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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Address to the Maritime Industry Australia Decarbonisation Summit, Melbourne

    Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

    **CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY**

    Thank you, Angela for your kind introduction, and congratulations to you and your team on organising this important event for the maritime industry.

    I begin by respectfully acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today. 

    I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and I extend that respect to any and all First Nations people joining us today.

    Australia’s First Nations people were our first maritime traders. 

    This rich and deep history included trade with Macassan ships from Indonesia along our Northern frontier, and seafaring trade in the Torres Strait, and along the coast of Papua New Guinea. Our modern maritime industry builds on this tradition.

    I’d also like to acknowledge, from the Victorian Government, Melissa Horne MP, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Ports and Freight, and Roads and Road Safety.

    And Professor Rod Sims AO, from the Crawford School of Public Policy at the ANU – thank you for joining us today.

    The theme of this Summit is ‘progress’ and we come together on the International Day of the Seafarer. 

    It couldn’t be more timely given the current geopolitical state of the world and the imperative of decarbonisation. 

    These are the realities of our times.

    It is more important than ever for Australia to have a strong and sovereign maritime sector, and for us to embrace both the challenges and the opportunities of decarbonisation. 

    The maritime industry is absolutely vital for Australia’s prosperity. 

    As the lyrics of our national anthem state, ours is a nation ‘girt by sea’.

    Our coastline extends across some 60,000 kilometres and includes 12,000 islands.

    It is the great sea roads and maritime highways leading from our shores that connect Australia with the world, and centres us in the Asia-Pacific region. 

    Our society and economy depend utterly on the ships that ply these routes. 

    These are our supply chains.

    Shipping is responsible for over 99 per cent of our nation’s international trade.

    We are the fifth largest user of shipping services in the world, and the world’s largest bulk commodities exporter.

    Our ports handle over 1.6 billion tonnes of cargo, and welcome 29,000 visits every year from international trading ships. 

    A substantial proportion of our domestic freight also depends on coastal shipping. 

    And let’s not forget that the maritime sector is an important employer – ports activities alone account for an extraordinary one in 20 jobs in our country.

    This morning, I’d like to give you an overview of what our government is doing to support your vital industry.

    The Prime Minister has made clear a major focus this term would be supporting industries across the economy to drive productivity, and to do that while also lifting job security and job quality. 

    In the lead up to the Treasurer’s upcoming Reform Roundtable, I intend to host a meeting with key transport and logistics industry representatives, including the maritime sector, to discuss ways to grow the economy and increase productivity. 

    We want to build an economy where growth, wages and productivity rise together.

    And we are committed to modernising Australia’s maritime sector; including through its regulatory framework.

    The Shipping Registration Act came into being in 1981, in very different times.

    Modernising it is another of our Government’s priorities, to ensure it is fit for purpose and supports the long-term sustainability of an Australian strategic fleet. 

    Our independent review of the Shipping Registration Act is now complete. 

    I’d like to thank its leaders — Former Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs, and Nicholas Gaskell, Emeritus Professor of Maritime and Commercial Law at the University of Queensland — for their efforts.

    Lynelle and Nick conducted comprehensive stakeholder consultation as part of their review, and they have incorporated extensive feedback into their report. 

    They are continuing with their parallel review of the Coastal Trading Act 2012, which is due to report later this year.

    Another crucial step we are taking to improve maritime resilience and capability is the establishment of a strategic fleet ― 12 Australian flagged and crewed vessels that will enable the movement of critical cargo during crises and emergencies.  

    Our Government committed funding in the 2024-25 Budget to establish a five-year Strategic Fleet Pilot Program comprising three vessels.

    These will be privately owned, commercially operated and will be available to the Australian Government to requisition in times of need. 

    Tenders for the Pilot program are currently being evaluated through a competitive, open and transparent process that will ensure the government achieves value for money.

    The Strategic Fleet provides the opportunity for growth and transformation in Australia’s maritime sector in a way that supports Australia’s economic prosperity, security and way of life well into the future.

    The Pilot will provide an evidence-base for future proposals to expand the fleet and fully deliver on our Government’s commitment.

    Once procurement for the Pilot Fleet is complete we will make a public announcement regarding the outcome and indicative timing for the first vessels on the water.

    Industry has been heavily involved in shaping the government’s Strategic Fleet policy through consultation processes, and this engagement will continue in the implementation stage.

    Our domestic policy needs to progress our national interests, and it also needs to be in-step with global developments.

    Australia’s presence at International Maritime Organisation enables this.

    Shipping is by nature a global industry, and Australia’s interests are represented in this world forum.

    Australia’s presence at the IMO also enables our engagement with international efforts to reduce emissions and prevent ship-based pollution of all kinds.

    During our first term, our Government supported the IMO to adopt a Revised Strategy on the Reduction of Emissions from Ships, and reach Net Zero emissions by 2050.

    The Strategy’s decarbonisation pathway includes mid‑term measures such as annual fuel intensity targets, a greenhouse gas emissions economic measure, and a reward system for sustainable fuel adoption.

    It sets target reductions of 30 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2040 compared to 2008 levels, as well as a target of 10 percent for the uptake of zero-emission fuels by 2030.

    In April, the IMO made the historic decision to circulate measures that will achieve these targets.

    Interestingly, the measures also include a ‘feebate’ mechanism that will subsidise green maritime fuels, which supports our Government’s Low Carbon Liquid Fuels policy.

    As our Government was in caretaker mode in April, Australia abstained from voting on these measures at the time. 

    They will be further considered by IMO in October, and if agreed will establish the world’s first ever truly international carbon market. 

    The Government is carefully considering what role it will play in October, and I understand that my department is hosting a roundtable with industry later this week to continue the conversation on how the measures might impact industry.

    The Secretary-General of the IMO is also visiting Australia in August and I hope to catch up with him to discuss Australia’s maritime interests.

    The year 2030, the deadline for the first of the IMO’s targets, is not that far away.

    Our government recognised this in our first term, and we laid plans to ensure that Australia’s maritime industry is prepared for the future, ready to contribute to our national emissions targets, and able to thrive in a decarbonised global economy.

    Now in our second term, we have a strong mandate to continue the work we’ve started.

    There are challenges to meet on the road to decarbonisation, but also incredible opportunities in new jobs and new industries. 

    Our Government’s ambition for a Future Made in Australia will form a comprehensive, coordinated and practical strategy to seize all the benefits on offer.

    As part of the Future Made in Australia plan, the Government is fast-tracking support for our nation’s growing domestic Low Carbon Liquid Fuels, or LCLFs. 

    In March, we announced the delivery of $250 million to accelerate the pace of Australia’s growing domestic LCLF industry. 

    This funding is part of the $1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund, and is being provided as grants to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment.

    Australia has all the ingredients to support a thriving biofuels sector – especially if the IMO measure for a global subsidy is adopted and provided.

    We have an abundance of renewable energy resources and significant refining and port infrastructure.

    We have the potential to grow LCLF production for domestic consumption and for export.

    And our Government is committed to supporting a sovereign biofuel industry that Australia controls, and which serves our interests.

    Our Government is committed to maritime decarbonisation, as part of our drive to reach our legislated target of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

    Our Government will soon release its Net Zero Plan for the economy, along with six sector-decarbonisation plans.

    Amongst these sector plans is one for the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap.

    And within that plan is one that speaks specifically to the unique challenges and opportunities of the maritime industry – the Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan, or MERNAP for short.

    The MERNAP will outline how we aim to support Australia’s national emissions reduction targets, contribute to the global decarbonisation of shipping, and future-proof the Australian maritime sector to avoid costly and disruptive transitions later.

    It will ensure an equitable transition, particularly for the maritime workforce, and it will safeguard jobs and skills for the future.

    Our vision is that by 2050, Australia will fully leverage the global maritime decarbonisation transition, for the benefit of our ports, vessels, and the broader energy sector.

    Work on the MERNAP began in 2023-24, with an industry consultation process, and the MERNAP Consultative Group has played a vital role in shaping this action plan.

    They engaged with us on topics such as:

    • regulatory challenges and gaps
    • energy sources and technologies
    • skills and training
    • and international partnerships.

    I’d like to thank those stakeholders who were part of the group, and especially Angela Gilham and MIAL for the key role they’ve played in this process. 

    I am now considering the MERNAP, and the timing of its release. 

    Our next step will be to develop an implementation plan to progress the MERNAP’s proposed action items. 

    Our Government will continue to progress reform in the maritime sector. We must. 

    There are so many cross currents reshaping global maritime trade right now, and addressing these requires comprehensive and future-focused action.

    No doubt these issues ― and the opportunities ― facing the sector will be discussed at length in coming days, and I wish you well in these.

    Thank you once again for the invitation to speak this morning. 

    I look forward to working with all industry stakeholders in our government’s second term. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Outstanding local government achievements recognised

    Source: Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions

    Outstanding achievers in local government have been recognised today, with 13 category winners announced for the 2025 National Awards for Local Government. 

    Now in their 39th year, the awards celebrate inspirational service delivery, acknowledging the important role local government plays in improving the daily lives of Australians.

    Ninety-five local governing bodies across Australia made a total of 192 submissions for projects addressing critical topics such as regional growth, road safety and environmental sustainability.

    Joining these topics as a category for the first time this year was affordable housing, to recognise projects addressing housing needs for communities. 

    The outstanding rural and remote council category was also new this year, to honour the achievements of smaller remote or rural councils with a population of 15,000 people or less, who entered any of the other 12 award categories.   

    The list of this year’s category winners is below, with more details on each project available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/local-government/national-awards-local-government.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

    “This year saw the most submissions ever received in the history of these awards, showcasing the hard work of local governments in delivering targeted, quality services to their communities – even in the face of adversity like natural disasters. 

    “I’d like to congratulate the category winners, and all the applicants, for this year’s local government awards. 

    “Your projects and the enormous efforts behind them are having real and positive impacts for communities, bringing them together and elevating local amenity.”  

    2025 National Awards for Local Government category winners:

    Category Winning Council Winning project name
    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s Recognition West Arnhem Regional Council West Arnhem Youth Leadership Summit
    Addressing Violence against Women and Children City of Stirling Naala Djookan Healing Centre
    Affordable Housing Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council Palm Island Housing Investment Scheme
    Arts and Culture City of Gosnells 2024 Fusion Food and Culture Festival
    Cohesive Communities City of Stirling Walking Together Local Convos
    Disaster Readiness and Recovery City of Wanneroo Mariginiup Bushfire – From preparedness to recovery, a community-first approach
    Environmental Sustainability Town of Victoria Park Bird Waterers – Cockitroughs
    Outstanding Rural and 
    Remote Council    		 Parkes Shire Council Fleet Optimisation and Innovation – A smarter approach to asset management
    Productivity through Infrastructure City of Stirling Hamersley Public Golf Course Redevelopment
    Regional Growth Shire of Murray The Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra
    Road Safety Blacktown City Council Risks of NOT planting trees along our streets
    Women in Local Government City of Wanneroo Kirsten Thrush & Katie Russell – Leading the disaster recovery from Mariginiup Bushfire
    Workforce and Skills Burwood Council Breaking Barriers – Growing the Learn to Swim workforce

    Photographs from the award ceremony available here: https://communicationsgovau.box.com/s/j5ljark5bnehu4au5pn6zwlzx7k0vxlg

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Health Minister responds to misinformation on COVID-19 vaccine

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has expressed serious concern about a “sustained“ campaign of misinformation and disinformation regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. 

    Recently, in what appears to be a deepfake video, SABC news anchor Oliver Dickson is seen to be interviewing Professor Salim Abdool Karim, the Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). 

    During the fake interview, Abdool Karim is depicted as making claims that the COVID-19 vaccine is causing harm and resulting in fatalities.

    “The latest fake news campaign, driven by artificial intelligence applications, has targeted a distinguished South African scientist, Abdool Karim, who is portrayed as warning South Africans about the purportedly deadly effects of the COVID-19 vaccines that… saved the lives of many South Africans during the difficult time of the pandemic,” the department said.

    The department believes that this campaign is being led by some unscrupulous individuals, who are promoting their business interests. 

    It said these people are determined to spread distorted and malicious information about the alleged negative effects of COVID-19 vaccines to promote their harmful remedies, which pose a risk to the health of South Africans.

    “According to our information, these actions are meant to hoodwink members of the public into buying fake heart medicine. This is done through mail order, and the fake product is not working or is making people feel even sicker.” 

    Abdool Karim and the organisation he leads, CAPRISA, have also distanced themselves from these videos by imposing a “fake news” stamp on all the circulating videos.

    The department has also since done its part by joining the fake news alert on social media.

    “Minister Motsoaledi condemns in the strongest terms possible the fake news campaign by these charlatans with business interests who, for their nefarious reasons, are determined to create confusion among the people for the sake of immoral profiteering,” the department said. 

    The Minister has since appealed to all to reject these remedies that purportedly cleanse the victim’s blood vessels and improve heart performance. 

    “Motsoaledi encourages all South Africans to continue to embrace all life-saving vaccines approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority and the National Department of Health.

    “The Minister, therefore, calls upon all South Africans to close ranks, isolate the forces of darkness and join the fight against misinformation and disinformation in the best interests of South Africa and all its people,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape June floods declared a national disaster

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Eastern Cape Province has officially been declared a national disaster zone in response to the widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

    Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Zolile Williams said the declaration, made under the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002), comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and snowfall that have battered large parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit.

    Highlighting the provincial government response to the June disaster, Williams said the Department of Social Development, in partnership with private sector organisations, has extended crucial psychosocial support to displaced families, bereaved communities, and schools affected by the loss of learners.

    “These services, which encompass counselling and emotional debriefing, are foundational to the healing and recovery process. Given the profound impact of the incident, we recognise this journey may be prolonged for those most deeply affected,” the MEC said. 

    The Department of Health has also deployed on-site healthcare services, providing medical assistance and replacing chronic medication that was swept away by the floods to those in need.

    Ongoing assessments are also being conducted to assess health risks in temporary shelters.

    Over 400 ID applications received

    Williams also reported that the Department of Home Affairs has been active in various shelters across the Amathole and OR Tambo districts, assisting families with applications for essential documents, including Identity Documents (ID), birth and death certificates.

    To date, 478 identity document replacement applications have been submitted, through assistance from three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

    Local schools have resumed classes and provisions were made for learners who missed exams due to the disaster. Postponed examination papers were also written on 23 June 2025.

    “Through the Department of Education, we have begun to deliver Learner and Teacher Support Material lost or destroyed during the disaster. We are also ensuring that uniform sets for learners in the flood affected schools has also resumed through the Provincial Department of Education.” 

    Restoration of basic services 

    Despite the devastation, significant progress has been made with the restoration of water and electricity in affected areas. 

    According to Williams, the electricity supply has been restored to over 80% of affected customers, with over 95% of the water supply having been restored in OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, which were the most affected areas. 

    However, Williams noted that the floods caused significant damage to roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

    He said the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure is estimated at R5. 1 billion, and this include about R3. 2 billion required across sector departments and R 1. 8 billion for the Municipal Infrastructure, as per MISA [Municipal Infrastructure Support Management] assessments. 

    A total of 6 869 households were affected, with 4 724 people left homeless across the province, except for the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, whilst 2 145 homes were partially damaged.

    “R461 million is required for Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), however, the province has R120 million rand, and we are looking to national government for an intervention in this area,” Williams said.

    Housing support and temporary shelters

    The Department of Human Settlements, in partnership with OR Tambo District Municipality, has activated mass-care shelters, including community halls and bed-and-breakfast facilities for displaced families in OR Tambo and Mnquma. 

    Williams said these arrangements will be operational for at least 30 days.

    “The Provincial Government is [also] securing land to facilitate the delivery of Temporary Residential Units and permanent housing, ensuring that our response addresses both urgent needs and long-term stability for these vulnerable communities. 

    “Currently, land has been identified in Mnquma for approximately 1 100 temporary residential units, while in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, land has been identified and we await a council resolution on the matter,” the MEC said.

    The floods caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, with the total repair estimated at R935 million. The Department of Transport has reprioritised R102 million from its budget, leaving a shortfall of R832 million.

    Emergency road clearance operations are underway, but 29 roads in Chris Hani and 22 in OR Tambo districts remain impassable. Internal teams began major repairs on 23 June 2025, and alternative routes are currently being used.

    In terms of public facilities, 431 schools and 69 health centres have been affected across the province. suffered damage. Repair work to the value of R600 000 has been completed on healthcare facilities.

    In the agricultural sector, interventions have been made in terms damage assessment, provision of veterinary services and technical advice.

    “In the main, farmers have lost 1 339 units of livestock, 1 803 hectares of crops have been destroyed, suffered damages to machinery, irrigation material such as pipes and risers, water tanks and fencing materials,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Medication dispensing enhanced

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today that starting July 3, selected medications prescribed for “as needed” use will be dispensed with a maximum of eight weeks’ supply.

    The selected medications under the new measure, including laxatives, medications to loosen sputum, topical preparations for bruises and pain, are mainly for relieving the symptoms of episodic illnesses.

    HA Chief Pharmacist William Chui said patients may stockpile medications at home, particularly those for use “as needed”. The new arrangement can avoid wastage and lead to more efficient use of medication resources.

    This medications list will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. Visit the HA website for more details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 6.26.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 26, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Kira Younger, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Finance and Accounting Division at the California Department of Social Services. Younger has been Chief of Fiscal Forecasting at the California Department of Social Services since 2021, where she has held several roles since 2016, including Budget Officer and Staff Services Manager. She was Financial Manager at the California Office of Systems Integration from 2018 to 2019. Younger earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Strategic Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Western Governors University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $176,160. Younger is a Democrat. 

    Lauren Gavin Solis, of Los Angeles, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration at the Department of Health Care Services. Solis has been Acting Group Director for the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services since 2025, where she has held several roles since 2013, including Team Lead and Health Insurance Specialist. She was a Health Policy Scholar at the National Coalition on Health Care from 2012 to 2013. Solis was a Presidential Management Fellow at the National Institutes of Health from 2011 to 2013. She held several roles at Triage Consulting Group from 2005 to 2010, including Legal Services Manager, Senior Associate, and Associate. Solis earned a Master of Public Health degree in Health Systems and Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $187,020. Solis is a Democrat. 

    Julia Parish, of Oakland, has been appointed Deputy Director of Legislation, Regulation, and Policy at the California Civil Rights Department. Parish has been a Senior Staff Attorney at Legal Aid at Work since 2019, where she has held multiple positions since 2011, including Staff Attorney, and Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow. She was a Research Assistant to Professor David Oppenheimer at University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 2010. Parish earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, a Master of Science degree in Education from Pace University, and a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science and Spanish from University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $146,268. Parish is a Democrat.

    Juliet Michelson Wahleithner, of Fresno, has been appointed Director of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment at the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Wahleithner has been a Special Consultant for the Office of Policy and Continuous Improvement at the Commission on Teacher Credentialing since 2025. Wahleithner has been an Associate Professor for Literacy Education at California State University, Fresno since 2021, where she has held several roles since 2015 including Director of Educator Preparation and Accreditation, Director of San Joaquin Valley Writing Project, and Assistant Professor. She held several roles at University of California, Davis School of Education from 2008 to 2015, including Postdoctoral Researcher, Lecturer, Accreditation coordinator, and Graduate Student Assistant. Wahleithner held several roles at Lodi Unified School District from 1999 to 2007, including Differentiated Instruction Curriculum Coach and an English and Journalism Teacher. She is a Member of the American Educational Research Association, California Council on Teacher Education, and Board of Directors of Saint Agnes Child Development Center. Wahleithner earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education, a Master of Arts degree in Education, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $163,788. Wahleithner is a Democrat.

    Sophear Price, of Santa Rosa, has been appointed Skilled Nursing Facility Administrator at the Yountville Veterans Home of California. Price has been the Standards Compliance Coordinator at the Yountville Veterans Home of California since 2018. Price held multiple roles at the Sonoma Development Center from 2014 to 2017, including Community Programs Specialist II and Individual Programs Coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, Sonoma. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $159,120. Price is registered without party preference. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: La Passeggiata on Lindsey Street in Stockton is the latest site to be transformed from excess, underutilized state land into affordable housing under Governor Newsom’s executive order. STOCKTON — Today, state leaders broke ground on a new…

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.   SACRAMENTO – California gas prices…

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced $135 million is available for wildfire prevention grants – protecting communities from catastrophic wildfire at the same time as President Trump adds new strain to firefighting resources. SACRAMENTO – As President…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy PM pledges more support for terminally ill workers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Deputy PM pledges more support for terminally ill workers

    Ministers have signed a charter on behalf of the Civil Service committing to best practice for supporting civil servants diagnosed with a terminal illness.

    The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has pledged more support for those diagnosed with a terminal illness, as the Civil Service joins hundreds of employers already leading the way in ensuring best practice for people facing the most difficult time of their lives – by signing the Dying to Work Charter.

    While many employers take great care already, a campaign called Dying to Work raises awareness of the important steps they can take to provide employees with dignity and peace of mind as they navigate a terminal diagnosis in work.

    These steps are listed in this charter created by the TUC and founder Jacci Woodcock MBE, who was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2012. It encourages employers to sign up as a promise to ensuring additional support for terminally ill staff and making sure the employee is involved any decision-making around how they continue in work.

    The charter already has over 400 employers signed up all over the UK – from local businesses to public services big and small, covering over 1.5 million employees. Now with the Civil Service signed up, around 2 million employees are now protected by it.

    The move adds to the leading support the Civil Service already provides for civil servants living with a terminal illness and government work supporting thousands of employers through DWP’s Disability Confident campaign, which also supports the charter.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    No one battling terminal illness should ever have to face extra stress and worry over their job security at what is already the most challenging time for them and their loved ones.

    It is vital at such a difficult time that employees with a terminal diagnosis are treated sensitively and with the best support – that’s why I’m so proud we are backing this charter.

    Minister for Employment Rights Justin Madders said:

    The bare minimum people facing terminal illness would expect is to have a sympathetic employer who treats them with dignity and respect, whilst dealing with the difficulties this brings.

    While many employers take great care already, we know this isn’t always the case. That’s why today, the Civil Service is setting the standard, protecting vulnerable workers and giving them the freedom to decide whether to stay in work with the support they need.

    TUC Director of Organising Sian Elliott said:  

    We all hope our employer would support us if we were diagnosed with a terminal illness – but sadly, that’s not always the case. 

    We welcome the government’s decision to sign the Dying to Work Charter, improving support for civil servants. No one should face the added burden of losing their job at the most difficult time of their life.  

    The charter is about dignity, security, and choice. Two million workers are now covered by it across both the public and private sectors. We hope many more employers will sign up too.

    The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Minister for Employment Rights Justin Madders and Cabinet Office Minister Georgia Gould all signed the charter together on behalf of the Civil Service. The signing took place on Thursday (26 June) with trade unions present.

    The government’s help to raise awareness of better practices for terminally ill staff is part of its plan to make work pay, which is the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    • According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 3 people are projected to be diagnosed with cancer and currently in 1 in 10 cases are in people under 50.
    • In 2023/24, over 345,000 people were on the palliative care register in England – a list held by GPs of people who are under their care and approaching end of life and are likely to have less than 12 months to live.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 June 2025 Departmental update Setting global research priorities for traditional medicine

    Source: World Health Organisation

    A Regional consultation on research prioritization in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine for the Region of the Americas was led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on 11–12 June 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil. Over 60 participants, including government ministers from nine countries, attended the workshop to discuss research and evidence-related challenges in traditional medicine and how to advance its integration into health systems.

    Attendees of the Regional consultation on research prioritization in traditional, complementary and integrative medicine in São Paulo, Brazil, discussing issues and priorities in Traditional Medicine.
    Photo: © WHO

    Global research priorities for traditional medicine

    The event formed part of the coordinated WHO global traditional medicine research prioritization exercise, led by WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in collaboration with several WHO technical units, including all WHO regional offices. Despite the wealth of existing evidence on traditional medicine and indigenous health practices, significant challenges remain in fully understanding and integrating this knowledge into mainstream health care. The primary obstacles stem from a fragmented approach to traditional medicine research and a lack of cohesive global guidelines for developing actionable evidence. To overcome these hurdles, WHO is supporting Member States to prioritize research agendas that not only provide strategic direction but also generate reliable evidence for traditional medicine practices and policies.

    A global network of prioritization exercises

    The consultation for the Region of the Americas was one of a number of prioritization exercises that have taken place over the past year, alongside consultations on the now agreed WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. Previous workshops include those for WHO South-East Asia Region on 20–22 August 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand; WHO Western Pacific Region, on 28–29 August 2024 in Seoul, Republic of Korea; and WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, on 17–19 September 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Once all regional consultations have been completed, the results will be presented later this year as a robust roadmap at the Second WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit, “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being”, on 2–4 December 2025.

    International collaboration and connection

    The regional consultation in Brazil also included a visit to the Reference Center for Integrative and Complementary Health Practices in São Paulo by representatives of WHO and PAHO. The aim was to learn about the work carried out by the Municipal Health Department, which will help to inform GTMC’s goal to create a Global Traditional Medicine Library – a digital platform of reliable resources on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, sharing knowledge, research and practices – which will be launched later this year. The platform will facilitate the use of traditional medicine and safeguard knowledge for future generations, as well as preventing its loss due to factors such as modernization, globalization and cultural shifts.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates measles infection case epidemiologically linked to earlier cluster

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates measles infection case epidemiologically linked to earlier cluster.

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 25) is investigating two cases of measles infection that are epidemiologically linked and reminded the public that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.

    The two cases are family members living together. The first case involves a six-month-old baby boy. He presented with fever on June 21, and developed cough, runny nose and skin rash the following day. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on June 23 and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory specimen sample tested positive for the measles virus upon nucleic acid testing.

    During contact tracing, the CHP found that the boy’s 29-year-old father also presented symptoms of measles, including fever and cough, on June 20 and developed skin rash on June 23. The CHP arranged the patient to attend the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital for isolation and testing on June 24. His respiratory specimen sample tested positive for the measles virus upon nucleic acid testing.

    Both patients remain hospitalised for isolation and treatment and are in stable condition.

    An epidemiological investigation revealed that the baby boy has not yet reach the age to receive the first dose of the measles vaccine, while his father was uncertain whether he had received measles vaccination. One of their household contacts also presented relevant symptoms earlier and has recovered now. Testing is being arranged for this household contact.

    The CHP continues to investigate the cases to identify potential sources of infection and high-risk exposure. Initial investigation revealed that no epidemiological linkages have been established between these two cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

    “The incubation period of measles (i.e. the time from infection to onset of illness) is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. When such symptoms appear, people should wear surgical masks, stay home from work or school, avoid crowded places and contact with unvaccinated people, especially those with weak immune systems, pregnant women and children under 1 year old. Those who suspect they are infected should consult their doctors as soon as possible and inform healthcare workers of their history of exposure to measles,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

    “Under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, the overall immunisation coverage in Hong Kong has been maintained at a very high level through the immunisation services provided by the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres and School Immunisation Teams. As evidenced by the findings on vaccination coverage of primary school students and the territory-wide immunisation surveys conducted regularly by the DH, the two-dose measles vaccination coverage has remained consistently high, well above 95 per cent, and the local seroprevalence rates of measles virus antibodies reflect that most people in Hong Kong are immune to measles. However, Hong Kong, as a city with a high volume of international travel, still faces the potential risk of importation of the measles virus and its further spread in the local community. Hence, a small number of people who have not completed a measles vaccination (such as non-local-born people including new immigrants, foreign domestic helpers, overseas employees and people coming to Hong Kong for further studies) are still at risk of being infected and spreading measles to other people who do not have immunity against measles, such as children under 1 year old who have not yet received the first dose of the measles vaccine,” he added.

    People born before 1967 could be considered to have acquired immunity to measles through natural infection, as measles was endemic in many parts of the world and in Hong Kong at that time. People born in or after 1967 who have not yet completed the two doses of measles vaccination or whose measles vaccination history is unknown, should consult their family doctors as soon as possible to complete the vaccination and ensure adequate protection against measles.

    The number of measles cases in some overseas countries remains at a high level this year. The outbreaks in North America (including the United States and Canada), Europe and neighbouring areas (including Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines) are ongoing due to the relatively low vaccination rate. Furthermore, an increasing number of measles cases have also been recorded in Japan and Australia this year. For those who plan to travel to measles-endemic areas, they should check their vaccination records and medical history as early as possible. If they have not been diagnosed with measles through laboratory tests and have never received two doses of measles vaccine or are not sure if they have received a measles vaccine, they should consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to their trip for vaccination.
    ​
    Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:

    • Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
    • Maintain good indoor ventilation;
    • Keep hands clean and wash hands properly;
    • Wash hands when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing;
    • Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
    • Clean used toys and furniture properly; and
    • Persons with measles should be kept out of school till four days from the appearance of a rash to prevent the spread of the infection to non-immune persons in school.

    For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic page. Members of the public who are going to travel can visit the website of the DH’s Travel Health Service for news of measles outbreaks outside Hong Kong.

    Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025
    Issued at HKT 20:37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HA implements further enhancement for drug dispensing service

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HA implements further enhancement for drug dispensing service

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (June 27) that the drug dispensing arrangement will have a further enhancement. Selected medications prescribed for “as needed” use will be dispensed with a maximum of eight weeks’ supply, effective from July 3. The selected medications under the new measure are mainly for symptomatic relief of episodic illnesses including laxatives, medications to loosen sputum, topical preparations for bruises and pain (see attachment for details).

    The Chief Pharmacist of the HA, Mr William Chui, expressed hope that the new arrangement will further reduce medication wastage. “Many patients may stockpile medications at home, particularly medications to be used ‘as needed’. The selected medications under this new measure are prone to overstocking and wastage. We hope that this new arrangement will reduce medication stockpiling and avoid wastage, leading to more efficient use of medication resources,” he said.

    The HA has already launched the first phase of New Arrangement for Drug Dispensing Service, where patients will be dispensed with a maximum of 24 weeks’ medication at a time. Drug refills will be arranged for prescriptions exceeding 24 weeks. Under this second phase of the new measures, the list of selected “as needed” medications will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary. The public can visit the HA website for the latest details on the new arrangement for the drug dispensing service.

    Ends/Friday, June 27, 2025
    Issued at HKT 14:58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government sets up Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk and “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk in Jiangmen (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is collaborating with Guangdong Province to promote the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) announced today (June 27) the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Jiangmen, enabling residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to access public services of Hong Kong without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.
     
         Following installation of the self-service kiosks earlier in Guangzhou, Qianhai and Futian in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan and Zhongshan, the Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Jiangmen also provides over 70 public services from 12 government bureaux and departments as well as related organisations, encompassing several areas commonly used by enterprises and the public, including taxation, company registration, property and vehicle enquiry and registration, application for personal identification documents and entry of talent, welfare and education, healthcare, immigration clearance, urgent assistance as well as culture and tourism. Members of the public can use the self-service kiosks to perform data entry, document scanning and result printing to enjoy one-stop access when applying for various public services.
     
         Starting today, the public can use the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk located on 4/F, Jiangmen Government Service Center to access various public services of Hong Kong. The opening hours of the kiosk in the centre are 8.30am to noon and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays on the Mainland).
     
         An “iAM Smart” self-registration kiosk is also set up at the Jiangmen location to enable Hong Kong residents working and living on the Mainland to register for “iAM Smart+” and directly use the “iAM Smart” mobile app to access over 1,100 online services provided by the Government and public and private organisations, as well as the government e-Forms such as renewal of vehicle licences, applications for International Driving Permits and eHealth services, etc.
     
         The DPO will continue to discuss with the Guangdong Provincial Administration of Government Service and Data to set up self-service and self-registration kiosks in Zhaoqing as the next step to fully cover the nine Mainland cities of the GBA to cope with the demands of residents and enterprises in the GBA for Hong Kong public services.
     
         For details, please visit the Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services website at www.crossboundaryservices.gov.hk/en/home/index.html and the “iAM Smart” thematic website at www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Zimbabwe records 5,932 AIDS-related deaths in first half of 2025: Health Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Zimbabwe has recorded a rise in AIDS-related deaths in the first half of this year, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said on Friday.

    Addressing a media workshop on HIV reporting and stigma reduction in the capital Harare, Mombeshora stated that between January and June 2025, the country recorded 5,932 AIDS-related deaths, up from 5,712 during the same period last year.

    “An increase of 220 deaths is a reminder that our work is not done,” he said, without specifying the main cause behind the rise.

    The minister noted that while Zimbabwe has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS — particularly in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets — the gains remain fragile and are threatened by multiple challenges, including limited resources, stigma, and discrimination.

    “As a nation, we must confront these realities with honesty and resolve. Addressing stigma and discrimination is not only a moral obligation; it is a public health imperative,” he said.

    Zimbabwe is now seeking to transition to full domestic financing for its HIV and AIDS response amid declining external funding, Mombeshora said.

    During this transition, the country is facing difficulties in maintaining outreach staff and ensuring continuity of community-based services, according to a report by Xinhua.

    Operational adjustments are being made to safeguard service delivery, he added, stressing the need for innovation, stronger domestic partnerships, and a resilient, self-sustaining national response to the epidemic.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells, weakening the body’s defense against infections and diseases. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection.

    HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and can also be passed from mother to child. It is not spread through casual contact like kissing, hugging, or sharing food.

    The disease can be prevented and managed through antiretroviral therapy (ART). Without treatment, HIV can take years to develop into AIDS.

    IANS

  • Zimbabwe records 5,932 AIDS-related deaths in first half of 2025: Health Minister

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Zimbabwe has recorded a rise in AIDS-related deaths in the first half of this year, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said on Friday.

    Addressing a media workshop on HIV reporting and stigma reduction in the capital Harare, Mombeshora stated that between January and June 2025, the country recorded 5,932 AIDS-related deaths, up from 5,712 during the same period last year.

    “An increase of 220 deaths is a reminder that our work is not done,” he said, without specifying the main cause behind the rise.

    The minister noted that while Zimbabwe has made significant strides in combating HIV/AIDS — particularly in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets — the gains remain fragile and are threatened by multiple challenges, including limited resources, stigma, and discrimination.

    “As a nation, we must confront these realities with honesty and resolve. Addressing stigma and discrimination is not only a moral obligation; it is a public health imperative,” he said.

    Zimbabwe is now seeking to transition to full domestic financing for its HIV and AIDS response amid declining external funding, Mombeshora said.

    During this transition, the country is facing difficulties in maintaining outreach staff and ensuring continuity of community-based services, according to a report by Xinhua.

    Operational adjustments are being made to safeguard service delivery, he added, stressing the need for innovation, stronger domestic partnerships, and a resilient, self-sustaining national response to the epidemic.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells, weakening the body’s defense against infections and diseases. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection.

    HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and can also be passed from mother to child. It is not spread through casual contact like kissing, hugging, or sharing food.

    The disease can be prevented and managed through antiretroviral therapy (ART). Without treatment, HIV can take years to develop into AIDS.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Bank Approves Health Resilience Project to Protect Lives and Strengthen Emergency Response in Mozambique


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    The World Bank has approved the Mozambique Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience Project, an initiative to strengthen the health system’s ability to deliver essential services consistently and equitably. The project targets underserved and climate-vulnerable areas by investing in human resources, infrastructure, and systems that ensure continuity of care during emergencies. This project is part of a regional program to strengthen health security across Eastern and Southern Africa.  

    Mozambique faces frequent floods, cyclones, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies that disrupt health services and put lives at risk. Many communities lack sufficient and trained health workers, access to essential medicines, and the tools to detect and respond quickly to crises. The project seeks to address these gaps by:

    • Strengthening the health workforce capacity, particularly in high-risk areas, by improving recruitment, training, and retention systems;
    • Improving pharmaceutical supply chains by supporting the regulatory agency in bringing more transparency and speed to procurement processes, lowering and standardizing prices of health commodities to ensure access to medicines, particularly during crises; and
    • Enhancing disease surveillance and laboratory capacity to improve early warning and response systems to quickly detect and respond to health emergencies like cholera outbreaks or heatwaves.

    The project also supports the development of climate-adaptive infrastructure and emergency preparedness plans, recognizing the growing health risks posed by climate change.

    “Mozambique is already experiencing the health impacts of shocks and emergencies,” noted Luc Lecuit, World Bank Acting Division Director in Mozambique. “The program supports the government’s efforts to strengthen core health service delivery by investing in preparedness and resilience, ensuring services remain operational during floods, storms, and epidemics.”

    Financed through a $201 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA)*, the initiative will be implemented over five years, concluding in September 2030.

    “By prioritizing practical investments in the foundational pillars of the health sector, the Government of Mozambique is driving greater efficiency across the system and strengthening its emergency response capacity to protect lives,” said João Pires, World Bank Senior Health Specialist and Task Team Leader. “These efforts are paving the way for bold reforms to ensure the health system remains resilient and responsive, even under pressure.”

    In parallel, the World Bank, together with other development partners, is increasing its support to the Mozambique health sector through a $63.7 million top-up to the ongoing District and Community Health Services Revitalization Project. This additional financing—comprising $8.7 million from IDA, $5 million from the Global Financing Facility, and $50 million from a multi-donor trust fund supported by Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland—will expand the project’s impact across the most vulnerable 63 districts of Mozambique. The operation focuses on improving access to quality primary health care, particularly for women, children, and adolescents, and strengthening service delivery at the district and community levels.

    Both projects align with the forthcoming Mozambique’s Health Sector Strategic Plan (PESS, 2025-2034)  (PESS 2020–2024) and the National Adaptation Plan (2023), and complement regional efforts to strengthen health security across Eastern and Southern Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than 1,000 kids get active at Coventry Children’s Mile

    Source: City of Coventry

    The Coventry Children’s Mile event returned once again last weekend with more than 1,000 children from 33 Coventry primary schools completing a mile to fundraise.

    Home education students also took part in the event for the first time. 

    Students, teachers, support staff and parents all turned out to volunteer their time to support their schools in the War Memorial Park.

    Alongside fundraising for important causes, the event was designed to encourage children to stay active, particularly those from hard-to-reach areas.

    The event supported Team Coventry by raising funds for travel costs for the team to compete in the International Children’s Games which is taking place in Tallinn, Estonia in August, where Coventry will be represented on the international stage.

    Athletes, coaches and supporters of Team Coventry came along too and helped with organisation, marshalling and most importantly, cheering participants on.

    Not only were funds raised for Team Coventry, but funds have also been raised by the event for a local charity.

    All participants received a souvenir event t-shirt and certificate of participation while the mile route was fully accessible for all abilities.

    Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said, “This was a record turn-out for the Children’s Mile which is absolutely fantastic. Seeing more and more schools and parents want to get their children involved in the event is great. It’s the perfect way to get the children moving and be able to show them that physical activity is fun.

    “The event also helps to raise funds for two worthy causes which will help local people, including 18 young athletes in their journey to compete in the International Children’s Games in Estonia to represent our city.

    “Thank you to all who have supported the causes so far and a huge congratulations to all who took part in 2025’s Coventry Children’s Mile.” 

    The Coventry Children’s Mile 2025 is a partnership between Coventry City Council, CV Life and Coventry’s School Games Organisers.

    Without volunteer and partner support from these organisations, the event wouldn’t be able to take place.

    Check out the photos from the day on Flickr 

    If you would like to send a good luck message and donation to Team Coventry ahead of their trip to Tallinn, Estonia to represent the city, please head over to the donation site. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 June 2025 Departmental update New digital toolkit to improve family planning content on apps, chatbots and digital spaces

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO with expertise from the United Nation’s Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP), has introduced a new resource aimed at helping developers and health professionals improve the quality of digital tools that provide family planning information. The Toolkit and content repository for digital client-facing platforms: family planning offers a collection of simplified, evidence-based messages that can be used in apps, social media, chatbots, and other digital platforms.

    The toolkit is designed to support a wide range of users – from ministries of health and nongovernmental organizations to social media influencers and software developers – who are involved in creating or managing digital content related to contraception and reproductive health. The aim is for this toolkit to be adapted by local implementers who can contextualize the information for local relevance. 

    Filling gaps in digital health content

    Digital platforms are increasingly used to share health information, but the quality of content can vary widely. WHO’s new toolkit responds to concerns about misinformation and inconsistent messaging by offering a centralized, vetted source of family planning content based on its clinical guidelines.

    “This toolkit is a practical resource for anyone looking to ensure their digital content aligns with WHO recommendations and a step in addressing misinformation.” said Tigest Tamrat, Scientist at WHO and HRP and one of the project leads. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it provides a solid foundation that can be adapted to different contexts.”

    This toolkit is a practical resource for anyone looking to ensure their digital content aligns with WHO recommendations and a step in addressing misinformation.

    Tigest Tamrat / Scientist at WHO and HRP

    What’s inside the toolkit?

    The toolkit includes four main components:

    • health interventions and recommendations – a summary of WHO’s guidance on family planning;
    • user scenarios – examples of how different users might apply the toolkit in real-world settings;
    • content repository – a downloadable spreadsheet of simplified messages and myth-busting facts; and
    • performance metrics – suggested indicators for tracking user engagement and tool effectiveness.

    The content is intentionally generic, allowing users to tailor it to local languages, cultural norms, and digital habits.

    Practical use cases

    The toolkit provides sample scenarios to illustrate how it might be used. For example, a programme manager might use it to update the content of an existing mobile app, while a social media influencer could use it to fact-check posts or respond to common questions from followers.

    In one scenario, a fictional influencer named Aisha uses the toolkit to create a video series addressing common myths about contraception. Her content helps viewers like Miriam, a 19-year-old follower, feel more confident in making informed decisions about reproductive health.

    Looking ahead: AI integration

    While the toolkit currently focuses on scripted content, it could also support more advanced applications. For instance, artificial intelligence tools like chatbots could use the content repository to provide accurate, real-time responses to user questions. The document also highlights the potential of AI to personalize content based on user demographics and preferences.

    A flexible resource

    Rather than being a prescriptive solution, the toolkit is meant to be a flexible resource that can be adapted to different needs. It encourages collaboration with local experts and communities to ensure content is relevant and respectful.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI Airlock, CERSIs and a new global AI network for health regulators

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    AI Airlock, CERSIs and a new global AI network for health regulators

    Med Tech Regs blog, June 2025: A focus on Software and AI.

    Marinos Ioannides, Head of Software and AI Medical Devices, at the London Healthcare Innovation Forum earlier this year.

    Marinos Ioannides, Head of Software and AI Medical Devices:

    If you’re anything like me, Summer in Britain is a season of transformation and hope. Gone are the frozen, damp morning dog walks in darkness. Coats and jackets are locked away, half-empty half-forgotten tubes of sun cream emerge from deep cupboards, radiators are joyfully turned off.

    The same feeling suffuses the Software and AI team here at the MHRA. Our recent AI Airlock webinar and this week’s opening of our new call for applications boldly announces a new year of inspiration, exploration and progress in innovative regulation. Building on the successes of last year’s excellent pilot programme, we’re eager to unlock and expand insights with industry and see first hand how innovative products and teams can help identify regulatory challenges in the Software as Medical Devices space.

    The Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs) are further enhancing MHRA delivery. RADIANT announced their Innovator Support Programme, giving companies the opportunity to trial open-source tools, educational materials and workshops to demystify regulations and make sure that regulatory complexity does not stand between patients and life-changing technologies.

    For clarity, the two programmes deliver subtly different changes “behind the scenes” here at MHRA. The direct engagement MHRA has with members of the AI Airlock allows the findings to inform our foundational thinking for the regulation of Software and AI Medical Devices. The information and detail delivered by RADIANT is downstream of this – augmenting what tools, educational material and guidance is provided to help innovators navigate the broader regulatory landscape.

    Not to be outdone, CERSI-AI have also ramped up their productivity, coordinating key meetings between academics, clinicians and MHRA to unpick the nuances of AI regulation, now and in the future. With a clear path to sustainability and deliverables already being met, both CERSIs continue to improve and inform this rapidly developing space.

    This is part of a broader perspective at MHRA – that innovation and patient safety are not in opposition. Rather, innovation, driven by competition, delivers better products which make patients safer. Demands for patient safety, through clear documentation and proportionate regulation that provides a level playing field and secure, protective framework, create a more transparent market ensuring innovative products excel.

    In the spirit of Summer, our work alongside Health AI presents a real growth opportunity. This week we were proud to announce that we became the first country in the world to join Health AI’s new global network of health regulators focussed on the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare. As a founding pioneer nation, we will work with regulators around the world to share early warnings on safety, monitor how AI tools perform in practice, and shape international standards together – helping make AI in healthcare safer and more effective for patients around the world.

    Our work in the Digital Mental Health space continues to bear fruit. As we progress and deliver key, actionable insights through our specific guidance, we continue our engagement with experts to direct and augment our publications. If you’re attending the Royal College of Psychiatrists International Conference in Newport this week, you’ll see MHRA representatives there, eager to hear how we can enhance our work to deliver useful insights in this essential HealthTech space.

    Just as no good summer holiday is possible without a translation phrasebook, we will shortly be publishing our Good Machine Learning Practice (GMLP) guidance to ease translation between regulatory frameworks. By transparently outlining our logic, we hope that industry, users and other regulators will be reassured of our alignment with international principles in this emergent space and get insights into our thinking and processes. As we refine this piece of keystone guidance, we also continue to progress our CyberSecurity and AI development and deployment guidance and we look forward to publishing that soon.

    Beyond software, the innovative devices team moves from success to success with a clear, tangible deliverable from our accelerated Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP). Revolutionary technologies like HistoSonics’ ultrasound device, which breaks up tumours without surgery or radiation, is the sort of thing once considered science fiction. Yet, thanks to the excellent work of IDAP partners and MHRA colleagues, patients now have access to a game changing treatment for liver cancer – an example of smart, agile regulation in action.

    And, of course, no Summer would be complete without London Tech Week. It’s a genuine pleasure to see the wonders that innovators continue to create. The opportunity to exchange ideas, debate economics and regulations, and get hands-on experiences with new developments is a real privilege. Presenting our regulatory strategy alongside leaders like David Lawson from the Department of Health and Social Care and Richard Phillips from the Association of British HealthTech Industries at Australia House was an opportunity only surpassed by a chance to see the Lord Mayor of the City of London in the flesh – bedecked with full ceremonial chain and garb!

    Whether you’re out in a park turning red while trying to get a year’s supply of Vitamin D, or gritting your teeth as your laptop overheats, don’t curse the season of the sun. The MHRA are here learning, innovating and applying international best practices to maximise patient safety today and tomorrow, whatever the weather!

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Young scientists discussed innovations in energy installations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Rybinsk State Aviation Technical University named after P. A. Solovyov hosted the All-Russian scientific conference — the XXV school-seminar of academician A. I. Leontyev “Problems of gas dynamics and heat and mass transfer in power plants”. Students, postgraduates, young scientists and specialists in the field of hydrogas dynamics and thermal physics participated in it.

    The founder and director of the school until 2021 is Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Ivanovich Leontiev, a world-famous scientist, laureate of the international Global Energy Prize, who headed the National Committee of the Russian Academy of Sciences on Heat and Mass Transfer, and Honorary Doctor of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    Plenary reports were presented by leading Russian thermal physicists, colleagues and students of A. I. Leontiev, including Corresponding Members of the Russian Academy of Sciences N. A. Pribaturin, P. A. Strizhak, L. S. Yanovsky, professors L. A. Dombrovsky, S. A. Isaev, V. I. Terekhov and others.

    Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics of the Physics and Mechanical Institute Sergei Galaev gave a plenary report on “Flow and heat transfer in finned channels designed for cooling turbine blades.”

    Young researchers from SPbPU took an active part in the meetings. Associate Professor of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Engineering Elizaveta Kolesnik presented a report on “Modeling of Film Condensation Processes on a Vertical Plate by the VOF Method”. Assistant of the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy of the Institute of Power Engineering Pavel Bobylev spoke about the intensification of heat exchange during boiling on a finned surface.

    Traditionally, the event included a discussion of sectional poster presentations with the selection of the best in each section. The distinguished authors were awarded diplomas and prizes.

    Assistant of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Wind Engineering Anna Podmarkova presented a report “Analysis of the Efficiency of Ventilation with Multi-Jet Supply of Incoming Air”. Postgraduate student Vladislav Adiatullin devoted his presentation to self-oscillating modes of the flow of counter-wall jets in a rectangular cavity. Student of the Applied Mathematics and Physics program Tatyana Korskova presented a report “Numerical Study of Air Mixing in a Ventilated Space with Supply of an Incoming Jet Through an Oscillator”. Student of the Applied Mathematics and Physics program Daniil Ageyev presented a study of free air convection near a single horizontal finned tube.

    Following the results of the school-seminar, four Polytechnic students were among the section winners. Assistant of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Wind Engineering Elena Babich shared her research on the flow structure and local heat transfer during supersonic flow past a cylinder limited at the ends by parallel plates. Student of the Higher School of Applied Mathematics and Technical Electrification Sergey Knyazev spoke about a comprehensive study of heat transfer during flow past a cylinder with turbulators. Student of the Applied Mathematics and Physics program Denis Kuchiev presented a report on “Numerical modeling of turbulent free convection in a layer with volumetric heat release using LES and RANS approaches”. PhD student of the PhysMechanics Department Daria Popova devoted her presentation to modeling non-stationary processes in a cooled stage of a turbine based on the harmonic balance method.

    The conference provided a deep analysis of the current problems of the industry, including modeling of flows, heat exchange in complex systems and advanced materials. Koprino Bay on the Volga bank contributed to concentrated work. The calm atmosphere, remoteness from the bustle of the city and the availability of the necessary infrastructure created comfortable conditions for scientific work. I was pleasantly surprised that my work received a positive assessment from experts. Recognition of the relevance and significance of the study by colleagues is an important incentive for further work, – shared Denis Kuchiev.

    Read more on the website.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Early detection and action stop a measles outbreak in Cameroon


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    “I was coughing. My eyes were red, and my nose was running. My skin had rashes.” 

    7-year-old Djoubeda from Mayo-Oulo village in Cameroon’s North region was at home with her grandmother when she started showing worrying symptoms of measles. 

    A highly contagious viral infection, measles spreads easily among the unvaccinated—with young children at highest risk. It’s a serious illness that can require hospital admission, cause permanent disability, and even kill if not treated properly.  

    But thankfully help wasn’t far away. Local Cameroon Red Cross Society volunteer, Ramatou—affectionately known as Aunty Ramatou in the village—was called to come see little Djoubeda straight away. 

    Ramatou had previously received training in how to recognize and prevent disease outbreaks, and how to quickly report any unusual health events to authorities, through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).  

    “I received training on detecting diseases in the population. When I visited Djoubeda, I deduced her symptoms resembled measles and that inaction could spread it,” she explains. 

    Without hesitation, Ramatou notified local health authorities of the suspected measles case using a digital community-based surveillance tool set up through the CP3 programme, then took Djoubeda straight to the nearest health centre. 

    Within three days, tests confirmed that Djoubeda did indeed have measles. During that time, Ramatou and fellow CP3 volunteers got to work educating the community in Mayo-Oulo about measles signs and symptoms, how to prevent it from spreading, and how to report if they noticed something was wrong. 

    Upon confirmation of measles, local health authorities immediately launched a mass vaccination campaign in and around the village—calling upon Cameroon Red Cross volunteers for their support in sharing trusted health information about the vaccines and encouraging families to bring their children along to be immunized.  

    “It’s you, the Red Cross, going around to sensitize us. It’s because of people going around the village talking about vaccination that I brought him,” explains Maya Sylvie, a mother from Mayo-Oulo village who was supported by the Cameroon Red Cross to vaccinate her baby boy. 

    To achieve herd immunity against measles and prevent recurring outbreaks, at least 95% of the population must be fully vaccinated. This vaccination campaign was therefore a huge joint effort between local health authorities and Cameroon Red Cross volunteers, who mobilized as many community members as possible to bring their children for their jabs. Thankfully, since this outbreak, local health authorities haven’t recorded any further measles cases. 

    “We vaccinated nearly 500 children. What if this epidemic had not been stopped? Measles is deadly. We could have recorded a lot of deaths. After the Ministry vaccinated all the children, we have not had any more cases of measles,” explains Dr Laboulaye, Head of the Mayo-Oulo Health Centre. 

    “I want to say to the Red Cross: thank you. Thank you for your support, for all your disease prevention activities and help with the response,” she adds. 

    For Ramatou, learning the skills to quickly detect and report outbreaks in Mayo-Oulo was exactly why she wanted to volunteer in the first place: 

    “I’ve lived here for over 30 years, since I was 6 years old. I became a CP3 volunteer to help my community. As a volunteer, my motivation is to save lives, ease pain, help the sick, and prevent diseases from spreading. What pleases me is that people listen, volunteers work well, the past diseases are gone and the community values and appreciates our efforts.” 

    And as for little Djoubeda, she happily made a full recovery from measles and is grateful to Ramatou for being there for her when she was sick. 

    “I was injected and given medicine. I got better and went back home. Aunty Ramatou, who wears the uniform, does her job well,” she says. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: NBPE – May Monthly Net Asset Value Estimate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    NBPE Announces May Monthly NAV Estimate

    St Peter Port, Guernsey 27 June 2025

    NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.2bn1, FTSE 250, listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today announces its 31 May 2025 monthly NAV estimate.

    NAV Highlights (31 May 2025)

    • NAV per share was $27.24 (£20.20), a total return of (0.2%) in the month
    • Approximately 98% of fair value based on private company valuation information as of Q1 2025 or based on 31 May 2025 quoted prices
    • Based on information received, private company valuations decreased in fair value by (0.4%) during Q1 2025 on a constant currency basis
    • $285 million of available liquidity at 31 May 2025
    • ~51k shares repurchased (~$1 million) during May 2025 at a weighted average discount of 30% which was accretive to NAV by ~$0.01 per share. Year-to-date, NBPE has repurchased ~738k shares (~$14 million) at a weighted average discount of 29% which was accretive to NAV by ~$0.11 per share
    As of 31 May 2025 Year to Date One Year 3 years 5 years 10 years
    NAV TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 0.7% 2.5% 2.0%
    0.7%    		 85.8%
    13.2%    		 157.2%
    9.9%
    MSCI World TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 5.2% 14.2% 47.1%
    13.7%    		 98.7%
    14.7%    		 171.5%
    10.5%
               
    Share price TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 (7.9%) (7.2%) 7.9%
    2.6%    		 102.0%
    15.1%    		 179.4%
    10.8%
    FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 4.1% 8.6% 26.8%
    9.4%    		 69.0%
    11.1%    		 80.7%
    6.1%

    * All NBPE performance figures assume re-investment of dividends on the ex-dividend date and reflect cumulative returns over the relevant time periods shown. Three-year, five-year and ten-year annualised returns are presented for USD NAV, MSCI World (USD), GBP Share Price and FTSE All-Share (GBP) Total Returns.

    Portfolio Update to 31 May 2025

    NAV performance during the month driven by:

    • 0.6% NAV decrease ($8 million) in the value of private holdings
    • 0.6% NAV increase ($8 million) attributable to changes in prices of quoted holdings (which now constitute 6% of portfolio fair value)
    • Immaterial impact on NAV from FX changes
    • 0.2% NAV decrease ($3 million) attributable to expense accruals

    $66 million of realisations in 2025 year to date

    • $8 million of proceeds received during the month of May

    $285 million of total liquidity at 31 May 2025

    • $75 million of cash and liquid investments with $210 million of undrawn credit line available

    2025 Share Buybacks

    • ~51k shares repurchased in May 2025 at a weighted average discount of 30%; buybacks were accretive to NAV by ~$0.01 per share
    • Year-to-date, NBPE has repurchased ~738k shares at a weighted average discount of 29% which were accretive to NAV by ~$0.11 per share

    Portfolio Valuation

    The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 31 May 2025 was based on the following information:

    • 6% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 May 2025
      • 6% in public securities
    • 92% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 March 2025
      • 92% in private direct investments
    • 2% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 December 2024
      • 2% in private direct investments

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations        +44 (0) 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason        NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com  

    Kaso Legg Communications        +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    Supplementary Information (as at 31 May 2025)

    Company Name Vintage Lead Sponsor Sector Fair Value ($m) % of FV
    Action 2020 3i Consumer 83.7 6.7%
    Osaic 2019 Reverence Capital Financial Services 65.5 5.2%
    Solenis 2021 Platinum Equity Industrials 59.8 4.8%
    BeyondTrust 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT 47.7 3.8%
    Monroe Engineering 2021 AEA Investors Industrials 44.7 3.6%
    Business Services Company* 2017 Not Disclosed Business Services 40.6 3.2%
    Branded Cities Network 2017 Shamrock Capital Communications / Media 37.4 3.0%
    True Potential 2022 Cinven Financial Services 34.4 2.7%
    Mariner 2024 Leonard Green & Partners Financial Services 33.7 2.7%
    FDH Aero 2024 Audax Group Industrials 32.9 2.6%
    Marquee Brands 2014 Neuberger Berman Consumer 31.6 2.5%
    GFL (NYSE: GFL) 2018 BC Partners Business Services 30.6 2.4%
    Auctane 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT 29.1 2.3%
    Fortna 2017 THL Industrials 28.7 2.3%
    Staples 2017 Sycamore Partners Business Services 27.7 2.2%
    Viant 2018 JLL Partners Healthcare 27.3 2.2%
    Stubhub 2020 Neuberger Berman Consumer 26.4 2.1%
    Engineering 2020 NB Renaissance / Bain Capital Technology / IT 26.3 2.1%
    Agiliti 2019 THL Healthcare 25.3 2.0%
    Kroll 2020 Further Global / Stone Point Financial Services 25.0 2.0%
    Benecon 2024 TA Associates Healthcare 24.7 2.0%
    Solace Systems 2016 Bridge Growth Partners Technology / IT 24.6 2.0%
    Excelitas 2022 AEA Investors Industrials 24.1 1.9%
    Exact 2019 KKR Technology / IT 23.2 1.9%
    CH Guenther 2021 Pritzker Private Capital Consumer 21.2 1.7%
    Addison Group 2021 Trilantic Capital Partners Business Services 19.9 1.6%
    Constellation Automotive 2019 TDR Capital Business Services 19.5 1.6%
    Bylight 2017 Sagewind Partners Technology / IT 19.1 1.5%
    Tendam 2017 PAI Consumer 19.0 1.5%
    Real Page 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT 18.8 1.5%
    Total Top 30 Investments                             $972.5 77.5%

    *Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

    Geography % of Portfolio
    North America 77%
    Europe 22%
    Asia / Rest of World 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Industry % of Portfolio
    Tech, Media & Telecom 22%
    Consumer / E-commerce 22%
    Industrials / Industrial Technology 17%
    Financial Services 14%
    Business Services 11%
    Healthcare 9%
    Other 4%
    Energy 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Vintage Year % of Portfolio
    2016 & Earlier 10%
    2017 16%
    2018 14%
    2019 14%
    2020 13%
    2021 18%
    2022 5%
    2023 2%
    2024 8%
    Total Portfolio 100%

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman
    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $515 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of March 31, 2025.

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    1Based on net asset value.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Unites to Take Stock of Disease Burden and Financial Needs towards Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD)s Elimination by 2030


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    Fifty African Union Member States have endorsed a ground-breaking digital micro-planning portal co-created by Africa CDC to accelerate the elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases — a diverse group of infectious diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in tropical and subtropical areas.

    This innovative platform developed with inputs from Member States, World Health Organization (WHO), END Fund, and other technical partners will track resource utilisation, advocate for sustainable financing and domestic resource mobilisation, and drive Africa-owned solutions to end these diseases of poverty by 2030.

    Each Member State shared a country-specific micro-plan for the top six high-burden NTDs guided by existing national Masterplans. This continental NTD microplanning workshop, held from 17 to 20 June occurred in the context of the recent reduction in funding from key global partners, which has disrupted essential NTD programmes and exposed the vulnerabilities in current financing models.

    “Public health efforts across Africa are under threat, funding is among the challenges, noting that this makes the continued engagement and energy around NTD elimination even more commendable,” said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Africa CDC Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research.

    Dr Dereje Duguma Gemeda, Ethiopian State Minister for Health said the workshop will help countries have a practical and data driven NTDs plan that will improve efforts to accelerate elimination efforts.

    Currently, “The African Region is endemic for 20 of the 21-priority neglected tropical diseases; affecting over 565 million people and comprising 35 per cent of the global disease burden,” said Dr Ibrahima Soce Fall – Global NTD Director at the WHO. These diseases lead to significant morbidity, including physical and visual impairments, severe malnutrition, chronic pain, disfigurement, stigma and mental health issues, and death,” he said.

    Common NTDs include Intestinal worms, lymphatic filariasis, river blindness, Schistosomiasis, trachoma, and Visceral leishmaniasis. This new approach of micro-planning is designed to drive integrated country and regional planning, streamline resource mobilisation, and enhance budget efficiency—minimising duplication and maximising impact—to accelerate the elimination of NTDs.

    “This situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable, country-owned solutions that leverage existing national capacities, optimize domestic resources, and identify key areas requiring targeted external investment,” said Dr Tajudeen.Member states and partners over the 4 days immersed opportunity for cross country experience sharing and planning are keen to find a financial solution for integrated multi-sectoral NTD elimination.

    “We stand at a critical juncture, not just for NTD elimination, but for rethinking health financing in Africa. Traditional reliance on foreign aid has demonstrated its limits. It’s time for collaborative, country-led financing strategies that harness catalytic opportunities from residual foreign assistance while boosting efficiency in programming and domestic resource mobilization,” said Dr Solomon Zewdu, CEO, The END fund.

    “This approach will drive the needed long-term sustainability and resilience. The END Fund is committed to being a trusted partner in this transformation, supporting governments and partners in developing co-financing models that deliver results and leave no community behind,” said Dr Zewdu.

    The meeting ensured countries have a comprehensive and costed country, and regional specific microplan for NTDs, identified country-specific technical assistance needs and detailed existing resources and partners within each member state to enhance collaboration and resource sharing.

    “The elimination of NTDs is more than a public health objective: it is a lever for development and a decisive step towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” said Professor Julio Rakotonirina, Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs, African Union Commission. “The development of the micro-plan is only the first step. Success will lie in national ownership, resource mobilization, and, above all, operationalization on the ground.”Africa CDC, The END Fund and partners solidified their partnership with the micro-planning platform to accelerate ending NTD’s by 2030.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola responds strongly to the polio virus emergence


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    In response to a recent polio outbreak in Benguela province, Angola has launched a polio vaccination campaign. The campaign aims to protect over half a million children and reaffirm the country’s commitment to eradicating disease.

    During the launch ceremony, Dr Fekadu Lemma, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) coordinator in Angola, said, “This campaign is an act of protection, solidarity, and hope for Angola’s future. Polio is not only an invisible threat, but it can also cause permanent physical damage, such as paralysis.”

    Despite significant progress since the interruption of the wild poliovirus in 2011 and Angola being certified polio-free in 2015, the country now faces a new challenge. The outbreak has resulted in 13 confirmed poliovirus cases in Benguela, Cubal, Dombe Grande, and Bocoio municipalities.

    In response, the Ministry of Health, supported by the WHO and GPEI partners, is conducting an intensive door-to-door vaccination campaign from 27 to 29 June. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 554,000 children under the age of five.

    Dr Cátia Katchiuko, the deputy governor for economic and social affairs of Benguela province, reinforced the government’s commitment: “This campaign is a clear demonstration of our dedication to the health and well-being of our children. With the support of our partners, we have made great progress, but we know that the mission is not yet complete. Eradicating polio is a collective struggle — and we are all in this together.”

    In accordance with the GPEI, the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined five strategic steps to ensure the successful eradication of polio in the country. These steps include: a) Strengthening routine immunization, with a focus on children who have not received any doses; b) Conducting high-quality campaigns with independent monitoring and rapid corrections; (c) Strengthening polio surveillance, including surveillance of acute flaccid paralysis and environmental surveillance; (d) Increasing community involvement by engaging local, religious and traditional leaders; and (e) Ensuring the sustainability of actions by integrating lessons learned from polio into other public health programmes.

    The vaccination campaign in Benguela province is part of this approach, given the province’s importance in the context of the polio outbreak, which poses the highest risk of spreading at national and international levels. This is especially pertinent given the province’s population density, history of poliovirus circulation, and its role as a logistics hub for other provinces.

    Around 5,000 people, including health professionals and community volunteers, have been mobilized for the current polio vaccination campaign, with an investment of approximately $3.6 million, mainly funded by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative through WHO and UNICEF.

    The WHO Representative in Angola, Dr Indrajit Hazarika, concluded: “As a father, I know that vaccinating a child is an act of love. It guarantees them a fundamental right and opens the door to a healthier and more promising future.”

    “Polio does not respect borders, but neither should our determination. Every child vaccinated brings us closer to a polio-free future. Eradicating polio is possible, but only if all levels of government, partners, and communities work together. We cannot stop now. Our generation will be remembered for having the courage to complete this mission.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Angola.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Pat Heung

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Pat Heung in the small hours today (June 27) in which a man  died.

    At about 2.10am, a taxi driven by a 63-year-old man was travelling along Fan Kam Road towards Sheung Shui, while a private car driven by a 54-year-old man was travelling along Fan Kam Road towards Yuen Long. When reaching the vicinity of Wang Toi Shan Chuk Hang Chuen, the two vehicles reportedly collided head-on.

        The taxi driver and two male passengers, aged 41 and 43 respectively, were trapped inside the taxi and rescued by firemen. The 41-year-old male passenger sustained serious injuries and was rushed to North District Hospital in unconscious state, and was certified dead at 3.02am.

         The taxi driver sustained serious injuries to his chest and limbs and was sent to Prince of Wales Hospital in conscious state; the 43-year-old male taxi passenger sustained injuries to his head and hand and was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital in conscious state; while the private car driver sustained injuries to his waist and was sent to North District Hospital in conscious state.

         Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is under way.

         Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3857.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Experts from the capital’s consumer portal gave recommendations for online shopping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Online shopping has become an integral part of city residents’ lives. It can be done at any time of the day, it allows you to save time on going to the store, and also choose goods from a wider range and often at lower prices than in retail outlets. But despite the obvious advantages of distance selling, it also has disadvantages – often purchases are not delivered on time, and the quality of the purchased goods does not meet expectations. Experts capital consumer portalgave simple recommendations on what to pay attention to when shopping online, how to defend your rights and avoid falling for the tricks of scammers.

    “When choosing and paying for food, clothing, footwear or medicines on the websites of stores and marketplaces, a number of features should be taken into account. They are described in detail in the materials of the capital’s consumer portal. Step-by-step instructions are also published here to help return goods and protect consumer rights in the event of disputes. For the convenience of city residents, all thematic materials are collected in the “Remote Selling” section. In addition, you can quickly find the expert’s advice you need by entering a query in the search bar,” the press service of the capital said.

    Department of Information Technology.

    What You Need to Know About Online Trading

    The main feature of distance selling is that the buyer cannot examine the product in person before purchasing it. Therefore, the seller is obliged to provide information about its main consumer properties on their website, by phone or in other information materials (catalogs, brochures, photographs, etc.). In addition, the buyer must know the form and methods of filing claims, the procedure and terms for returning the product. You can read more about the nuances of online trading in of this publication.

    It happens that the delivered item does not look the same in reality as in the catalog on the store’s website or on the product card of the marketplace, or does not fit in color, appearance or size. This may apply to both shoes and clothes, as well as household goods. In this case, the consumer has the right to return a product of proper quality within seven days of receipt. It is important that the item retains its presentation and consumer properties. In this case, the seller may retain the costs of return shipping. And if the buyer receives a defective product, the seller is obliged to bear the costs of its transportation. Experts spoke about other details of the purchase return procedure in in this material.

    You can buy not only things online, but also over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements (DS). However, buying these products requires a particularly careful approach to avoid possible risks. Thus, it is important to remember that the sale of drugs via the Internet is carried out by pharmacies that have had a license for at least one year and have the appropriate permission from the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare. Individual entrepreneurs do not have the right to sell drugs online.

    When receiving medications, it is worth examining the packaging, checking its integrity and the presence of markings. And in order to safely purchase dietary supplements online, you need to make sure that the product has a state registration certificate. You can check this on the Rospotrebnadzor website in the section “Register of State Registration Certificates”. What else is important to pay attention to when buying medicines and dietary supplements online is explained in this expert article, and also in thematic video.

    How to protect your rights when shopping online

    You can encounter fraud and dishonesty of sellers in online trading on resources for posting ads. Experts advise using a simple algorithm of actions to protect yourself and your funds when ordering goods through marketplaces. For example, you should not communicate with the seller outside the trading platform via instant messengers, and you must pay for goods or services only through the payment services offered by the selected Internet platform. To protect the consumer from financial losses, funds are blocked until the purchase is received. The trading platform sends them to the seller only when the customer receives the order.

    If after paying for the goods there are controversial situations with the seller, which he refuses to resolve by oral appeal, the consumer has the right to make a written claim. The procedure in such a case is described in the article “Pre-trial procedure for resolving disputes on consumer rights protection issues”. You can file a claim using ready templateon the portal.

    Consumer portal was created in 2022 by the Moscow Government and the Moscow Office of Rospotrebnadzor. The resource contains more than 230 materials: articles, instructions, memos, webinars, and expert interviews. In addition to practical recommendations from experts, the publications contain the names of relevant regulations that can be relied on when communicating with legal entities or individual entrepreneurs to protect consumer rights.

    You can also get advice on consumer rights protection issues by calling the 24-hour hotline of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the city of Moscow: 7 495 539-36-96.

    The creation and support of information security tools, as well as counteracting cyber fraud, are in line with the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155904073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025 [Image 4 of 8]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 26, 2025) U.S. Navy Cmdr. Christina Carter, center, and Lt. William Douthitt, right, both deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), lead a tabletop training exercise with local nurses of Vaiola Hospital during PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.26.2025
    Date Posted: 06.26.2025 18:43
    Photo ID: 9134608
    VIRIN: 250626-N-ED646-1040
    Resolution: 8468×5645
    Size: 10.29 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
    Web Views: 7
    Downloads: 1

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025 [Image 1 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 26, 2025) U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Sung Jik Park, left, Environmental Health Officer with Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), trains local public health officials in the quality testing of public water sources during PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.26.2025
    Date Posted: 06.26.2025 23:46
    Photo ID: 9135016
    VIRIN: 250626-N-ED646-2069
    Resolution: 8640×5760
    Size: 11.72 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025 [Image 2 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga (June 26, 2025) U.S. Public Health Service Lt. Sung Jik Park, left, Environmental Health Officer with Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25), trains local public health officials in the quality testing of public water sources during PP-25 in Nuku’Alofa, Tonga, June 26, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 06.26.2025
    Date Posted: 06.26.2025 23:46
    Photo ID: 9135017
    VIRIN: 250626-N-ED646-7867
    Resolution: 8485×5661
    Size: 12.29 MB
    Location: NUKU’ALOFA, TO
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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Case Note 322794 [2025] NZ Priv Cmr 1 – Individual complains that government agency sent their health information to an incorrect address

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    Background

    In 2021, a government agency mailed a client’s health information to the wrong address. The agency had the correct street but had misidentified the house number. 

    The agency had the incorrect address in its systems as the verified address for the client, because a staff member had misheard the street number they said and verified the incorrect address in the agency’s systems. The agency said it had taken steps to verify the address, and so it did not consider it had made a mistake.

    The client was not satisfied with this response and complained to the agency. Further enquiries showed that the agency had the client’s correct address details at the time the information was sent to the wrong address but had not updated their file.

    The client asked for compensation, but the agency said it did not consider the breach had caused significant emotional harm, because the information that had been sent was “relatively generic.”

    However, the client said that their previous experiences meant that the harm of the information being sent to the wrong address was greater for them than it might have been for someone else. The client lodged an application for review of the agency’s decision. The agency was directed by the reviewer to obtain an external opinion on the emotional harm suffered by the client. This independent opinion said the breach had caused significant emotional harm and had exacerbated the client’s pre-existing conditions. Following this, the agency made a compensation offer to the client, however it miscommunicated how long the client had to consider and accept the offer. The client had lost trust in the agency by this point and was not willing to negotiate with the agency directly. 

    The client asked our Office to assist, advising that they would like to meet with the agency to discuss how the privacy breach had impacted them and to further attempt to resolve the complaint.

    The Rules Applying to this case

    This complaint raised issues under rules 5 and 8 of the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (the Code).

    Rule 5 requires agencies that hold health information to ensure that the information is protected by reasonable safeguards to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorised disclosure.  

    Rule 8 requires agencies to take reasonable steps to ensure that information is accurate, up to date, complete, relevant and not misleading before using or disclosing that information.

    OPC’s approach

    This was a case where the agency accepted it had breached its client’s privacy, but it didn’t fully understand the harm the breach had caused the client. Further, the relationship between the agency and its client had broken down, such that they weren’t able to resolve the matter between them directly. 

    We focus on resolving complaints where possible, and instead of investigating we decided to explore a settlement under section 77 of the Privacy Act. 

    Section 77 provides for the Commissioner to use best endeavours to settle the complaint without an investigation. An investigation may or may not follow if the Commissioner is unable to secure a settlement. 

    We facilitated a conciliation meeting between the agency, the client and the client’s psychologist, who attended as the client’s support person, and was able to help the client articulate the harm the privacy breach had caused them. It was clear that the breach had exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions and caused a significant impact on the emotional state and the life of the client.

    At the meeting, the agency did a good job of hearing the complainant’s concerns. Its representatives provided the client with a heartfelt apology. The client thanked the representatives and said it was the first time that they felt the agency had listened and understood how they felt. The conciliation meeting ended with both parties agreeing to settle the matter. 

    As part of this resolution, the agency agreed to pay financial compensation, which was more than twice the amount offered previously. The agency also agreed to pay for ongoing psychological treatment to help the client to recover from the interference with their privacy.

    The matter was settled, and we closed our file. 

    Commentary

    When agencies are considering whether harm has been suffered by a complainant, it is essential that it seeks to understand the actual impact on the client, not what they think the impact should be without having lived that individual’s life experiences. What might not affect one person, can have a significant impact on another. 

    Additionally, it is critical that agencies take responsibility for errors from the outset and put things right early. In this instance, the complaint could have been resolved far earlier if the agency had accepted what had gone wrong earlier, and if it had considered the information it already had, in the form of the independent opinion about the harm the client had experienced. 

    Instead, the agency’s management of the breach and the subsequent complaint led to a further breakdown in the relationship between the parties, and this meant the matter wasn’t able to be resolved without our Office’s assistance. However, when the parties came to the conciliation with a genuine desire to hear the other and with an intention to resolve the matter and move forward, we were able to facilitate a conversation that allowed that to happen, and both sides to get closure.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: TOMORROW: Governor Newsom to respond to Trump’s Big Ugly Bill, outline devastating hit to Californians’ health care

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 26, 2025

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom will join state healthcare and social service officials to host a virtual press conference in response to Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which threatens to eliminate coverage for up to 3.4 million Californians and cut at least $28.4 billion in Medicaid funding to California.

    WHEN: Friday, June 27 at approximately 1:15 p.m.

    WHO: 

    • Governor Gavin Newsom
    • Secretary Kim Johnson, California Health and Human Services Agency
    • Director Michelle Baass, California Department of Health Care Services
       

    LIVESTREAM: Governor’s Twitter page, Governor’s Facebook page, and the Governor’s YouTube page. This event will also be available to TV stations on the LiveU Matrix under “California Governor.”

    NOTE: Credentialed media interested in asking a question during the virtual press conference must RSVP by clicking here no later than 12:30 p.m., June 27. 

    Media advisories, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Kira Younger, of Fair Oaks, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Finance and Accounting Division at the California Department of Social Services. Younger has…

    Jun 26, 2025

    News What you need to know: La Passeggiata on Lindsey Street in Stockton is the latest site to be transformed from excess, underutilized state land into affordable housing under Governor Newsom’s executive order. STOCKTON — Today, state leaders broke ground on a new…

    Jun 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: There are many disingenuous claims swirling about California gas prices “set to soar” – the truth is that gas prices won’t come anywhere close to increasing by 65 cents, as many would have you believe.   SACRAMENTO – California gas prices…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lack of essentials in Gaza leads to increase in preventable diseases: UN

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

    Palestinians gather to receive food aid at a food assistance distribution point in Gaza City, on June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    UN humanitarians said Thursday that its partners delivering health aid in Gaza reported a spike in preventable diseases linked to a lack of clean water, sanitation and fuel.

    The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that in the last two weeks, more than 19,000 cases of acute watery diarrhea were recorded, alongside more than 200 cases each of acute jaundice syndrome and bloody diarrhea.

    “These outbreaks are directly linked to the lack of clean water and sanitation in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for fuel, medical supplies, and water, sanitation and hygiene items to prevent further collapse of the public health system,” the humanitarians said.

    Palestinians collect items in the rubble of a destroyed building after an Israeli airstrike at the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, on June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The partners also reported yet another mass casualty incident for Al Aqsa Hospital following an airstrike in Deir al-Balah.

    They said the hospital received more than 20 people killed and 70 others injured. Additional wounded patients had to be transferred to Nasser Medical Complex and two other health facilities.

    “Civilians in Gaza continue to be killed or injured daily, whether in Israeli airstrikes, shelling, or while trying to find food for their families,” said OCHA. “These tragic events must not be normalized and must come to an immediate end.”

    On a more positive note, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported delivering its first medical shipment into Gaza since March 2, when Israel imposed a full blockade on the strip. Nine trucks carrying essential medical supplies, 2,000 units of blood, and 1,500 units of plasma were transported from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing.

    Palestinians carry aid they received from trucks that entered the northern Gaza Strip, at a street north of Gaza City, on June 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The WHO said the supplies were being distributed to priority hospitals. The blood and plasma were delivered to the cold storage facility at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, to be distributed to hospitals facing critical shortages amid a growing influx of injuries, many linked to incidents at the non-UN, militarized food distribution sites run by the United States.

    The WHO said the shipment of the badly needed medical supplies is only a drop in the ocean.

    OCHA said that to meet humanitarian needs and help reduce looting, it is essential to increase the flow of humanitarian and essential commercial goods into Gaza through multiple crossings and routes and facilitate their safe distribution across the strip.

    The office said that on Wednesday, six out of 17 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza were rejected outright by the Israeli authorities. The planned UN missions included trucking water and repairing roads. Nine other coordination attempts, including the removal of solid waste and collection of cargo from the crossings, were facilitated by the Israeli authorities. Two additional attempts were not made.

    “The continued restrictions on humanitarian access are severely undermining life-saving operations,” the office said.

    People carry the bodies of three Palestinians killed in an Israeli settler attack in the town of Kafr Malik east of Ramallah, central West Bank, on June 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    OCHA said it is gravely concerned about escalating violence and Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.

    The office said it documented an attack where three Palestinians were killed and several others injured when hundreds of settlers, some armed and accompanied by Israeli forces, raided the village of Kafr Malik and set fire to occupied homes on Wednesday. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics in the Ramallah governorate reported that Kafr Malik has a population exceeding 3,000.

    OCHA said that in another attack on Wednesday, about 20 settlers set fire to farmland in Asira al Qibliya village in Nablus governorate.

    “Civilians continue to bear the brunt of this prolonged Israeli occupation,” the office said of violence in Gaza and the West Bank. “OCHA reiterates its call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, full respect for international law, and unfettered humanitarian access.”

    MIL OSI China News –