cannot trust the FBI to investigate the Trump assassination attempts.
    WATCH Jesse Waters Show: Subpoenas must be issued to compel compliance.
    SAVE Act for Election Integrity

    I’m a co-sponsor of the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) because it should be obvious to everyone — even Democrats — that we should prevent illegal immigrants from voting. 
    Unfortunately most Democrats in Congress don’t agree. This legislation aims to secure our elections by requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
    This op-ed I wrote for The Federalist outlines why the SAVE Act is important. 
    READ: Democrat-Controlled States Refuse To Clean Voter Rolls And Fix Election Problem
    Why is Social Security in Trouble? 

    During the Senate Finance Committee on September 12, I talked about why Social Security is in trouble.
    Here are the issues I raised in my questioning. Since the inception of Social Security: 
    — Life expectancy increased 16 years,— Worker-to-beneficiary ratio fell from 30+:1 to 2.7:1, and— Government spent the money instead of properly investing it.
    Only taxing the “wealthy” won’t solve the problem — it will hurt economic growth and make things worse.
    Tune in Monday!

    On Monday, September 23 at 2pm ET,  I will lead a roundtable discussion titled, “American Health and Nutrition: A Second Opinion.” A panel of experts will provide a foundational and historical understanding of the changes that have occurred over the last century within public sanitation, agriculture, food processing, and healthcare industries which impact the current state of national health.
    Watch Monday’s livestream on the Senator Ron Johnson Rumble channel.
    Angels in Adoption

    I had the honor to congratulate Scott and Dawn Ripkey from Fontana, Wisconsin for being this year’s Angels in Adoption honorees representing our state. 
    Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute selects individuals, families or organizations across the nation who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. As past co-presidents of the Gift of Adoption Wisconsin chapter, the Ripkeys grew the organization in size and reach, helping make the dream of a family a reality for many more children.
    If you know someone who should be nominated for this award next year, please email my office. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pink cocaine: the party drug cocktail putting a growing number of lives at risk

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Joseph Janes, Lecturer in Criminology, Swansea University

    A synthetic drug cocktail known as pink cocaine, has rapidly become a major concern in Spain, the UK and beyond. Earlier this month, Spanish authorities carried out their largest ever synthetic drug bust, seizing a large quantity of pink cocaine alongside more than a million ecstasy pills. The operation targeted drug networks across Ibiza and Malaga.

    This dangerous substance has been linked to a growing number of drug-related deaths. The unpredictable composition and rising popularity of pink cocaine have sparked calls from European drug harm reduction organisations for urgent action to address the risks it poses.

    Despite its name, pink cocaine doesn’t necessarily contain any cocaine. Instead, it’s often a mixture of various other substances, including MDMA, ketamine and 2C-B. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a stimulant with psychedelic properties while ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic which has sedative and hallucinogenic effects. 2C drugs are classed as psychedelics but they can also produce stimulant effects.

    Typically found in powder or pill form, pink cocaine is known for its vibrant colour, which is designed to enhance its visual appeal. It’s coloured using food colouring and sometimes strawberry or other flavourings.

    The original psychedelic form of the drug dates to 1974 and was first synthesised by American biochemist, Alexander Shulgin. But the modern variant emerged around 2010 in Colombia and is a knock-off version.

    The drug gained popularity on the party scene in Latin America and has now spread to Europe. Common names for pink cocaine vary widely, from “cocaina rosada” and “tuci” to “Venus” and “Eros”.

    Russian roulette

    Today’s pink cocaine is an unpredictable mix of substances and that is where much of its danger lies. Users often expect a stimulant similar to cocaine, but the inclusion of ketamine can lead to serious health risks. Abuse of ketamine, which is widely available as a club drug, can lead to unconsciousness or dangerously laboured breathing. This in turn increases the potential dangers of pink cocaine.

    Its aesthetic look and “designer drug” status have contributed to its appeal, particularly among young people and first-time users. This mirrors the historical allure of drugs like cocaine and MDMA. It highlights a persistent trend where certain substances are glamourised despite their risks.

    Experts compare taking pink cocaine to playing Russian Roulette with substance use, underscoring the unpredictable and dangerous nature of pink cocaine.

    The drug has spread beyond Ibiza to the UK, and there is evidence that it has gained traction in Scotland, parts of Wales and England. Across the Atlantic, New York City has also seen a surge in its availability.

    Health officials across Europe are alarmed. Pink cocaine is difficult to detect through standard drug testing, particularly in Spain, where the current testing regime is not yet equipped to identify all its components.

    Warning to Brits over “Russian roulette” party drug pink cocaine | ITV News.

    The drug is sold for around US$100 per gram (£76) in Spain, and is often marketed as a high-end product. The legal response varies, with Spanish authorities working to curb its distribution.

    In the UK, pink cocaine falls under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which classifies drugs into three categories, class A, B, and C, based on their perceived harm. While pink cocaine itself may not be explicitly listed, the substances commonly found in it are controlled by the law. Both MDMA and 2C-B are class A drugs, while ketamine is a class B.

    Harm reduction

    One of the most urgent needs highlighted by the rise of pink cocaine is for accessible drug-checking services. Drug-checking kits are an important harm-reduction tool for people looking to test the substances they intend to consume. These kits can help users identify unknown components, offering a layer of protection in a high-risk environment.

    My own work shows how vital such harm-reduction services are. Public awareness campaigns and support services are also an important part of reducing harm.

    The growing popularity of pink cocaine is a stark reminder of the ever-changing landscape of illicit drugs, where aesthetics, social media trends and risky behaviour can combine to create new threats. While its pink hue and “designer” label may attract a younger crowd, the unpredictable cocktail of chemicals it contains presents a serious and growing danger.

    As pink cocaine continues to spread through Europe and beyond, it is crucial that authorities, health services and the public are equipped to deal with the risks it poses.

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

    – ref. Pink cocaine: the party drug cocktail putting a growing number of lives at risk – https://theconversation.com/pink-cocaine-the-party-drug-cocktail-putting-a-growing-number-of-lives-at-risk-237592

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN HOSTS BREAKFAST TO HONOR HUDSON VALLEY VETERANS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Ryan (New York 18th)

    Congressman Pat Ryan Hosts Breakfast to Honor Hudson Valley Veterans

    Ryan hosted Hudson Valley veterans for a breakfast to thank them for their service and honored veterans Ralph Osterhoudt, Vincent Serrano, and David Harris for outstanding contributions to the Hudson Valley community 

    NEW WINDSOR, NY – On Saturday, Congressman Pat Ryan hosted a breakfast for Hudson Valley veterans to thank and honor them for their service. At the breakfast, Ryan recognized veterans Ralph Osterhoudt, Vincent Serrano, and David Harris for their heroism in military service and outstanding contributions to the Hudson Valley community. Ryan, a West Point graduate and Army veteran, has prioritized recognizing Hudson Valley veterans for their heroism and ensuring they receive the benefits, support, and recognition they earned. 

    “Our veterans have led lives grounded in service – motivated not out of self-interest, but out of a deep belief in our country’s principles of equality and freedom for all,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “That heroism and selflessness deserves to be honored and uplifted. I want our veterans to know that their sacrifices do not go unrecognized. Today and every day, I’m fighting to make sure our men and women in uniform receive the benefits that they earned and that our government upholds the promises it made to them.”

    “A true Patriot is someone who puts his life on the line in the service of his country,” said Juan Figueroa, Retired Marine Chief Warrant Officer and Sheriff of Ulster County.  “Sergeant David Harris continues to serve his community as a Deputy Sheriff in Ulster County. He took an oath and is selfless in his commitment to protect our rights and freedoms.” 

    “Ralph Osterhoudt is not only a Dutchess County hero; he’s an American hero whose service in the 575th Field Artillery Battalion saved the lives of countless Auschwitz prisoners in Nazi Germany,” said Adam Roche, Director of Dutchess County Veterans Affairs. “Mr. Osterhoudt’s service did not end when he returned home, as he’s advocated for decades for his fellow Dutchess County veterans, like myself. He is a tribute to the American ideals his fellow veterans have fought to uphold; and an inspiration for all of us to live a life of service.”

    “Veteran Vincent Serrano and his wife Ely, are both very patriotic and involved in veteran as well as community activities. It is an honor to have Vinny as a member of the Veteran Center Board,” said Colonel Bob Anderson of the Orange County Veterans Center.

    “It’s great seeing Congressman Ryan doing so much work with Veterans. I’ve grown up hearing how much they have been through, so seeing him in their corner is really fulfilling,” said Mia Serrano, daughter of Vincent Serrano. “I’m also really happy I was able to help honor my father. I love seeing how excited he is to help and how it gives him a huge sense of purpose.”

    “Congressman Ryan is an honest man with integrity. He is invested in the community and specifically for veterans,” said Middletown veteran Nicholas White. “His office helped me empathetically and efficiently with my VA claims. Today’s breakfast reflects the commitment that he and his staff have for our veterans’ community.”

    Ralph Osterhoudt, a Staatsburg WWII veteran, was injured in a blast only weeks after deploying to the European front, but went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate the Auschwitz concentration camp. Osterhoudt’s personal narrative of his time in service is included in the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project. He is the recipient of three Bronze Stars and the French Medal of Honor. After his service, Osterhoudt continued serving the Hudson Valley community, including working at the Staatsburg Post Office. He pushed to keep the Castle Point VA Medical Center open alongside then-Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan and a coalition of Hudson Valley veterans and advocates. Osterhoudt continues to be an invaluable force of nature within the Hudson Valley veterans community.

    Newburgh’s Vincent Serrano is a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and recipient of a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is the senior vice commandant of the Marine Corps League Greater Newburgh Detachment #249 and was instrumental in organizing National Welcome Home Vietnam War Veterans Day observances in the Hudson Valley. He is a fierce advocate for his fellow veterans and is a robust presence in the Hudson Valley veterans community, frequently partnering with Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties to provide events and services that honor and support his fellow veterans. He is a Board Member of the Orange County Veterans Center and active member of VFW Post 973, American Legion Post 353, the D.A.V., AM/VET, and Vietnam Veterans of America. During the COVID pandemic, Serrano worked tirelessly to package and deliver food to Hudson Valley families struggling during the crisis. He is also the coordinator for the Hudson Valley’s Toys-4-Tots.

    Kingston native David Harris served three tours in Afghanistan over eight years in the Marine Corps. During that time, he earned the Bronze Star with Valor for his heroism and bravery in combat. Harris grappled with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after returning from combat. He found purpose and direction through service again, this time leaning on the criminal justice college degree he had earned prior to his military service and attending the police academy. He now serves as an Ulster County Sheriff’s Deputy, continuing to bravely and selflessly protect the Hudson Valley community.

    Congressman Pat Ryan is the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in Congress and is an Army veteran of two combat tours in Iraq. He has prioritized delivering for Hudson Valley veterans and recognizing them for their service. Earlier this year, Ryan delivered $1 million in federal funds for the Rumshock Veterans Foundation to build ten homes for unhoused veterans in Orange County as part of its Veterans Village Project. After pushing for months for a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD), Ryan announced this summer that Hudson Valley veterans will now be able to access expanded healthcare services at Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point.  

    Congressman Ryan has fought to ensure that veterans, service members, and military families can easily access the benefits that they’ve earned. Ryan has utilized his mobile office, the C.A.R.E.S. Van, to bring assistance with federal agencies like the VA directly to Hudson Valley veterans with events at Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) across the Hudson Valley. This spring, Ryan brought together over 35 organizations, government offices, and community partners from across the Hudson Valley for an all-in-one Veterans and Military Families Resource Fair. 

    Congressman Ryan is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Ryan has spearheaded legislation that expands benefits and improves quality of life for veterans, servicemembers, and military families, including introducing the Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act of 2023, the Expanding Home Loans for Guard and Reservists Act, and the Never Forgotten Korean War POW Act. Ryan has also championed legislation that protects reproductive freedom for women veterans and service members, including by cosponsoring the Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act and the Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Rubio Urge FDA for Guidance on Stronger, Cheaper Drug Manufacturing Process

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to clarify its approval process for pharmaceutical companies considering advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) — such as continuous manufacturing, a means of production that involves a more uninterrupted process. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, the senators encouraged the FDA to incentivize the pharmaceutical industry to invest in AMTs to help address drug shortages and quality control issues, which contribute to more than 60% of the drug shortage problem.

    AMTs have great potential to lower the cost of drug production and can increase the possibility of domestic manufacturing. Compared to other industries, the pharmaceutical industry tends to operate in more outdated processes. Currently, much of the industry still employs what is called “batch” process, an active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) production method that takes place at multiple sites and can lead to sterilization issues. By implementing continuous manufacturing, companies can ensure a more sterile process at one single production site and reduce the risk of drug shortages.

    “For several years, the United States has grappled with a concerning uptick in shortages of key APIs and medications. Quality issues resulting from weak manufacturing standards abroad are the most common cause for shortages. Unsurprisingly, most of these quality issues occur in traditional manufacturing facilities overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the U.S.’ heavy reliance on foreign entities, particularly China, for our drugs and medical supplies. The lack of domestic medical manufacturing has created dangerous vulnerabilities for American public health and national security,” wrote the senators.

    “We are concerned that the FDA has not yet created a feasible pathway for stakeholders to invest confidently in domestic AMTs. As the FDA continues to evaluate its AMT regulations, we urge you to prioritize domestic manufacturing facilities and commit to frequent engagement with industry and patient stakeholders, ensuring a clear and efficient approval process for AMTs and their products,” continued the senators.

    “As the FDA works toward finalizing its AMT Designation Program and continues to evaluate and approve AMTs for commercial use, we urge you to ensure that these efforts prioritize domestic supply chain resilience and enforce clear guidelines for manufacturers to take part in this program,” the senators wrote.

    The full text of the letter can be found here or below.

    +++

    Dear Commissioner Califf:

    We write to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote domestic pharmaceutical supply chain resilience through the implementation of programs to manufacture drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) using advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs), such as continuous manufacturing processes. We commend the FDA’s work to issue industry guidance for considerations specific to continuous manufacturing of APIs, but greater action is needed to promote a resilient domestic API supply chain. We are concerned that the FDA has not yet created a feasible pathway for stakeholders to invest confidently in domestic AMTs. As the FDA continues to evaluate its AMT regulations, we urge you to prioritize domestic manufacturing facilities and commit to frequent engagement with industry and patient stakeholders, ensuring a clear and efficient approval process for AMTs and their products.

    For several years, the United States has grappled with a concerning uptick in shortages of key APIs and medications. Quality issues resulting from weak manufacturing standards abroad are the most common cause for shortages. Unsurprisingly, most of these quality issues occur in traditional manufacturing facilities overseas. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the U.S.’ heavy reliance on foreign entities, particularly China, for our drugs and medical supplies. The lack of domestic medical manufacturing has created dangerous vulnerabilities for American public health and national security.

    AMTs, such as continuous manufacturing sites, provide a promising pathway to lower the cost of domestic drug manufacturing, and accelerate the reshoring of key API production here in the United States. Yet, the FDA has not yet invested sufficient resources toward developing clear regulatory guidelines for these innovative manufacturing tools. The FDA must quickly finalize and implement the AMT Designation Program, as directed by Congress, to provide companies regulatory clarity as they evaluate whether to invest and seek approval of AMTs for their products.

    Though the FDA has identified current regulatory barriers that are preventing more companies from adopting AMTs in their manufacturing pipelines, we are concerned that the FDA has not addressed these barriers adequately. A 2021 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine report found that significant regulatory challenges to implementing advanced manufacturing for drugs include challenges within the FDA’s approval process for each step in the manufacturing process and the lack of guidance and expertise within the FDA related to advanced manufacturing technologies. Industry stakeholders must be able to establish the business case for the use of an AMT, but current ambiguities in the regulatory environment exacerbate challenges for arguing the business incentives for AMTs, deterring investment in these technologies. Though the agency expressed a willingness to address the barriers the report identified, a 2023 GAO report on the status of the FDA’s efforts in supporting investment in AMTs found that only a few drugs manufactured using an AMT are currently approved for marketing in the United States. Between 2015 and 2022, the FDA had only approved 16 out of the 112 applications or supplemental applications that used an AMT. This low rate of approval does not inspire investor confidence and proves that the FDA has considerable work to do to improve the regulatory environment for AMTs.

    As the FDA works toward finalizing its AMT Designation Program and continues to evaluate and approve AMTs for commercial use, we urge you to ensure that these efforts prioritize domestic supply chain resilience and enforce clear guidelines for manufacturers to take part in this program. As such, we request answers to the following questions:

    1. What strategies has the FDA implemented to encourage greater investment by domestic drug manufacturers into AMTs, such as continuous manufacturing?
      1. How has the FDA engaged with industry to further refine its regulations and expand opportunities for approval?
    1. How is the FDA ensuring that the AMT Designation program will benefit more domestic manufacturing facilities than foreign-based facilities?
    2. Based on the current application pool for AMTs seeking FDA approval through currently active pathways, what is the ratio of domestic versus foreign-based facility applications that the FDA has received?
      1. What is the ratio of domestic versus foreign based facilities that have been approved?
    1. Has the FDA received any new continuous manufacturing applications for generics, especially among pharmaceuticals experiencing domestic shortages?
      1. Will the FDA consider a drug or API’s risk for shortage when evaluating applications for the AMT Designation program?
    1. How is the FDA communicating about the AMT Designation Program to eligible entities and the public?
      1. How is the FDA ensuring the drug manufacturers of all sizes are aware of the program and understand the requirements to apply?
    1. How is the FDA ensuring the timely approval of continuous manufacturing technologies?
    2. Has the FDA seen continued growth in the number of approved continuous manufacturing products since 2022?
    3. What is the implementation status of the AMT Designation Program?
      1. Has the FDA made progress on implementing the required program since the draft guidance period, which closed on March 13, 2024?
      1. Has the program accepted any designation requests for new technologies?

    Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your prompt response.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Passes Scott, Manchin Bipartisan Resolution Dedicating September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) applauded the Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution to designate September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease among children past infancy; each year, more than 14,500 children under the age of 19 are diagnosed with cancer.

    “Cancer is tragically the most common cause of death by disease among children in America,” said Senator Scott. “I am proud to work with my colleagues to dedicate September to raising awareness and honoring the bravery of children and their families who are affected by this devastating disease. Let this occasion be a reminder that there is so much more work to be done to help every kid have the happy, healthy childhood they deserve.”

    “Every September, we honor the children taken from us too soon, recognize the strides we have made in treatment and recovery, and recommit ourselves to fighting this disease. Every child deserves to have a chance at a full and healthy life,” said Senator Manchin. “I am proud to help raise awareness around childhood cancer and the lives it affects every day. Gayle and I will continue to keep all cancer patients and their families across West Virginia and the country in our prayers.”

    “I’m proud to join my colleagues again in recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Since my Childhood Cancer STAR Act became law and was reauthorized last year, we have secured better outcomes for children fighting this terrible disease and grown our research capabilities, especially with institutions in West Virginia. I will continue to support initiatives that improve our understanding of childhood cancer, provide high-quality care for childhood cancer patients, and create better outcomes for survivors until we enter a world where cancer is a disease of the past,” Senator Capito said.

    “We are deeply grateful to Senators Manchin and Scott for their continued support in designating September as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. While we celebrate the progress that has been made in improving the survival rate for children diagnosed with cancer, there is still so much work to be done. Cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease among children, and too many young lives are lost. This resolution reminds us of the urgent need to fund research and find cures so that every child has the chance to grow up cancer-free,” the Alliance for Childhood Cancer said in a statement.

    Senators Scott and Manchin were joined on the resolution by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.). The resolution is supported by the Alliance for Childhood Cancer. To view the resolution, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kelly Announces 14 Grant Recipients for Rural Champions Program – Governor of the State of Kansas

    Source: US State of Kansas

    TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today the 14 grant recipients of the Rural Champions program’s second cohort. The selected Rural Champions will join a growing statewide network of grassroots individuals tackling critical projects in their respective rural communities.

    “Since day one, my administration has been focused on the needs of our rural communities and the quality of life in every region of the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Creating the Office of Rural Prosperity was only the beginning of our support for rural Kansans and their needs. By developing the Rural Champions program, we are assisting communities to find local solutions to specific local challenges.”

    Inspired by a Kansas Sampler Foundation report, the Office of Rural Prosperity, in collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation, created the Rural Champions program as a way for rural communities to move the needle in areas where a lack of capital or other resources hinders necessary progress. The Rural Champions program provides a one-year wage stipend of $20,800 to each community, along with training and resources. Communities also will receive up to $25,000 at the end of the year to move into the implementation phase of their projects.

    “The diverse challenges rural communities face are much easier to resolve when you have an individual specifically dedicated to their particular issues, which is why the innovative Rural Champions program is so important,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Investing in our rural communities means investing in our people, which benefits the entire state and elevates their towns in ways that might otherwise not be possible.”

    The 2024-25 Rural Champions include:

    Organization

    Community

    Project area(s)

    Cardinal Community Foundation

    Nemaha County

    Community/Economic Development

    Cheyenne Community Development Corporation

    Cheyenne

    Housing

    City of Herington and CVB

    Herington

    Downtown Revitalization

    Comanche County Economic Development

    Comanche County

    Grant Writing/
    ED Regionalization

    Grinnell-Promoting Pride & Progress

    Grinnell

    Downtown Revitalization

    Harvey County United Way

    Harvey County

    Childcare

    Healthy Bourbon County Action Team

    Bronson

    Placemaking/ Recreation

    Hodgeman County Economic Development

    Hodgeman County

    Housing

    Lane County Community Foundation

    Dighton

    Food Access-Rural Grocery

    Legacy Regional Community Foundation

    Cowley County

    Food Access

    Rooks County Healthcare Foundation

    Rooks County

    Workforce Recruitment

    Stafford County Economic Development

    Stafford County

    Childcare

    The Building Community

    Fredonia

    Community/Economic Development

    United Way of the Flint Hills

    Emporia

    Homelessness

    “The first round of Rural Champions provided a great opportunity for progress and impact in the communities and organization. We again received many outstanding applications — making the selection of these 14 projects very competitive,” Director of the Office of Rural Prosperity Trisha Purdon said. “We are excited to continue the development of the program and add to our network of learning with the new group of Rural Champions.”

    Rural Champions will work with the Office of Rural Prosperity through project completion. At that time, information will again be compiled in the form of guidebooks to add to the library of projects and be made available to provide learning and support to additional communities.

    More information on the Rural Champions program is available here. The guidebooks developed by the first cohort of Champions are available to review here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pfluger Fly-By: September 13, 2024

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Pfluger Fly-By: September 13, 2024

    Washington, September 13, 2024

    September 13, 2024

    Blocking Confucius Institutes from American Universities

    This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed my legislation to stop the Chinese Communist Party from infiltrating American university campuses.

    The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operates “Confucius Institutes” on college campuses under the guise of promoting Chinese language and culture throughout the country. In reality, these organizations are used as Trojan horses to gain access to critical American research and exert the global influence of the CCP.

    My legislation is crucial. It prevents the Department of Homeland Security from funding American universities that host a Confucius Institute or have ties with a Chinese entity of concern. We must not underestimate the credible and real threat that the CCP poses to the United States.

    Click here or below to watch my full floor remarks.

    Remembering 9/11

    Wednesday marked twenty-three years since the horrific 9/11 attacks on our country. May we never forget the 2,977 innocent American lives lost, which included many first responders who ran straight into danger.

    As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, I have sounded the alarm on the rise of activity from aggressive terrorist groups. I have introduced legislation aimed at slowing the global recruitment and planning of attacks. The terror threat landscape is as high as it has ever been, especially with hundreds of known and suspected terrorists flowing across our southern border and the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    September 11, 2001, will forever be ingrained in our minds. The fight against evil is not finished. Thank you all to my fellow servicemen and women and their families for their sacrifice. My prayers continue to remain with the families of the victims and survivors of 9/11.

    Biden-Harris Energy Agenda is Hurting Americans

    The Biden-Harris Administration’s war on fossil fuels has led to high energy bills for American families and businesses across the country. This week, I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy to learn more about the impacts of the Administration’s energy policies over the last three years. We heard directly from a generational family farmer whose business is struggling due to skyrocketing inflation and increasing production costs.

    In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2024 farm income forecast painted a bleak picture for American agriculture. It projects that net farm income will decline nearly 25% in two years, with substantial losses in crop receipts and continued pressure from rising costs. Meanwhile, interest rates are at the highest level seen in 40 years.

    Congress must pass a strong Farm Bill to protect not only our farmers and ranchers but also the American food supply. Watch here or below for my full line of questioning.

    2024 Angels in Adoption Honoree

    Congratulations to Matt Waller of Midland on being named a 2024 Angels in Adoption Honoree. I enjoyed visiting with him to hear about his work to establish The Attic Foster Network and the Heart Gallery of West Texas. I thank Matt for his dedication and commitment to bettering the lives of children and families across our state.

    Examining the FDA’s Role in Protecting Americans

    On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee to oversee the FDA’s regulation of food and tobacco. Since 2020, illegal disposable e-vapor products from China have flooded the U.S. market, with 65% of the market being illegal and targeting teens. The FDA has failed to stop these imports and hasn’t provided clear guidance to retailers on unauthorized products. The FDA must be held accountable for failing to protect Americans’ health. Watch here or below for my full line of questioning.

    Congress Must Take Action to Secure Medical Supply Chains

    I joined Representatives Brad R. Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02), Blake D. Moore (UT-01), and Mark Green, M.D. (TN-07) in releasing a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit feedback for strengthening and enhancing domestic medical supply chains.

    Securing our nation’s medical supply chains is not just a matter of economic importance; it is a matter of national security. Congress must prioritize revitalizing our domestic medical supply chains to eliminate our reliance on adversaries, like China, for essential medical supplies. Read more about the RFI here.

    Applications Closing for Congressional Youth Advisory Council

    I am excited to announce the re-launch of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities.

    Participants will have the chance to interact directly with me, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2025 (Date TBD).

    Interested students are encouraged to apply by completing an application at pfluger.house.gov/services/cyac.htm.

    The deadline for submissions is TODAY September 13, 2024.

    For questions about the program or application, please contact Corbette Padilla in the Midland district office at 432-687-2390.

    Upcoming Service Academy Night

    My office will soon be hosting a Service Academy Night on September 30th from 6:00-7:30 p.m. for high school students interested in pursuing an education and military career through the U.S. military service academies.

    The event will be held at the Angelo State University Houston Harte University Center in the CJ Davidson Conference Center, 1910 Rosemont Drive, San Angelo, Texas, 76901.

    Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to attend! If you have questions or would like to RSVP, please reach out to Mary O’Connor in my office at mary.oconnor@mail.house.gov.

    2024 Congressional App Challenge

    My office is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Competition. The competition is open to all 6-12 grade students in the 11th Congressional District of Texas and is an opportunity for students to develop their skills in computer science and STEM skills.

    The deadline is October 24th, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET. Students can register and upload their app here.

    Step-by-Step Video Guide

    The Congressional App Challenge website has a step-by-step video guide that walks students, parents, and educators through the application process. Clickhereto access the video guide.

    PRIZES

    The winner from the 11th Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol among other winners from across the country. Additional sponsor prizes to be announced.

    RULES

    · Students will create an application (aka app) for PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc Any programming such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or “block code” will be accepted.

    · There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.

    · Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.

    Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on the Congressional App Challenge’s website. For more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us/or contact Kathy Keane in the San Angelo Office at Kathy.Keane@mail.house.gov.

    Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.

    Rep. August Pfluger

    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Health Human Resources Action Plan Shows Strong Results at Two-Year Anniversary

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on September 23, 2024

    Innovative Saskatchewan-Based Solutions to Recruit, Train, Incentivize, and Retain Enhance Competitiveness

    This month marks the two-year milestone of Saskatchewan’s historic Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan, which has delivered extraordinary health system progress within a short period of time.

    Since the launch of the HHR Action Plan in September 2022, over $300 million has now been invested in initiatives guided by the plan’s four pillars. These initiatives have expanded the current professional workforce to keep pace with provincial growth and supported stronger, more resilient future health care teams by opening doors to more educational seats and programs.

    The HHR Action Plan has advanced critical areas of the provincial health system in the past 24 months through targeted initiatives that have attracted top specialists, family physicians, registered nurses, and other in-demand health professionals to the province.

    “When our government unveiled the HHR Action Plan, we recognized it was ambitious but necessary to stabilize and reinforce our valued healthcare professionals,” Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “Each pillar has had major positive impacts by recruiting hundreds of high priority health care workers, adding hundreds of post-secondary training seats and new programs for students, delivering incentives to benefit health service delivery in rural and northern Saskatchewan communities, attracting specialists, and investing in supportive programs to retain our valued health care workforce.”

    The HHR Action Plan is the result of ongoing support, collaboration and partnerships between multiple ministries, health employers, health partner agencies and post-secondary institutions, as well as professional regulators. A key step was establishing the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency (SHRA) to accelerate and broaden efforts to recruit physicians, nurses, and other high priority professionals.

    “The establishment of SHRA brings the recruitment of health professionals to Saskatchewan under one umbrella,” SHRA CEO Terri Strunk said. “Our sole mandate is to implement strategies and best in practice activities to facilitate the regional, national and international recruitment, retention, transition and placement of health professionals in Saskatchewan. In collaboration with provincial and local stakeholders such as our health employers, provincial regulators, local health committees, and municipalities, we have made significant progress. There is still more work to do, but with the focused strategy of the Health Human Resources Action Plan, we are attracting top talent and addressing healthcare needs across the province.”

    Recruit

    Saskatchewan has seen impressive recruitment results since September 2022, with 218 physicians being recruited to Saskatchewan from outside of the province and 35 physicians from outside the country. These efforts resulted in 87 family physicians and 131 specialists establishing their practice in the province.

    Highly sought specialized health care providers recently hired include a pediatric gastroenterologist, four new psychiatrists, two perfusionists and a new physician assistant.

    The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has hired more than 1,400 recent nursing graduates from in-and out-of-province, and nearly 400 internationally educated nurses (IENs) have arrived from the Philippines. Approximately 280 IENs have successfully completed a transition to nursing in Canada programming and been placed in over 70 communities around the province. The remaining IENs are in the clinical portion of their training to obtain licensure.

    Twenty-seven new permanent Nurse Practitioner positions are posted in rural communities, and eight have already been filled.

    Train

    Advanced Education is centered on the “Train” pillar of the HHR Plan and targeted investments into health-related training programs have been achieved over the last two years, with over $100 million already invested to create approximately 870 new training seats in 33 health care programs at post-secondary institutions across the province.

    “The Ministry of Advanced Education has been playing a significant role in supporting the Health Human Resources Action Plan since its inception, and I am very proud of the work done in partnership with our institutions to operationalize this ambitious initiative,” Advanced Education Minister Colleen Young said. “Saskatchewan students now have more opportunities than ever before to train for a career in health care, which is pivotal for the sector and the people it serves.”

    The expanded seats will produce more graduates in critical health care fields such as nursing, mental health and addictions, medical diagnostic imaging, physicians, and many other professions. Saskatchewan is also introducing four new programs not previously offered in the province: occupational therapy, speech language pathology, respiratory therapy and physician assistants.

    Expanded seats and new programs are being made available at university and polytech campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, as well as some programs offered at various regional colleges across province including psychiatric nursing at North West College in North Battleford, sonography at Suncrest College in Yorkton, Mental Health and Wellness at Northlands College in La Ronge and Continuing Care Assistants at Southeast College in Weyburn.

    Incentivize

    A range of attractive incentive programs, such as the Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) that includes a return-of-service agreement with recipients, has directly benefited over 50 communities across the province with more than 350 hard-to-recruit positions successfully filled.

    The Rural Physician Incentive Program was enhanced in 2024, and new incentives were introduced to support recruitment and retention of specialists in high demand, such as anesthesia, psychiatry, breast and interventional radiology in approved sites and certain pediatric subspecialities.

    The province has also disbursed over $1.3 million in bursaries, such as nearly 150 Final Clinical Bursaries, nearly 150 paramedic bursaries and other scholarships and available grants to encourage students to pursue a health care career. In addition, many graduates are eligible for the Graduate Retention Tax Credits and student loan forgiveness programs.

    “Our competitive HHR Action Plan has attracted a diverse group of new health care professionals to our vibrant and welcoming communities across rural and northern Saskatchewan,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Tim McLeod said. “These smaller centres provide unique opportunities to use a full range of skillsets and expertise within the workplace. It is exciting to see our young people receive rewarding employment opportunities upon graduation right here in Saskatchewan.”

    Retain

    Retention of health care staff has been a key area of focus by promoting the rewarding benefits of a career in health care, such as hiring 245 new and enhanced full-time permanent positions in high-priority occupations, including registered nurses, to stabilize staffing in rural and northern areas. Another 65 registered nurse positions have been increased from part time to full time in rural and remote locations with 36 positions filled.

    Scope of practice for pharmacists, nurse practitioners and advanced care paramedics has expanded to benefit patients and increase access to services for people living in rural communities, shorten wait times for primary care and give more options for obtaining certain health services.

    The SHA has implemented a variety of programs to enhance work environments and staff engagement opportunities including a mentorship program with over 200 participants, and actively engaging with First Nations and Métis communities and educational institutions to develop a First Nations and Métis recruitment and retention strategy.

    The SHA has also introduced multiple volunteer and career learning opportunities that are available to Saskatchewan high school students.

    “Our health care teams are the backbone of our health system,” SHA CEO Andrew Will said. “They are essential for delivering on our commitment to provide high-quality, culturally responsive and patient-centred care as close to home as possible. Our Health Human Resource strategies not only involve Saskatchewan Health Authority staff and physicians, but also leverage the strength of our volunteers, patient and family advisors, traditional knowledge keepers, and our network of community and health system partners.”

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –