NewzIntel.com

Category: Pandemic

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces Dennis King as Canada’s next Ambassador to Ireland

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Dennis King has been appointed as Canada’s next Ambassador to Ireland.

    Mr. King is a proud Islander with a proven track record of public service. As Premier of Prince Edward Island, he helped drive progress on key priorities such as health care, education, economic development, and job creation. He also navigated the province through significant challenges, including natural disasters and the COVID‑19 pandemic.

    Canada and Ireland are close friends and partners. As Ambassador, Mr. King will advance our shared priorities, including strengthening transatlantic security, growing our economies, reducing emissions, expanding trade and investment, and building a better future for people on both sides of the Atlantic.

    Quote

    “I congratulate Dennis King on his appointment as Canada’s Ambassador to Ireland. With his years of experience in public service, including as the Premier of Prince Edward Island, I am confident that he will serve Canada well and make the strong partnership between our two countries even stronger.”

    Quick Facts

    • Canada is represented in Ireland by an embassy in Dublin. In Canada, Ireland is represented by an embassy in Ottawa and consulates in Vancouver and Toronto.
    • Over 4.4 million Canadians, or 12 per cent of the population, claim at least partial Irish ancestry, making Irish the third-largest ethnic group in Canada.

    Biographical Note

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dr Penelope Dash confirmed as new Chair of NHS England 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Dr Penelope Dash confirmed as new Chair of NHS England 

    Dr Penelope Dash has been appointed by the government as the next chair of NHS England

    Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, has today confirmed Dr Penny Dash will be the new Chair of NHS England.

    Dr Dash is currently the Chair of the NHS North-West London Integrated Care Board and is leading a major review into the regulation of health and social care quality in England. Her interim report, published last year, shone a light on the scale of the failure at the Care Quality Commission, and sparked the appointment of new leadership to turn around the health and care regulator.

    A former NHS doctor, senior partner at McKinsey and Company working on healthcare globally, and Head of Strategy at the Department of Health and Social Care, Dr Dash has a wealth of experience in the public, private and government sectors.  

    As Chair of NHS England, she will be drawing on her vast knowledge in these fields to focus on rebuilding the NHS as part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan. 

    She was selected following an open public appointment process to appoint a successor to Richard Meddings, who is due to step down next month.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 

    I am delighted to confirm Dr Penny Dash as the new Chair of NHS England. She is a radical reformer, with the skills and experience we need to help fix our broken NHS and make it fit for the future.

    I look forward to working with her as we continue to tackle the waiting list backlog, unleash innovation in health services, and support our healthcare staff to deliver the timely care patients deserve.

    I would also like to thank Richard Meddings for his dedicated service, helping to guide the NHS through the aftermath of the pandemic.

    Dr Penny Dash said: 

    I am honoured to have been appointed the new Chair of NHS England. 

    I am excited to start working with my NHS colleagues and the government to accelerate the process of renewal and rebuilding to make sure the NHS continues to serve the needs of its communities and its staff.

    The 10 Year Health Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the NHS to take on the challenges of the future and I look forward to playing my part.

    Dr Dash was confirmed as the government’s preferred candidate in February. The Secretary of State took the final decision following a hearing with the Health and Social Care Committee on 26 February 2025.

    This appointment is a four-year term and begins 1 April 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Occidental Announces Offer to Exercise Warrants at a Temporarily Reduced Price

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Occidental (NYSE: OXY) today announced an offer to exercise its outstanding publicly traded warrants (the “Warrants”) at a temporarily reduced price (the “Offer”).

    The Offer is available to holders of the Warrants, each representing the right to purchase one share of Occidental’s common stock, $0.20 par value per share, at an exercise price of $22.00. The Warrants were initially distributed by Occidental on August 3, 2020 in the form of a dividend to the holders of record of Occidental’s common stock as of July 6, 2020 and are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OXY WS”. Warrant holders (the “Holders”) have the opportunity to exercise each of their Warrants at a temporarily reduced exercise price of $21.30. There is no minimum participation requirement with respect to the Offer.

    The Offer is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Exercise Warrants to Purchase Common Stock of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, dated March 3, 2025 (the “Offer to Exercise”), filed as an exhibit to Occidental’s Schedule TO filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

    To participate in the Offer and exercise the Warrants at the temporarily reduced exercise price, Holders must elect to participate prior to the expiration of the Offer at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 31, 2025, which may be extended by Occidental in its sole discretion (the “Expiration Date”), and must deliver payment and the required documentation in accordance with the Offer to Exercise prior to the Expiration Date. Holders who elect to participate in the Offer and do not withdraw their validly tendered Warrants will receive the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants promptly after the Expiration Date. Any Holder that tenders Warrants prior to the Expiration Date but changes their mind may withdraw their tender of Warrants at any time prior to the Expiration Date. 

    The purpose of the Offer is to encourage the exercise of the Warrants by temporarily reducing the exercise price. If all of the outstanding Warrants are exercised at the temporarily reduced exercise price, Occidental would receive gross proceeds of approximately $1.6 billion. Occidental intends to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include the redemption or repayment of certain of its outstanding indebtedness.

    For additional information or assistance, please contact D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is acting as Information Agent for the Offer, at:

    D.F. King & Co., Inc.
    48 Wall St, 22nd Floor
    New York, NY 10005
    Toll-Free: (888) 628-8208
    Email: OXY@dfking.com

    Additional Information

    The discussion of the Offer contained in this press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. Holders should read the Schedule TO filed with the SEC and the exhibits attached thereto carefully because they contain important information, including the various terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Exercise. The Schedule TO, including the Offer to Exercise and other related materials, will also be available to Holders at no charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or from D.F. King & Co., Inc., Occidental’s Information Agent for the Offer. Holders are urged to read those materials carefully prior to making any decisions with respect to the Offer.

    Occidental has filed with the SEC a registration statement that includes a prospectus (as supplemented by a prospectus supplement, the “Prospectus”) relating to the offering of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants, and has further filed with the SEC a prospectus supplement relating to such registration statement and Prospectus in respect of the exercise of the Warrants at the reduced exercise price. Copies of the Prospectus, as further supplemented by the prospectus supplement, may be obtained from the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, or by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the common stock, nor shall there be any sale of the common stock in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Occidental

    Occidental is an international energy company with assets primarily in the United States, the Middle East and North Africa. We are one of the largest oil and gas producers in the U.S., including a leading producer in the Permian and DJ basins, and offshore Gulf of America. Our midstream and marketing segment provides flow assurance and maximizes the value of our oil and gas, and includes our Oxy Low Carbon Ventures subsidiary, which is advancing leading-edge technologies and business solutions that economically grow our business while reducing emissions. Our chemical subsidiary OxyChem manufactures the building blocks for life-enhancing products. We are dedicated to using our global leadership in carbon management to advance a lower-carbon world.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Occidental’s expectations, beliefs, plans or forecasts. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to: any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items or future financial position or sources of financing; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations or business strategy; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “might,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “aim,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “commit,” “advance,” “likely” or similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes are generally indicative of forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release unless an earlier date is specified. Unless legally required, Occidental does not undertake any obligation to update, modify or withdraw any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual outcomes or results may differ from anticipated results, sometimes materially. Factors that could cause results to differ from those projected or assumed in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, including slowdowns and recessions, domestically or internationally; Occidental’s indebtedness and other payment obligations, including the need to generate sufficient cash flows to fund operations; Occidental’s ability to successfully monetize select assets and repay or refinance debt and the impact of changes in Occidental’s credit ratings or future increases in interest rates; assumptions about energy markets; global and local commodity and commodity-futures pricing fluctuations and volatility; supply and demand considerations for, and the prices of, Occidental’s products and services; actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC oil producing countries; results from operations and competitive conditions; future impairments of Occidental’s proved and unproved oil and gas properties or equity investments, or write-downs of productive assets, causing charges to earnings; unexpected changes in costs; inflation, its impact on markets and economic activity and related monetary policy actions by governments in response to inflation; availability of capital resources, levels of capital expenditures and contractual obligations; the regulatory approval environment, including Occidental’s ability to timely obtain or maintain permits or other government approvals, including those necessary for drilling and/or development projects; Occidental’s ability to successfully complete, or any material delay of, field developments, expansion projects, capital expenditures, efficiency projects, acquisitions or divestitures; risks associated with acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures, such as difficulties integrating businesses, uncertainty associated with financial projections or projected synergies, restructuring, increased costs and adverse tax consequences; uncertainties and liabilities associated with acquired and divested properties and businesses; uncertainties about the estimated quantities of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves; lower-than-expected production from development projects or acquisitions; Occidental’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits from prior or future streamlining actions to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes and improve Occidental’s competitiveness; exploration, drilling and other operational risks; disruptions to, capacity constraints in, or other limitations on the pipeline systems that deliver Occidental’s oil and natural gas and other processing and transportation considerations; volatility in the securities, capital or credit markets, including capital market disruptions and instability of financial institutions; government actions (including geopolitical, trade, tariff and regulatory uncertainties), war (including the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East) and political conditions and events; health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks, costs and liability under existing or future federal, regional, state, provincial, tribal, local and international HSE laws, regulations and litigation (including related to climate change or remedial actions or assessments); legislative or regulatory changes, including changes relating to hydraulic fracturing or other oil and natural gas operations, retroactive royalty or production tax regimes, and deep-water and onshore drilling and permitting regulations; Occidental’s ability to recognize intended benefits from its business strategies and initiatives, such as Occidental’s low-carbon ventures businesses or announced greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets or net-zero goals; potential liability resulting from pending or future litigation, government investigations and other proceedings; disruption or interruption of production or manufacturing or facility damage due to accidents, chemical releases, labor unrest, weather, power outages, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, terrorist acts or insurgent activity; the scope and duration of global or regional health pandemics or epidemics, and actions taken by government authorities and other third parties in connection therewith; the creditworthiness and performance of Occidental’s counterparties, including financial institutions, operating partners and other parties; failure of risk management; Occidental’s ability to retain and hire key personnel; supply, transportation and labor constraints; reorganization or restructuring of Occidental’s operations; changes in state, federal or international tax rates; and actions by third parties that are beyond Occidental’s control.

    Additional information concerning these and other factors that may cause Occidental’s results of operations and financial position to differ from expectations can be found in Occidental’s filings with the SEC, including Occidental’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.

    Contacts

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Calling: The Results Are In

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Ground-breaking research has found that hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 delivered a £54million economic boost to the Liverpool City Region. 

    In a first for any Eurovision Song Contest host city, a Multi-Agency Evaluation Steering Group led by Liverpool City Council, has commissioned five in-depth, independent evaluations – the interim results of which will be announced today (Thursday 26 October) by Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson and Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram.

    The reports looked at the economic and social impact of staging the event on behalf of Ukraine, as well as the influence on cultural relations; the impact on wellbeing in the city and the wider city region; the visitor experience and the effectiveness of the strategic collaboration between delivery agencies. 

    Key data highlights include:

    The Big Numbers

    • Eurovision boosted the Liverpool City Region economy by £54.8million (net) with restaurants, accommodation providers, shops, bars and transport networks all benefitting.
    • In total 473,000 people attended Eurovision events in the city, with 306,000 additional visitors heading to Liverpool to be part of the celebrations.
    • In May, 175,000 city centre hotel rooms were sold  – the best month on record since 2018. (STEAM data)   

    Culture Counts

    • The education and community programmes, EuroStreet and EuroLearn, engaged with 367 organisations and directly with 50,000 people, young and old. The overall programme is estimated to have reached 2 million people.
    • EuroFestival – the Culture Liverpool curated two-week culture festival – presented 24 brand new commissions, 19 of which were in collaboration with Ukrainian artists. A huge 328,346 people engaged with this programme – 557 artists, 1,750 participants involved in a commission and an audience number of 326,039.
    • The official Eurovision Village, located at the Pier Head attracted 250,000 visitors across the ten days it was open, with the ticketed final selling out within hours.

    Visitor’s Views

    • Visitors to Liverpool reported an overwhelmingly positive experience. In a survey, 89 per cent of those questioned, felt it was a safe event and 88 per cent praised its inclusivity. A whopping 96 per cent of those surveyed would recommend Liverpool as a destination to visit and 42 per cent of overseas visitors said the city’s staging of the event had a positive impact on how they viewed the UK.
    • The official Eurovision Fan Club – the OGAEs – carried out a survey and found that 99 per cent of their members felt welcomed in the city and 98 per cent loved the undeniable festival atmosphere.

    Resident’s Reaction

    • There was a huge amount of pride around Liverpool being the host city, with 80 per cent of residents noting how important it was for Liverpool and a further 93 per cent saying they were pleased with how the city delivered the event.
    • Of those questioned, 74 per cent were enthusiastic about Liverpool hosting on behalf of Ukraine and 71 per cent felt that the city’s leading role promoted positive feelings across all of the participating nations.

    People Power

    • An impressive 475 people provided 12,000 hours of volunteering, covering 350 shifts. The majority (90 per cent) were from the North West of England, and 30 were Ukrainian.
    • A Eurovision job recruitment fair saw 394 jobs offered in one day.
    • A partnership between the BBC and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts saw 145 students become part of the Eurovision production – in roles such as on stage dancers in the live shows, costume makers or in the TV production team.

    Read all about it

    • Between the period of October 2022, when Liverpool was announced as host city, until end of May 2023, more than 280,000 pieces of global news coverage were generated.
    • The three live BBC shows were watched by 162 million people.

    Keep Liverpool Tidy

    • More than 50,000 tonnes of waste was collected throughout the Eurovision period, 80 per cent of which could be recycled.

    The independent reports were:

    • Economic Impact – Commissioned by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council. The research was compiled by AMION Consulting.
    • Community and Wellbeing – Commissioned by Liverpool City Council and funded by Spirit of 2012 and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The research was carried out by University of Liverpool.
    • Cultural Diplomacy – Commissioned by Liverpool City Council and funded by British Council and DCMS. The British Council led on the research along with the University of Hull, and consultants from Universities of Brighton, Southampton and Royal Holloway (University of London).
    • Nightlife – Funded and compiled by Liverpool John Moores University.
    • Multi–Agency Working – Led by Edge Hill University.  

    Along with these reports, the BBC has commissioned its own Eurovision Highlights Report.

    To bring together the findings of the reports, Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team commissioned The Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place to compile the headline findings. This comprehensive overview can be found at the Heseltine Institute website. 

    The interim findings of these reports will be discussed at a special one-day Eurovision event taking place at ACC Liverpool today (Thursday 26 October).

    Head to the official Liverpool Calling website for full details of the day which will include panels with the Liverpool Host City team who will give an insight into the complexities of staging an event of this scale. This is a Liverpool City Council event supported by the Liverpool BID Company and The ACC Liverpool Group.

    Follow @CultureLpool on Twitter, @CultureLiverpool on Facebook and @culture_liverpool on Instagram for the latest updates as well as using #LiverpoolCalling on social media.

    Reaction

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said:

    “The whirlwind that was Eurovision, gave this city an unparalleled stage where it could showcase not just its organisational prowess, but also its heart and soul.

    “From the outset, we put plans in place to evaluate everything we programmed in order to have a thorough understanding of the impact of major events.

    “The visitor and economic figures speak for themselves – jobs were created, local businesses were on the receiving end of a much-needed boost and hundreds of thousands of people came to the city, had a great time and are more than likely to return again.

    “My mantra is proud but never satisfied. These comprehensive reports give us the opportunity to reflect on what was achieved over an incredibly short period of time, but more importantly we can look at lessons learnt for the next time we host a major event. And this is Liverpool, so there will definitely be a next time.

    “Knowing the financials and the visitor numbers is always a great indicator of success, but with Eurovision we wanted to do more. As the first host city ever to introduce a school and community programme dedicated to Eurovision, we needed to drill into what that really meant for people – did it make a positive difference to their lives and as a result to our city? Never before has any other location commissioned such a detailed analysis, and it goes without saying that our methodology can be adopted by locations across the world which is a real badge of honour for Liverpool.

    “This collective research proves that events like Eurovision can transcend boundaries, leaving a legacy of inspiration and goodwill. It was a milestone moment in our city’s history, and now we’re more than ready for the next one.”

    Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
    “There was never a doubt in my mind as to whether our region was up to the challenge of hosting a global spectacle like Eurovision on behalf of our friends in Ukraine – because nowhere does culture bigger or better than the Liverpool City Region. From the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flocked to our region for a fortnight of fun and frivolity, to the tens of millions around the world who tuned in, we gave millions of people a Eurovision they will never forget.

    “While that’s an incredible result in itself, the contest was also a vital shot in the arm for our local economy, bringing in more than £54m, creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for local people and showcasing our brand to an international audience. None of this would have been possible without the hard work of everyone who truly embraced the Eurovision spirit and made our visitors feel so welcome. I said all along that nowhere can throw a party quite like us – and now we have the results to prove it!”

    Liverpool’s Director of Culture, Claire McColgan CBE, said:

    “We experienced this Eurovision-high as a result of cultural back catalogue.

    “We have spent years working towards what we all experienced in May – we cut our teeth during our European Capital of Culture year and from that point we have grown exponentially in confidence and ability as year-on-year we continue to deliver events that rival any other on the world stage.

    “The pandemic was a real line in the sand for us, and undoubtedly Liverpool’s role in leading the charge on the reopening of venues nationwide made us stand out from the crowd – we are recognised as a city that can deliver unforgettable moments, safely, quickly and with a scouse panache that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.

    “Quite simply, it was an honour to deliver Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine and the UK. I’ve never known time move so fast as it did across those seven months and it has been a real pleasure to digest these impact reports and relive the experience once again and reassure myself it wasn’t just a crazy dream! They underline the fact Liverpool has the skill, agency-wide teamwork and the creativity to deliver time and time again.

    “So I’d like to say to everyone – whether you worked on the event, donned those iconic yellow hoodies and volunteered, performed on stage or on our streets, danced at the Village, sang along at the arena or perhaps you discovered more about Ukraine in the classroom or even helped evaluate the event – thank you. You made Eurovision. Liverpool made Eurovision. We were all united by music.”

    Eurovision Minister Stuart Andrew said: 

    “It is fantastic to see the impact that hosting the Eurovision Song Contest has had on Liverpool. The city put on a fantastic display of culture and creativity, showing solidarity with our friends in Ukraine and highlighting what unites us all. 

    “This research demonstrates the positive impact of hosting major events and I hope that we can continue to build on this success.” 

    Tim Jones, the University of Liverpool’s Vice-Chancellor said:

    “Today’s announcement gives us much to be proud of. It was the University’s Heseltine Institute that compiled the data that this success is judged on and it was our academics who played an important role in carrying out a key strand of research. But as a civic institution, we are immensely proud of the city of Liverpool. Our city put on a show like no other and I am delighted to see these positive results that I’m sure will have a lasting legacy for those who live, work, study and do business here.”

    Rhiannon Corcoran, Professor of Psychology and Public Mental Health University of Liverpool said:

    “Our survey was designed to understand Eurovision’s impact on the wellbeing and sense of community of local residents. The data we collected shows overwhelmingly positive feelings of pride in the city. I’m sure many people will recognise and understand how this is hugely beneficial to wellbeing.” 

    Sue Jarvis, Co-Director at the Heseltine Institute said:

    “At the Heseltine Institute we were delighted to work with partners across the city to publish this summary of the comprehensive evaluation of what Eurovision achieved for our city.

    “Liverpool has a long history of hosting and learning from major events, and these evaluations will help developing understanding of the key lessons from Eurovision 2023.

    “While the full legacy will emerge over time, it was fantastic to see that the positive impacts of Eurovision exceeded expectations. Eurovision not only brought immense financial and cultural benefits to the city but also enhanced the view of Liverpool across the UK, Europe and the world.”

    Phil Harrold, BBC Chief of Staff and Chair of 2023 City Selection Group, said:
    “When the BBC selected Liverpool to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 we knew that the city would deliver with a passion and enthusiasm that was second to none. The incredible numbers proven in this research, coupled with our own record-breaking audience figures, demonstrate that 2023 was indeed the most successful Eurovision ever and is testament to all who played a part in bringing this year’s Song Contest to life.”

    Amy Finch – Head of Policy & Influencing, Spirit of 2012, said:

    “We are proud to see the headline statistics from the Eurovision evaluations show tremendous benefits for Liverpool. Particularly, we are delighted to see the amazing reach of EuroLearn and the effects of cultural engagement inspiring civic pride in Liverpool residents. Liverpool has once again proven itself to be a world class host city and we must ensure that the impact of Eurovision in communities will endure for years to come.”

    Dr Rebecca Phythian, Reader in Policing at Edge Hill University, said:

    “Having behind the scenes access to see first-hand the partnership working that goes into staging multi-agency operations like Eurovision was incredible. Since then, we’ve been working with practitioners from Merseyside Police, Culture Liverpool, BBC and many of the other organisations involved to identify what worked well and what could be done differently, all to inform future large-scale operations.”

    Mike Smith, Edge Hill University’s Senior Lecturer in Policing, said:

    “We found that trust and co-location were key to effective information sharing and multi-agency working. This was supported by building new, and strengthening existing, relationships, and ensured a joint understanding of risk and situational awareness.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: CareCloud Reignites Acquisition Strategy with MesaBilling Acquisition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOMERSET, N.J., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO, CCLDP), a leader in healthcare technology and AI-driven solutions, is back in acquisition mode— and ready to redefine the future of revenue cycle management.

    The Company today announced the successful acquisition of Mesa, LLC, d/b/a MesaBilling, marking its first deal in a renewed push for aggressive expansion. Finalized on February 28, 2025, this acquisition, though very small, sets the stage for a dynamic new era of strategic growth, reinforcing CareCloud’s position at the forefront of the healthcare billing industry.

    “Partnering with CareCloud presents an incredible opportunity for our clients to access a broader range of services and cutting-edge AI-powered technology,” said Marc Dobberstein, Managing Member of MesaBilling. “I have no doubt this collaboration will unlock significant value and drive even greater success for our clients.”

    CareCloud’s Co-CEO Stephen Snyder echoed this enthusiasm, “Strategic acquisitions have been a cornerstone of CareCloud’s success, and today, we’re reigniting that momentum. The healthcare industry is evolving at lightning speed, and we’re positioning CareCloud to lead the charge. This acquisition, though very modest in size, marks the beginning of what we envision as an exciting wave of strategic acquisitions, impactful partnerships, and unprecedented growth.”

    Between 2012 and 2022, CareCloud built an empire, executing more than 20 acquisitions and achieving a staggering >30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). After a brief pause in deal-making since Q2 2021, the Company is now shifting back into high gear—starting with MesaBilling.

    CareCloud’s renewed focus on acquisitions comes at a time when medical practices are increasingly seeking streamlined, tech-enabled solutions for financial management. By leveraging its proprietary technology, including AI-powered revenue cycle management and automation tools, CareCloud plans to scale its platform to serve an even broader network of healthcare providers. 

    About CareCloud

    CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of AI and technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care, while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services, including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health at www.carecloud.com.

    To listen to video presentations by CareCloud’s management team, read recent press releases and view our latest investor presentation, please visit https://ir.carecloud.com/videos.

    Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could,” “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

    Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

    These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies’ products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    SOURCE CareCloud

    Company Contact:

    Norman Roth
    Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller
    CareCloud, Inc.
    nroth@carecloud.com

    Investor Contact:

    Stephen Snyder
    Co-Chief Executive Officer
    CareCloud, Inc.
    ir@carecloud.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Message of the Holy Father to participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life

    Source: The Holy See

    Message of the Holy Father to participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, 03.03.2025
    The following is the Message sent by the Holy Father Francis to the participants in the General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, on the theme: “The End of the World? Crises, Responsibilities, Hopes”, taking place from 3 to 5 March at the Conference Centre of the Augustinianum:
     
    Message of the Holy Father
    The End of the world? Crises, Responsibilities, Hopes
    Dear Academicians,
    It is always a pleasure for me to address the women and men of science, as well as those in the Church who cultivate dialogue with the scientific world. Together you can serve the cause of life and the common good. And I warmly thank Archbishop Paglia and the collaborators for their service to the Pontifical Academy for Life.
    In this year’s general Assembly, you have proposed to consider the question that is today defined as “polycrisis”. It relates to some fundamental aspects of your research activity in the field of life, health and care. The term “polycrisis” evokes the dramatic nature of the historical juncture we are currently witnessing, in which wars, climate changes, energy problems, epidemics, the migratory phenomenon and technological innovation converge. The intertwining of these critical issues, which currently touch on various dimensions of life, lead us to ask ourselves about the destiny of the world and our understanding of it.
    A first step to be taken is that of examining with greater attention to our representation of the world and the cosmos. If we do not do this, and we do not seriously analyze our profound resistance to change, both as people and as a society, we will continue to do what we have always done with other crises, even very recent ones. Think of the Covid pandemic: we have, so to speak, “squandered” it; we could have worked more deeply in the transformation of consciences and social practices (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, 36).
    And another important step to avoid remaining immobile, anchored in our certainties, habits and fears, is to listen carefully to the contribution of areas of scientific knowledge. The theme of listening is decisive. It is one of the key words of the entire synodal process we have undertaken, and which is now in its implementation phrase. I therefore appreciate that your way of proceeding reflects its style. I see in it the attempt to practice in your specific sphere that “social prophecy” to which the Synod was dedicated (Final Document, 47). In the encounter with people and their stories, and in listening to scientific knowledge, we realize that our parameters regarding anthropology and culture require profound revision. This was also the origin of the intuition of the study groups on certain topics that emerged during the synodal process. I know that some of you are part of them, also valuing the work done by the Academy for Life over the past years, work for which I am very grateful.
    Listening to the sciences continually offers us new knowledge. Consider what we are told about the structure of matter and the evolution of living beings: there emerges a far more dynamic view of nature compared to what was thought in Newton’s time. Our way of understanding “continuous creation” must be re-elaborated, in the knowledge that it will not be technology that saves us (cf. Encyclical Letter Laudato si’, 101): endorsing utilitarian deregulation and global neoliberalism means imposing the law of the strongest as the only rule; and it is a law that dehumanizes.
    We can cite as an example of this type of research Fr. Teilhard de Chardin and his attempt – certainly partial and unfinished, but daring and inspiring – to enter seriously into dialogue with the sciences, practising an exercise in trans-disciplinarity. It is a risky path, which leads us to wonder: “I ask whether it is necessary for someone to throw the stone into the pond – indeed, to end up being ‘killed’ – to open the way”.1 Thus he launched his insights that focused on the category of relationship and interdependence between all things, placing homo sapiens in close connection with the entire system of living things.
    These ways of interpreting the world and its evolution, with the unprecedented forms of relatedness that correspond to it, can provide us with signs of hope, which we are seeking as pilgrims during this Jubilee year (cf. Bull Spes non confundit, 7). Hope is the fundamental attitude that supports us on the journey. It does not consist of waiting with resignation, but of striving with zeal towards true life, which leads well beyond the narrow individual perimeter. As Pope Benedict XVI reminded us, hope “is linked to a lived union with a ‘people’, and for each individual it can only be attained within this ‘we’” (Encyclical Letter Spe salvi, 14).
    It is also because of this community dimension of hope, faced with a complex and planetary crisis, that we are urged to value instruments with a global reach. We must unfortunately note a progressive irrelevance of international bodies, which are also undermined by short-sighted attitudes, concerned with protecting particular and national interests. And yet we must continue to commit ourselves with determination for “more effective world organizations, equipped with the power to provide for the global common good, the elimination of hunger and poverty, and the sure defence of fundamental human rights” (Encyclical Letter Fratelli tutti, 172). In such a way, a multilateralism is promoted that does not depend on changing political circumstances or the interests of the few, and which has stable effectiveness (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, 35). It is an urgent task which regards the whole of humanity.
    This vast scenario of motivations and objectives is also the scope of your Assembly and of your work, dear members of the Academy for Life. I entrust you to the intercession of Mary, Seat of Hope and Mother of Hope, “as we, the pilgrim people, the people of life and for life, make our way in confidence towards ‘a new heaven and a new earth’ (Rev 21:1)” (Saint John Paul II, Encyclical Letter Evangelium vitae, 105).
    For all of you and for your work, I impart my heartfelt blessing.
    Rome, from “Gemelli” Hospital, 26 February 2025
    FRANCIS
    ____________________
    1Quotation from B. DE SOLANGES, Teilhard de Chardin. Témoignage et étude sur le développement de sa pensée, Toulouse 1967, 54

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces executive staff transitions with appointments of Nani Coloretti, Ann Patterson

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 28, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the appointment of Nani Coloretti as his new Cabinet Secretary and expressed deep gratitude to departing Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson for her six years of exemplary service. Patterson, who had planned to step down, has agreed to extend her public service as Senior Counselor to the Governor, primarily supporting the administration’s recovery initiatives for Los Angeles.

    “I am profoundly grateful for Ann’s guidance over these last six years — helping me navigate some of the most meaningful, as well as the most challenging, moments of my governorship.

    “Ann was ready to take the next step, but her willingness to stay to help us transition during LA’s recovery speaks volumes about her dedication to California.

    “During this transition, I am thrilled to welcome Nani as she steps into this critical role. Nani’s decades of experience navigating complex policy issues at all levels of government make her uniquely qualified to lead our cabinet in continuing to deliver bold solutions to improve the health, well-being, and safety of all Californians.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Coloretti previously held the position of Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Joe Biden, where she helped manage the nation’s nearly $7 trillion federal budget and implement key initiatives across all areas of government. She has also held senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of the Treasury and played a pivotal role in establishing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

    During her tenure as Cabinet Secretary, Patterson guided California through historic challenges, including the state’s response to multiple natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. She played a pivotal role in advancing nearly all of Governor Newsom’s efforts, including PAGA reform, historic laws protecting ratepayers and wildfire survivors, establishing the world’s largest aerial wildfire-fighting fleet, improving public safety through the California Model, and implementing universal free school meals for all kids in California.

    Nani Coloretti, of Sacramento, has been appointed Cabinet Secretary in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Coloretti has been Senior Counselor in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2025. Coloretti was Deputy Director at the United States Office of Management and Budget from 2022 to 2025. She was Senior Vice President for Business and Financial Strategy at The Urban Institute from 2017 to 2022. Coloretti was Deputy Secretary at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development from 2014 to 2017. She served in multiple roles at the United States Department of the Treasury from 2009 to 2014, including Assistant Secretary for Management, Acting Chief Operating Officer for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Management and Budget. Coloretti was San Francisco Budget Director in the Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom from 2006 to 2009. She served in multiple roles in the Office of Mayor Gavin Newsom from 2005 to 2006, including Policy Director and Deputy Policy Director. Coloretti earned a Master of Public Policy degree from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Communications from University of Pennsylvania. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the salary is $235,344. Coloretti is a Democrat.

    Ann Patterson, of Sacramento, has been appointed Senior Counselor at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. Patterson has been Cabinet Secretary at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2022 and has served in multiple roles in the Office of Governor Newsom since 2019, including Legal Affairs Secretary and Chief Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary. Patterson was a Partner at Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe from 2005 to 2018. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $235,344. Patterson is a Democrat.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 27, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Aaron Maguire, of Roseville, has been appointed Executive Officer of the Board of State and Community Corrections, where he has been Acting Executive Officer at the Board of State and…

    Feb 27, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – California and a consortium of 21 Brazilian states are partnering together to combat pollution and foster sustainable economic growth. Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Renato Casagrande of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo signed a Memorandum…

    Feb 26, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced multiple clemency actions. He granted pardons in three cases. He also sent multiple clemency cases to the Board of Parole Hearings, initiating the process for granting clemency in fifteen cases. He also sent two…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Himax to Unveil Innovative WiseEye™ AIoT Solutions and Revolutionary Liqxtal® LC Optical Applications at embedded world 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAINAN, Taiwan, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Himax Technologies, Inc. (“Himax” or “Company”) (Nasdaq: HIMX), an industry leader in fabless display driver ICs and semiconductors, today announced participation in embedded world 2025, a world-leading trade show for embedded electronics and industrial computing, taking place in Nürnberg, Germany, from March 10-12, 2025. At the event, Himax will showcase its innovative WiseEye™ AI technology, featuring a range of AIoT solutions focused on ultralow power AI sensing, biometric authentication, and thermal imaging sensing applications. Additionally, in collaboration with its subsidiary Liqxtal Technology Inc. (“Liqxtal”), Himax will present revolutionary liquid crystal (“LC”) optical applications, advancing industrial embedded displays, vision-assisted systems, and smart wearables.

    Ultralow Power WiseEye AI Driving Next Era of AIoT, Smart Sensing, and Thermal Imaging Sensing
    Himax WiseEye Ultralow Power AI Smart Sensing is a cutting-edge, integrated endpoint AI solution, comprising Himax’s proprietary ultralow power WiseEye AI processors, always-on CMOS image sensors, and CNN-based AI algorithms, ideal for AIoT applications. It has gained widespread acclaim and adoption across biometric authentication, occupancy detection, people flow management, smart home, smart office, and more. Notably, the latest WiseEye2 AI processor is PSA (Platform Security Architecture) certified, featuring a security-by-design approach to provide a secure and reliable foundation for AIoT applications.

    Among the featured showcases, the WiseEye PalmVein Module integrates palm vein and facial recognition, leveraging bimodal authentication technology to meet market demands for flexible access control, ensuring reliable operation across diverse use environments. Traditional fingerprint and facial recognition methods are susceptible to age, fingerprint quality, height, and lighting conditions, leading to identification errors. In contrast, the WiseEye PalmVein solution overcomes these challenges with advanced liveness detection to deliver high-precision authentication. It achieves an exceptionally low False Acceptance Rate (FAR) of one in a million and a False Rejection Rate (FRR) below 1%, significantly reducing the risks of fake attack and unauthorized access.

    At embedded world 2025, Himax, in collaboration with ecosystem partner Calumino, will showcase industry-leading thermal imaging sensing solutions. The solution combines Himax’s ultralow power WiseEye AI processor, WiseEye2, and low-power HM0360 CMOS image sensor with Calumino’s proprietary CMOS and MOMS (Micro-Opto-Mechanical System) technologies and AI algorithms. The integration enables advanced use cases, including people flow detection, people counting, assisted living, predictive maintenance, health monitoring, and security enhancement, all with ultralow power consumption. This advancement brings unprecedented innovation to thermal imaging sensing, unlocking expanded possibilities.

    Innovative Liqxtal LC-based Optical Technology Enhancing Smart Displays and Wearables
    Liqxtal specializes in LC-based optical technology, expanding its expertise to display and optical components. At the event, Himax and Liqxtal will jointly unveil a series of cutting-edge, patented products, namely Liqxtal® Graph, Liqxtal® Dim, and Liqxtal® Pro-Eye.

    Liqxtal® Pro-Eye is an innovative eye-protective display technology that made its debut at CES 2025, receiving widespread acknowledgment among industry leaders and accelerating industry adoption. The next-generation Liqxtal® Pro-Eye display, which will be showcased at embedded world 2025, delivers a 125-inch virtual screen experience at close range or within confined spaces. In vision care, Liqxtal® Pro-Eye helps alleviate digital eye fatigue by reducing ciliary muscle strain, benefiting professionals exposed to prolonged screen use, as well as individuals with presbyopia and myopia. In industrial display solutions, it is redefining personal HMI in embedded applications, making it ideal for manufacturing, aerospace, and defense sectors that require long hours of focused monitoring and operation.

    Liqxtal will also showcase its one-of-a-kind professional smart eyewear collection, featuring the award-winning Liqxtal® Graph and innovative Liqxtal® Dim. The latest Liqxtal® Graph, built on Liqxtal’s patented reflective TFT liquid crystal architecture, supports Bluetooth connectivity and mobile app integration, enabling dynamic digital content display on the outer lens surface of smart glasses without obstructing the user’s vision, while maintaining the same comfort as traditional eyewear. It is ideal for IoT remote monitoring, smart assisted display, and identification management, further enhancing the value of smart wearables. Liqxtal® Dim integrates Liqxtal’s proprietary pixelated light valve control technology powered by WiseEye AI. This advanced system detects the position of incident light sources in real time to achieve adaptive light dimming functionality for smart sunglasses with a response time of under 8 milliseconds. Additionally, it supports programmable light attenuation modes, making it suitable for vision training assistive devices and seamless integration into smart safety eyewear and industrial-grade programmable light regulation systems, enhancing visual safety and assistance.

    Himax and Liqxtal invite all interested parties to visit our embedded world 2025 exhibition booth at Hall 4, Stand 4-503, located at NürnbergMesse, Messezentrum 1, 90471 Nürnberg, Germany. Experience our groundbreaking WiseEye AI technology and Liqxtal optical solutions firsthand. To schedule a meeting or booth tour, please contact Himax at HX_WISEEYE@himax.com.tw or Liqxtal at info@liqxtal.com.tw.

    About Liqxtal Technology Inc.

    Liqxtal Technology Inc. is a Taiwan based company that has been focused on exploring opportunities with liquid crystal (“LC”) beyond just displays since the company’s inception. With a distinguished track record in liquid crystal optics, Liqxtal has developed liquid crystal based optical components such as LC lens for ophthalmic application, LC diffuser for 3D sensing and LC retarder for light sensing. Additionally, Liqxtal designed and released LQ001, a high voltage & tunable frequency LC driver with a 1mm x 2mm footprint, which is particularly ideal for portable products. As a subsidiary of Himax Technologies, Liqxtal also integrates novel display solutions such as tunable backlight with local dimming capability powered by FPGA for niche applications. Lastly, Liqxtal is dedicated to novel vision eyewear technology and strives to innovate and advance useful optical solutions to the world.

    About Himax Technologies, Inc.

    Himax Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIMX) is a leading global fabless semiconductor solution provider dedicated to display imaging processing technologies. The Company’s display driver ICs and timing controllers have been adopted at scale across multiple industries worldwide including TVs, PC monitors, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, automotive, ePaper devices, industrial displays, among others. As the global market share leader in automotive display technology, the Company offers innovative and comprehensive automotive IC solutions, including traditional driver ICs, advanced in-cell Touch and Display Driver Integration (TDDI), local dimming timing controllers (Local Dimming Tcon), Large Touch and Display Driver Integration (LTDI) and OLED display technologies. Himax is also a pioneer in tinyML visual-AI and optical technology related fields. The Company’s industry-leading WiseEyeTM Ultralow Power AI Sensing technology which incorporates Himax proprietary ultralow power AI processor, always-on CMOS image sensor, and CNN-based AI algorithm has been widely deployed in consumer electronics and AIoT related applications. Himax optics technologies, such as diffractive wafer level optics, LCoS microdisplays and 3D sensing solutions, are critical for facilitating emerging AR/VR/metaverse technologies. Additionally, Himax designs and provides touch controllers, OLED ICs, LED ICs, EPD ICs, power management ICs, and CMOS image sensors for diverse display application coverage. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Tainan, Taiwan, Himax currently employs around 2,200 people from three Taiwan-based offices in Tainan, Hsinchu and Taipei and country offices in China, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the US. Himax has 2,649 patents granted and 402 patents pending approval worldwide as of December 31, 2024.

    http://www.himax.com.tw

    Forward Looking Statements

    Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in this conference call include, but are not limited to, the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Company’s business; general business and economic conditions and the state of the semiconductor industry; market acceptance and competitiveness of the driver and non-driver products developed by the Company; demand for end-use applications products; reliance on a small group of principal customers; the uncertainty of continued success in technological innovations; our ability to develop and protect our intellectual property; pricing pressures including declines in average selling prices; changes in customer order patterns; changes in estimated full-year effective tax rate; shortage in supply of key components; changes in environmental laws and regulations; changes in export license regulated by Export Administration Regulations (EAR); exchange rate fluctuations; regulatory approvals for further investments in our subsidiaries; our ability to collect accounts receivable and manage inventory and other risks described from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings, including those risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in its Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed with the SEC, as may be amended.

    Liqxtal Contacts:

    Henry Hung, Deputy Director of Market & Sales Division
    Liqxtal Technology Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: info@liqxtal.com

    Himax Contacts:

    Eric Li, Chief IR/PR Officer
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-6-505-0880
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Karen Tiao, Investor Relations
    Himax Technologies, Inc.
    Tel: +886-2-2370-3999
    Fax: +886-2-2314-0877
    Email: hx_ir@himax.com.tw
    www.himax.com.tw

    Mark Schwalenberg, Director
    Investor Relations – US Representative
    MZ North America
    Tel: +1-312-261-6430
    Email: HIMX@mzgroup.us

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 49th Civil Accounts Day celebrated to mark the 49th foundation day of Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    49th Civil Accounts Day celebrated to mark the 49th foundation day of Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) in New Delhi

    In a journey from departmentalisation to digitalisation, ICAS has brought a silent revolution through Public Financial Management System (PFMS): Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman

    Expenditure Secretary Dr. Manoj Govil emphasises need of harmonisation of Union and State Accounts including Urban, Rural and Local Bodies

    CGA Shri Shyam Dubey outlined CGA’s demonstrated robustness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, transferring over Rs. 22.85 lakh crore, including DBT schemes

    PFMS acts as a critical digital infrastructure to enable transactions between different economic entities efficiently and transparently: Dr. Panagariya

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 6:29PM by PIB Delhi

    The Civil Accounts Day 2025 was celebrated in New Delhi today to mark the 49th foundation day of Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) with the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, presiding over as Chief Guest.

    Dr. Manoj Govil, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance; and Shri Shyam S. Dubey, Controller General of Accounts (CGA), were also present on the occasion. Officers and staff of the Indian Civil Accounts Organisation, Financial Advisers of Government of India, other Senior Officials of Department of Expenditure and other Ministries /Departments of Government of India, retired ICAS Officers, senior officers from Banks and State Governments, among others, were also part of the celebrations.

    During the inaugural function, the Union Finance Minister also released a compendium on the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), titled “Digitalisation of Public Financial Management in India: The Transformative Decade (2014-24)”.

     

    During the Foundation Day, a short film on the evolution and achievements of the Indian Civil Accounts Organisation (ICAO) was also screened.

    In her address on the occasion, the Union Finance Minister recognised the role played by PFMS in achieving the key goals of governance which included: reaching the last mile benefitting 60 crore beneficiaries, direct delivery of more than 1200 central and state schemes which includes 1100 DBT schemes, end-to-end digitization through integration with 250 plus external systems such as GeM, GSTIN, TIN 2.0, PM Kisan and many more.

    Smt. Sitharaman said that PFMS has led to strengthening of cooperative federalism through integration of 31 state treasuries and 40 lakh programme implementing agencies enabling seamless financial management for millions of citizens ensuring timely and transparent disbursement of government funds.

    The Union Finance Minister underlined PFMS as the network of networks with 650 financial institutions – RBI, NPCI, Public and Private sector banks – facilitating seamless fund transfers, with the volume of PFMS transactions has gone up exponentially from 2 crore payments in 2015 to 250 crore in 2024.

     

    Referencing the July 2024 Union Budget, Smt. Sitharaman underlined the suggestion with respect to “improving data governance, collection, processing and management of data and statistics, different sectoral databases, including those established under the Digital India mission, could be utilized with active use of technology tools”, and added that CGA has the potential to work in this regard as the custodian of huge database. The Union Finance Minister emphasised on sharing India’s digital public finance expertise globally, and urged the CGA to collaborate with other countries to leverage PFMS’s technology to enhance their financial governance systems. Smt. Sitharaman also encouraged CGA to make efforts to create public awareness among citizens and taxpayers on how transparent financial systems operate.

    In his address on the occasion, Dr. Manoj Govil recognised the efforts made by CGA and the team of officers towards timely laying of annual accounts, digitisation of accounts and timely discharge of payments and various achievements of PFMS bringing in efficient Public Financial Management. Dr. Govil emphasised on the need of harmonisation of Union and State Accounts including the Urban, Rural and Local Bodies so as to facilitate better financial reporting.

     

    Earlier, in his welcome address, Shri Shyam S. Dubey gave details of the achievements of the organisation during the year in the area of accounts, Public Financial Management and capacity building. Shri Dubey outlined the organisation’s demonstrated robustness during the COVID-19 pandemic, transferring over Rs. 22.85 lakh crore, including DBT schemes.

    Shri Dubey further informed the gathering of the recently developed functionality of electronic utilisation certificate (e-UC) and e-Asset module of PFMS-SAMPATI, enabling digital recording, tracking and management of capital physical assets as mandated by the FRBM Act.

    The inaugural session was followed by keynote address by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman, 16thFinance Commission, on “India in the Global Economy: The Next Decade.”

    Calling PFMS as “incredible”, Dr. Panagariya stated that PFMS acts as a critical digital infrastructure to enable transactions between different economic entities efficiently and transparently. Dr. Panagariya stated that UPI & PFMS should be part of India’s international diplomatic outreach and global relationship, and called for greater integration of PFMS with the State Governments and Urban and Rural Local Bodies.

    Despite the periodic global and domestic economic crises, Dr. Panagariya stated that the factual data of economic growth of the last two decades, starting from 2003-2004, shows the plausibility and the feasibility of the growth potential of the Indian economy in the coming decade being able to reach the 10 trillion dollar GDP mark, as well as the 2047 target of “Viksit Bharat” set by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2107352) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Wealth Solutions Launches in the United Kingdom

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Wealth Solutions (NYSE, TSX: BNT) is entering the UK insurance market to focus on delivering bulk annuity solutions for UK pension schemes. This follows a comprehensive approval process carried out by the Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) and the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”).

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions will bring its capital and strong track record of servicing policyholders from its substantial North American operations as one of the first new entrants in the UK market. With over £500 billion of demand for pension buyouts expected over the next decade, the UK represents a significant opportunity to grow, create employment and invest domestically in the UK market.

    The entry for Brookfield Wealth Solutions, which was spun out of Brookfield Corporation in June 2021, will further extend Brookfield’s presence in the UK, where it is already a leading investor with over £63 billion of assets under management across infrastructure, real estate, and renewable power. Brookfield and its UK portfolio companies employ approximately 23,000 people across the UK.

    Sachin Shah, CEO, Brookfield Wealth Solutions said: “We are thrilled to launch Brookfield Wealth Solutions in the UK. With more than $140 billion in total assets, we look forward to serving the retirement needs of UK pensioners for the long term. Our group-wide commitment is to provide long-term financial security for our policyholders and clients, serviced by strong, well capitalized companies with high quality investment portfolios. The PRA and the FCA have been efficient, professional and highly constructive during our approval process, and we look forward to working further with them in the future.”

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions is expected to begin operations later in the first quarter subject to final regulatory approvals and will operate under the Blumont Annuity UK brand.

    About Brookfield Wealth Solutions

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions Ltd. (NYSE, TSX: BNT) is focused on securing the financial futures of individuals and institutions through a range of retirement services, wealth protection products and tailored capital solutions. Each class A exchangeable limited voting share of Brookfield Wealth Solutions is exchangeable on a one-for-one basis with a class A limited voting share of Brookfield Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BN). For more information, visit bnt.brookfield.com.

    About Blumont Annuity UK

    Blumont Annuity Company UK Ltd., based in London, will be a provider of bulk annuity solutions in the United Kingdom.

    For more information, please contact:
     
    Media:   Investor Relations:
    Kerrie McHugh   Rachel Schneider
    Tel: (212) 618-3469   Tel: (416) 369-3358
    Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com   Email: Rachel.schneider@brookfield.com
         

    Notice to Readers

    This news release and any related oral statements made by our representatives may contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and in any applicable Canadian securities regulations (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future results, events or conditions, and include, but are not limited to, statements which reflect management’s current estimates, assumptions and expectations regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies, capital management and outlook of Brookfield Wealth Solutions and its subsidiaries, including Blumont Annuity UK, as well as the outlook for international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods.

    In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words such as “believes,” “thinks,” “expects,” “potential,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” In particular, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding the growth of our business, the status of regulatory approvals including the anticipated timing thereof, the size of the UK pension market and opportunities relating thereto.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable estimates, assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Brookfield Wealth Solutions or Blumont Annuity UK to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) investment returns that are lower than target; (ii) the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; (iii) the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates; (iv) global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets (v) litigation; (vi) changes in tax laws; (vii) ability to collect amounts owed; (viii) catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics/pandemics; (ix) the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyberterrorism; (x) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (xi) the failure of effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting and other risks; (xii) health, safety and environmental risks; (xiii) the maintenance of adequate insurance coverage; (xiv) the existence of information barriers between certain businesses within Brookfield’s asset management operations; (xv) risks specific to our business segments; (xvi) factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States; and (xvii) the failure to obtain and/or maintain required regulatory approvals.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the foregoing risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Except as required by law, Brookfield Wealth Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Past performance is not indicative nor a guarantee of future results. There can be no assurance that comparable results will be achieved in the future, that future investments will be similar to the historic investments discussed herein, that targeted returns, growth objectives, diversification or asset allocations will be met or that an investment strategy or investment objectives will be achieved (because of economic conditions, the availability of investment opportunities or otherwise).

    Readers are urged to consider the foregoing risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Manora Drilling Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (“Valeura” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the successful completion of an infill drilling campaign at the Manora field in Licence G1/48 (70% operated working interest), offshore Gulf of Thailand.

    Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

    “Our most recent drilling at Manora has both increased oil production rates and successfully appraised additional targets which will form the basis of future infill development drilling.  While the Manora field accounts for only about 10% of our year-to-date production, it is an excellent example of the potential for Gulf of Thailand fields to add many years of economic field life through targeted ongoing activity.  In 2025 we intend to pursue a full year of drilling operations across our portfolio, aimed at continuing our proven track record of adding reserves year on year to support continued cash flow generation.” 

    Valeura drilled a five well programme, comprised of three production-oriented infill development wells and two appraisal wells.  In aggregate, the Company’s Manora field working interest share oil production before royalties has increased from 2,144 bbls/d (December 2024 average) to 2,866 bbls/d for the last 14-day period.  Additionally, the appraisal objectives of the campaign have yielded between three and five potential future drilling targets, which will be further evaluated for inclusion in a future drilling programme.

    The A34 well was drilled for infill development targets within the deep 600-series sands in the field’s eastern fault block.  The well was successful and has been completed as a multi-zone comingled producer.

    The horizontal A38 well was also drilled into the eastern fault block, with the objective of developing the shallower 300-series sands.  It was completed as a producer, with the well design incorporating an innovative downhole autonomous inflow control device (“ICD”) to manage water vs oil production.  The Company is monitoring the impact of this, and other ICDs deployed elsewhere on its fields, to optimise the application of this technology across the portfolio.

    The A36 well targeted sands across several known producing intervals in the field’s main fault block and has been completed as a multi-zone infill development well.  As is normal in many multi-zone wells, only the deepest targets are currently producing and the shallower zones will be brought on production later.

    The A35 well successfully appraised several zones of interest within the shallower 300-series sands.  While this appraisal well will not be used a producer (and accordingly has been plugged and abandoned), the results encountered have indicated the potential for three further development wells within this reservoir section, which will now be further studied and modelled for inclusion in future development drilling.

    The horizontal A37 well was drilled as a combination appraisal and development well.  The well encountered an encouraging appraisal target in the 500-series sands, which is now being matured for inclusion in a future drilling campaign.  The well’s development target, within the deeper 600-series sands was completed as a producer.

    Following completion of the Manora drilling campaign, the Company’s contracted drilling rig has mobilised to Licence B5/27 (100% operated interest) where it is currently conducting a drilling programme on the Jasmine C wellhead platform.

    For further information, please contact:  
       
    Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)                       
    Sean Guest, President and CEO
    Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
    Contact@valeuraenergy.com     		 +65 6373 6940
       
    Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries)                       
    Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
    IR@valeuraenergy.com    		 +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
       

    Contact details for the Company’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

    About the Company

    Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

    Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “target” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

    Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the potential for successfully appraised targets to form the basis of further infill development drilling, and the number of future drilling targets; the Company’s intention to pursue a full year of drilling operations across its portfolio in 2025; and the Company’s expectation to bring shallower zones on production later in the A36 well.  In addition, statements related to “reserves” and “resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the resources can be discovered and profitably produced in the future. 

    Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management’s estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company’s tax advisors’ and/or auditors’ assessment of the Company’s cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management’s expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

    Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura’s prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

    The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

    Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address in NXT Conclave

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 2:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Namaskar, 

    ITV Network founder and my colleague in Parliament, Kartikeya Sharma ji, the entire team of the network, all the guests from India and abroad, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen, NewsX World’s auspicious beginning and for this I congratulate all of you, my best wishes. Today, all the regional channels of your network including Hindi and English are going global. And today many fellowships and scholarships have also been started. I wish all of you the best for these programs.

    Friends, 

    I have been attending such media events earlier also, but today I feel that you have set a new trend and I congratulate you for this too. Such media events keep happening in our country, and it is a tradition that is continuing. There are some economic topics in it, it is a matter of benefit for everyone, but your network has given it a new dimension. You have worked on a new model by breaking away from the norm. I remember, if I talk about the earlier summits and your summit I have been listening to since yesterday, the earlier summits organised by different media houses have been leader-centric, I am happy that this one is policy-centric, policies are being discussed here. Most of the events that have taken place have been about living the present on the basis of the past. I see that your summit is dedicated to the future. I have seen that in all such programs that I have seen from afar or have attended myself, the importance of controversy was more there, here the importance of dialogue is more. And I firmly believe that all the events that I have attended are held in a small room and have their own people. Seeing such a huge event here and that too the event of a media house and people from all walks of life being here, is a big thing in itself. It is possible that other media people will not get any masala (scoop) from here, but the country will get a lot of inspiration, because the thoughts of every person who comes here will be thoughts that inspire the country. I hope that in the coming days other media houses will also adopt this trend, this template, in their own way and make it innovative and at least come out of that small room.

    Friends, 

    Today the whole world is looking at 21st century India, people from all over the world want to come to India, want to know India. Today India is the country in the world where positive news is being created continuously. There is no need to manufacture news, where new records are being made every day, something new is happening. Just on 26 February, the Maha Kumbh of unity was concluded in Prayagraj. The whole world is surprised that how in a temporary city, a temporary arrangement, crores of people came to the banks of the river, travelled hundreds of kilometers and got filled with emotions after taking a holy bath. Today the world is seeing India’s organising and innovating skills. We are manufacturing everything from semiconductors to aircraft carriers right here. The world wants to know about this success of India in detail. I think that this NewsX World is a very big opportunity in itself.

    Friends, 

    Just a few months ago, India conducted the world’s largest elections. After 60 years, it happened that a government in India has returned to power for the third consecutive time. The basis of this public trust are India’s many achievements in the last 11 years. I am confident that your new channel will take India’s real stories to the world. Without adding any colour, your global channel will show the picture of India as it is, we do not need makeup.

    Friends, 

    Many years ago, I had presented the vision of Vocal for Local and Local for Global to the country. Today we are seeing this vision turning into reality. Today our Ayush products and Yoga have gone from Local to Global. Go anywhere in the world, you will find someone who knows Yoga, my friend Tony is sitting here, he is a daily Yoga practitioner.  Today, India’s superfood, our Makhana, is going global from local. India’s millets – Shreeanna, are also going global from local. And I have come to know that my friend, Tony Abbott, has had first-hand experience of Indian millets at Delhi Haat, and he liked the millet dishes very much and I felt very happy to hear this.

    Friends, 

    Not only millets, India’s turmeric has also gone from local to global, India supplies more than 60 percent of the world’s turmeric. India’s coffee has also gone from local to global, India has become the world’s seventh largest coffee exporter. Today India’s mobiles, electronic products, medicines made in India are making their global identity. And along with all this, one more thing has happened. India is leading many global initiatives. Recently I got a chance to go to the AI ​​Action Summit in France. India was the co-host of this summit which is taking the world towards the AI ​​future. Now India has the responsibility of hosting it. India organised such a wonderful G-20 Summit during its presidency. During this summit, we gave the world a new economic route in the form of India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. India also gave a strong voice to the Global South, we have connected the island nations and their interests to our priority. India has given the vision of Mission Life to the world to deal with the climate crisis. Similarly, International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, there are many such initiatives which India is leading globally. And I am happy that today when many brands of India are going global, the media of India is also going global. It is understanding this global opportunity.

    Friends, 

    For decades, the world used to call India its back office. But today, India is becoming the new factory of the world. We are not just becoming a workforce, but a world-force! Today, the country is becoming an emerging export hub for the things that we once imported. The farmer who was once limited to the local market, today his crop is reaching the markets of the whole world. The demand for Pulwama’s Snow Peas, Maharashtra’s Purandar Figs and Kashmir’s Cricket Bats is now increasing in the world. Our Defence products are showing the world the power of Indian Engineering and technology. From the Electronics to Automobile Sector, the world has seen our scale and capability. We are not only providing our products to the world, India is also becoming a trusted and reliable partner in the global supply chain.

    Friends, 

    If we have become a leader in many sectors today, then it is because of years of well deliberated hard work. This has been possible only due to systematic policy decisions. Look at the journey of 10 years, where bridges were incomplete, roads were stuck, today dreams are moving ahead at a new pace. With good roads, excellent expressways, both travel time and cost have reduced. This has given the industry an opportunity to reduce the turnaround time of logistics. Our automobile sector got a huge benefit from this. This increased the demand for vehicles, we encouraged the production of vehicles and EVs. Today we have emerged as a major automobile producer and exporter in the world.

    Friends, 

    A similar change has been seen in electronics manufacturing. In the last decade, electricity reached more than 2.5 crore households for the first time. The demand for electricity increased in the country, production increased, which increased the demand for Electronic Equipment. When we made data cheaper, the demand for mobile phones increased. As more and more services were brought on mobile phones, the consumption of digital devices increased further. By turning this demand into an opportunity, we started programs like PLI Schemes. Today, India has become a major electronics exporter.

    Friends, 

    Today India is able to set very big targets and is achieving them, so there is a special mantra at the core of this. This mantra is – minimum government, maximum governance. This is the mantra of efficient and effective governance. That means no interference from the government, no pressure from the government. I will give you an interesting example. In the last decade, we have abolished about 1500 laws that have lost their importance. It is a big deal to abolish 1500 laws. Many of these laws were made during British rule. Now I will tell you something, you will be surprised to hear that there was a law called dramatic performance act, this law was made by the British 150 years ago, at that time the British wanted that drama and theatre should not be used against the then government. There was a provision in this law that if 10 people were found dancing in a public place, they could be arrested. And this law continued for 75 years after the country got independence. That is, if there is a wedding procession and 10 people are dancing, the police can arrest them including the groom. This law was in force for 70-75 years after independence. This law was removed by our government. Now, we have borne this law for 70 years, I have nothing to say to the government of that time, those leaders, they are sitting here too, but I am more surprised by this Lutyens’ group, this Khan Market gang. Why were these people silent on such a law for 75 years? Those who go to court every day, who roam around like contractors of PIL, why were these people silent? Did they not remember liberty then? If someone thinks today, what would have happened if Modi had made such a law? And these trollers on social media, if they too had spread such false news that Modi was going to make such a law, these people would have created a ruckus, would have pulled Modi’s hair.

    Friends, 

    It is our government that has abolished this law from the times of slavery. I will give another example of bamboo, bamboo is the lifeline of our tribal areas, especially the North East. But earlier, you were sent to jail even for cutting bamboo, why was the law made now? Now, if I ask you, is bamboo a tree? Some will believe that it is a tree, some will believe that it is a tree, you will be surprised that even after 70 years of independence, the government of my country believed that bamboo is a tree, and therefore, just as cutting trees was prohibited, cutting bamboo was also prohibited. There was a law in our country which considered bamboo to be a tree, and all the laws for trees were applicable to it, it was difficult to cut it. Our earlier rulers could not understand that bamboo is not a tree. The British may have had their own interests, but why did we not do it? Even the decades old law related to bamboo was changed by our own government.

    Friends, 

    You must remember how difficult it was for a common man to file ITR 10 years ago. Today you file ITR in a few moments and the refund is also deposited directly in the account within a few days. Now the process of making the law related to income tax even simpler is going on in the Parliament. We have made income up to Rs. 12 lakh tax free, yes now there is applause, you did not applaud the bamboo because it belongs to the tribals. And this is going to benefit especially the media personnel, the salaried class like you. The youth who are doing their first and second jobs, their aspirations are also different, their expenses are also different. They should fulfil their aspirations, their savings should increase, the budget has helped a lot in this. Our aim is to give the people of the country Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business, give them open skies to fly. Today see how many start-ups are taking advantage of geospatial data. Earlier, if someone had to make a map, they had to take permission from the government. We changed this and today our start-ups and private companies are making excellent use of this data.

    Friends,

    India, which gave the world the concept of Zero, is today becoming the land of Infinite Innovations. Today India is not just innovating but also indovating. And when I say indovate, it means – Innovating The Indian Way. Through indovating, we are creating solutions that are affordable, accessible and adaptable. We are not gate-keeping these solutions but have offered them to the entire world. When the world wanted a secure and cost-effective digital payment system, we created the UPI system. I was listening to Professor Carlos Montes, he seemed very impressed with the people-friendly nature of technology like UPI. Today, countries like France, UAE, Singapore are integrating UPI in their financial ecosystem. Today, many countries of the world are making agreements to join our digital public infrastructure, India Stack. During the Covid pandemic, our vaccine showed the world the model of India’s Quality Healthcare Solutions. We also open-sourced the Arogya Setu app so that the world can benefit from it. India is a major space power; we are also helping other countries to achieve their space aspirations. India is also working on AI for Public Good and is also sharing its experience and expertise with the world.

    Friends,

    ITV Network has launched many fellowships today. India’s youth is the biggest beneficiary of developed India and also the biggest stakeholder. Therefore, India’s youth is a very big priority for us. National Education Policy has given children an opportunity to think beyond books. Children are getting ready for the field of AI and Data Science by learning coding from middle school itself. Atal Tinkering Labs are giving children hands-on experience of emerging technologies. Therefore, in this year’s budget, we have announced to create 50 thousand new Atal Tinkering Labs.

    Friends,

    In the world of news, you people take subscriptions from different agencies, this helps you in getting better news coverage. Similarly, in the field of research, students need more and more information sources. For this, earlier they had to take subscriptions of different journals at expensive rates, they had to spend money themselves. Our government has freed all researchers from this worry too. We have brought One Nation One Subscription. With this, every researcher of the country is sure to get free access to the world’s renowned journals. The government is going to spend more than 6 thousand crore rupees on this. We are ensuring that every student gets the best research facilities. Be it space exploration, biotech research or AI, our children are emerging as future leaders. Dr. Brian Green has met the students of IIT and astronaut Mike Massimino went to meet the students of Central School and as he said, his experience has been really wonderful. The day is not far when a big innovation of the future will come out of a small school in India.

    Friends,

    Let the flag of India fly on every global platform, this is our aspiration, this is our direction.

    Friends,

    This is not the time to think small and take small steps. I am happy that as a media organisation, you too have understood this sentiment. You see, till 10 years ago you used to think about how to reach different states of the country, how to make your media house reach, today you too have gathered the courage to go global. This inspiration, this pledge, should be the one of every citizen, every entrepreneur today. My dream is that there should be some Indian brand in every market of the world, in every drawing room, on every dining table. Made in India – should become the mantra of the world. If someone is ill, he should first think about – Heal in India. If someone wants to get married, he should first think about – Wed in India. If someone wants to travel, he should put India on top of his list. If someone wants to hold a conference or an exhibition, he should come to India first. If someone wants to hold a concert, he should first choose India. We have to develop this strength, this positive attitude in ourselves. Your network and your channel will play a big role in this. The possibilities are infinite, now we have to turn them into reality with our courage and determination.

    Friends,

    India is moving ahead with the resolve to become a developed India in the next 25 years. You too should move ahead with the resolve to bring yourself on the world stage as a media house. I believe that you will definitely succeed in this. I once again convey my best wishes to the entire team of ITV Network and I also congratulate the participants who have come from the country and the world, their views have definitely strengthened a positive thinking, I am thankful for this too, because when the pride of India increases, every Indian feels happy and proud and for this I thank them all very much. Namaskaram.

     

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Soaring U.S. egg prices and millions of dead chickens signal the deep problems and risks in modern poultry production

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Tony Weis, Professor of Geography and Environment, Western University

    The recent volatility of egg prices in the United States has been a hot topic. Media coverage has consistently made the connection between supply problems and virulent strains of avian flu that has been afflicting poultry birds since 2022.

    Many articles have indicated that, in addition to millions of birds dying from avian flu, infected flocks have widely been killed en masse in an attempt to contain its spread. The livestock industry euphemistically calls this killing of infected animals “depopulation,” and around 150 million birds have been depopulated since the current crisis began.

    I have studied industrial livestock production for many years and have seen its myriad problems flash in and out of the media — such as greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, food-borne illnesses, labour exploitation, and animal suffering. But it’s rare for the sector to stay in the media for long.

    The unusually heavy media coverage of expensive eggs, depopulated chickens and avian flu has highlighted some of the deep problems and risks of modern poultry production. Unfortunately, however, important context and dynamics have been regularly omitted.

    Unpacking key omissions helps to better understand both the nature of these chronic risks of infectious disease and the perilous response of the Trump administration.

    The spotlight on avian flu

    Multiple strains of avian flu chronically circulate within populations of both wild and domesticated birds. Avian flu is prone to frequent mutations, and occasionally some strains become more virulent and spillover across species.

    In addition to the problems avian flu in poultry production, recent media coverage has also highlighted the virus’s broader dangers.

    Avian flu is currently ravaging many wild animal species around the world, reaching into extremely remote places and even zoos.

    In the U.S., avian flu recently spilled over into cattle — causing widespread illness after a mutation enabled intra-species transmission.

    Avian flu has also caused a small number of severe human illnesses in the U.S. (primarily workers in poultry operations). Although no human-to-human transmission is evident — a necessary condition for a pandemic — this potential remains a grave threat.

    Key issues underplayed

    Although the media coverage of egg prices, depopulated chickens and avian flu has cast a valuable spotlight on many aspects of modern poultry production, it has also tended to leave out some important elements.

    Mentions in the media of many millions of chickens being killed to contain the spread of avian flu will surely sound jarring to some. But such figures pale in comparison to the 9.5 billion chickens slaughtered annually in the U.S. and the 76 billion slaughtered annually worldwide.

    Poultry birds now comprise 70 per cent of the total biomass of all birds on earth. Most are produced in densely-packed operations where reproduction, life and death have been greatly accelerated.

    Modern chickens have been selectively bred to either put on weight (broilers) or produce eggs (layers) very quickly. Broilers reach slaughter weight in a mere six weeks. Layer hens produce nearly an egg a day for about a year or two, before being slaughtered. These short life-cycles are rarely mentioned in coverage of depopulations.

    The growing risk of avian flu mutations relate to both enormity of poultry bird populations — by far the biggest habitat for the virus — and the unhealthy conditions of life in large enclosures.

    According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture, over 97 per cent of layers live in operations with at least 10,000 birds. Over 99 per cent of broilers are grown in operations with annual sales of at least 100,000 birds.

    This scale also relates to a question that has, with a few notable exceptions, received scant coverage: since infected populations cannot simply be shipped to the slaughterhouse, how are the birds actually killed?

    A leading approach to depopulation is ventilation shutdown. This involves turning off the powerful fans needed to make the ambient conditions in large enclosures bearable, and results in agonizing deaths.

    Researchers are investigating ways to augment ventilation shutdown as part of a broader research agenda seeking to develop systematic ways to depopulate large operations. This agenda clearly illustrates that the livestock industry is acutely aware of the great risks of infectious disease evolution within these spaces.

    Undermining infectious disease surveillance

    In the 2024 election campaign, Republicans regularly pointed to high egg prices in efforts to highlight rising inflation. In early 2025, the continuing rise of egg prices has cast a glare on U.S. President Donald Trump’s failed promise to immediately solve inflation.

    In response to scrutiny, the Trump administration initially tried to blame Biden for the depopulation of chickens. While such deflection might work for a time, Trump and his advisors realize they need a strategy to increase egg supplies.

    This emerging strategy must be viewed in relation to Trump’s sweeping assault on state institutions and regulations — which includes undermining crucial capacity for infectious disease surveillance. Trump made immediate cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and forced it to disengage with the World Health Organization. He has also promised big cuts to the National Institutes of Health.

    In this context, it’s unsurprising that Trump is laying out a simple plan to increase the egg supply: rebuilding layer populations, reducing depopulations and trusting the livestock and pharmaceutical industries to find ways of containing avian flu — likely through vaccines and strengthened biosecurity.

    It’s profoundly irrational to be weakening infectious disease surveillance in the midst of the current avian flu crisis (and amid mounting infectious disease risks more generally).
    It’s also hard to fathom how further empowering the leading actors in poultry production can be expected to resolve the risks of avian flu that are so bound up in the nature of modern production.

    Pursuing this course might temporarily bring egg prices down, but it also inevitably means passing untold risks into the future.

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

    – ref. Soaring U.S. egg prices and millions of dead chickens signal the deep problems and risks in modern poultry production – https://theconversation.com/soaring-u-s-egg-prices-and-millions-of-dead-chickens-signal-the-deep-problems-and-risks-in-modern-poultry-production-249679

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The urgent mental health needs of young people: Lessons for Canada from a global commission

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Tovah Cowan, Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychiatry, McGill University

    Since 2015, youth mental health has noticeably declined. Currently, 1.25 million young people in Canada require mental health support. (Shutterstock)

    Canada urgently needs to take action to support the well-being of young people and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for generations to come.

    Since 2015, well before the COVID-19 pandemic began, self-reported mental health has notably declined among young people. Currently, 1.25 million young people require mental health support. According to Mental Health Research Canada, in 2024, 19 per cent of Canadians between 16 and 34 years old accessed mental health services in the previous year while another 12 per cent felt they needed services but did not receive them.

    Megatrends

    The recently published Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Youth Mental Health shows that this problem is global, and in part driven by megatrends — major and long-lasting societal changes such as climate change, insecure employment and growing intergenerational inequality. These issues are situated within decades of colonial and neoliberal political, social and economic policies.



    Read more:
    What exactly is neoliberalism?

    In Canada, the effects of historic and ongoing colonialism on First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth are heartbreakingly clear in rates of suicide, which are six times higher in First Nations youth than non-Indigenous youth, and 33 times higher in young Inuit women than non-Indigenous young women. Additionally, there are gaps in services and barriers to access for Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomer, Black and racialized young people, leading to disparities in care and support.

    To support youth mental health, Canada must work towards reversing these megatrends while also investing in youth mental health services.

    The youth mental health problem is global, and in part driven by ‘megatrends’ — major and long-lasting societal changes such as climate change, insecure employment and growing intergenerational inequality.
    (Shutterstock)

    As a team of mental health researchers and professionals, we are deeply committed to improving youth mental health. Without timely support, mental health challenges can disrupt education, relationships and career development, creating long-term effects for young people, their families and their communities. Unaddressed mental health issues can persist into adulthood, becoming more difficult to treat, adding preventable strain to health-care systems and hindering economic growth due to lost productivity.

    We were inspired by The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Youth Mental Health, which calls for global action to address this urgent mental health crisis affecting young people. This global initiative involved researchers from diverse fields, service providers and young people, and was co-led by Srividya Iyer (a co-author on this piece and Canada Research Chair in Youth, Mental Health, and Learning Health Systems). It advances a framework for improving youth mental health care, integrating all sectors providing services relevant to mental health (for example, community centres, stand-alone clinics, hospitals) and all types of interventions, ranging from prevention to specialized services for youth with long-term mental health problems.

    The situation in Canada

    Canada is a global leader in creating new mental health services for youth, which began with the creation of a network of programs for youth with psychosis. Lessons learned have inspired transformation in broader youth mental health services, called “Integrated Youth Services” (IYS).

    Designed with input from youth and their families, IYS do not require transition from pediatric to adult care at age 18, which prevents youth from slipping through the cracks between the two systems. IYS integrate mental health, medical health and other social services; and create primary mental health care services.

    Today, there are almost 80 IYS hubs in most jurisdictions across Canada, with approximately 50 more in development. In the 2024 federal budget, a $500 million investment in community-based youth mental health services was the most positively received item by the public.

    These services and investments represent Canada’s critical commitment to youth mental health. However, there have been relatively fewer efforts to address other elements responding to factors contributing to worse youth mental health, such as the ongoing harms of colonization and the climate crisis.

    To truly address the youth mental health crisis, we must move beyond just creating services and into creating a world that supports young people to thrive. In these areas, young people themselves have shown us the way through initiatives like the Indigenous Climate Action Youth Leadership, the Anti-Racist Youth Lab and EveryChildNow, which takes action on youth poverty.

    What can we do

    Society must embrace a strong cultural shift that prioritizes a duty to young people.
    (Shutterstock)

    To support young people, the Lancet report highlights that society must embrace a strong cultural shift that prioritizes a duty to young people, future generations and intergenerational equity, ensuring that present-day policies consider their long-term impacts. The influence of megatrends suggests that activism on any of these societal issues can benefit youth mental health.

    For those who want to take action directly, advocating for increasing mental health and social service funding, supporting local organizations dedicated to young people, involving youth in decision-making processes, and fostering nurturing social communities are all important steps.

    In light of the upcoming federal election, Canadians should demand that all political parties have a clear plan for youth mental health. Policymaking should prioritize youth, family and community needs. Policies should be evidence-based, especially since intuitively helpful but untested ideas may have unintended consequences (for example, negative effects of universal prevention efforts) or can be complicated (such as the relationship between social media use and youth mental health).

    Continuous funding for mental health research can generate knowledge that can inform practice and policy, anticipate and respond to future priorities, test innovative interventions (like nature-based, social prescribing and intergenerational connection) and improve existing systems and interventions.

    Young people are tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and contributors. Ignoring their mental health problems undermines their potential and jeopardizes Canada’s ability to build a prosperous, inclusive society. Prioritizing youth mental health is not just a strategic investment for the country’s resilience — it is an ethical imperative.

    Tovah Cowan receives funding from CIHR for a Planning and Dissemination grant supporting a project related to improving learning health systems for youth mental health services. Her current salary is paid through a CIHR grant previously awarded to Dr. Iyer.

    Camila Velez receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through a Doctoral Scholarship and a Planning and Dissemination grant for an International Symposium on arts-based research in youth mental health. Her current research assistant salary is paid through a CIHR grant previously awarded to Dr. Iyer.

    Nora Morrison’s current salary is paid through a CIHR grant previously awarded to Dr. Srividya Iyer.

    Rubén Valle receives his salary from a CIHR grant previously awarded to Dr. Iyer.

    Srividya N. Iyer is supported by the Canada Research Chairs Program (Tier 1) and has received peer-reviewed grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Fonds de Recherche du Québec – Santé and the International Development Research Centre.

    – ref. The urgent mental health needs of young people: Lessons for Canada from a global commission – https://theconversation.com/the-urgent-mental-health-needs-of-young-people-lessons-for-canada-from-a-global-commission-245039

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Letter to Makary, Sens. Murray, Baldwin, Alsobrooks Raise Alarm over Decision to Cancel Critical FDA Flu Shot Meeting Amid Worst Flu Season in 15 Years

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Senators: “We intend to use your nomination hearing next week to understand whether you support this ill-informed measure to slow critical public health decision making.”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chairof the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) sent a letter to Dr. Marty Makary, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), expressing extreme concern with the FDA’s unprecedented decision to abruptly cancel the March 13th planned meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), which is the annual opportunity for FDA to hear expert advice and make recommendations on the selection of influenza strains to be included in the flu vaccines this coming fall. The cancellation of the VRBPAC’s meeting to consider flu shot characteristics for the upcoming flu season comes while the U.S. is experiencing the worst flu season in 15 years. As of February 15, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there have been at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
    Dr. Makary is set to appear before the HELP Committee on Thursday, March 6th, for a hearing on his nomination to lead FDA. “We intend to use your nomination hearing next week to understand whether you support this ill-informed measure to slow critical public health decision making,” Murray, Baldwin, and Alsobrooks—all members of the HELP Committee—wrote.
    “The cancellation of next week’s VRBPAC meeting is unprecedented. This Committee has met every year for the past 30 years to discuss the influenza virus vaccines for the upcoming flu season and make recommendations to the FDA. It is essential for this meeting to occur, and its expert recommendations to be issued, in a timely, routine manner,” the senators continued. “Any delay in the Committee meeting and issuing recommendations may impact flu vaccine availability and effectiveness, if manufacturers do not have sufficient time to prepare the correct vaccines.”
    “While we acknowledge you are not yet at the agency, we expect you to answer questions about whether you will adopt a position of responsible public health leadership or continue the Trump Administration’s current, troubling trajectory into vaccine skepticism should you be confirmed to lead FDA,” Murray and her colleagues wrote, asking that Dr. Makary be prepared to address the following questions:
    Will you reschedule FDA VRBPAC meeting to consider influenza virus vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season? If not, why not?
    Are you planning to remove or otherwise change the membership of the FDA VRBPAC?
    Will FDA accept the expert, independent recommendations of the FDA VRBPAC, for influenza virus vaccines and all other vaccine types?
    Do you commit to convening the FDA VRBPAC on its established annual basis to discuss and issue recommendations on flu shot characteristics?
    The full text of the letter is below and HERE:
    Dear Dr. Makary:
    Next week, you are scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee for your nomination to serve as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We write today to express our extreme concern with the decision to abruptly cancel the planned meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), which is the annual opportunity for FDA to hear expert advice and make recommendations on the selection of strains to be included in the influenza virus vaccines for the 2025 to 2026 influenza season. We intend to use your nomination hearing next week to understand whether you support this ill-informed measure to slow critical public health decision making. 
    The cancellation of the VRBPAC’s meeting to consider flu shot characteristics for the upcoming flu season comes while the U.S. is experiencing the worst flu season in 15 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the United States’ 2024-2025 influenza season as “high severity” overall and for all age groups. As of February 15, 2025, the CDC estimates that there have been at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths from flu so far this season. The flu vaccine is one essential tool for prevention of flu illness, complications, hospitalizations, and untimely deaths.
    The VRBPAC is comprised of independent experts and is critical for ensuring that public health decisions, including the development and approval of vaccines, are based on the best available science and expert, independent review. VRBPAC members are experts in vaccines, infectious diseases, and epidemiology, among other relevant areas, and are essential to conducting these independent reviews and evaluating the data concerning the safety, effectiveness, and appropriate use of vaccines. The Committee typically meets in March to make recommendations for which strains should be included in the flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season.
    The cancellation of next week’s VRBPAC meeting is unprecedented. This Committee has met every year for the past 30 years to discuss the influenza virus vaccines for the upcoming flu season and make recommendations to the FDA. It is essential for this meeting to occur, and its expert recommendations to be issued, in a timely, routine manner. This is integral to give vaccine manufacturers this information to start production on flu vaccines for the upcoming flu season. Any delay in the Committee meeting and issuing recommendations may impact flu vaccine availability and effectiveness, if manufacturers do not have sufficient time to prepare the correct vaccines.
    In FDA’s response concerning the cancellation of the March 13 VRBPAC meeting, FDA stated that the agency “will make public its recommendations to manufacturers in time for updated vaccines to be available for the 2025-2026 influenza season.” This suggests FDA plans to forgo any independent expertise from the Committee when making its determinations for flu shot strains, and it remains unclear who will be making this critical public health decision.
    The options are not inspiring. The newly confirmed Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has stated “there is no vaccine that is safe and effective” and called vaccines “sham science.” He refuses to believe the definitive science showing vaccines are not linked to autism. You have promoted natural immunity as “at least as effective as vaccinated immunity, and probably better” and stated, “The greatest perpetrator of misinformation during the pandemic has been the United States government.” President Trump’s nominee to lead CDC has a long history of championing the false connection between vaccines and autism.
    While we acknowledge you are not yet at the agency, we expect you to answer questions about whether you will adopt a position of responsible public health leadership or continue the Trump Administration’s current, troubling trajectory into vaccine skepticism should you be confirmed to lead FDA. Please be prepared to address the following questions:
    Will you reschedule FDA VRBPAC meeting to consider influenza virus vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season? If not, why not?
    Are you planning to remove or otherwise change the membership of the FDA VRBPAC?
    Will FDA accept the expert, independent recommendations of the FDA VRBPAC, for influenza virus vaccines and all other vaccine types?
    Do you commit to convening the FDA VRBPAC on its established annual basis to discuss and issue recommendations on flu shot characteristics?
    Whether it’s influenza, COVID-19, measles, or other threats facing our nation’s public health, I call on you to recognize the immense responsibility placed on you if confirmed as one of the nation’s public health leaders. It will be incumbent upon you to maintain FDA’s credibility as the nation’s leading agency for ensuring the safety of our vaccines, diagnostics, medicines, foods, and more.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis County Man Admits Pandemic-Related Unemployment Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis County, Missouri on Friday admitted possessing stolen identities and engaging in several schemes, including one in which he falsely obtained COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits.

    Daryl Jones Jr., 45, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to three felonies: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and wire fraud.

    Between June 22, 2020, and July 15, 2020, the State of Pennsylvania deposited $84,592 in COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits on debit cards fraudulently issued in the identities of Jones and four others. Debit cards were issued in the stolen identities of four more people, but no deposits were made.

    Jones obtained some of the personal information to set up the accounts from Cheryl Johnson, his girlfriend, who had supervised the victims while employed at various St. Louis area businesses.

    On June 3, 2021, Jones submitted counterfeit pay stubs from a fake business associated with Johnson to obtain a $31,700 vehicle loan. He and Johnson submitted counterfeit insurance identification cards to accept delivery of the vehicle. On June 25, 2021, they arrived at the St. Louis County home of James Whitiker in that vehicle, as law enforcement was performing a court-approved search. Investigators found a notebook containing the names, Social Security numbers and birthdates of about 35 individuals, two more pieces of paper with the identifying information of 18 others, three stolen identification documents, nine Pennsylvania unemployment insurance benefit debit cards and stolen credit and debit cards.

    Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29.

    Johnson, 44, pleaded guilty February 20 to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced in May. Whitiker, 43, pleaded guilty in July to a conspiracy charge and was sentenced in October to three years of prison. He admitted using two debit cards during the conspiracy and knowing that Jones and Johnson were using his home to commit the unemployment fraud.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Access to Telehealth Services

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced bipartisan legislation to make expanded access to telehealth services permanent.
    “Nevadans should have easy access to essential health care services regardless of where they live,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will ensure families in rural communities don’t have to drive for hours to go to a routine doctor’s appointment that could be conducted virtually.”
    “Many Montanans depend on telehealth services to provide health care access across our state, especially in rural communities where patients and families would otherwise have to drive long distances and face unpredictable weather conditions to receive care,” said Senator Daines. “This bipartisan bill expands the telehealth resources folks have come to rely on, and I’ll keep working to make sure Montanans have access to the care and services they need.”
    “The Alliance to Fight for Health Care applauds Representatives Arrington and Schneider and Senators Daines and Cortez Masto for leading the charge to help keep telehealth affordable,” said Katy Johnson, President of American Benefits Council. “Access to care below the deductible provides peace of mind, knowing you can quickly get the care you need to address conditions before they worsen. This is vitally important for working families and everyday Americans — especially those in rural areas or those who are seeking tele-mental health care.”
    The Telehealth Expansion Act will permanently allow full coverage of telehealth services under high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) paired with health savings accounts (HSA) without requiring a deductible. These services were first expanded during the pandemic, and this bill would make those expansions permanent – ensuring that Nevadans and all Americans can access telehealth services without the burden of first meeting a deductible. 
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. She has led legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development, and she has introduced a bipartisan bill to cut red tape for small businesses—including those in rural areas. She also ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. She also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: LA Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for $2.3 Million COVID Loan Scheme and Falsely Seeking Nearly $1.3 Million in Pandemic Tax Credits

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – A woman from the Mid-City area of Los Angeles was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $2 million in COVID-19 government loans and to submitting false claims in an unsuccessful effort to secure from the IRS nearly $1.3 million in pandemic-related tax credits, the Justice Department announced today.

    Casie Hynes, 39, was sentenced late Thursday afternoon by United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera, who also ordered her to pay $2,376,168 in restitution.

    In April 2024, Hynes pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of false claims.

    “The defendant exploited a crisis to line her own pockets, diverting vital relief funds from businesses that needed the money,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to others that you will be held accountable if you steal government relief funds.”

    From June 2020 to December 2021, Hynes submitted more than 80 fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from banks and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) in the names of approximately 20 companies. Congress designed these programs to provide government relief to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Hynes submitted the bogus applications in the names of both existing and newly created companies, including Nasty Womxn Project and She Suite Collective and others purportedly owned by Hynes or her friends and family members. On those applications, Hynes often used the personal information and signatures of other people without their authorization and even though those people were not involved with the companies. Hynes also provided false information on the applications, including as to the number of purported employees at the companies, the companies’ average monthly payroll, and who purportedly owned and controlled these sham businesses. Hynes also submitted fabricated tax documents and bank statements in support of the fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications.

    In reliance on Hynes’ fraudulent loan applications, banks and the SBA approved PPP and EIDL loans for the various companies she created and then disbursed the COVID-19 relief funds into bank accounts she controlled and used to pay for her own personal expenses.

    Hynes admitted that she intended to cause approximately $3,174,323 in losses and she received approximately $2,255,244 in fraudulent proceeds from this scheme.

    In a related scheme, Hynes used some of the same companies named in her PPP and EIDL fraud to submit bogus tax forms to the IRS, requesting refunds. Following COVID-19’s outbreak, Congress enacted laws authorizing the IRS to reduce the employment tax burdens of small businesses and reimburse those businesses for wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of the pandemic. During the tax years 2020 and 2021, the IRS offered the Employee Retention Credit and paid sick and family leave credit to businesses that were significantly impacted by COVID-19.

    From May 2021 to April 2022, Hynes caused to be submitted 12 tax forms that sought refunds based on false statements on behalf of Nasty Womxn Project LLC, She Suite Ventures, and Casie Hynes Consulting. Hynes knew these companies had little to no business operations, did not have the number of employees she claimed, and did not pay the quarterly wages she claimed in the tax forms.

    Hynes fraudulently sought approximately $1,255,703 in COVID-19 tax credits and tax refunds through these false claims, none of which the IRS paid.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kristen A. Williams of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Justice Department in partnership with agencies across the federal government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international actors committing civil and criminal fraud and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Tips and complains from all sources about potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by visiting the webpage of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, which can be found here. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can also report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint From at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Rare Disease Day: How the European Reference Networks are tackling rare diseases

    Source: European Union 2

    Rare diseases represent a major health challenge for healthcare systems due to the limited knowledge available to diagnose them, the limited number of  treatment options (95% of the known rare diseases still lack an approved treatment) and their low prevalence*. That is why rare diseases have been a priority for the European Union over the past two decades, resulting in collective action to facilitate knowledge sharing and access to specialised care for patients. 

    The EU’s strategic objective for rare diseases is to improve patient access to diagnosis, information and care. It assists in pooling scarce resources spread across the EU, enabling patients and professionals to share expertise and information.

    The European response can be characterised by a combination of key elements:

    • Setting up and supporting European Reference Networks (ERNs);
    • Supporting the definition, codification and inventory of rare diseases;
    • Supporting the designation and authorisation of orphan medicinal products;
    • Building and broadening the knowledge base, also through research;
    • Empowering patient organisations.

    ERNs are cross-border networks that bring together European centres of expertise and hospitals to tackle rare, low prevalence and complex diseases and conditions requiring highly specialised healthcare.  

    ERNs enable specialists in Europe to discuss cases of patients affected by rare, low-prevalence and complex diseases, providing advice on the most appropriate diagnosis and the best treatment available. 

    On Rare Disease Day, HaDEA interviewed Professor Luca Sangiorgi, Coordinator of ERN BOND, the European Reference Network of Rare Bone Disorders, and Chair of the ERN Coordinators Group, which is the governing board of the 24 ERNs. 

    1. Can you explain the relevance of ERNs in the field of rare diseases? 

    ERNs gather over 1600 European centres of expertise dealing with rare, low prevalence and complex diseases and conditions which require highly specialised healthcare. Their relevance in the rare disease field resides in the possibility of enabling knowledge exchange and creating common patient pathways and guidelines, which will then be shared with the entire healthcare community. Patient representatives are involved and engaged in all ERNs’ processes, to ensure that their perspective is taken into account in the work of the ERNs.

    1. The ERNs have been funded by the EU since 2017. What do you consider their main successes?  

    The main success of ERNs is that they allow patients with a rare disease to have a proper harmonised pathway for diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, ERNs are favouring more homogeneous treatment of patients across participating countries.  This is done, for instance, through the ERNs’ virtual discussion tool (CPMS) that allows clinicians to discuss the most challenging cases.  

    Furthermore, ERN registries, which collect pseudo-anonymised data on patients with rare diseases, are helping to develop a clear picture of the natural history of the various disorders treated by the ERNs. This may one day make it possible to find new treatments for disorders that are currently untreatable. Very few rare diseases have a therapeutic option available and the ERNs registries make a real contribution to the discovery of new treatments. 

    ERNs have also helped the EU respond to different crises in recent years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian’s war of aggression against Ukraine. A framework has been put in place by the Commission for Ukrainian healthcare providers to seek advice from members of the European Reference Networks on Ukrainian rare or complex disease patients. Moreover, the ERNs undertake collaboration activities, capacity building and best practice sharing for competent Ukrainian authorities and healthcare units. 

    1. What are the main objectives and expectations for the ongoing grants?  

    The main objectives are to stabilise and further increase the opportunities that ERNs are creating for the treatment of patients. We also expect to explore future possibilities for better therapeutic and better care options, such as the use of artificial intelligence. 

    1. What are the main challenges to cross-border cooperation for rare diseases in Europe, and how do the ERN grants help to face these?  

    There are still some obstacles which hinder effective cross-border cooperation. To face these limits, the ERN coordinators’ group has recently set up specific working groups. At the same time, support to Ukrainian patients has given us a clear example that cross-border cooperation is working. ERNs are not only providing treatments to those patients in countries where they are not available, but are also training referral doctors in order to facilitate knowledge transfer and the implementation of new procedures. 

    For instance, my hospital, which is part of ERN BOND and is located in Italy, will operate on a patient from another country where the surgical expertise is not currently available. Surgeons from the clinical centre which referred the patient will participate in the surgery after following a specific training. This will allow them to repeat this therapeutic strategy in their home country.

    1. How important is the support of EU funding for ERNs? 

    EU funding is essential: without this support, many of the activities I have mentioned would not be feasible. ERNs have received EU funding since their creation in 2017 and a direct grant of more than €77 million is covering their activities for the period 2023-2027. 

    There are ongoing actions aimed to raise awareness in EU countries of the importance of ERNs as a strategic initiative  to support rare diseases patients. This is one of the main objectives of the Joint Action on integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems (JARDIN). The support of the EU to ERNs, by facilitating interaction between EU countries, is essential for the existence of ERNs and for the rare disease community. 

    * Prevalence: the proportion of a particular population found to be affected by a medical condition at a specific time

    Background 

    European Reference Networks  

    HaDEA manages the 24 ERN grants running from 2023 to 2027 with a total EU contribution of €77.4 million. HaDEA also manages the Joint Action on integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems (JARDIN), for a total EU contribution of €15 million. 

    HaDEA has also managed the contract on the independent evaluation of ERNs: ERNs evaluation results report – Independent Evaluations of European Reference Networks and of Healthcare Providers – European Commission 

    EU4Health is the fourth and largest of the EU health programmes. The programme provides funding to national authorities, health organisations and other bodies through grants and public procurement, contributing to a healthier Europe. 

    HaDEA manages the vast majority of the total EU4Health budget and implements the programme by managing calls for proposals and tenders from 2021 to 2027. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Reserve Board begins 2025 Survey of Consumer Finances

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    .

    February 28, 2025
    Federal Reserve Board begins 2025 Survey of Consumer Finances
    For release at 11:00 a.m. EST

    The Federal Reserve Board in March will begin its regular study of household finances, the Survey of Consumer Finances, which provides the public and policymakers with detailed and important insights into the economic condition of American families.
    “This survey is an important source of information on the financial well-being of American families,” Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome H. Powell said in a letter to prospective survey participants. “Our most recent survey, which took place in 2022, has been important to understanding the different ways that American families experienced the unusual economic conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.”
    The data collected will provide a representative picture of what Americans own—from houses and cars to stocks and bonds—how and how much they borrow, and how they bank, as well as their feelings about their economic situation and that of the United States more broadly. Past study results have contributed to policy discussions regarding the evolution of housing as a key component of wealth, the recovery of households from the Great Recession, changes in the kinds and amount of credit used by families, and a broad range of other issues.
    The current version of the survey has been undertaken every three years since 1983. It is being conducted through December of this year and for the Board by NORC, a social science research organization at the University of Chicago.
    Participants in the study are chosen at random from 119 geographic areas, including metropolitan areas and rural counties across the United States, using a scientific sampling procedure. A representative of NORC contacts each potential participant personally to explain the study and request time for an interview.
    Individual survey responses are kept strictly confidential. NORC uses names and addresses only for the administration of the survey and must destroy that identifying information at the close of the study. NORC is forbidden from giving the names and addresses of participants to anyone at the Federal Reserve or elsewhere, and that information is permanently destroyed after the survey is completed.
    Summary results for the 2025 study will be published in late 2026 after all data from the survey have been assessed and analyzed. The letter from Chair Powell will be mailed in mid-March to approximately 13,000 households urging their participation in the study.
    For media inquiries, please e-mail [email protected] or call 202-452-2955.

    Last Update: February 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fraudster Receives Prison Sentence in Illegal Paycheck Protection Program Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Jerry Baptiste, the last of 20 defendants charged in a wide-ranging criminal scheme to steal Paycheck Protection Program funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been sentenced for his role in the scheme.

    “This defendant and his co-conspirators used an unprecedented global crisis to defraud the government and the American people,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Today’s tough, but fair, sentence sends the message that stealing from the government does not pay.” 

    “This sentencing wraps up an exhaustive investigation into a fraud scheme that stole emergency funds from businesses and individuals that desperately needed them during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta.  “The FBI will make every effort to ensure federal funds are used as intended and punish anyone who would steal from our government.”

    “The sentencings of the 20 defendants serves as a reminder to those who committed PPP fraud that investigations into their criminal acts have not ended,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue their diligent search for those who defrauded the American people during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the third superseding indictment, and other information presented in court: from April 2020 through May 2020, Jerry Baptiste conspired with Darrell Thomas, Denesseria Slaton, Amanda Christian, Charles Petty, Bern Benoit, and others to submit a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application for Transportation Management Services Inc. (“Transportation Management”), a company that Benoit purported to own. The PPP loan application for Transportation Management falsely represented that it maintained 66 employees and an average monthly payroll of $332,167, and that it would use the PPP funds for payroll, lease payments or mortgage interest, and utilities.

    To support its payroll figures, Transportation Management submitted with its PPP loan application false IRS Form 941s, which are the Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, for each quarter of 2019. Transportation Management also included with its PPP loan application a fraudulent bank statement. Through the Transportation Management PPP loan application, Baptiste and his co-conspirators fraudulently obtained $830,417. Baptiste also participated in preparing other fraudulent PPP loans.

    Jerry Baptiste, 47, of Miami, Florida was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. P. Boulee to six and a half years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of$830,417. On October 29, 2024, Baptiste pleaded guilty to money laundering pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement.

    All the defendants in Baptiste’s case have now been convicted and sentenced, with punishments ranging from probation to 15 years’ imprisonment:

    • Darrell Thomas. On June 16, 2021, Thomas pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and money laundering. On May 9, 2022, Thomas was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $13,206,752.10 in restitution.
    • Andre Lee Gaines. On June 17, 2021, Gaines pleaded guilty to the charge of making a false statement. On October 5, 2021, Gaines was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $806,710 in restitution.
    • Kahlil Gibran Green. On September 1, 2020, Green pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On January 14, 2021, Green was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $830,000 in restitution.
    • Bern Benoit. On March 11, 2021, Benoit pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On September 8, 2021, Benoit was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $1,105,217 in restitution.
    • Carla Jackson. On February 15, 2024, Jackson was found guilty of money laundering by jury verdict. On May 16, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $335,238.22 in restitution.
    • Ricky Dixon. On August 1, 2022, Dixon pleaded guilty to the charges of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit money laundering. On January 25, 2023, Dixon was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $4,320,928.31 in restitution.
    • Meghan Thomas. On July 27, 2022, Thomas pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On May 23, 2023, Thomas was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,381,760.35 in restitution.
    • Jesika Blakely. On March 15, 2022, Blakely pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On February 8, 2023, Blakely was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,348,498.89 in restitution.
    • Amanda Christian. On March 5, 2022, Christian pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On September 13, 2022, Christian was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $835,542 in restitution.
    • Dwan Ashong. On June 29, 2022, Ashong pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On October 31, 2022, Ashong was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,604,807 in restitution.
    • John Gaines. On January 31, 2024, Gaines pleaded guilty to the charge of money laundering. On June 26, 2024, Gaines was sentenced to 63 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $806,710 in restitution.
    • Charles Petty. On November 2, 2021, Petty pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On February 25, 2022, Petty was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $830,417 in restitution.
    • Derek Parker. On April 14, 2022, Parker pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 31, 2022, Parker was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $163,620.40 in restitution.
    • David Belgrave II. On May 25, 2022, Belgrave pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. On August 25, 2022, Belgrave was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, with 18 months on home detention, and ordered to pay $877,000 in restitution.
    • Charles Hill IV. On September 29, 2021, Hill pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On January 12, 2022, Hill was sentenced to five years’ probation, with 27 months on home detention, and ordered to pay $1,004,805 in restitution.
    • Ryan Whittley. On May 25, 2022, Whittley pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 29, 2022, Whittley was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $797,275 in restitution.
    • El Hadj Sall. On August 24, 2022, Sall pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On November 29, 2022, Sall was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $973,585 in restitution.
    • Rick McDuffie. On April 27, 2022, McDuffie pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. On August 23, 2022, McDuffie was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay $5,125 in restitution.
    • Teldrin Foster. On February 15, 2024, Foster was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, making a false statement to a federally insured bank, and money laundering by jury verdict. On June 25, 2024, Foster was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $9,606,627.35 in restitution. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samir Kaushal and Nathan Kitchens, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tal Chaiken and Norman Barnett, of the Northern District of Georgia, and Trial Attorney Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, prosecuted the case.

    The Department of Justice remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.         

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As flu cases break records this year, vaccine rates are declining, particularly for children and 65+ adults

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Annette Regan, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles

    It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Fat Camera/E+ via Getty Images

    In February 2025, flu rates spiked to the highest levels seen in at least 15 years, with flu outpacing COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified this flu season as having “high” severity across the U.S.

    The Conversation asked epidemiologist Annette Regan to explain why this flu season is different from last year’s and what people can do to help reduce the spread.

    How do flu cases and hospitalizations this year compare with previous years?

    Beginning in late January and extending through February 2025, flu hospitalizations have been higher than any other week since before 2009.

    Most flu cases appear to be from influenza A strains, with a split between influenza A/H3N2 and influenza A/H1N1. These are two different subtypes of the influenza A virus.

    Researchers believe that historically seasons that are predominated by influenza A/H3N2 infections tend to be more severe, but infections from influenza A/H1N1 can still be very severe.

    This year’s season is also peaking “late” compared with the past three flu seasons, which peaked in early or late December.

    Unfortunately, there have been a number of deaths from flu too this season. Since Jan. 1, 2025, alone, over 4,000 people, including 68 children, have died from flu. While the number of deaths do not mark a record number, it shows that flu can be a serious illness, even in children.

    Unless directed otherwise, everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu shot.

    Why are flu cases so high this year?

    There are a number of factors behind any severe season, including poor community protection from low immunization rates and low natural immunity, virus characteristics, vaccine effectiveness and increased human contact via travel, office work or schools.

    Unfortunately, flu vaccination rates have declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the 2023-24 flu season, 9.2 million fewer doses were administered in pharmacies and doctors’ offices compared with an average year before the pandemic.

    In addition, since 2022, fewer and fewer doses of flu vaccine have been distributed by private manufacturers. Flu vaccination rates for adults have historically been in the 30% to 60% range, much lower than the recommended 70%. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination rates were increasing by around 1% to 2% every year.

    Flu vaccination rates began dropping after the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in higher-risk groups. Flu vaccination in children has dropped from 59% in 2019-20 to 46% in 2024-25. In adults 65 years and older, the group with the greatest risk of hospitalization and death, flu vaccination rates dropped from 52% in 2019-20 to 43% in 2024-25.

    Lower vaccination rates mean a greater portion of the population is not protected by vaccines. Data shows that vaccination reduces the risk of flu hospitalization. Even if a vaccinated person gets infected, they may be less likely to experience severe illness. As a result, low vaccination rates could contribute to higher flu severity this season.

    However, low vaccination rates are probably not the only reason for the high rates of flu this season. In previous severe seasons, genetic changes to the viruses have made them better at infecting people and more likely to cause severe illness.

    The effectiveness of annual flu vaccines varies depending on how well the vaccine matches the circulating virus. The effectiveness of vaccines ranges from 19% to 60% in any given season. In the 2023-24 flu season, the vaccine was 42% effective.

    Similarly, early 2024-25 data from the U.S. shows that the vaccine was 41% to 55% effective against flu hospitalizations in adults and 63% to 78% effective against flu hospitalizations in children.

    Something as simple as regular handwashing could keep you from getting the flu.

    How do seasonal flu symptoms differ from COVID-19 and other illnesses?

    It’s important to remember that people often incorrectly refer to “the flu” when they have a common cold. Flu is caused only by the influenza virus, which tends to be more severe than common colds and more commonly causes a fever.

    Many of the signs and symptoms for flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are the same and can range from mild coldlike symptoms to pneumonia and respiratory distress. Common flu symptoms are fever, cough and fatigue, and may also include shortness of breath, a sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches and headache.

    Some symptoms, such as changes in or loss of taste and smell, are more common for COVID-19. For both COVID-19 and flu, the symptoms do not start until about one to four days after infection, and symptoms seem to last longer for COVID-19.

    The only way to know what virus is causing an infection is to test. This can be done using a rapid test, some of which now test for flu and COVID-19 together, or by seeing a doctor and getting tested using a nasal swab. There are prescription antiviral medications available to treat flu and COVID-19, but they need to be taken near the time that symptoms start.

    Some people are at high risk of severe flu and COVID-19, such as those who are immunosuppressed, have diabetes or have chronic heart or lung conditions. In these cases, it is important to seek early care and treatment from a health care professional. Some doctors will also prescribe via telehealth calls, which can help reduce the strain on doctors’ offices, urgent care centers and emergency rooms when infection rates are high.

    What can people do now to help steer clear of the flu?

    There are a number of ways people can reduce their risk of getting or spreading flu. Since the flu season is still underway, it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. Even in seasons when the vaccine’s effectiveness is low, it is likely to offer better protection compared with remaining unvaccinated.

    Handwashing and disinfecting high-traffic surfaces can help reduce contact with the flu virus. Taking efforts to avoid contact with sick people can also help, including wearing a mask when in health care facilities.

    Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Exercising, eating healthy and getting sufficient sleep all help support a healthy immune system, which can help reduce chances of infection.

    Those who have been diagnosed with flu or are experiencing flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with other people, especially in crowded spaces. Covering coughs and sneezes can help reduce the amount of virus that is spread.

    Annette Regan receives research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Global Vaccine Data Network, and she is employed by the Department of Research & Evaluation at Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

    – ref. As flu cases break records this year, vaccine rates are declining, particularly for children and 65+ adults – https://theconversation.com/as-flu-cases-break-records-this-year-vaccine-rates-are-declining-particularly-for-children-and-65-adults-250252

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Failure to consult Indigenous Peoples on future pandemics will further harm children’s education

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The failure of governments around the world to consult Indigenous Peoples on Covid-19 school closures and other emergency pandemic responses violated their rights, as children continue to feel the effects five years after the first global lockdown, Amnesty International said in a new report today.

    Indigenous leaders interviewed by Amnesty International for its report What If Indigenous Consent Is Not Respected?, testified to sharp and sustained increases in post-pandemic absenteeism and school dropout rates, of more than 80 per cent in some cases, among Indigenous children in more than 10 countries. Indigenous leaders and activists also voiced concerns that the often discriminatory, desultory or non-existent response by authorities to the educational needs of Indigenous children during the pandemic worsened long-standing inequities faced by Indigenous communities – with Indigenous girls and children with disabilities particularly disadvantaged. Going forward, the organization is calling for Indigenous Peoples to be consulted during future pandemics.  

    The Indigenous leaders and activists we spoke to felt completely ignored by governments during the pandemic.

    Chris Chapman, Amnesty’s researcher on Indigenous rights

    “The Indigenous leaders and activists we spoke to felt completely ignored by governments during the pandemic, which had an enduring and damaging impact on their rights and prospects,” said Chris Chapman, Amnesty International’s Researcher on Indigenous Rights.

    “They said that remote learning solutions were often unavailable to Indigenous children. Those in rural areas, where Indigenous communities often lacked devices, internet connections, electricity and the technological knowledge or capacity to participate in virtual classes or remote learning, were worst affected.”

    When lower-tech solutions such as printed materials were distributed to other groups, Indigenous communities in several different countries said they were passed over, ignored, or asked to pay for them.

    Indigenous campaigner Sylvia Kokunda said: “For the most part these materials were distributed by the local government, since it can be easier for the village chairperson to identify the people in this community. However, local officials would not give the materials to these Batwa people, they would give only to their people.”

    Radio or television-based educational broadcasting during the pandemic was often unavailable in Indigenous languages. An Ogiek activist said that although Sogoot FM 97.1, an Ogiek language radio station, was used to reach the community to inform them about Covid-19 and its impacts, it was not used for school coursework.  

    The report is based on data and more than 80 interviews or collected responses that Amnesty International gathered to explore how Indigenous students around the world were impacted by pandemic-related school closures, including in Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Russia, Taiwan and Uganda. There are 476 million Indigenous people worldwide in more than 90 countries, belonging to 5,000 different Indigenous groups and speaking more than 4,000 languages.

    Technology, discrimination and dropout rates

    Where Indigenous families had limited access to technology for remote learning during the pandemic, boys were often prioritized.

    According to Indigenous women activists from Nepal,“If some families have a mobile, then only one or two will use it. And if there are more children in the house, one has to sacrifice their education. When it comes to the sacrifice, the girls are sacrificed more.”

    Even if Indigenous students had devices capable of being used for remote learning, their families were sometimes unable to afford sufficient data. In addition, remote teaching was rarely provided in Indigenous languages.

    Children with learning difficulties or disabilities which required specialist teaching, for instance through use of sign language or braille, were often excluded, including among Indigenous communities.

    Interviewees in many states said there was often little or no government monitoring, or consideration of the effectiveness of alternative learning initiatives for Indigenous communities. Information on how to access education when schools closed – and they stayed shut for more than 18 months in some countries – was rarely provided in Indigenous languages.

    “Boys who had begun working as motorcycle taxi drivers to earn money for their families also dropped out.

    Indigenous activist from Kenya

    Students with little or no access to education during the pandemic often worked instead, and never returned to schools when they reopened. Those who did return when schools reopened, often found that they had fallen behind their classmates. If they were unwilling to retake a year, or could not be supported financially, they too dropped out.

    In Kenya, the majority of dropouts of Ogiek students were girls, especially girls who got pregnant during Covid-19 or were subjected to early marriage. However, it affected boys too. An Indigenous activist from Kenya said: “Boys between the ages of 12 and 18 who had begun working in jobs such as motorcycle taxi drivers or farm workers to earn money for themselves and their families also dropped out.”

    Some schools across many states never reopened, further reducing access to education for Indigenous children, Indigenous activists reported.

    Asked to reply to Amnesty’s findings, the Mexican government stated that it responded to the “unprecedented challenge of Covid-19″ by working with Indigenous schools and teachers to roll out a set of measures including distributing materials in five Indigenous languages, sometimes in printed formats where access to internet or devices was restricted, developing new digital educational materials, and capacity-building for schools and parents to use digital platforms.

    Recommendations

    “Significantly more resources are now required to safeguard, restore and improve the educational opportunities and rights of Indigenous communities,” Chris Chapman said.

    “States must work with Indigenous communities to immediately restore and enhance the right to education for all Indigenous children including a focus on re-enrolling Indigenous girls, and Indigenous students with disabilities.”  

    Alongside the report, Amnesty International has shared a guide for researchers who wish to investigate the extent to which the human right to participate effectively in decision-making has been violated, especially when it comes to Indigenous communities.  

    “Governments must consult with Indigenous Peoples on Covid-19 response measures and other pandemic and emergency response measures, otherwise they risk violating their right to consultation, and their right to give or withhold their consent to decisions affecting them. Our study highlights the risks of failing to take into account the realities, cultures and rights of Indigenous Peoples,” said Chris Chapman.

    “While our report sets out the devastating impact of this lack of inclusion, it’s hoped that Amnesty’s guide will ensure Indigenous people are included in discussions that affect them in the future. Every child has the right to free, high-quality primary education. States must therefore ensure that no child is left behind.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: An interview with Chris Chapman

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Chris Chapman is Amnesty International’s Advisor on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights. Working with communities around the world, he has seen how states continue to violate the rights of Indigenous Peoples, failing to involve them in decisions that affect them, most recently during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Inspired by the incredible people he’s met and interviewed, and his years working in human rights, Chris has now penned a research guide on how to assess whether people have been effectively involved in decisions that affect them and been able to influence them.

    Can you tell me about your role at Amnesty and what it involves?

    I am a researcher and advisor for Indigenous Peoples’ rights. I’m currently focusing on conservation and protected areas and how they impact Indigenous Peoples. Quite often, protected areas are established on lands claimed by Indigenous Peoples. For example, on the borders of Paraguay and Brazil, an Indigenous People has been evicted to make way for a hydroelectric dam. The company has created protected nature reserves around the new borders of the river, yet the displaced Indigenous People have no right to go into those nature reserves, due to lack of consultation by governments.

    I also support people at Amnesty who are doing research on the situations of Indigenous Peoples and provide advice.

    Is there a piece of research that has had a lasting impact on you?

    I was inspired by a joint project between Amnesty’s human rights education team and our Philippines office. They worked with communities all over the Philippines, shared lots of resources on running human rights campaigns, and now they apply these to the most important and pressing issues in their communities. It’s a great example of how Amnesty can share skills and experience and empowers others.

    Another inspiring experience was working with Elias Kimaiyo, an activist and leader for the Sengwer Indigenous People in Kenya. We worked together on a report that came out in 2018. Elias never had the opportunities many of us have had but it’s not held him back. He tells the truth about what is happening to the Sengwer whether it’s to his local MP, in Nairobi, or in Geneva or Brussels. He’s also an amazing photographer and video maker. While I was writing up the research, I learnt he had been out in the field filming the Kenya Forest Service who were evicting his people from their forest. He was shot at by one of the rangers and it permanently damaged his arm. But he continues the work.

    When governments take decisions that might impact on people’s human rights, there is an obligation to consult those people and involve them meaningfully in decision-making.

    Chris Chapman

    What’s the aim of Amnesty’s new research guidelines, Public participation in decision-making ?

    Amnesty’s new guide is for researchers on how to research processes of public participation in decision-making. When governments take decisions or implement projects that might impact on people’s human rights, there is usually an obligation to consult those people and involve them meaningfully in decision-making.

    This guide provides guidance to researchers who want to research such processes to make sure the government has fully complied with its obligations. The researchers could be from NGOs like Amnesty, or academics, or people from the affected communities themselves. It’s about seeing if things are being done as they should – whether that involves consulting the public on projects such as clearing informal settlement housing, building a dam, or passing a new law which will affect a particular group of people.

    The research guide is incredibly engaging – it’s beautifully presented and packed with photographs, so hopefully it’s appealing and useful to those who want to use it. Within it, there’s a series of practical tools for researchers, such as example lists of questions which you need to ask in a particular situation. For example, if a mine or a dam is being built, there is a checklist for what information communities should receive. I really hope researchers will pick it up and use it.

    Why is the guide needed?

    When the public aren’t consulted by the government on issues that affect them, it can affect their human rights negatively. In some cases, governments just tell people what they’re going to do without listening to them. In addition, Indigenous Peoples have the right to free, prior and informed consent, which means that they should be not only consulted, but that the proposal should not go ahead against their will.

    During the pandemic, governments were scrambling to take emergency action very quickly – they closed schools and learning went online. Many Indigenous communities who live in rural areas didn’t have sufficient access to the Internet. In some cases, there weren’t enough devices for a remote connection for schooling and materials weren’t provided in specific languages.  

    Aymara indigenous women walk their children to the Ladislao Cabrera school during their first week of face to face classes, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The children of the Machacamarca highlands town in Bolivia started face to face classes, due to the lack of means to access virtual education.

    Governments took steps to close down schools without taking into account the issues Indigenous peoples would face. They weren’t ready for these challenges and failed to adapt their policies, which led to a detrimental impact on children’s education. Their schooling effectively ended, causing a long-lasting impact.

    How does it feel to hear these stories?

    It’s really sad. Sometimes we talk about how human rights researchers get a bit blasé because they hear so many accounts and you’re exposed to human rights violations every day. But when you hear first-hand accounts, it’s obviously going to affect you and if it doesn’t, maybe it’s time to reach out for support, as it could be a sign that you’ve reached burn out.

    How could Indigenous Peoples be included in their government responses to emergencies?

    Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines have put an emergency response protocol in place, covering what the government should do when there’s an emergency. Initially designed for floods and hurricanes, it could easily be adapted for pandemics.

    The plan details what the government should do immediately after a disaster, as well as numerous initiatives that can be done immediately or staggered over time. It’s a great idea and if Indigenous Peoples have such a protocol, governments should comply with them, it would provide a starting point for knowing how to consult on pandemic responses.

    Finally, how did you get into this area of work?

    I was always interested in human rights. I was a member of a local Amnesty group in my twenties and passionate about dealing with injustices in the world. I travelled around and worked in Guatemala just as the peace accords had been signed, ending decades of civil conflict. There were people who had gone into exile and who wanted to return, or they had gone into hiding in remote places in Guatemala. They wanted to return to normal life, but they wanted international observers in their communities because they still didn’t trust the army. So I worked in a rainforest community for five months, teaching maths, and getting involved in the community’s activities – it was an incredible experience where people told me about what happened during the civil war. It was powerful and inspired me to work within the human rights field.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 28 February 2025 Donors making a difference: community engagement to promote, provide and protect the health and well-being of all

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO defines community engagement as “a process of developing relationships that enable stakeholders to work together to address health-related issues and promote well-being to achieve positive health impact and outcomes”.

    WHO’s partners and donors support the Organization to work in this area as there are undeniable benefits to engaging communities in promoting health and well-being. At its core, community engagement enables changes in behaviour, environments, policies, programmes and practices within communities.

    Below are some country stories that demonstrate the breadth of community engagement work that WHO conducts, resulting in more positive health outcomes for the people in these communities than before.

    Uganda trains district health workers on community-based approach to Ebola

    Uganda trains Community Health workers from Kole, Mukono and Wakiso districts on community-based approach to Ebola. Photo by: WHO/Sadat Kamugisha 

    Uganda’s Ministry of Health conducted a training on Ebola disease detection and management for Community Health Workers representatives from Kole, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Participants focused on multi-sectoral action to safeguard communities from emerging zoonotic diseases with pandemic potential such as Ebola.

    Communities play an integral role in raising awareness, supporting case identification, tracing contacts, and maintaining essential health services. The emphasis on collaboration with local leaders, volunteers, and health workers is vital for effective responses to public health emergencies. Building on lessons learned from past health crises, Uganda has already made substantial advancements in emergency preparedness.

    The three-day event was supported by WHO, and the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), which is a UK aid project funded by the Department of Health and Social care. The community protection approach is a central component of WHO’s new Health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and resilience framework.

    Visit the WHO/Uganda web page to read the full story.

    Community engagement for access to health services in Lao PDR

    CONNECT team members discuss community health priorities in Khammouane Province, Lao PDR. Photo by: WHO/Enric Catala

    Developed by the Lao Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs in response to COVID-19 with the support of WHO and partners, the CONNECT initiative enhances local governance and community engagement for equitable access to public services, particularly health.

    Supported by USAID, the Australian Government and Luxembourg, as of July 2024, CONNECT reached over 230 villages across 10 provinces (including Vientiane Capital) and support already in-place for expansion to all provinces.

    An external evaluation of implementation in 12 villages found an increase in essential service uptake for maternal health and improved attitudes towards using primary care; increased trust in health providers; increased sense of ownership of health at community level; and increased vaccination uptake and confidence, especially among ethnic groups and previously unreached communities.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story.

    Côte d’Ivoire community radios boost public awareness on mpox outbreak

    Community radios, pillar of the fight against mpox. Photo by: WHO/Toiherou De Marfere Sidibe

    A network of community radio stations, known as Radio Santé, comprises 350 stations in West African, with over half based in Côte d’Ivoire. Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with major support from WHO, Radio Santé has become a preferred channel for disseminating reliable, verified health information. It brings together nearly 1000 journalists and communications specialists.

    Radio Santé is an interactive and accessible tool for mobilizing communities around health issues, throughout Côte d’Ivoire and across borders. Health authorities use Radio Santé to counter rumours and misinformation, and to strengthen community engagement, which is crucial to curbing the spread of diseases such as mpox.

    After WHO declared mpox as a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, Radio Santé devoted its health talk show to mpox. 185 Ivorian community radio stations have since broadcasted messages on mpox. Over 50 programmes have been produced and broadcast in eight countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.

    Visit the WHO/Côte d’Ivoire web page to read the full story.

    Bolivia strengthens social participation in health for indigenous population

    Indigenous organizations are clear about their requests. They want free and equitable access to health care, an improved indigenous health network, incorporation of traditional medicine, and the consideration of the indigenous population’s culture, customs, and practices. Photo by: WHO/PAHO

    The Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia is engaging indigenous populations in community participation processes, creating space for them to discuss health topics, share concerns, and contribute to a health improvement plan.

    The meaningful inclusion and engagement of indigenous populations in health policy planning, taking into account the social determinants of health, is critical to ensure context-specific interventions, uptake of guidance and services, and positive health outcomes for all.

    PAHO/WHO, through the Universal Health Coverage Partnership, has supported the Ministry of Health and Sports of Bolivia in this endeavour since 2021. The UHC Partnership operates in over 125 countries, representing over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Weaving hope in Honduras: the community wisdom that saves lives

    Maternal health in Honduras Hermelinda shares her experience. Photo by: WHO/Honduras

    In Honduras, high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality are often the result of multiple factors, including socioeconomic barriers, lack of access to adequate healthcare services, gaps in education and awareness about maternal and child health, and cultural differences.

    Hermelinda Hernández, who is familiar with the local practices and beliefs of her community and also recognizes the value of professional medical interventions, participated in the “Knowledge Dialogues Methodology” workshop organized by the Honduran Ministry of Health with the support of PAHO/WHO and funded by Global Affairs Canada.

    The workshop aimed to promote mutual understanding between midwives and healthcare providers to reach agreements that improve the health of women, and adolescent girls in situations of vulnerability within the community.

    Visit the PAHO/AMRO web page to read the full story.

    Grassroots heroes in Cambodia

    Mrs Say Sa with her Baby in Cambodia’s Principal of Health Centre Kok Chuk. Photo by: Aforative media

    In Cambodia, village chiefs stepped up to create a healthier future for their communities. In villages across 25 provinces, 2000 village chiefs and nearly 5400 village health support groups received trainings, organised by the Ministry of Heath with support from WHO and the EU.

    This equipped the chiefs with knowledge and skills necessary to control transmission of COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory diseases, and collaborate with authorities more closely on health issues facing their communities.

    The chiefs then shared their newfound knowledge during community dialogues, which then transformed how community members adopted healthier practices. Empowered with accurate information, communities embraced protective measures during times of high COVID-19 transmission.

    Visit the WHO/WPRO web page to read the full story, and more on EU’s support to WHO in ASEAN region.

    Bolstering public awareness to help curb mpox spread in Uganda

    Dr Kenneth Kabali, WHO Field Coordinator for Busoga Sub-region sensitizes the community on mpox in Mayuge district, Eastern Uganda. Photo by: WHO/Abdu Mutwalibu Seguya

    Uganda witnessed an upsurge in mpox cases, with laboratory-confirmed cases increasing from 24 as of 21 September to 413 as of 7 November 2024. Health authorities, with support from WHO and partners, worked closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of the disease and how to stay safe, and address misinformation and stigma.

    The risk communication and community engagement team reached more than 100 fishmongers, fisherfolk, boda boda (motorbike taxi) riders, 8000 school children and 30 sex workers. In addition, 500 teachers in the district have been oriented on mpox.

    WHO is also using mass media to expand the reach of mpox response communication. With funding from USAID, WHO has contracted 10 regional radio stations and 2 national TV stations to raise awareness and promote preventative behaviour.

    Visit the WHO/AFRO web page to read the full story.

    Combating measles: a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia

    Combating measles, a comprehensive community-centred approach in Ethiopia. Photo by: WHO/Hassen Ali

    In the districts of Sidama, Central, and South Ethiopia, access to healthcare is often challenging, exacerbated by various health emergencies. A community-led initiative made remarkable progress in combating measles, malaria, and malnutrition through collaborative efforts between local health facilities, community health workers, and government agencies.

    The initiative received significant financial support from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) bolstering community-based intervention efforts.

    By leveraging collaboration between healthcare facilities, community health workers, and local communities, this initiative represents a beacon of hope in improving healthcare access and outcomes in regions of Ethiopia.

    Visit the WHO/Ethiopia web page to read the full story.

    WHO races to contain malaria resurgence in southeastern Iran

    Malaria resurgence in Iran. Photo by: WHO/Iran

    A race against time is underway in southeastern Iran, where the resurgence of malaria threatens to undo years of progress. The dramatic rise in cases has been attributed to the devastating floods in neighbouring Pakistan in September 2022 which led to an expansion of malaria breeding sites.

    WHO, with crucial support from the Government of Japan, is on the ground in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, battling this public health emergency and working to protect vulnerable communities. Japan’s generous contribution provided 4902 mosquito dome tents offering families protection from infected mosquitos, 50 000 malaria rapid diagnostic tests enabling health care workers to quickly identify and treat infected individuals, and 1655 kg of insecticides, deployed to contain mosquito populations at their source. The combined resources are estimated to benefit 77 400 people in the province.

    In December 2024, a WHO mission observed a proactive approach to malaria control demonstrated by local health workers as they conducted house-to-house screenings, distributed mosquito nets and educated communities on how to use them.

    Visit the WHO/Iran web page to read the full story.

    Mali: screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications

    Screening for malnutrition in affected children to avoid complications, Mali. Photo by: WHO/Razzack Saizonou

    Malnutrition among children is one of the main health problems that the affected populations of Ségou had to face after severe floods hit Mali between July and October 2024. Having lost everything including their food reserves and their means of subsistence, people found themselves in a very precarious situation.

    Among the more than 370,000 people affected by these floods, children, who represent 45% of the affected population, are particularly vulnerable. To enable access to health care, WHO, with thanks to the Central Emergency Response Fund, supported the deployment of mobile clinics on relocation sites.

    In the Ségou region, three sites were set up and equipped with medical tents. Medical staff go there five times a month. Between July and October 2024, nearly 700 children suffering from malnutrition were identified in the three health districts of the Ségou region.

    Visit the WHO/Mali web page to read the full story in French.

    Effective community engagement saving lives in Tanzania during cholera outbreak

    Abdul Zachari, a young man is washing his hands. Photo by: WHO/Clemence Eliah

    The recurrence of Cholera outbreaks has been a threat to many lives in the United Republic of Tanzania for decades now. In mid-2024, situation reports from the Ministry of Health indicated that, the outbreak have been reported in 19 regions of Tanzania Mainland. Thanks to flexible funding available for responding to outbreaks such as this, WHO has been able to support the Government’s efforts to control cholera outbreaks. Risk Communications and Community Engagement (RCCE) Experts worked on the ground delivering an intensive community sensitization in over 92 households and 32 villages . The joint and community-based action plan against Cholera outbreak was built jointly, this way enhancing 54 community members and local authorities from the affected wards and districts. The community engagement strategies adopted generate local solutions tailored to control and prevent further transmissions in these areas. In addition, WHO applied behavioral science approaches to guide tailored interventions to community protection and resilience – and as a result, enhancing many lives in Tanzania.

    Visit the WHO/Tanzania web page to read the full story.

    * * * *

    Read more about the WHO’s community engagement work.

    The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order) Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Union (ECHO), France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, and the USA Agency for International Development.

    WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – Fertility rate reverses trend: Church community works to restore hope

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Foto di sq lim su Unsplash

    Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The number of newborns and the fertility rate in South Korea are bucking the trend and rising for the first time in nine years of steady decline. According to the 2024 demographic trends, data released by the Korea Institute of Statistics, the number of births last year was 238,300, 8,300 more than the previous year, representing the first increase in the number of births since 2015. The fertility rate, i.e. the number of children a woman has in her lifetime, meanwhile rose to 0.75, an increase of 0.03 compared to the previous year. However, according to the report, Korea’s fertility rate is still well below the average of 1.51 for member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). According to the Institute of Statistics, there are three reasons for the increase in the number of births: an increase in the population in the fertile age group, an increase in marriages that have been delayed by the pandemic, and also the beginning of a “cultural” shift in young people’s values regarding marriage. Joo Hyung-hwan, vice chairman of the government’s Low Birth Rate and Aging Society Committee, which was set up specifically to deal with these phenomena, said, “This year, the number of newborns will increase by 10,000 compared to last year, to about 250,000, and the total fertility rate will be about 0.79,” referring to the number of pregnancy and childbirth registrations received at workplaces. “The positive changes are obvious,” he said, emphasizing “that this is the result of the joint efforts of not only the government, but also companies and local authorities.” To counter the low birth rate, the government plans to expand parental leave for men, increase tax support for companies that excel in balancing work and family life, and require companies to raise awareness among their employees about work-life balance.In 2024, President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently under impeachment, proposed a new ministry to address the “national demographic crisis,” taking a more comprehensive approach that would not only focus on financial support and childcare, but also – as a broad national debate has shown – address the culture so that a balance between work and family can be found. To this end, companies would be encouraged to encourage their employees to become parents. In June 2024, the committee announced a package of “measures to reverse the trend of low birth rates.” A change in social practices and the work system could prove crucial in a country where the birth rate has fallen to the lowest in the world over the past decade.Sociologists have noted that Korean women have prioritized career advancement over marriage or parenthood, and another contributing factor has been the rising cost of housing and living and the cost of raising a child. But now, economists say, the demographic crisis has become the biggest risk to the growth of Asia’s fourth-largest economy and its social security system, as the population of 51 million could halve by the end of the century if the trend is not reversed.Father Oh Seok-jun, head of the Seoul Archdiocese Committee for Life, urged people not to view the low birth rate as “just a matter of numbers,” nor as a phenomenon that can be tackled with reproductive technologies, as some claim. It is necessary to “look at the issue from a spiritual and hopeful point of view”: “A child is a gift of grace granted by the Lord through the perfect union of love between a man and a woman. This is why the Catholic Church, in its pastoral care with young people and couples, invites them to look to the future with hope.” This is an approach that also characterizes the Holy Year under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope.” In this context, the Yeokchon-dong parish of the Archdiocese of Seoul held a “Blessing Ceremony for Families with Three or More Children” on February 23 to sensitize couples to the protection of life and to overcome the serious crisis of the low birth rate in Korea. Yuliana Kim Min-jeong, head of the family department in the parish, said: “It was good for the faithful to see how couples with three children live a life of faith and turn to the Lord in these rough times. We hope that their testimony will have a positive influence and give encouragement and hope to young couples.” At the level of mentality and social trends, a culture that tends towards individualism and questions the couple relationship must also be overcome. According to the census conducted by the Korea Statistics Institute, the percentage of single-person households in Korea exceeded 35 percent in 2023. In 2000, there were 2.2 million single-person households in the country, in 2015 there were over 5 million, and in 2023 there were 7.8 million. The Catholic Church, especially in the context of pastoral care for young adults, plays an active role in supporting those who, after entering the world of work, choose to live alone and create a “single” household: the aim is to propose to them forms of positive socialization that allow them to open up to others and develop interpersonal relationships, looking at their lives from the perspective of self-giving and not only from the perspective of self-interest. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 28/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Giloy Takes the Global Stage: Research Publications Soar Over 300% in a Decade

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Giloy Takes the Global Stage: Research Publications Soar Over 300% in a Decade

    New Studies Reveal Promising Role of Giloy in Immunity & Clinical Research

    Posted On: 28 FEB 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi

    The data from PubMed, a globally recognised database for biomedical and life sciences research, reveals a staggering 376.5% increase in the number of research publications around Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) over the past decade, highlighting a growing global interest in the plant’s therapeutic potential. On searching the database for studies on ‘guduchi or tinospora cordifolia or amrita’, the results show 243 studies published in 2014. In contrast, in 2024, the number rose to 913, i.e. 376.5% increase.

    Image: Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy, familiar as Amrita in Sanskrit, which translates to the ‘herb of immortality’, because of its abundant beneficial properties

    Post-COVID Boom in Giloy Research

    Notably, Guduchi is a popular herb known as Giloy and has been used in therapeutics for a long time in Ayush systems. While scientists have long been intrigued by Giloy’s medicinal properties, the years following the COVID-19 pandemic saw a major spike in research as experts explored natural immunity boosters and holistic healthcare solutions. Emerging studies reinforce its immune-modulatory, antiviral, and adaptogenic properties, making it a subject of keen interest among global researchers and healthcare practitioners.

    While highlighting the efforts of the Ministry to boost scientific research in Ayush, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, stated, “Scientific validation of Ayush formulations, herbs, etc., including medicinal plants like Giloy, is a top priority for the Ministry. We are committed to strengthening research collaborations, funding scientific studies, and promoting evidence-based integration of Ayurveda with mainstream healthcare to benefit global health.”

    Emphasizing the importance of scientific research and publication, Director General, CCRAS, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya stated, “Research on medicinal plants is vital for bridging traditional wisdom with modern science. Scientific publications serve as a foundation for evidence-based validation, enhancing global acceptance and integrating Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare.”

    What Makes Giloy So Special?

     

    The increasing number of clinical studies and laboratory research suggests that Giloy may have a significant role in cancer therapy, autoimmune disease management, and even inflammatory disorders.

    Dr Galib, Associate Professor at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, explains, “Scientific exploration of Giloy is gaining momentum, with increasing studies showcasing its medicinal potential. Recent research highlights its bioactive compounds and therapeutic benefits, including immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. This growing interest positions Giloy as a promising candidate for future clinical applications in various medical fields.”

    Giloy & Scientific Research: Some Latest Findings

    Among the many recent studies that have particularly piqued scientific curiosity:

    February 2025: A study by Harsha Vaghasia (University School of Sciences, Gujarat University) and the team, published in PubMed, investigated the role of Giloy extracts in HPV-positive cervical cancer treatment. The findings highlight Giloy’s potential immunomodulatory benefits, paving the way for safer, more effective cancer therapies combined with conventional treatments.

    January 2025: Researchers from Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, led by Ankita Das Sheth, explored Giloy’s effectiveness in managing Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM), a benign yet challenging breast disorder often mistaken for cancer. The study reported that Giloy-based phytopharmaceutical drugs provided a safe, steroid-free treatment alternative, offering a cost-effective and efficient option to avoid aggressive surgeries.

    Ayush Ministry’s Proactive Support to Scholars with Technical Dossier

    Recognising the increasing scientific interest in Giloy, the Ministry of Ayush has taken a proactive step by launching a technical dossier on the herb. This one-of-a-kind resource combines scientific research, therapeutic applications, and key insights to promote evidence-based practices in traditional medicine.

    By integrating traditional Ayurveda wisdom with modern research, this initiative aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, reinforcing India’s leadership in holistic wellness and integrative medicine.

    With scientific studies continuing to validate the medicinal properties of Giloy, experts believe this Ayurvedic marvel is on its way to becoming a mainstream integrative healthcare solution. As the world looks toward natural, plant-based therapies, India’s centuries-old herbal wisdom may hold the key to safer, more effective treatments for some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission control of Recovery and Resilience Facility funds – E-000746/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000746/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Julien Sanchez (PfE)

    The NextGenerationEU recovery plan was set up in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a budget in excess of EUR 800 billion. Its key instrument is the temporary Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which has been allocated funding of EUR 723 billion: EUR 338 billion in grants and EUR 385 billion in loans[1] (2022 prices). It is used to finance the Member States’ reforms and investments.

    Direct control of the actual use of these huge sums seems to be almost non-existent at EU level.

    • 1.How many employees did the European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office have on 1 January 2021, before the establishment of the RRF, and on 1 January 2024, at the peak of its operations?
    • 2.Taking into account the fund’s unprecedented financial implications, how many of those employees are specifically assigned on a full-time basis to monitor RRF expenditure? Does their assignment to that role come at the expense of other missions?
    • 3.What other means have been established at EU level to ensure that the funds are carefully managed?

    Submitted: 19.2.2025

    • [1] European Court of Auditors special report 26/2023 on the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s performance monitoring framework, p. 4.
    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results – January 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    28 February 2025

    Compared with December 2024:

    • median consumer perceptions of inflation over the previous 12 months decreased, as did median inflation expectations for the next 12 months, while median inflation expectations for three years ahead remained unchanged;
    • expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months decreased, while expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months increased;
    • expectations for economic growth over the next 12 months became less negative, while the expected unemployment rate in 12 months’ time decreased;
    • expectations for growth in the price of homes over the next 12 months increased, while expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined.

    Inflation

    The median rate of perceived inflation over the previous 12 months decreased slightly in January to 3.4%, from 3.5% in December. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months also decreased, to 2.6% from 2.8%. In both instances, these decreases reversed the increases observed in the December 2024 data. Median expectations for inflation three years ahead were unchanged at 2.4% in January 2025. Inflation expectations at the one-year and three-year horizons thus remained below the perceived past inflation rate. Uncertainty about inflation expectations over the next 12 months remained unchanged, for the sixth month in a row, at its lowest level since February 2022. While the broad evolution of inflation perceptions and expectations remained relatively closely aligned across income groups, expectations for lower income quintiles were slightly above those for higher income quintiles. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) continued to report lower inflation perceptions and expectations than older respondents (those aged 35-54 and 55-70), albeit to a lesser degree than in previous years. (Inflation results)

    Income and consumption

    Consumers’ nominal income growth expectations over the next 12 months decreased to 0.9% in January from 1.1% in December. The drop in income growth expectations was mainly driven by the lowest income quintile, while the income growth expectations of the two highest quintiles remained unchanged. Perceived nominal spending growth over the previous 12 months decreased to 5.1% in January, from 5.2% in December, while expected nominal spending growth over the next 12 months increased to 3.6%, from 3.5% in December. (Income and consumption results)

    Economic growth and labour market

    Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months were less negative, standing at -1.1%, compared with -1.3% in December. Expectations for the unemployment rate 12 months ahead decreased to 10.4%, from 10.5% in December. Consumers continued to expect the future unemployment rate to be only slightly higher than the perceived current unemployment rate (9.9%), implying a broadly stable labour market. Quarterly data showed that unemployed respondents reported a decrease in their expected probability of finding a job over the next three months, which declined to 25.1% in January, from 29.3% in October. Employed respondents, by contrast, reported that their expected probability of job loss over the next three months decreased to 8.6% in January, from 9.0% in October. (Economic growth and labour market results)

    Housing and credit access

    Consumers expected the price of their home to increase by 3.0% over the next 12 months, which was slightly higher compared than in December (2.9%). Households in the lowest income quintile continued to expect higher growth in house prices than those in the highest income quintile (3.4% and 2.8% respectively), although the difference narrowed compared with earlier months. Expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined slightly to 4.5%, their lowest level since July 2022. As in previous months, the lowest income households expected the highest mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead (5.1%), while the highest income households expected the lowest rates (3.9%). The net percentage of households reporting a tightening (relative to those reporting an easing) in access to credit over the previous 12 months increased, as did the net percentage of those expecting a tightening over the next 12 months. The share of consumers who reported having applied for credit during the past three months, which is measured on a quarterly basis, declined to 15.0% in January from 15.9% in October. (Housing and credit access results)

    The release of the Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) results for February is scheduled for 28 March 2025.

    For media queries, please contact: Nicos Keranis, Tel: +49 172 758 7237

    Notes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Is EU funding under the Recovery and Resilience Facility deliberately opaque? – E-000747/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000747/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Julien Sanchez (PfE)

    The NextGenerationEU recovery plan was set up in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a budget of over EUR 800 billion. Its key instrument is the temporary Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which has been allocated funding of EUR 723 billion: EUR 338 billion in grants and EUR 385 billion in loans[1] (2022 prices). It is used to finance the Member States’ reforms and investments.

    The 2023 Annual Report on the protection of the European Union’s financial interests refers to cases of suspected fraud and 13 audits. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office reports 233 ongoing RRF investigations, with estimated damages of EUR 1.86 billion to date, involving criminal networks using shell companies, straw buyers and falsified documents.

    • 1.Will the Commission publish detailed information on the fraud identified in the RRF? What obstacles does it face in this regard?
    • 2.Could it demonstrate that it is not seeking to make the RRF less transparent by making it impossible for MEPs to monitor it, which many people believe to be the case?

    Submitted: 19.2.2025

    • [1] European Court of Auditors Special report 26/2023 on the Recovery and Resilience Facility’s performance monitoring framework, p. 4.
    Last updated: 28 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –