NewzIntel.com

Category: Pandemic

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada renews support to protect the world’s children against infectious diseases

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 25, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Vaccines are one of the world’s most effective, evidence-based health interventions. This is true no matter where in the world a child lives. Each year, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provides immunizations for more than half the children born into the world, saving millions of them from life-threatening diseases like human papillomavirus (HPV), malaria, measles and polio.

    Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), concluded his participation in Gavi’s pledging conference held in Brussels, Belgium, on June 25, 2025.

    At the conference, Secretary Sarai reiterated Canada’s renewed commitment to global immunization efforts through its previously announced pledge of $675 million over the next five years (2026-2030), for Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

    Gavi’s work has significant implications for global economic growth and health security and is projected to create more than $100 billion in economic benefits for supported countries over the next 5 years. Canada’s support will help Gavi provide life-saving vaccines to at least 500 million more children, preventing over 8 million deaths, protecting the world against future pandemics and disease outbreaks, as well as strengthening health systems and global health security. It will also support exciting innovations, including the rollout of the groundbreaking new malaria vaccine, as well as practical, climate-smart solutions, such as installing more than 20,000 solar-powered fridges and freezers to ensure life-saving doses stay cold in remote areas.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary Sarai met with key leaders in global health, including representatives from implementing countries and heads of major organizations. These included Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, Dr. Mekdes Daba, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, and Bill Gates. They discussed the future of global health efforts and the importance of sustained collaboration and innovation, to protect the progress made so far. Secretary Sarai also reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast commitment to Gavi and to making vaccines more accessible as the cornerstone of global health security.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana’s innovation hubs move from recovery to resilience


    Download logo

    From Accra to outlying areas, Ghana’s innovation hubs are showing what’s possible when local knowledge meets international support. This is how they’re scaling solutions, building networks, and shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

    After the pandemic, many of Ghana’s innovation hubs faced significant challenges. Several hubs struggled to deliver services, support startups effectively, or sustain their own business models. Without intervention, the broader ecosystem risked fragmentation.

    ‘We were coming off the back of COVID, and most hubs had been hit hard,’ says Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the Ghana Hubs Network. ‘Their service and product models had collapsed. They needed to rebuild, and quickly.’

    From 2022 to 2025, the Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) Ghana Tech project supported Ghana’s innovation hubs with targeted training and expert guidance. The NTF V project partnered with the Ghana Hubs Network and international trainers to help hubs improve their operations, deliver better support to startups, and play a stronger role in the innovation economy.

    Investing in foundational skills

    In 2022, NTF V launched an eight-week training programme for hub staff and leadership. Led by Swiss-based business models and tools expert Nadine Reichenthal, the programme introduced tools such as the business model canvas, empathy mapping, and value proposition design. Additional sessions covered marketing, communication, business planning and startup coaching techniques.

    ‘This training helped hubs gain structure and clarity,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘It enabled them to rethink how they operate and how best to support the startups in their network.’

    In 2023, the focus shifted to coaching hub leaders to apply the tools in practice. By 2025, the Ghana Hubs Network had taken full ownership of this process and began delivering training and guidance independently.

    ‘That was a turning point,’ he says. ‘It meant the ecosystem no longer depended on external facilitation. We were now equipped to sustain and scale the knowledge locally.’

    Practical application in the field

    AgricoHub, an rural hub focused on agritech and entrepreneurship, is one of the many hubs that completed the full training cycle. Co-founder David Yeboah joined the first cohort in 2022.

    ‘Before, we supported startups, but not in a structured way,’ he says. ‘Now, we use tools like the empathy map and value proposition canvas to help founders identify customer needs and refine their offerings.’

    Yeboah highlights the success of one entrepreneur who manufactures and exports shea butter. ‘We worked closely with her using what we’d learned. She’s now been accepted into UNICEF’s Startup Lab (based in the capital). That’s the kind of result we’re aiming for.’

    AgricoHub has since trained over 20 startups, several of which are now part of a Startup Cooperative Credit Union to access funding and peer support. ‘We’ve embedded these tools into our daily work,’ Yeboah says. ‘They’ve become part of how we do business.’

    “The training built my confidence. I now mentor other hub leaders, and we’re building a peer-learning platform for startups to share knowledge with one another.” David Yeboah, AgricoHub co-founder

    Strengthening partnerships and access to funding

    A critical barrier for many hubs was limited access to funding and difficulty meeting grant requirements. In response, NTF V introduced a follow-on programme in 2025 focused on grants, fundraising, and partnership development. This was done in conjunction with the Ecosystems and Institutions division with training led by Tonia Dadwe. Participants learned how to identify funding opportunities, engage with donors, and build sustainable funding strategies.

    ‘This filled a major gap,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘Hubs were previously unable to position themselves well with funders. The training gave them the tools to meet requirements and communicate their value more effectively.’

    National reach, local impact

    Over 50 hubs across Ghana participated in the training, ensuring that all regions had the opportunity to benefit.

    ‘We were deliberate about geographic spread,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘Hubs in smaller towns and rural areas play a vital role in job creation and problem-solving in their communities. Strengthening them is critical to inclusive economic growth.’

    He adds that well-equipped hubs often become anchors for local innovation. ‘They support MSMEs (small businesses), encourage entrepreneurship, and enable solutions to local challenges. That’s how you strengthen the economy from the ground up.’

    Reaching underserved regions

    While the formal training under NTF V has ended, both Adu-Gyamfi and Yeboah are clear that this is just the beginning. There is increasing demand for maker spaces in underserved regions, and a growing need for support in agritech, green economy, and digital services.

    ‘There is real appetite for hands-on facilities like maker spaces in rural areas,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘Many young people have ideas, but no access to tools or prototyping resources. That’s something we must address.’

    AgricoHub’s startup cooperative encourages peer learning and reduces overreliance on coaching staff. ‘We want startups to take ownership of their development and learn from each other’s experience,’ says Yeboah.

    The Ghana Hubs Network is now exploring new partnerships to scale this work.

    ‘We’ve made significant progress, but there are still more hubs and startups that need support,’ says Adu-Gyamfi. ‘With the right partners, we can build on what we’ve started and expand the impact.’

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NATO summit has left us all more exposed

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Reacting to the close of the NATO Summit, Green Party MP Ellie Chowns said:

    “NATO leaders have fawned over a bullying, bellicose US President and agreed to a long-term doubling of arms spending that will come at the cost of cuts in vital health and public services across member states. 

    “The NATO summit has left us all more exposed to the threat of nuclear war and failed to offer people across the world a strategic vision of a more peaceful world. 

    “Here in the UK, the Labour government has already slashed aid for the most vulnerable around the world to make way for increased arms spending and next week will try to force through cuts to disability support to pay for more. 

    “We do not need new US-controlled fighter jets to carry US-controlled nuclear weapons paid for by UK taxpayers that will make the world a more dangerous place. 

    “The UK government should be leading efforts to reduce and eliminate nuclear arsenals, not paying for the US to base more of them here. 

    “There is a choice to be made between welfare and warfare. 

    “Genuine security means making sure the most vulnerable have the support needed for a decent life and we all have a government focussed on tackling the biggest long-term threats to human security – climate breakdown, global inequality, pandemics. 

    “Real security is built on social, economic, and environmental resilience, not more nuclear weapons. 

    “Green MPs will be opposing the government’s welfare cuts next week and offering a real alternative that puts people’s welfare and the planet’s future first.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 25 June 2025 Joint News Release Energy Access Has Improved, Yet International Financial Support Still Needed to Boost Progress and Address Disparities

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 finds that almost 92% of the world’s population now has basic access to electricity Although this is an improvement since 2022, which saw the number of people without basic access decrease for the first time in a decade, over 666 million people remain without access, indicating that the current rate is insufficient to reach universal access by 2030. Clean cooking access is progressing but below the rates of progress seen in the 2010s, as efforts remain hobbled by setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic, following energy price shocks, and debt crises.

    Released today, the latest edition of the annual report that tracks progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 highlights the role of distributed renewable energy (a combination of mini-grid and off-grid solar systems) to accelerate access, since the population remaining unconnected lives mostly in remote, lower-income, and fragile areas. Cost-effective and rapidly scalable, decentralised solutions are able to reach communities in such rural areas.

    Decentralised solutions are also needed to increase access to clean cooking. With an estimated 1.5 billion people residing in rural areas still lacking access to clean cooking, the use of off-grid clean technologies, such as household biogas plants and mini-grids that facilitate electric cooking, can provide solutions that reduce health impacts caused by household air pollution. Over 670 million people remain without electricity access, and over 2 billion people remain dependent on polluting and hazardous fuels such as firewood and charcoal for their cooking needs.

    Notable progress was made in different indicators. The international financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy grew for the third year in a row to reach USD 21.6 billion in 2023.  Installed renewables capacity per capita continued to increase year-on-year to reach a new high of 341 watts per capita in developing countries, up from 155 watts in 2015.

    Yet regional disparities persist, indicating that particular support is needed for developing regions. In sub-Saharan Africa – which lags behind across most indicators – renewables deployment has rapidly expanded but remains limited to 40 watts of installed capacity per capita on average which is only one-eighth of the average of other developing countries. Eighty-five percent of the global population without electricity access reside in the region, while four in five families are without access to clean cooking. And the number of people without clean cooking access in the region continues to grow at a rate of 14 million people yearly.

    The report identified the lack of sufficient and affordable financing as a key reason for regional inequalities and slow progress. To build on the achievements to date and avoid any further regressions on access to electricity and clean cooking due to looming risks in global markets, the report calls for strengthened international cooperation of public and private sectors, to scale up financial support for developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Urgent actions include reforms in multilateral and bilateral lending to expand the availability of public capital; more concessional finance mobilisation, grants, and risk mitigation instruments; improvement in risk tolerance among donors; as well as appropriate national energy planning and regulations.

    Key findings across primary indicators

    • Almost 92% of the world’s population now has access to electricity, leaving over 666 million people without electricity in 2023, with around 310 million people gaining access since 2015. Eighteen of the 20 countries with the largest electricity access deficits in 2023 were in sub-Saharan Africa. The greatest growth in access between 2020 and 2023 occurred in Central and Southern Asia, with both regions making significant strides towards universal electricity access, reducing their basic access gap from 414 million in 2010 to just 27 million in 2023.
    • Little to no change was observed in access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking between 2022 and 2023. Although the number of the world’s population with access to clean cooking fuels and technologies increased from 64% in 2015 to 74% in 2023, around 2.1 billion people remain dependent on polluting fuels and technologies. If current trends continue, only 78% of the global population will have access to clean cooking by 2030.
    • In 2022, the global share of renewable energy sources in total final energy consumption (TFEC) was 17.9% as TFEC continued to increase gradually, while installed renewable energy capacity reached 478 watts per capita in 2023, indicating almost 13% growth from 2022. But progress is not sufficient to meet international climate and sustainable development goals. In addition, global efforts must address significant disparities. Despite progress in expanding renewable capacity, least developed countries and sub-Saharan Africa had only 40 watts per capita in installed renewables capacity, compared to developed countries which had over 1,100 watts installed.
    • Global energy efficiency experienced sluggish progress in recent years. The global trend shows that primary energy intensity, defined as the ratio of total energy supply to gross domestic product, declined by 2.1% in 2022. Although it is an improvement of more than four times the weak 0.5% improvement rate of 2021, it is insufficient to meet the original SDG 7.3 target. Going forward, energy intensity needs to improve by 4% per year on average. 
    • International public financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy increased by 27% from 2022, reaching USD 21.6 billion in 2023.  However, the report reveals that the developing world received fewer flows in 2023 than in 2016, when commitments peaked at USD 28.4 billion. Despite gradual diversification, funding remained concentrated, with only two sub-Saharan African countries in the top five recipients. Debt-based instruments drove most of the increase in international public flows in 2023, accounting for 83% in 2023, while grants made up only 9.8% of flows.

    The report will be presented to decision-makers at a special launch event on 16 July 2025 at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, which oversees progress on the SDGs.

    Quotes

    Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency

    “Despite progress in some parts of the world, the expansion of electricity and clean cooking access remains disappointingly slow, especially in Africa. This is contributing to millions of premature deaths each year linked to smoke inhalation, and is holding back development and education opportunities. Greater investment in clean cooking and electricity supply is urgently required, including support to reduce the cost of capital for projects.”

    Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency

    “Renewables have seen record growth in recent years, reminding the world of its affordability, scalability, and its role in further reducing energy poverty. But we must accelerate progress at this crunch time. This means overcoming challenges, which include infrastructure gaps. The lack of progress, especially on infrastructure, is a reflection of limited access to financing. Although international financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy grew to USD 21.6 billion in 2023, only two regions in the world have seen real progress in the financial flows. To close the access and infrastructure gaps, we need strengthened international cooperation to scale up affordable financing and impact–driven capital for the least developed and developing countries.”

    Stefan Schweinfest, Director, United Nations Statistics Division

    “This year’s report shows that now is the time to come together to build on existing achievements and scale up our efforts. Despite advancements in increasing renewables-based electricity, which now makes up almost 30 percent of global electricity consumption, the use of renewables for other energy-related purposes remains stagnant. While energy intensity improved in 2022, overall progress remains weak, threatening economic growth and the energy efficiency goals agreed upon at COP28. The clock is ticking. The findings of this year’s report should serve as a rallying point, to rapidly mobilize efforts and investments, so that together, we ensure sustainable energy for all by 2030.”

    Guangzhe Chen, Vice President for Infrastructure, World Bank

    “As we approach the five-year mark to achieve the SDG7 targets, it is imperative to accelerate the deployment of electricity connections, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where half of the 666 million people lacking access reside. As part of the Mission 300 movement, 12 African nations have launched national energy compacts, in which they commit to substantial reforms to lower costs of generation and transmission, and scale up distributed renewable energy solutions. Initiatives such as this unite governments, the private sector, and development partners in a collaborative effort.

    Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, World Health Organization

    “The same pollutants that are poisoning our planet are also poisoning people, contributing to millions of deaths each year from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, particularly among the most vulnerable, including women and children,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We urgently need scaled-up action and investment in clean cooking solutions to protect the health of both people and planet—now and in the future.”

    About the report

    This report is published by the SDG 7 custodian agencies, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO) and aims to provide the international community with a global dashboard to register progress on energy access, energy efficiency, renewable energy and international cooperation to advance SDG 7.

    This year’s edition was chaired by IRENA.  

    The report can be downloaded at https://trackingsdg7.esmap.org/

    Funding for the report was provided by the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 25 June 2025 Departmental update Momentum builds to protect immunization post World Health Assembly

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Several high-level side events were convened, including on measles and rubella, meningitis, polio and outbreak response, to elevate the critical role of immunization in protecting public health and building resilient systems. The declaration of 17 November as World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day also reinforced the global call to scale up HPV vaccination efforts. 

    The World Health Assembly also marked the midpoint of the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030). As highlighted in WHO’s latest progress report, the world is not on track to meet IA2030 targets. Too many children remain unreached, and the consequences are visible in rising outbreaks of measles, yellow fever, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Member States stressed the urgency of reaching “zero-dose” children and strengthening primary health care as the platform for integrated immunization services. 

    These challenges underscore the importance of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s upcoming high-level pledging summit on 25 June, co-hosted by the European Union and the Gates Foundation. The summit aims to raise at least US$ 9 billion to support the next phase of Gavi’s strategy (2026–2030), which seeks to protect 500 million more children and save at least 8 million lives. The Director-General will join global partners to advocate for robust and sustained support, particularly in the face of climate-related emergencies, conflict, and pandemic threats. 

    As WHO and partners reaffirm the value of immunization as a health and economic investment—with a return of US$ 54 for every dollar spent—this is a defining moment to align political will, resources, and innovation to close the immunization gap and deliver on our IA2030 vision. 

    Click here to subscribe to the Global Immunization Newsletter.

    “,”datePublished”:”2025-06-25T08:04:07.0000000+00:00″,”image”:”https://www.who.int/images/default-source/searo—images/countries/timor-leste/5s-timor-leste/child-happy-after-receiving-health-checkup.jpg?sfvrsn=916df625_1″,”publisher”:{“@type”:”Organization”,”name”:”World Health Organization: WHO”,”logo”:{“@type”:”ImageObject”,”url”:”https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg”,”width”:250,”height”:60}},”dateModified”:”2025-06-25T08:04:07.0000000+00:00″,”mainEntityOfPage”:”https://www.who.int/news/item/25-06-2025-momentum-builds-to-protect-immunization-post-world-health-assembly”,”@context”:”http://schema.org”,”@type”:”NewsArticle”};
    ]]>

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sierra Leone advances pandemic preparedness with operationalisation of the Pandemic Fund

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    Sierra Leone has entered a critical phase in strengthening its pandemic preparedness and response capacities, officially flagging-off the operationalisation of the Pandemic Fund. This milestone signals the country’s continued commitment to protecting communities and contributing to global health security.

    The project is led by the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), with the World Health Organization (WHO) serving as the lead implementing entity. Other key implementing partners include the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF and the World Bank, reflecting a multi-sectoral, One Health approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

    Sierra Leone’s successful application to the highly competitive Pandemic Fund demonstrates the Government’s growing leadership in global health security. This achievement was made possible through sustained collaboration, with WHO and partners providing technical guidance to shape a proposal aligned with international standards and responsive to national health priorities.

    The Pandemic Fund offers a transformative opportunity to strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats with greater speed and efficiency. Targeted investments will focus on enhancing disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, health workforce development, and emergency operations, building a more resilient and responsive health system.

    Speaking at the flag-off, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby, the Deputy Minister 2 for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Sahr Hemore, emphasized: “We are working assiduously to ensure the health and protection of our citizens against diseases and to contribute to global health security.”

    The timing of this investment is critical. In recent years, Sierra Leone has faced a number of public health emergencies, including the ongoing mpox outbreak, which have exposed systemic vulnerabilities despite the tireless efforts of frontline health workers. The fund aims to address these gaps, while laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term preparedness.

    “Sierra Leone’s operationalisation of the pandemic fund represents a significant milestone,” said Dr George Ameh, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone. “The responsibility to deliver rests with all of us, and WHO remains committed to providing technical support throughout the implementation.”

    WHO’s role goes beyond the initial design phase. As the lead implementing entity, WHO will continue to provide technical expertise in operational planning, capacity building, monitoring, and evaluation, to ensure that investments translate into measurable, sustainable outcomes. This partnership underscores WHO’s commitment to country-led efforts that advance both national priorities and global health security.

    Sierra Leone’s approach serves as an example of how multi-partner collaboration, anchored in strong national leadership, can drive meaningful progress in pandemic preparedness. Sustained success will depend on transparent governance, inclusive coordination, and accountability to both national stakeholders and international partners.

    With continued support from WHO, FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, Sierra Leone is poised to build a legacy of preparedness that will protect current and future generations and contribute to regional and global health security efforts.

    – on behalf of World Health Organization – Sierra Leone.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Forging win-win partnerships to invigorate global growth

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

    The global economy stands at a crossroads. The pressing question is whether it will slide further into the quagmire of protectionism and uncertainty, or whether all stakeholders can work together to reignite growth by forging win-win partnerships and practicing true multilateralism.

    For decades, free trade has created jobs, delivered affordable consumer goods, improved global welfare, and advanced economic globalization. Yet this trend is encountering a notable rise in trade barriers and trade fragmentation.

    At the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, global leaders from government, business, academia and other fields are expected to offer valuable insights into how to address mounting challenges that drag down global growth. It is hoped that such discussions may help shape a resilient and sustainable future for the world.

    This year’s meeting, also known as the Summer Davos, focuses on five areas: outlook on China, investing in people and planet, new energy and materials, industries disrupted and deciphering the world economy.

    The global economy, which has been struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is confronted with a worsening growth predicament — due to the escalation of geopolitical conflicts and policy uncertainty.

    The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects cut the 2025 global economic growth forecast to 2.3 percent, the slowest pace since 2008, apart from two years of outright global recession in 2009 and 2020, respectively.

    Against the backdrop of various headwinds and economic prospects, it is vital to leverage the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in unlocking new growth drivers and forging strong partnerships.

    The new round of sci-tech revolution, featuring intelligent, green and health technologies, has provided opportunities for cultivating new growth areas and new pathways for tackling challenges facing humanity. On Tuesday, the WEF unveiled top 10 emerging technologies of 2025, including collaborative sensing and generative watermarking, which are expected to achieve real-world impact within three to five years and address global challenges.

    The Summer Davos has become an important platform for promoting exchanges between China and the world — and enhancing practical cooperation. The event not only enables participants to share insights, but also provides an opportunity for businesses and investors to secure partnerships.

    This year’s meeting is seeing the highest number of registered participants in recent years, demonstrating the will of all parties in seeking to uphold economic globalization and free trade, as well as their positive attitude toward enhancing economic and trade exchanges and cooperation with China.

    China is committed to multilateralism and free trade. The world’s second-largest economy will continue to provide numerous opportunities for win-win cooperation as it advances modernization. Its technological progress in fields such as new energy and artificial intelligence and commitment to high-standard opening up highlight the dynamism and resilience of the Chinese economy, which is shifting to a growth model driven by consumption and innovation.

    Win-win cooperation and close collaboration are the right paths for exiting the global economic growth predicament and achieving shared development. Through the in-depth exchange of ideas, it is hoped that the 2025 Summer Davos will catalyze new partnerships, contribute innovative solutions to development challenges, and inject much needed stability and certainty into the world. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at global childhood vaccination coverage

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in the Lancet looks at global trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage.

    Dr Simon Clarke, Associate Professor in Cellular Microbiology, and Head of Division of Biomedical Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, University of Reading, said:

    “These figures indicate a worrying level of children in the UK who are completely unvaccinated against childhood diseases.  While the comparative data do not show the specific causes of this rising trend over recent decades, the WHO and others are right to highlight it as a worrying trend.

    “This is a very large assessment of multiple and large data sources, combined with models which are used to provide consistency between the data and provide forecasts into the future.  Such methodology provides both a clear overview of the past trajectories of immunisation rates along with an effective range of possible scenarios for the future, which appears to be robust and based on sound data.  The authors are clear about the limitations of their study but these do not detract from the overall message.

    “The current move away from funding global health schemes through international aid in order to spend more on defence puts the whole world at greater risk of future epidemics and pandemics.  Our security against this in the UK is improved by supporting efforts to not let dangerous diseases take hold in populations elsewhere in the world.  Our experience of Covid reminds us that lethal human diseases can be very hard to contain on the other side of international borders.”

    Dr David Elliman, Honorary Senior Associate Professor, UCL, said:

    “Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways that the health service can improve the lives of children around the world. It is a great success story with more vaccines being introduced all the time.  Not only does vaccination save lives, but it often saves money. However, in the last ten to twenty years, many countries, worldwide, have seen a reduction in the proportion of children receiving all the available vaccines. This article by a large group of researchers has documented the decline.  It may be difficult to measure uptake of vaccination accurately, but the researchers have allowed for this.  It is clear that the decline in uptake is happening around the world.  This has resulted in outbreaks of disease, for examples measles and whooping cough in USA and Europe (including UK) as well as in resource poor countries.  These diseases can and do kill children.  While part of the fall in vaccination is related to COVID, the trend was clear before then.

    “Declining vaccination rates are often blamed on misinformation, but there are many reasons, of which this is only one. Access to vaccines is often overlooked or underestimated as a factor, even in the UK.  Around the world, the increasing number of countries torn apart by civil unrest and wars, combined with the drastic cuts in foreign aid from rich nations, such as USA and UK, makes it difficult to get vaccines to many populations.  With the political changes in USA where it appears that policy is being made on the basis of ill-informed opinion, rather than science, we have a perfect storm. The researchers’ recommendations to strengthen primary health-care systems, address vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and adapt to local contexts can, and should, be applied to all countries, including the UK.  In addition we should ensure that vaccines are available to all.

    “It is in everyone’s interest that this situation is rectified.  Not only is it a moral imperative to improve the health of ALL children, wherever possible, but as was said during the COVID pandemic, no-one is safe, until everyone is safe. While vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, occur anywhere in the world, we are all at risk. Universal vaccination is a perfect example of ‘enlightened self interest’.”

    Prof Sir Andrew Pollard FRCPCH FMedSci FRS, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, and Ashall Professor of Infection and Immunity, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, said:

    “The study uses an established approach to track the global burden of disease and immunisation coverage and the authors have tried hard to get the most accurate data by using multiple sources and account for regional variation and inequalities. These types of study will always be limited by the lack of high quality national data from most countries in the world which means there has to be extrapolation and assumption.  Nevertheless these are important data providing a concerning picture of recent declines in vaccine coverage and an increase in the number of zero dose children which risks the future health and lives of millions of children.

    “Incredible progress has been made in the past 50 years since the global expanded programme of immunisation was launched 50 years ago and over 150 million lives, mostly children, have been saved by the programme. The story is the same here in the UK with the launch of our own national programme by JCVI 62 years ago: deaths from infectious diseases of childhood have plummeted here too. The rarity of childhood severe disease and death from infection risks that we become complacent. But the danger remains out there: all of the diseases for which vaccines can protect children remain at large, only kept at bay by the shield which is provided by immunuisation. Unvaccinated children are vulnerable to a wide range of awful life-threatening bacteria and viruses, just as was the case for our population in the first half of the 20th century. There is a worrying trend of falling vaccine coverage worldwide which has been manifest in the last year as the outbreaks in Europe and North America of measles and whooping cough, with measles deaths in Texas in 2025. Falling global vaccine coverage, an increase in the numbers of children receiving no vaccines, and delays in vaccination mean that more children will be hospitalised, permanently damaged and die from fully preventable diseases if the trend is not reversed. Alas, the cuts in global health funding mean that this situation is set to deteriorate. This is a big concern for the future of our health and global health security.”

    Dr Ed Parker, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:

    “This is a timely study that attempts to quantify global trends in childhood vaccine coverage since 1980.  The findings highlight the remarkable progress that has been made to deliver life-saving vaccines across the globe, while painting a clear picture of the challenges faced following disrupted vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic and the stagnation in vaccination rates that preceded it.

    “Underpinning the work is an immense data curation effort, drawing together data from household surveys, national coverage reports, and various other sources from across the globe. The study team estimated coverage trends with careful consideration of the biases, gaps, and inconsistencies that are inherent in these data, providing strong foundations for the study’s conclusions.

    “A key uncertainty – acknowledged by the authors – is that it is too early to know what effect proposed funding cuts might have on vaccination programmes globally. The recent resurgence of measles, polio, and diphtheria – all preventable by vaccination – serves as a reminder of what is at stake if high and equitable vaccine coverage is not sustained.”

    Prof Helen Bedford, Professor of Children’s Health, UCL, said:

    “It is often said that, after clean water, vaccination is the most effective intervention for protecting the health of our children. While it can be challenging in many settings to measure vaccine uptake accurately, the researchers publishing the latest data from the World Health Organization have made allowance for this and it provides powerful evidence. It is estimated that vaccination has prevented an estimated 154 million deaths, mostly in the under-fives, across the globe in the last 50 years. However, we cannot rest on our laurels; this progress is stalling in many countries including the UK. In UK, although vaccination is the norm, with the overwhelming majority of parents vaccinating their babies, infants and children without hesitation, there has been a small but gradual decline in the number of parents doing so each year over the past 12 years with increasing inequity in uptake between social groups. This has resulted in recent outbreaks of disease with the largest number of confirmed cases of measles since the 1990s and the tragic deaths of eleven babies from whooping cough in 2024.

    “The reasons for declining vaccine uptake are numerous and complex but require commitment and resource to meet the challenges of increasing social inequity, readily available mis-information about vaccine safety and necessity and improving public confidence in vaccination programmes. Vaccination remains one of our most powerful tools for protecting child health, but its continued success depends on sustained investment, equity, and public trust.”

    ‘Global, regional, and national trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage from 1980 to 2023 with forecasts to 2030: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023’ by GBD 2023 Vaccine Coverage Collaborators was published in the Lancet at 23:30 UK time on Tuesday 24 June 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01037-2

    Declared interests

    Dr Simon Clarke: “No conflicts of interest.”

    Dr David Elliman: “No conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Sir Andrew Pollard: “Professor Pollard is chair of JCVI which provides independent scientific advice on vaccines to DHSC.  The comment above is given in a personal capacity.”

    Dr Ed Parker: “No COIs to declare.”

    Prof Helen Bedford: “No conflicts.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Treasury Corporation Announces TSX Venture Exchange Listing and the Issuance of Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.

    TORONTO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Treasury Corporation (TSXV: BTCT) (“Bitcoin Treasury” or the “Corporation”), further to its press releases dated May 22, 2025, May 30, 2025, June 17, 2025, and June 23, 2025, is pleased to announce that, pursuant to a bulletin issued by the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV” or the “Exchange”) on June 24, 2025, the Corporation has now met all final listing requirements of the Exchange, assuming closing of the previously announced brokered offering (the “Offering”) of 426,650 Bitcoin Treasury Shares (as defined below). It is anticipated that, effective at markets open on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the common shares of Bitcoin Treasury (the “Bitcoin Treasury Shares”) will be listed (the “Listing”) with an immediate trading halt. The Corporation expects that on Monday, June 30, 2025, following the completion of the previously announced Offering, anticipated to be on June 26, 2025, the Exchange will issue a further bulletin announcing the lifting of the trading halt. Once the trading halt is lifted, the Bitcoin Treasury Shares will trade under the symbol BTCT.

    The Corporation filed a filing statement pursuant to TSXV Form 3D2 – Information Required in a Filing Statement for a Reverse Takeover, dated June 17, 2025, a copy of which can be found under the Corporation’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information, please contact:

    Bitcoin Treasury Corporation
    Elliot Johnson, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: 416-619-3403
    Email: ejohnson@btctreasurycorp.com

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

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release includes certain “forward-looking statements” under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: expectations related to the anticipated trading the Bitcoin Treasury Shares on the TSXV and timing thereof; and the brokered offering of the Bitcoin Treasury Shares and the timing thereof. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: business integration risks; the Corporation’s operating results will experience significant fluctuations due to the highly volatile nature of Bitcoin; the Corporation operates in a heavily regulated environment and any material changes or actions could lead to negative adverse effects to the business model, operational results, and financial condition of the Corporation; evolving cryptocurrency regulatory requirements and the impact on the Corporation’s business plan; Bitcoin value risk; reliance on key personnel; implementation of the Corporation’s business plan; lack of operating history; competitive conditions; de banking and financial services risk; anti money laundering and corrupt business practices; additional capital; financing risks; global financial conditions; insurance and uninsured risks; cybersecurity risks; changes to bank fees or practices, or payment card networks; audit of tax filings; market for the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; market price of the Bitcoin Treasury Shares; conflicts of interest; internal controls; tariffs and the imposition of other restrictions on trade could adversely affect the Corporation’s business; risk of litigation; pandemics or other health crisis; acquisitions and integration; risk of dilution of Bitcoin Treasury securities; dividend policy; Bitcoin price volatility; custodial risks; technological vulnerabilities; Bitcoin transactions are irreversible and may result in significant losses; short history risk; limited history of the Bitcoin market; potential decrease in the global demand for Bitcoin; economic and political factors; top Bitcoin holders control a significant percentage of the outstanding Bitcoin; availability of exchange traded products liquidity; security breaches; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Corporation’s resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations.

    Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward -looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, change in management’s estimates or opinions, future circumstances or events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.

    The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

    Louis Le Brun, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    Talk to anyone today, and they will probably have something to say about how expensive life has become. While the rate of inflation has slowed, prices for many goods and services are still much higher than pre-pandemic.

    Cost-of-living crises are not new. They have occurred at various times and places throughout the millennia.

    If we look at cost-of-living pressures in ancient Greek and Roman times and how people back then dealt with them, we can learn something about how to face our own issues.

    ‘The price of land has gone up’

    The cost of living was a conversation topic in antiquity, especially the price of land and food.

    The Roman writer Pliny the Younger (circa 61–113 CE) in one of his letters remarked to his friend about the rising cost of real estate:

    Have you heard that the price of land has gone up, particularly in the neighbourhood of Rome? The reason for the sudden increase in price has given rise to a good deal of discussion.

    The ancient Greek scholar Athenaeus, who lived in Naukratis, in Egypt, around 200 CE, wrote a long book called The Learned Banqueters, depicting a dinner party.

    The characters at this dinner party often complain about the price of food and goods. For example, one character complains about the price of fish:

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen fish more expensive. Poseidon, if you got 10% of what’s spent on them every day, you’d be far away the richest god there is!

    People often said that fish was exorbitantly expensive and thought fish sellers were trying to rip them off.

    In fact, the poet Antiphanes (circa 408–330 BCE) complained “there’s no group more abominable” than fish sellers and money lenders.

    How to lower costs?

    Ancient people were well aware that a cost-of-living crisis can cause political disturbances.

    As the Roman poet Lucan (39–65 CE) wrote:

    the causes of hatred and mainsprings of political popularity are determined by the price of food.

    So, how did ancient leaders deal with this sort of problem?

    One solution was for the ruler to cover the cost of inflation.

    For example, the Athenian statesman Demosthenes (384–322 BCE) mentions a problem with the price of grain that was solved by boosting imports:

    When grain earlier advanced in price and reached sixteen drachmae per medimnus, we imported more than ten thousand medimni of wheat, and measured it out at the normal price of five drachmae a medimnus.

    Alexander Severus helped trim the cost of meat.
    Creative commons, CC BY

    Another solution was to put extreme regulations on the market.

    For example, the Roman emperor Alexander Severus (ruled 222–235 CE) was once faced by a group of angry citizens.

    They demanded a reduction in the price of beef and pork, which had become unaffordable.

    Alexander Severus “did not proclaim a general reduction in prices”, says the anonymous biographer who recounts this anecdote. Instead, the emperor

    ordered that no one should slaughter a sow or a suckling pig, a cow, or a calf. In two years or even in little more than one year, there was such an abundance of pork and beef that while a pound previously cost eight minutili, the price of both these meats was reduced to two and even one per pound.

    The city is so expensive

    The Greek writer Plutarch of Chaeronea (46–119 CE) records a story about the famous philosopher Socrates (circa 470–399 BCE), who lived in Athens.

    One day, according to Plutarch, a friend of Socrates complained to him about “how expensive the city was”:

    Chian wine costs a mina, a purple robe three minae, a half-pint of honey five drachmas!

    In response, Socrates took his friend by the hand and told him to search for bargains or for cheaper items, saying:

    A sleeveless vest for ten drachmas! The city is cheap!

    Socrates’ point was that even in expensive times it’s still possible to find bargains to save money. You just have to look harder for them and lower your standard of living. It can be difficult to do that, but it’s necessary.

    Socrates also gave out employment advice for people who were struggling.

    According to Socrates’ friend, the historian Xenophon of Athens (430–350 BCE), when a poor veteran came to Socrates complaining about lack of money and asking how to cope with expenses, Socrates told him to

    take up some kind of work at once that will assure you a living when you get old.

    Socrates thought making sure you still have money when you
    are old is more important than fully enjoying your current job. You will likely have to put up with things you don’t like to achieve security.

    From ancient to modern

    Most ancient people would probably have said that during a cost-of-living crisis it’s best to be patient, live simply, and wait for better times to come.

    As Pliny the Younger (circa 61–113 CE) once wrote in one of his letters, “my income is small or precarious, but its deficiencies can be made up by simple living”.

    If politicians cannot solve the problems, then it is up to us to cope with them as best as we can.

    Konstantine Panegyres 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. The ancients also had to deal with a cost-of-living crisis. Here’s how they managed – https://theconversation.com/the-ancients-also-had-to-deal-with-a-cost-of-living-crisis-heres-how-they-managed-257896

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. Declares 2025 Second-Quarter Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc., (Nasdaq: FMAO) the holding company of F&M Bank, with total assets of $3.39 billion at March 31, 2025, today announced that it has approved the Company’s quarterly cash dividend of $0.22125 per share. The second-quarter dividend is payable on July 20, 2025, to shareholders of record as of July 7, 2025.  

    For over 50 years, F&M has paid a quarterly dividend and has increased its annual dividend for 30 consecutive years reflecting the Company’s long-standing commitment to return capital to shareholders. 

    About Farmers & Merchants State Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe Harbor statement
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (“F&M”) wishes to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions included in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. Declares 2025 Second-Quarter Cash Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc., (Nasdaq: FMAO) the holding company of F&M Bank, with total assets of $3.39 billion at March 31, 2025, today announced that it has approved the Company’s quarterly cash dividend of $0.22125 per share. The second-quarter dividend is payable on July 20, 2025, to shareholders of record as of July 7, 2025.  

    For over 50 years, F&M has paid a quarterly dividend and has increased its annual dividend for 30 consecutive years reflecting the Company’s long-standing commitment to return capital to shareholders. 

    About Farmers & Merchants State Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe Harbor statement
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (“F&M”) wishes to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions included in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Shelton Man Admits Defrauding Pandemic Relief Program

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, and Harry Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that TONY STERLIN CANTAVE, 45, of Shelton, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven for defrauding a COVID-19 pandemic relief program.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the distribution of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”), through the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), which provided working capital to eligible small businesses to meet operating expenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2020, Cantave applied for EIDL funding through the SBA.  The application contained a number of materially false statements, including that the business for which Cantave sought the loan, Arbitrage 1 Media, was an ongoing, legitimate business involved in the limousine and transportation business, and that he was not more than 60 days delinquent in his child support obligations.  After the SBA reviewed and approved the fraudulent EIDL application, Cantave received $96,200.  He then used the proceeds from the loan to pay for personal and non-business expenses, including $16,607.26 to pay off an automobile loan.

    Cantave pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money and one count of making an illegal monetary transaction.  Each charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.

    Cantave has agreed to pay $104,176.21 in restitution.

    Cantave is released pending sentencing, which is not scheduled.

    Cantave has two prior federal convictions.  In December 1999, he was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 18 months of imprisonment for a firearm offense, and in February 2015, he was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 13 months of imprisonment for his participation in a U.S. Postal Service money order fraud scheme.

    This investigation has been conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Unprecedented fires fueled by climate change threaten iconic World Heritage forests

    Source: United Nations

    In an update to the joint UNESCO-WRI-IUCN report “World Heritage forests: carbon sinks under pressure”, new data reveals that fires have accounted for approximately 75% of tree cover loss in World Heritage sites. Steadily increasing tree cover loss due to fires, fueled by climate change, has led to record high emissions, and threatens the robust carbon sinks of forests in World Heritage sites.

    Fires are the primary cause of forest loss in World Heritage sites

    Since 2001, approximately 4.5 million hectares of forest—more than the area of Switzerland—have been lost across World Heritage sites, with fires responsible for around 75% of that loss. The vast majority — approximately 80% — of all fire-related tree cover loss occurred in high-latitude forests, primarily across North America and Siberia. Forests in Australia account for an additional 15% of the loss, while all other regions contributed approximately 5%.

    Solid lines show annual tree cover loss in World Heritage sites by cause, while dotted lines indicate long-term trends.
    Source: WRI Land & Carbon Lab

    While the number of World Heritage sites affected by fires annually has slightly declined in recent years — averaging around half of all forested sites per year — the severity of these events is escalating. Since 2020, fire-related tree cover loss has averaged approximately 240,000 hectares per year — more than twice the annual average recorded in the early 2000s.

    In contrast, non-fire-related tree cover loss has remained relatively stable, averaging around 45,000 hectares per year. This loss is primarily attributed to anthropogenic land-use pressures, such as illegal logging, wood harvesting, and agricultural encroachment related to livestock grazing and crop production, mainly in sites included in the List of World Heritage in Danger. Increases in non-fire-related forest loss were observed in 2016-2017 and 2020, linked to the impacts of hurricanes and storms in the Caribbean and Asia, and intensified agricultural expansion resulting from limited ability to monitor illegal activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. However, forest loss from non-fire causes has since gradually returned to pre-pandemic levels.

    “The data is clear: climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is here, now, and it is threatening the irreplaceable natural heritage of our world.”

    Climate change is intensifying fires in World Heritage sites

    The steady increase in fire-related tree cover loss highlights the growing influence of climate change on fire regimes in World Heritage sites. While fire plays a natural role in many ecosystems —particularly in temperate and boreal forests in higher latitudes— rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changing weather patterns are creating conditions that fuel more intense fires. When forests burn, they release vast amounts of carbon stored in trees and soils into the atmosphere, primarily as carbon dioxide (CO₂). These emissions further exacerbate climate change and increase the likelihood of further fires in a self-reinforcing “fire-climate feedback loop.”

    Source: WRI Global Forest Watch

    Forest fires in World Heritage sites have resulted in an average of nearly 60 million tonnes CO2-equivalent (Mt CO2e) emissions per year, equivalent to Austria’s annual fossil fuel emissions[1]. Largely due to extreme fires, fire-related emissions in World Heritage forests have surged in recent years. In 2023, a record-breaking fire swept through over 300,000 hectares of forest in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park, releasing an estimated 190 Mt CO₂e—roughly equivalent to Argentina’s annual fossil fuel emissions. This more than doubled the previous record set in 2021 in Canada’s Pimachiowin Aki (86 Mt CO2e). Australia’s devastating 2019–2020 fires torched around 300,000 hectares in the Greater Blue Mountains Area, emitting over 45 Mt CO2e.

    Tree cover loss due to fires (brown) in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park after the 2023 fires (left), Pimachiowin Aki after the 2021-2022 fires (middle) and Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains Area after the 2019-2020 fires (right) 
    Source: WRI Global Forest Watch

    In the tropics—where fires have historically been rare—fire activity has surged, driven by intense outbreaks in sites such as Bolivia’s Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in the Amazon Basin, and Brazil’s Pantanal Conservation Area. Since 2020, fire has been responsible for approximately 35% of tree cover loss and associated emissions in World Heritage tropical forests—more than four times the annual average recorded in the early 2000s.

    Source: WRI Land & Carbon Lab

    “These intensifying fires are not just destroying tree cover and understory—they are unraveling ecological systems and pristine primary forests which underpin people’s livelihoods and provide several ecosystem services, such as climate regulation and human health maintenance.”

    Carbon sinks and biodiversity in World Heritage sites are under increasing risk

    Fires can have profound negative impacts on ecosystems, particularly by contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss. Covering more than 70 million hectares of forests—more than the area of Germany— World Heritage sites have traditionally played a crucial role in sequestering carbon. However, as fire intensity and frequency increases, this role is under threat. Fire-related emissions in World Heritage forests now account for about 40% of the carbon these forests absorb each year (80 vs. 200 Mt CO2/year), resulting in a net carbon sink of 120 Mt CO2e/year. High-latitude World Heritage forests have now collectively shifted from being carbon sinks to becoming net carbon sources, emitting around 5 Mt CO₂e/year. In contrast, lower latitude forests—mainly in the tropics—remain strong carbon sinks, absorbing roughly 130 Mt CO₂e/year. However, fires in tropical regions are especially damaging because their dense vegetation and high biomass cause them to release more carbon per unit of forest lost than fires in cooler regions. This makes tropical fires a growing threat to climate stability, accelerating the fire–climate feedback loop and pushing ecosystems closer to irreversible tipping points.

    Beyond carbon, fires are also placing fragile ecosystems at serious risk. In ecosystems not adapted to fire—such as tropical rainforests and wetlands—fires can permanently alter habitats, disrupt species interactions, and erase biodiversity that has taken millennia to evolve. Australia’s 2019–2020 fires, for example, are estimated to have affected the habitats of at least 293 threatened animal species and 680 threatened plant species. In the Greater Blue Mountains Area alone, over 140 million animals were impacted, including approximately 15 million mammals, 17.7 million birds, and 110.4 million reptiles. Similarly, in the Pantanal Biosphere Reserve—which includes the Pantanal Conservation Area World Heritage site—an estimated 17 million vertebrates may have perished during the 2020 fires. These fires also drastically worsened air quality, exposing surrounding communities to hazardous levels of smoke and particulate pollution, which can lead to serious respiratory and cardiovascular health problems and straining healthcare systems.

    © M & G Therin-Weise / Jaguar coming out of the forest, Pantanal Conservation Area, Brazil

    “The transformation of carbon sinks into carbon sources signals not just an ecological crisis, but a critical tipping point in our climate system — one that threatens both the natural world and the communities that rely on it. Investing in robust fire prevention and response systems is essential to combat wildfires, especially in carbon-rich forests.”

    Helping communities prepare and respond to fires

    As fire continues to threaten both ecological integrity and human livelihoods, proactive fire response and preparedness are more critical than ever. Communities living in and around World Heritage sites are often the first affected by these events—facing loss of land, water resources, cultural heritage, and biodiversity that their lives and traditions depend on.

    To support rapid and informed action, UNESCO has been leveraging real-time fire alert data through platforms like Global Forest Watch, developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI). These tools enable early detection of fire outbreaks and offer actionable insights that help local authorities and conservation managers respond quickly and effectively.

    Complementing this, Land & Carbon Lab – an applied geospatial research lab convened by WRI and the Bezos Earth Fund – provides critical data on carbon storage, emissions and sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems—enhancing global understanding of how fires and other human activities are imperiling carbon sinks and converting some forests to carbon sources. This data helps inform not only emergency response, but also long-term restoration and climate resilience strategies.

    A notable example of these data in action is their integration into the World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP), which has supported the deployment of the Rapid Response Facility (RRF)— a joint initiative from UNESCO and Fauna and Flora. These tools have helped guide emergency response efforts at critical sites, including Brazil’s Pantanal Conservation Area and Bolivia’s Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. In these areas, satellite monitoring and fire alerts have enabled early fire detection, faster mobilization of resources, and timely support for both ecosystems and local communities.

    © Fundación para la Conservación del Bosque Chiquitano 

    “The grant from the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) was crucial in quickly mobilizing resources to keep the ranger corps, community brigade firefighters, and firefighting authorities active in Noel Kempff Mercado National Park. Without this swift support, the damage to the park’s forests and the species that depend on them could have been far more severe.”

    © Panthera

    “The Rapid Response Facility (RRF) made it possible to train brigades, improve communication, support government institutions and, above all, strengthen integrated firefighting actions between the various stakeholders involved.”

    Beyond immediate response, these efforts also strengthen local capacity, foster community engagement, and promote sustainable land management practices. By combining cutting-edge technology, operational monitoring systems based on Earth observation data, and on-the-ground collaboration, UNESCO and its partners are helping vulnerable communities become more prepared and resilient in the face of escalating fire risks. Ultimately, these initiatives play a vital role in safeguarding the world’s natural heritage for future generations—preserving the ecological, cultural, and climate value of these irreplaceable landscapes.

    UNESCO thanks the support of the Government of Norway to the Rapid Response Facility (RRF) and the Government of Flanders (Belgium) to the World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP). WRI thanks the Bezos Earth Fund and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI).

    [1] All country emissions equivalencies are for CO2 emissions from fossil fuels in 2023, according to the Global Carbon Atlas produced by the Global Carbon Budget: https://globalcarbonatlas.org/emissions/carbon-emissions/

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Statement On Fifth Straight Increase In Virginia’s Unemployment Rate

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves as the top House Democrat on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, today expressed rising concern over Virginia’s economy, after monthly data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed that the Commonwealth’s unemployment rate had risen for the fifth consecutive month. The increase brought Virginia’s unemployment rate to 3.4 percent, its highest level since August 2021. Today’s data marks the first time that Virginia’s unemployment rate has risen for five consecutive months since the sustained job losses of the Great Recession in 2008-09.

    Beyer said:

    “The sustained increase in Virginia’s unemployment rate is a growing concern, especially amid the uncertainty created by President Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate and ill-conceived mass firings of federal workers and contractors.

    “Governor Youngkin inherited a strong economy that was rebounding from the pandemic downturn with strong growth and job gains, and a 2.7 percent unemployment rate that was the envy of much of the nation. To be clear, our Commonwealth is still a great place to do business, with job gains still coming and unemployment below the national average. But today’s data shows we are now clearly moving in the wrong direction: under current leadership, the unemployment rate has risen for five straight months for the first time since the Great Recession, and reached its highest level since Governor Youngkin took office.

    “These gathering economic storm clouds are unfortunate but not surprising for anyone who reads the news. Sustained damage to Virginia’s economy – including this Administration’s mass firings of workers, terminations of key contracts, freezes of medical research funding, and attacks on our educational and research institutions – is bound to have an impact. Unless courts intervene, some of the largest firings and cuts will take effect in months to come, which would worsen the damage for Virginians. Unfortunately, our Governor and his allies have not only failed to defend our Commonwealth from these hits to our economy, they have cheered them on. Putting politics and party loyalty over Virginians and our economic security is a failure of leadership.”

    Historical economic data, including unemployment rates for states including Virginia, is tracked by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED).

    Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) is the Senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, and serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over major economic levers include tax policy, trade, and Social Security. He previously served as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor from 1990-1998.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Non-traditional sports like pickleball and bouldering are helping Canadians get active this summer

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sarah Woodruff, Professor, Director of the Community Health, Environment, and Wellness Lab, University of Windsor

    While gym memberships and traditional sports will always have their place, more people are choosing leisure activities that are fun, flexible and social. (Shutterstock)

    On a warm summer Canadian evening, you might hear the pop-pop of a pickleball game, spot someone scaling a climbing wall at a community centre or catch players rallying on a padel court — a fast-growing racquet sport that looks like a mix between tennis and squash.

    What may once have seemed like fringe hobbies are now part of a growing movement. Canadians are seeking alternative ways to stay physically active, connect socially and improve their mental and physical well-being.

    While gym memberships and traditional sports will always have their place, more people are choosing leisure activities that are fun, flexible and social.

    Activities like pickleball, climbing, padel, disc golf, cricket, ultimate frisbee and stand-up paddleboarding are gaining momentum, offering a fresh approach to fitness that suits all ages, skill levels and motivations.

    Why are these activities booming?

    The COVID-19 pandemic played a big role in reshaping how people get physically active. With gyms closed and organized sports on hold, people turned to parks, driveways and community spaces for movement.

    What began as temporary adjustments soon evolved into permanent shifts for some. Many people realized that being active didn’t have to be rigid or repetitive; it could be more social and genuinely enjoyable. TikTok videos and Instagram reels showcasing everything from “how to videos” to “beginner fails” have also helped pique curiosity and increase participation in these activities.

    According to Pickleball Canada, 1.54 million Canadians are playing the sport in 2025 — a 57 per cent increase in participation over the past three years. Meanwhile, Padel, which is already popular in Europe and Latin America, is gaining ground in major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver because of how accessible and easy to learn it is.

    Sales increases in paddleboards, the debut of sport climbing at the Tokyo 2020/2021 Olympics and the increase in popularity of spikeball (also known as roundnet) all signal a broader shift toward fun, accessible and social forms of physical activity.

    More than just exercise

    The physical and mental health benefits of being physically active are well established, and yet many Canadians are still not active enough to meet the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines. The guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity per week, perform muscle-strengthening activities twice a week, limit sedentary time and aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.

    Alternative sports may help address this gap by offering new routes into physical activity. Beyond the well-known physical health benefits, such as cardiovascular health, strength, agility and co-ordination, these activities are equally effective at supporting mental health and social well-being.

    For example, a recent study by Canadian researchers looked at 28 studies that investigated health and/or well-being of adult pickleball players. The results suggested positive social and psychological effects — in addition to health and fitness benefits — were evident, particularly for older adults.



    Read more:
    Light exercise can yield significant cognitive benefits, new research shows

    Sports like pickleball, padel and ultimate frisbee thrive on social connection, as players and partners often chat, laugh, build relationships and have potlucks or social time afterwards, all which help build community and foster a sense of belonging.

    Other activities, such as bouldering and climbing, encourage mental concentration, resilience and problem-solving, as routes are often designed to be attempted several times before being successful. This helps get people stronger and more confident, as they learn to keep trying even when something feels hard at first. This sense of progress and enjoyment keeps people motivated.

    When an activity is fun, social and rewarding, people are more likely to stick with it over time. When people want to be active, rather than feeling like they have to, they’re more likely to reap the long-term benefits of being active. This is known as intrinsic motivation, a key factor for maintaining long-term physical activity because people are more likely to do something they genuinely like.

    Because these alternative sports are fun, low-pressure and easy to try at any level, they offer a great starting point for anyone, regardless of age, experience or ability.

    Embracing the movement

    Across Canada, cities are increasingly investing in these growing recreational activities. Municipal parks and empty buildings are rapidly being repurposed for new pickleball and padel courts. According to an industry journal, the number of climbing gyms across Canada increased from 136 in 2021 to 169 in 2024.

    Part of the appeal lies in accessibility. These types of activities are beginner-friendly. Unlike many traditional sports where skills and speed are expected upfront, there is no need to be in peak physical shape or have the best gear. Most people can try these activities with little more than a pair of shoes and a rental.

    These activities are also adaptable and low-impact, making them accessible to a wide range of participants. They’re often intergenerational and focused more on enjoyment than competition.

    Just as importantly, they support physical literacy — the confidence and competence to stay active throughout one’s life. Building physical literacy early and sustaining it throughout adulthood is a cornerstone of long-term health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

    If you’ve been meaning to try one of these activities, this summer might be your chance. After all, fitness doesn’t have to be a chore; sometimes it starts with just showing up and saying yes to something different.

    Sarah Woodruff receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and We Spark Health Institute.

    – ref. Non-traditional sports like pickleball and bouldering are helping Canadians get active this summer – https://theconversation.com/non-traditional-sports-like-pickleball-and-bouldering-are-helping-canadians-get-active-this-summer-258771

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Lab Owner Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Connection with $14 Million COVID-19 Testing Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO — The owner of a Chicago laboratory was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison for his role in a Covid-19 testing fraud scheme.

    ZISHAN ALVI, 46, of Inverness, Ill., owned and operated a laboratory in Chicago that performed testing for Covid-19.  In 2021 and 2022, Alvi caused tens of thousands of claims to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for Covid-19 tests that were not performed as billed.  As part of the scheme, the laboratory released negative test results to patients, even though the laboratory either had not tested the specimens or the results were inconclusive because Alvi diluted the tests to save on costs while making them unreliable.  Alvi knew that the laboratory was releasing negative results for Covid-19 tests that were not performed or were inconclusive, but still caused the laboratory to submit claims to HRSA for those tests.  Alvi also lied to laboratory directors to conceal his fraud. HRSA paid the laboratory more than $14 million because of the fraudulent claims that Alvi caused to be submitted.

    Alvi pleaded guilty last year to one count of wire fraud.  U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. imposed the prison sentence during a hearing today in federal court in Chicago.  Judge Tharp also ordered Alvi to pay more than $14.1 million in restitution and forfeit more than $8 million in cash, a 2021 Range Rover HSE, a 2022 Tesla X, and a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250W4, all of which were previously seized by law enforcement.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten of the Northern District of Illinois, and Claire T. Sobczak, Trial Attorney of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

    “At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zishan Alvi disregarded public health concerns in favor of greed and his own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “The government’s pandemic-relief programs were intended to keep people safe, not provide an avenue for fraud and illegal profits.  Our Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to root out abuse of these important programs and hold accountable those who seek to fraudulently profit from them.”

    “In the midst of economic uncertainty for many Americans, the defendant chose to cash in on a global pandemic by stealing millions of dollars and committing extensive fraud,” said FBI SAC DePodesta.  “Further, he placed patients and the public at risk by releasing false Covid-19 test results. The FBI and our dedicated partners are committed to investigating Covid con artists and ensuring they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program.  Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion.  In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes.  More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Riverside County Woman Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Running $1.7 Million COVID-19 Benefits Fraud She Advertised on Instagram

    Source: US FBI

    LOS ANGELES – An Inland Empire woman was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining $1.7 million in COVID-19 pandemic-related jobless benefits, federally-guaranteed small business loans, California Small Business COVID-19 relief grants, and Los Angeles County economic opportunity grants. 

    Jasmine Unique Mallard-McCarter, 30, a.k.a. “JassyMC,” of Eastvale, was sentenced by United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, who also ordered her to pay $1,765,407 in restitution.

    McCarter pleaded guilty on February 28 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. 

    McCarter impersonated others to apply online for government benefits that she used for herself. McCarter also used the personal identifying information provided by her co-conspirators to apply for government benefits on their behalf, knowing those co-conspirators were not eligible for those benefits.

    McCarter charged fees to instruct others how to apply for government benefits for which they were not eligible without getting caught. Also, for a fee, McCarter served as a broker for counterfeit documents, such as Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, IRS Forms 1040, W-2s, bank statements, education degrees and transcripts, pay stubs, and doctors’ notes for handicapped placards. In some instances, the McCarter and her co-conspirators used the counterfeit documents to trick the government into paying unjustified benefits. 

    McCarter advertised her fraud services on Instragram, using handles “JassyMc” and “EliteRealEstateandBusiness.” McCarter referred to herself as the “Jass of All Trades” in social media posts, because she could file fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, file grant applications, and broker counterfeit documents and identification in return for a fee.

    According to McCarter’s Instagram posts, she charged a fee for introducing customers to her connection at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, who could help bypass requirements for smog checks, insurance, and registration.

    The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Employee Development Department Investigations Division, U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Secret Service investigated this matter. 

    Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown 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 Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors 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 https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of the three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams.

    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. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Delivers Fiery Remarks in Opposition to Trump’s Reckless Rescissions Package with Cuts to USAID, PBS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) spoke on the House Floor in strong opposition to Trump’s rescissions package codifying DOGE’s cuts to USAID, PBS, and other Congressionally-appropriated funding. The package passed the House on a party-line vote of 214-212.

    The clawback of $9.4 billion in funding that House Republicans themselves voted for last Congress would cut programs that prevent deadly diseases and pandemics, support democracy abroad, create markets for American businesses, and provide trusted public news, emergency alerts, and educational programming. 

    Her remarks as delivered can be viewed here or read below: 

    “Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this package. It is embarrassing, it is trifling. This is a funding package that Republicans actually agreed to and voted on last Congress when they were in the majority. Republicans must be missing Biden now because they actually had more influence under him than under Trump. 

    Now Republicans are going back on their own agreement and giving up their own power with this package. The real question is, why show up here if you have an orange daddy doing your work for you? 

    This vote actually puts every Republican on record as supporting Elon’s attack on democracy when even Steve Bannon said that Elon and DOGE found no waste. 

    With this package Republicans are one step closer to a country that looks more like the adversaries we profess to oppose. Americans will be left to clean up this mess. We will have zero standing in the international community and we will have zero claim to global leadership–while you all have killed off Elmo. 

    I urge my colleagues to vote no on this trash and I yield back.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BarxBuddy 2025: This Dog Training Device Gains Momentum Among Pet Owners, According to Reports

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Phoenix, AZ, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a year marked by increasing interest in at-home pet solutions, the BarxBuddy ultrasonic dog training device has gained renewed momentum among pet owners across the United States. This behavioral training tool—designed to deter excessive barking and help reinforce positive habits—has become one of the most talked-about non-invasive pet training products in 2025, according to new industry analyses.

    The BarxBuddy device utilizes a high-frequency ultrasonic tone, imperceptible to human ears, which captures a dog’s attention without causing physical harm or distress. Marketed as a humane alternative to shock collars and more aggressive behavioral correction techniques, BarxBuddy has positioned itself at the intersection of modern training philosophy and technological simplicity.
    Surge in Adoption Reflects Broader Shift in Dog Training Trends
    Data emerging from multiple online retail channels and behavioral study groups suggests a broader shift in how pet owners approach canine discipline. Where previous decades favored punitive correction models, the modern era has seen a sharp pivot toward non-violent reinforcement.
    BarxBuddy’s appeal lies in its compact design and ease of use. Requiring no specialized training, the device allows pet owners to press a single button to emit the corrective tone. It has been particularly popular among urban dog owners who face challenges with excessive barking in high-density living environments.
    A 2025 trend analysis by CanineTech Insights indicated a 32% increase in the use of ultrasonic bark deterrent tools over the last 12 months, with BarxBuddy leading the segment in brand recognition and reported effectiveness.
    Technology Rooted in Behavioral Science
    At the core of the BarxBuddy device is a simple but deliberate mechanism: a focused ultrasonic pulse that interrupts undesirable behavior by redirecting the dog’s attention. The principle draws on operant conditioning, a well-documented psychological framework that encourages behavior modification through stimulus and consequence.
    Unlike shock-based systems, which have drawn increasing scrutiny from veterinary ethics boards, ultrasonic tools are gaining favor for their minimal invasiveness. While not all dogs respond identically to ultrasonic tones—a point echoed by several animal behaviorists—the consistency of results across varied breeds has bolstered interest from both first-time pet owners and experienced trainers.
    Veterinary Community Shows Cautious Optimism
    While some segments of the veterinary and training communities remain cautious in endorsing any at-home corrective tool, many professionals acknowledge the utility of ultrasonic devices when used correctly. Emphasis remains on pairing any corrective action with positive reinforcement and avoiding overuse.
    Dr. Elaine Moretti, a behavioral veterinarian based in New Jersey, notes that tools like BarxBuddy “can provide a useful starting point for dog owners struggling with minor behavioral issues, especially barking, jumping, or lunging.”
    However, she also underscores the need for comprehensive care: “No tool should replace responsible training, regular exercise, and proper socialization.”

    How Does BarxBuddy Work?

    According to the official product website BarxBuddy device works by emitting an ultrasonic sound that instantly captures a dog’s attention. This frequency, while inaudible to humans, is calibrated to be safe yet noticeable for most dogs. When activated during moments of undesirable behavior—such as barking, jumping, or lunging—the tone interrupts the action and redirects the dog’s focus.

    Accompanying the sound is a built-in LED light, which serves both as a visual cue and a practical tool during evening walks. This multimodal design supports behavioral training by engaging multiple senses in a gentle, non-confrontational way.

    Experts advise pairing the device’s use with verbal commands and rewards to reinforce good behavior. With regular use, dogs are expected to associate negative behavior with the ultrasonic tone and adapt accordingly.

    Who Is the BarxBuddy Anti-Barking Device For?

    BarxBuddy is designed for a broad audience of dog owners looking for a humane, user-friendly approach to behavioral training. The device is particularly well-suited for:

    • Urban dog owners managing noise concerns in apartment buildings
    • First-time pet owners unfamiliar with traditional training tools
    • Busy individuals seeking a quick-response option for spontaneous training moments
    • Pet parents with sensitive or small-breed dogs who may not respond well to harsher methods

    While effective for many breeds and behavior types, BarxBuddy is best used as part of a holistic training plan that includes praise, treats, and consistency. It is not intended for use on dogs with hearing impairments or extreme behavioral aggression without professional oversight.

    Consumer Demand Reflects Broader Interest in DIY Pet Solutions
    BarxBuddy’s rise mirrors a growing trend among consumers seeking convenient, at-home alternatives to formal obedience training. According to data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA), spending on training aids and behavioral tools increased 18% in the past fiscal year, outpacing the growth of in-person dog training services.
    The uptick is attributed to rising pet ownership during the post-pandemic years and an accompanying desire for accessible, time-saving solutions. BarxBuddy, with its one-touch functionality and portability, appears well-positioned to meet this demand.
    Increased Media Attention and Retail Availability
    As media outlets across the U.S. cover the surge in interest, BarxBuddy has expanded its availability through a growing network of e-commerce platforms. Initially sold exclusively through its official website, the device is now accessible through select retail affiliates and direct-to-consumer marketplaces.
    Public interest was further amplified by media coverage earlier this year highlighting BarxBuddy in consumer advocacy segments focusing on humane pet care. These features emphasized the product’s non-invasive nature, battery efficiency, and built-in flashlight for nighttime visibility.
    Public Discourse and Social Sentiment
    Online discourse surrounding BarxBuddy continues to grow, with a mix of endorsements, debates, and case studies circulating in digital forums. While advocates praise its simplicity and quick impact, some skeptics raise concerns over its long-term behavioral impact without complementary training.
    Nonetheless, the dominant narrative has remained largely favorable, especially among pet owners looking for tools that don’t rely on pain-based deterrents. This sentiment aligns with a 2025 YouGov survey, which found that 71% of dog owners prefer behavioral correction devices that do not use electric shocks or pronged pressure.
    How to Start Using BarxBuddy
    According to the official product website, Getting started with BarxBuddy requires no professional training or special setup. Pet owners can begin using the device by following these steps:

    1. Insert the batteries that come included with the device.
    2. Hold the device comfortably in hand and keep it within reach when around your dog.
    3. Wait for a behavioral trigger, such as barking, jumping, or aggression.
    4. Press the ultrasonic button while pointing the device toward the dog. Use a firm voice command such as “Stop” or “Quiet” simultaneously.
    5. Reinforce positive behavior by offering praise or a treat after the dog responds appropriately.

    The key is consistency—using the device regularly while pairing it with encouragement ensures long-term success. BarxBuddy can also be used during walks or playtime to prevent unwanted behaviors from developing.
    Compliance and Safety Considerations
    The BarxBuddy device complies with consumer safety standards applicable to non-contact ultrasonic equipment. Independent safety testing has verified that the decibel range used in the product falls within established auditory safety margins for canines.
    Manufacturers continue to advise users to limit deployment to short training intervals and to combine its use with praise-based reinforcement. Importantly, usage guidelines recommend avoiding activation near overly anxious or noise-sensitive dogs without prior behavioral consultation.
    Looking Ahead: Future Iterations and Expansion Plans
    Sources close to the manufacturing team have indicated that future iterations of the BarxBuddy may include customizable frequency settings and app-based integration to monitor behavioral responses. These developments are aimed at personalizing the training process while collecting anonymous user feedback to inform design enhancements.
    In anticipation of growing international demand, distribution channels are also being explored in Canada, Australia, and select European markets. As pet care standards evolve globally, products like BarxBuddy are likely to play an increasingly visible role in shaping at-home training norms.

    Features of the BarxBuddy Ultrasonic Device
    As per official product website BarxBuddy stands out due to its blend of functionality, safety, and design. Key features include:

    • Ultrasonic Frequency (Non-Audible to Humans): Specifically calibrated to get dogs’ attention without causing harm.
    • LED Flashlight: Integrated light adds visibility for nighttime walks and offers an additional visual stimulus during training.
    • Compact, Handheld Design: Lightweight and easy to carry during daily activities or walks.
    • One-Button Operation: Simplifies the training process for beginners and experienced owners alike.
    • Battery Operated: Ensures portability without needing frequent recharging.
    • Non-Contact Training Method: Provides a safe alternative to prong, shock, or vibration collars.

    Together, these features create a training solution that is both pet-friendly and owner-approved.
    Conclusion: A Marker of a Changing Pet Landscape
    BarxBuddy’s emergence as a favored solution among dog owners reflects a broader societal embrace of humane, technology-assisted pet training tools. While no single device offers a cure-all for behavioral challenges, the rise of products like BarxBuddy signifies a noteworthy pivot in how Americans think about pet discipline in the digital age.
    As training philosophies continue to evolve, devices that merge science-backed methodology with ease of use may redefine the future of responsible dog ownership.
    For more information, educational content, and direct purchasing, visit the official BarxBuddy website.

    Company: BarxBuddy
    Address: PO Box 52171,
    Phoenix, AZ, 85072-2171 
    Phone: 213-669-4081
    support@barxbuddy.com

    https://www.barxbuddy.com/

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Charitable giving grew to $593B in 2024, propelled by a strengthening US economy and a booming stock market

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jon Bergdoll, Associate Director of Data Partnerships at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University

    Paul Newman, the late actor and philanthropist, co-founded Camp Boggy Creek, which children with serious illnesses and their families attend for free. AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

    U.S. charitable giving increased 3.3% to US$593 billion in 2024, lifted by the strength of the economy.

    The annual report from the Giving USA Foundation, produced in partnership with the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy,
    found that this was the second-highest level on record after adjusting for inflation.

    Giving grew at the fastest pace since 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic led many Americans to make larger-than-usual donations. It was also the first time since then that growth in giving outpaced inflation.

    As two of the report’s lead researchers, we see many signs of healthy growth in charitable giving in 2024. Our data shows that the strong economy, which grew 2.8% in 2024, bolstered individual and corporate giving and allowed foundations to maintain the historically high level of giving seen from them in recent years.

    It also helped that stock markets performed well in 2024, consumer sentiment was generally positive, personal income rose and inflation continued to ease.

    Donations to nearly every charitable category we track grew.

    Individuals and corporations led overall growth

    Individual donors continued to provide the bulk of the nation’s charitable gifts. The $392 billion they gave to charity accounted for two-thirds of the year’s total. Giving by individuals grew 5.1% from 2023 − a swifter pace than for all donations.

    Corporate giving rose even faster. It was up 6% to a record $44 billion.

    This growth reflects the high pretax profits earned by corporations in 2024 and the trend toward corporations donating a higher share of pretax profits in recent years.

    For example, corporations generally donated less than 1% of pretax profits from 2004-2018. But our research team started to see corporate giving rise to 1% or more in the 2019 data. This was also the case in 2024, when corporate giving stood at 1.1% of pretax profits.

    Corporate philanthropy has grown by more than 50% since 2019, a trend that has coincided with rising in-kind donations of insulin products and other pharmaceuticals. Drugmakers made an estimated $24 billion in these donations in 2024 − up 41% since 2019.

    To be sure, corporations’ donations amounted to just 7% of overall giving in 2024.

    Meanwhile, grants made by foundations exceeded $100 billion for the third straight year. Almost $1 out of every $5 contributed to charity was from a foundation in each of those years.

    Giving by foundations in the five years ending in 2024 was higher than any other period since Giving USA has tracked this data. Foundation giving, however, remained fairly flat from 2023 to 2024, at about $110 billion.

    Around 8% of all gifts made in 2024 were from bequests included in people’s wills, the same as in 2023. Bequests totaled $44 billion, down 4.4% when adjusted for inflation. But the total given through bequests varies quite a bit from year to year.

    Most kinds of donations increased

    Donations to most of the nine charitable categories Giving USA tracks increased. The one exception: Gifts to churches and other religious institutions fell 1%. But religious giving remained by far the top category, followed by human services and education.

    Religious causes received 23% of all donations, a total of $147 billion. Giving to human services nonprofits, such as food banks and homeless shelters, increased considerably during the pandemic. It now accounts for about 14% of all donations. In 2024, these gifts totaled $91 billion.

    Giving to education, which primarily consists of donations to colleges and universities has tended to grow more slowly than overall giving in recent years.

    Giving for education rebounded to a record high in 2024, however, rising nearly 10% from a year earlier. And these gifts have grown at a quick pace over the past decade, increasing by more than 22% from 2015 to 2024. The $88 billion in gifts received for education in 2024 was the third-largest of the nine categories we follow.

    Several other categories also reached all-time highs of giving in 2024: health, at $61 billion; arts, culture and humanities, at $25 billion; and environment and animals, at $22 billion.

    The increases in giving for most kinds of nonprofits, supported by strong growth in giving by individuals and corporations, indicate that the charitable sector ended 2024 in a relatively solid position.

    Jon Bergdoll receives grant funding from the Giving USA Foundation, which publishes Giving USA.

    Christina Daniken receives grant funding from the Giving USA Foundation, which publishes Giving USA.

    – ref. Charitable giving grew to $593B in 2024, propelled by a strengthening US economy and a booming stock market – https://theconversation.com/charitable-giving-grew-to-593b-in-2024-propelled-by-a-strengthening-us-economy-and-a-booming-stock-market-259221

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Federal energy office illustrates the perils of fluctuating budgets and priorities

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christelle Khalaf, Associate Director, Government Finance Research Center, University of Illinois Chicago

    How much money goes into which pile often changes with the presidency. valiantsin suprunovich/iStock / Getty Images Plus

    When new presidential administrations enter the White House, federal agencies often find their funding and priorities shifting, sometimes dramatically.

    I’m a scholar who studies how policy and market shifts affect regional economies, labor markets and public systems, particularly in the context of critical infrastructure such as energy and water. I’ve seen how both of those types of changes – of funding levels and priorities – destabilize agencies and cut off long-term projects before they achieve their intended goals.

    In one research project, with co-authors Dr. Deborah A. Carroll and Zach Perkins, I took a close look at one office within a federal agency, the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. What we found serves as an example of how these changes have played out in the past, and it gives context to how the Trump administration’s changes are playing out now in that agency and across the federal government.

    The office, known by researchers and its personnel as EERE, is mainly focused on funding research and development to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and reduce the costs of those technologies to consumers. Its key efforts involve low-emission transportation, renewable electricity generation and decreasing the carbon emissions of buildings and industry processes.

    It makes grants to, and enters research and development agreements with, small businesses, industry, national laboratories, universities and state and local governments. Recipients are often required to contribute matching funds or other support to the project to complement the federal funding.

    In general, Congress appropriates funding to the office as part of the yearly budget process. However, the office also receives sporadic influxes of additional funding to stimulate the economy or address concerns related to energy security and greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, the amount of funding EERE gets depends in part on overall economic conditions or national crises.

    Boosting funding levels

    Some of those supplemental allocations can be significant, and many last until the funds have been spent, even if that takes a number of years. Following the energy crisis in the early 2000s, Congress allocated EERE a total of about $7 billion in funding for research and development in energy efficiency, renewable energy and biofuels.

    Then in 2009, following the Great Recession, Congress gave EERE $16.7 billion – most of which was to help low-income families pay to install efficient light sources or insulation to save them money. About $5.4 billion was for research and development.

    In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Energy Act of 2020, mainly focusing on nuclear energy and carbon capture technologies but also providing over $500 million in research and development funding for EERE.

    In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated about $16.3 billion to EERE. And in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act provided an additional $18 billion. As with other additional funding allocations, Congress made most of that money available until the total authorized amount has been spent.

    But the future of these allocations is uncertain. A January 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump requested that all agencies immediately pause the disbursement of funds Congress approved in both laws.

    In its 2026 budget, the Trump administration is proposing spending $900 million on EERE’s work – a 70% reduction from its 2025 allocation of $3.5 billion. This echoes a move during Trump’s first term when the White House proposed the office’s funding be cut by nearly 70% between the 2017 and 2018 budgets. However, at that time, Congress decided to keep the office’s budget largely intact. Congress will review and decide on this proposed budget as well.

    Solar energy is just one of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s areas of research.
    alexsl/iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Shifting priorities

    How those varying amounts of money are spent also changes, often based on shifts in political leadership with different views about what types of technologies are most worth investing in, and about the most effective role of government in developing new technologies.

    Our qualitative analysis has found that Republican administrations typically believe that very-early-stage research and development is an appropriate role for the federal government, but that as technologies move closer to commercialization, the private sector should take the lead.

    In contrast, we found that Democratic administrations believe that promising innovations often fail to reach the market due to insufficient private sector support during the demonstration and deployment phases. So they tend to advocate for increased federal involvement to assist with the transition from research to market-ready technologies.

    There is also a partisan difference in which technologies get financial support. Solar and wind energy technologies have historically received higher funding under Democratic administrations. In contrast, bioenergy and hydrogen technologies have received higher funding under Republican administrations.

    Funding the future

    EERE often funds projects that are considered too risky for private investors to fund alone. Expanding knowledge requires experimentation, so some EERE projects have achieved notable success, while others have not.

    For instance, the office’s investments have played a pivotal role in both spreading electric vehicle technologies and reducing their cost to consumers. Beginning with a major funding boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and with further allocations in subsequent years, EERE helped fund breakthroughs in battery manufacturing, power electronics and electric drive systems.

    These advancements contributed to a sharp rise in adoption: In 2012, there were just 100,000 electric vehicles registered in the U.S. By 2022, that number was above 3 million. And in 2014, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles accounted for 3% of all new light-duty vehicle sales. By 2024, that share had grown to 19%.

    EERE’s investments in electric vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, by contrast, have not done so well. Despite significant government support in the 2000s, their commercial availability remains largely limited to California, where most of the country’s hydrogen refueling stations are located.

    Various aspects of electric vehicle technologies have received federal support.
    Cavan Images/Cavan via Getty Images

    A change in approach

    Our analysis of the office’s operations finds that the amount of change in funding levels and priorities can create an environment that hinders thoughtful project selection. Programs that begin under one administration can’t be counted on to continue under subsequent presidents, and dollars allocated for the future may be repurposed down the road, leaving projects only partially finished.

    Studies also find that rapidly increasing budgets can create misaligned incentives as public administrators scramble to use the funds during the authorization period. For example, some may prioritize grantees who can accept and spend money rapidly, regardless of the potential public benefit of their innovation.

    Further, the shifting priorities complicate long-term planning for government officials, researchers and businesses. Sustaining innovation over a long period takes years of commitment. Studies have shown that inconsistent or volatile government funding can hinder overall technological progress and discourage private investment. One example is the exploration of algae-based biofuels in the 1980s, which was shut down in the 1990s due to shifting federal priorities. That stalled progress in the field and led to a loss of more than half of the genetic legacy collected through the program. In the late 2000s, the federal government resumed funding algae-based biofuel research.

    Overall, research by us and others underscores the importance of sustained funding and institutional continuity to ensure the success of publicly funded research and development. That’s what other peer countries are doing: boosting long-term investments in clean energy with consistent priorities and predictable funding.

    Following that model, in contrast to the current practice of ever-shifting priorities, would create more effective opportunities to develop, produce and deploy innovative energy technologies in the U.S., helping to maintain global competitiveness and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing.

    Christelle Khalaf received funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to examine EERE R&D funding trends. She has also received funding from the Department of Energy for separate research.

    – ref. Federal energy office illustrates the perils of fluctuating budgets and priorities – https://theconversation.com/federal-energy-office-illustrates-the-perils-of-fluctuating-budgets-and-priorities-255936

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Halting a sheep and goat plague outbreak to protect livelihoods in Sierra Leone


    Download logo

    When an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR)—also known as sheep and goat plague—threatened to wipe out people’s livelihoods in Kamasasa village, Sierra Leone, quick action from trained Sierra Leone Red Cross Society volunteers and local authorities stopped the spread of disease and minimized its damage on the community.

    Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small animals, such as sheep and goats. PPR can be fatal and outbreaks, if left undetected, can have devastating consequences for people’s livelihoods, particularly in pastoral communities.

    In Kamasasa, a village in north-west Sierra Leone where people are reliant on goat and sheep farming to make a living, an outbreak of PPR struck in September 2022 and threatened to wreak havoc in the community.  

    “It was all over the town,” explains Pa Adikali Sesay, Chief of Kamasasa village. “Everywhere you would go, people would say that their goats were sick. Some people would be crying because they were losing hope. If there was an emergency and they or their children got sick or if they need to pay school fees for their children, how would they pay for those things if all the animals died?”

    Having never experienced a PPR outbreak before, people were unsure what to do. And misinformation was spreading alongside the disease. Some farmers even fled the village, believing that their animals were under some form of mystical attack.  

    But thankfully, local Sierra Leone Red Cross Society volunteers were on hand to support the community. Trained in epidemic control and community-based surveillance through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), they immediately recognized the disease as PPR, rapidly reported the outbreak to local animal health authorities, and mounted an effective response to halt its spread.

    “Our volunteers started mobilizing the community, sensitizing them, telling them not to eat these animals,” says Osman Justin Conteh, CP3 Manager with the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society. “We separated the sick from those that are not sick so that then the disease will not continue to spread. Then specimens were collected and sent to the lab. We supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to treat these animals, vaccinating more than 10,000 goats and sheep against PPR.”

    This quick, coordinated action made sure that PPR stopped spreading in the community and that sick animals were able to recover, with volunteers earning thanks and recognition from community members. 

    Sorie Daba Sesay, a farmer from Kamasasa village, says: “The Red Cross arrived and told us to look for animals that were sick or had died. They helped get medicine to the sick goats so they would get better and not get sick again. We say to the Red Cross, thank you!” 

    And Kamasasa village chief, Pa Adikali, adds: “The Red Cross did an incredible job. Without their intervention, we could have lost all our animals. The Red Cross arrived right when we needed their help.”

    This PPR outbreak response is just one example of many disease outbreaks detected, reported and responded to through the CP3 programme in Kambia. Since the programme began in 2018, Sierra Leone Red Cross Society teams have improved their capacity to prepare for and respond to epidemics and developed close partnerships with human, animal and environmental health authorities to keep communities healthy and safe. 

    “The coming of CP3 and the Red Cross has helped us greatly in trying to mitigate the death toll of goats and sheep,” says Ibrahim Harri Sesay, District Livestock Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Kambia. “They have trained over 250 volunteers across the districts here. CP3 volunteers are all over in the communities. They are with them, they know their problems. If there are any problems with disease, be it animal or human, they report to us directly and we react appropriately.”

    The activities featured in this article were delivered as part of the multi-country Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) which ran from 2018-2025. 

    Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CP3 supported communities, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other partners to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats. 

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Technologies Announces Appointment of Gerald “Jerry” Ratigan as Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”), a global pioneer in innovative public safety technologies and services, today announced the appointment of Gerald “Jerry” Ratigan, seasoned finance executive, as the Company’s new Chief Financial Officer.

    Mr. Ratigan brings over 20 years of experience leading financial strategy across public companies, capital markets, investment banking and performance-focused advisory roles. Mr. Ratigan’s background includes extensive work in both international and domestic publicly traded environments, where Mr. Ratigan has consistently driven financial modernization and organizational agility.

    Mr. Ratigan has demonstrated exceptional ability in scaling finance operations, transforming reporting ecosystems and guiding companies through pivotal milestones—including M&A transactions and enterprise-wide digital transformations.

    Mr. Ratigan’s diverse career spans Big Four public accounting, Fortune 500 audit leadership, and C-suite roles in high-growth sectors such as gaming, fintech, travel and entertainment. Most recently, Mr. Ratigan served as the Senior Vice President of Accounting and Controls—and later as Acting Chief Financial Officer—at The Gearbox Entertainment Company. In this role, Mr. Ratigan led financial operations through a critical phase that culminated in a successful acquisition by Take-Two Interactive.

    Mr. Ratigan’s leadership encompassed building the finance function from the ground up, post-merger integration, ERP implementation, ESG reporting and consolidating multi-entity operations across geographies and currencies.

    Prior to Gearbox, Mr. Ratigan served as Senior Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting at Entertainment Benefits Group (a Creative Artists Agency company), where Mr. Ratigan managed global accounting and audit operations. Mr. Ratigan also held Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Audit Executive roles at MoneyOnMobile, Inc. (MOMT), where Mr. Ratigan led public filings, investor communications and SEC compliance—supporting uplisting efforts and complex carve-outs related to divestitures.

    Earlier in Mr. Ratigan’s career, Mr. Ratigan served as Director of SEC Financial Reporting at Prestige Cruise Holdings (acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line), overseeing public filings, XBRL tagging and IPO readiness. At Cooper Industries (later acquired by Eaton), Mr. Ratigan led internal audit efforts, implementing global audit strategies and streamlining post-acquisition integration.

    Mr. Ratigan began his career at KPMG and Grant Thornton, quickly distinguishing with international assignments and national training roles. Mr. Ratigan’s global experience spans work in the U.S., Mexico, China, the U.K., India, Germany, Australia, Bahrain, Thailand and Sweden.

    An advocate for ethics, compliance, and professional development, Mr. Ratigan currently serves on the Global Board of Directors for the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), contributes to COSO’s new corporate governance framework, and sits on the Global Advisory Board of The CFO Alliance, offering insight on capital markets and economic trends.

    Mr. Ratigan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the University of Miami and an MBA in Data Analytics from Louisiana State University–Shreveport. Mr. Ratigan is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and holds credentials in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) and Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).

    “Across every role, Jerry has brought a distinctive blend of technical excellence, operational leadership and strategic vision. His work has consistently aligned financial operations with long-term value creation, enabled agility in complex environments, and driven measurable outcomes that build stockholder confidence and enterprise growth. We believe Jerry’s operational experience in capital markets and public accounting make him the right choice to align Wrap’s financial operations with its long-term strategy,” said Scot Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Wrap.

    “This appointment emphasizes Wrap’s readiness for accelerating adoption and growing market interest. We believe Jerry’s leadership will help drive product scale, ensure accountability, and position Wrap to maximize the commercial opportunities of its expanding portfolio,” said Jared Novick, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wrap.

    “I am both honored and inspired to join Wrap at this defining moment,” said Mr. Ratigan. “The Company is delivering powerful solutions at the intersection of technology, public safety and compassion. I look forward to contributing to our mission while advancing a disciplined financial strategy that strengthens our foundation and creates sustainable stockholder value.”

    Louis Springer Elevated to Vice President of Finance to Support Financial Operational Scale

    Louis Springer’s promotion from Corporate Development to Vice President of Finance reflects both Wrap’s deep bench of internal talent and its disciplined focus on scaling operations with continuity and precision. Over the past 18 months, Mr. Springer played a central role in enacting the operational elements of Wrap’s cost-cutting initiatives and supporting broader organizational change. We believe his background in financial services, investment banking, and public company capital markets further strengthens Wrap’s ability to align day-to-day financial operations with long-term stockholder value creation.

    “Louis Springer has proven himself over the years with Wrap,” said Chief Executive Officer of Wrap, Mr. Cohen. “He’s earned his spot as Vice President of Finance and will continue to anchor our fiscal strategy under Mr. Ratigan’s leadership—bringing both stability and forward momentum that we believe benefits all stakeholders.”

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.

    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) a global leader in innovative public safety technologies and non-lethal tools, delivering cutting-edge technology with exceptional people to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® 150 solution leads the world in pre-escalation and beyond, providing law enforcement with a safer choice for nearly every phase of a critical incident.

    This innovative, patented device deploys a multi-sensory, cognitive disruption that leverages sight, sound and sensation to expand the pre-escalation period and give officers the advantage and critical time to manage non-compliant subjects before resorting to higher-force options. The BolaWrap® 150 is a not pain-based- compliance. It does not shoot, strike, shock, or incapacitate—instead, it helps officers strategically operate pre-escalation on the force continuum, reducing the risk of injury to both officers and subjects. Used by over 1,000 agencies across the U.S. and in 60 countries, BolaWrap® is backed by training certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), reinforcing Wrap’s commitment to public safety through cutting-edge technology and expert training.

    Wrap Reality® VR is a fully immersive training simulator to enhance decision-making under pressure.

    As a comprehensive public safety training platform, it provides first responders with realistic, interactive scenarios that reflect the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement. By offering a growing library of real-world situations, Wrap Reality® equips officers with the skills and confidence to navigate high stakes encounters effectively, leading to safer outcomes for both responders and the communities they serve.

    WrapVision is an all-new body-worn camera and evidence management system built for efficiency.

    Designed for efficiency, security, and transparency to meet the rigorous demands of modern law enforcement, WrapVision captures, stores and helps manage digital evidence, with operational security, regulatory compliance and superior video picture quality and field of view.

    The WrapVision camera, powered by IONODES boasts cloud integration and adheres to Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance requirements and GSA schedule contracts requirements. Crucially, unlike many competitor devices manufactured overseas in foreign, non-compliant, and possibly hostile regions, WrapVision is built in North America, promoting unparalleled data integrity and reducing critical concerns over unauthorized access or foreign surveillance risks.

    Trademark Information

    Trademark Information Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality® and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad. All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the Company’s expectations related to the appointment of the new Chief Financial Officer, the expected benefits of the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    (800) 583-2652
     ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation Process Approved to Tackle Standards in the Private Rented Sector in Preston

    Source: City of Preston

    In a bid to tackle unscrupulous landlords in Preston and improve the quality of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) homes in the city, an external consultant will be employed to work on behalf of the council to carry out a consultation that will consider the introduction of Selective Licensing in three pilot wards in Preston.

    The three wards where this consultation will take place are St Matthews, City Centre and Plungington.

    Selective Licensing in the PRS is a scheme where local authorities designate areas that will benefit from tighter regulation, requiring landlords in those areas to obtain a licence for their privately rented properties.

    Under Selective Licensing, Preston Council can ensure landlords or their property managers are subject to criminal record checks and their rental properties are checked to meet certain standards and conditions like having up-to-date fire and gas safety checks, damp proofing, tenant welfare, good management practices etc; this helps to address issues such as poor property conditions, anti-social behaviour and low demand.

    If landlords fail to comply with the licensing conditions, local authorities can take enforcement action which could include fines and penalties.

    Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Preston City Council said:

    “Around a quarter of all housing in Preston is privately rented and due to many factors such as the cost of living crisis and the ongoing recovery from the Covid pandemic, a lack of investment in privately owned, rented housing stock has seen living standards decline, with many of our residents experiencing poor living conditions, which is unacceptable.

    The introduction of Selective Licensing to help better regulate the Private Rented Sector and tackle the most deprived areas of the city, is a priority in our emerging Corporate Plan, and this consultation around the three pilot wards, where deprivation is prevalent, is the first crucial step in rolling out a more robust way to tackle poor quality housing and raise the housing standards for our residents.”

    Main image credit – Tony Worrall

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Following the Resumption of Federal Collection Activities in May, Nearly One in Three Federal Student Loan Borrowers Find Themselves at Risk for Default

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Less than two months since the U.S. Department of Education resumed collections activities among defaulted federal student loan borrowers, new research from TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) reveals that the number of consumers delinquent on student loans and at risk for entering default continues to climb. The analysis will be featured in a new TransUnion webinar titled Market Update: Student Loan Repayment Impacts on June 26th.

    The updated analysis found that as of April 2025, the latest month for which data are available, 31.0% of federal student loan borrowers with a payment due are 90 days or more past due (90+ DPD) as reported by their servicer.1 This represents a sharp increase over the February 2025 figure of 20.5% reported as part of a previous TransUnion analysis in early May. It also stands at nearly triple the 11.7% figure from February 2020, just prior to the start of the pandemic. In addition, borrowers who have been newly reported as delinquent on their student loans have seen significant drops in their credit scores as a result, by an average of 60 points (based on VantageScore® 4.0).

    The April 2025 rate of 90+ DPD delinquency represents the highest figure ever recorded. However, it does represent only a modest increase over March 2025’s 30.6% rate, which may indicate that more student loan borrowers are becoming aware of the importance of maintaining on-time payments.

    The Percentage of Federal Student Loan Borrowers Reported as 90+ Days Past Due (90+ DPD) Has Increased an Additional 50% since February 2025

      February 2020 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025
    Total 11.7% 20.5% 30.6% 31.0%

    Source: TransUnion U.S. Consumer Credit Database

    “We continue to see more and more federal student loan borrowers being reported as the 90+ days delinquent, making a larger number of consumers vulnerable to entering default and the start of collections activities,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “That said, based on the relatively small increase between March 2025 and April 2025, it is possible that the figures are close to peaking. We will continue to analyze data in the weeks and months to come to see if that bears out.”

    Millions of Delinquent Borrowers May Be Mere Weeks From Defaulting

    The 31.0% delinquency figure in April 2025 is largely made up of borrowers who are not yet in default, with only 0.3% of borrowers already in that status. The total is made up of an estimated 5.8 million federal student loan borrowers who have been reported to TransUnion and other credit bureaus as 90+ days past due.

    Approximately 180 days following the loan’s first 90+ DPD delinquency reporting, at 270 days past due, the borrower enters default status, where the borrower is subject to collection actions by the U.S. Department of Education. Of the 5.8 million newly delinquent borrowers, it is estimated that nearly one-third, approximately 1.8 million, could reach default status in July 2025. An additional one million of the 5.8 million total are estimated to reach default status in August 2025, followed by two million more in September 2025.

    Raneri added that federal student loan borrowers who are at risk should contact their loan servicers as soon as possible to inquire about potential options that may exist to avoid defaulting. “Options may include income-driven repayment or other payment plans specific to their situation. There are also loan rehabilitation programs that may allow those who do default to get out of default status.”

    The analysis also found that more than one in five federal student loan borrowers currently reported as 90+ DPD were in prime or above credit risk tiers prior to going delinquent. Following delinquency, fewer than one in 50 were prime and above. In fact, nearly every borrower not already subprime who ultimately fell 90+ DPD on their federal student loans shifted down at least one risk tier, with many, particularly those who were previously in the lowest risk super prime range, falling two or more tiers.

    “This underscores the fact that student loan borrowers of any credit risk tier can find themselves falling behind in their payments and at risk for default, even during a time in which we’ve seen most consumers are managing their debt relatively well,” said Joshua Turnbull, senior vice president and head of consumer lending at TransUnion. “It’s important that lenders stay abreast of the true risk of the borrowers in their portfolio through the implementation of student loan-specific insights into regular portfolio reviews.”

    To gain additional insights into how student loans are impacting the wallets of their potential customers, lenders can leverage TruVision Premium Student Loan Attributes to see details about student loan types, balances, and payment histories to help identify impacted consumers. To learn more about the upcoming June 26th webinar, Market Update: Student Loan Repayment Impacts, click here.

    1 The source for data within this press release is the TransUnion U.S. Consumer Credit Database.

    About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
    TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business

    Contact Dave Blumberg
      TransUnion
       
    E-mail david.blumberg@transunion.com
       
    Telephone 312-972-6646

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix Named the 2025 Industrial IoT Company of the Year by Leading Market Research Firm CompassIntel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity for IoT solutions enabling Edge AI Intelligence, today announced that Lantronix has been named the 2025 Industrial IoT Company of the Year by CompassIntel, a leading market research and advisory firm specializing in metrics-driven market intelligence and insights for the mobile, IoT and high-tech industries.

    The 13th annual CompassIntel Awards honor companies, vendors and organizations that have demonstrated innovation, leadership, disruption and excellence in the mobile, IoT, business tech and emergency technology industries. Winners were chosen by a panel of industry-leading press, editors, journalists, thought leaders and analysts.

    “We are honored to receive the 2025 Industrial IoT Company of the Year Award from CompassIntel. At Lantronix, we are dedicated to driving innovation and accelerating our customers’ success by equipping them with cutting-edge IoT technologies and services that propel them into the future,” said Saleel Awsare, CEO and president of Lantronix Inc. “Our long-term partnership with Qualcomm and other key industry leaders allows us to create and deliver groundbreaking IoT solutions, enabling our customers to leverage the power of Edge AI Intelligence.”

    “As we celebrate the 13th Annual CompassIntel Awards, we honor the trailblazers and visionaries shaping the future of technology and innovation. These recipients, including Lantronix, represent the best in their fields, pushing boundaries and driving transformation across industries,” said Stephanie Atkinson, CEO & founder of Compass Intelligence.

    About Compass Intelligence

    Compass Intelligence is a market research and advisory firm specializing in metrics-driven market intelligence and insights for the mobile, IoT, and high-tech industries serving tech clients for more than 17 years. Compass Intelligence provides executive insights, market sizing/forecasting and modeling, competitive analysis, strategic consulting, advisory services, trending analysis, and survey research services. Compass Intelligence helps guide strategic business decisions and supports in the success of our clients through delivering content engagement, go to market planning, competitive positioning, and strategic advisory. For more information, please visit https://www.compassintel.com.

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth markets, including Smart Cities, Enterprise and Transportation. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that enable AI Edge Intelligence. Lantronix’s advanced solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing.

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    ©2025 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to Lantronix products or leadership team. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties about which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    Lantronix Media Contact:        

    Gail Kathryn Miller
    Corporate Marketing &
    Communications Manager
    media@lantronix.com

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:        
    investors@lantronix.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services in Ethiopia


    Download logo

    To address gaps in sexual and reproductive healthcare access, widened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing humanitarian crises, Ethiopia is reinforcing its health system, making these vital services more accessible for women and adolescents in remote and crisis-affected areas.

    A key part of this effort is promoting self-care, by giving people the knowledge and tools to manage their own sexual and reproductive health through safe, simple and affordable practices for family planning, HIV prevention, cervical cancer prevention, nutrition, and maternal, adolescent and youth health. Practical examples range from access to contraceptives, pregnancy tests, and HIV self-test kits, all supported by educational guidance. This also includes self-management of medical abortion in line with national legislation, which permits the procedure under certain conditions.  

    With support from World Health Organization (WHO), health authorities have developed the National Self-Care Intervention Guideline, focusing on interventions for women, adolescent and child health. They have also integrated self-care and expanded sexual and reproductive health services into key national policy guidelines, including those related to family planning, safe abortion care, teenage pregnancy reduction, and sexual and reproductive health responses in humanitarian settings.

    Across the country, health workers are being trained to teach people how to promote these self-care tools. This started with a workshop for 38 public health officials from the Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureaus and other institutions in June 2024. The initiative was then expanded to the sub-national level, equipping 67 health providers and managers with skills, in October 2024.  

    “The recommendations and action plan we developed will help us integrate self-care into our existing health services effectively,” said Daniel Nadew, Maternal Child Health desk team lead from Addis Ababa City Health Bureau.

    Following the scaling up self-care training, at Kolfe Health Centre in Addis Ababa, one of the pilot facilities, the introduction of self-care services contributed to a significant increase in access to services. In 2024, as part of the family planning service delivery, more than 800 women received over-the-counter combined oral contraceptives, compared with 280 in 2022.

    Additionally, 84 women were trained to self-administer a safe and effective injectable contraceptive, known as DMPA, and more than 1000 adolescents were provided condoms after training on correct use.

    Moreover, 50 women received self-management of medical abortion services, which included comprehensive training on how and when to use the medication, the correct dose, side effects, possible complications, and guidance on when to get medical help.

    “The self-care training has significantly improved my knowledge and skills in providing comprehensive family planning and abortion care. The practical sessions were particularly helpful, and I feel more confident in my ability to support women in my community,” said Fatima Belay*, a health worker from Addis Ababa.

    Belay * also highlighted the benefits of self-administered injectable contraceptives: “I appreciate the ease and convenience of the self-administering contraceptive, which I am able to use at home, at my usual workplace, or wherever I am.”

    Amid the humanitarian crises in the northern region of Amhara, WHO and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute trained 30 healthcare providers from 13 health facilities in conflict-affected districts on self-care intervention guidelines.

    Following the training, nine facilities provided onsite selfcare orientation for their staff which resulted in over 100 women and adolescents being educated on selfcare for family planning, antenatal care, pregnancy danger signs, nutrition, and safe abortion.  

    Gish Abay Health Centre empowered 120 adolescents with skills for correct condom use and provided safe abortion care for 35 adolescent girls. Tilili Health Centre broadened the scope of self-care to include HIV self-testing, breast self-examination, pregnancy self-testing, and condom and emergency contraceptive use.

    “These interventions significantly benefited the community and contributed to the efforts towards reducing preventable maternal and perinatal deaths. It will enable us to reach every mother, newborn, child, and adolescent in our community who are critically in need of health services,” said Nadew.

    “Ethiopia’s commitment for self-care integration is empowering individuals, especially women and adolescents, with the knowledge and tools for proactive health management, offering considerable community convenience and cost savings,” said Dr Owen Kaluwa, WHO Representative in Ethiopia. “WHO is proud to support this effort, which significantly improves health outcomes by expanding access to critical sexual and reproductive health services, particularly crucial in conflict-affected areas.”

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

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN peacekeepers from China to take part in military parade on September 3

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese troops with experience in UN peacekeeping will take part in a military parade on Sept. 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Wu Zeke, a spokesman for the Joint Staff of the Central Military Commission, told a press conference on Tuesday.

    The decision not only underscores the solemnity of China’s celebration of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, but also demonstrates the country’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations and safeguarding world peace, Wu Zeke said.

    He noted that in the 35 years since China joined UN peacekeeping operations, the Chinese military has sent more than 50,000 peacekeepers to more than 20 countries and regions around the world, carrying out 26 UN peacekeeping missions. A total of 17 Chinese servicemen have given their lives for world peace, he added.

    According to Wu Zeke, Chinese peacekeepers have always demonstrated courage and professionalism in the face of armed conflicts, pandemic outbreaks or natural disasters, faithfully carrying out their missions to safeguard peace and stability – from demining and ceasefire monitoring to escorting and conducting emergency rescue operations.

    “The Chinese armed forces have always been a strong force fighting for world peace,” he concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s UN peacekeeping veterans to participate in Sept. 3 military parade 2025-06-24 16:49:15

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese troops with UN peacekeeping experiences will participate in the Sept. 3 military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory against Japanese aggression and fascism, said a senior military officer at a press conference on Tuesday.

      This arrangement not only highlights China’s solemn commemoration of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, but also demonstrates the country’s commitment to fulfilling international obligations and safeguarding world peace, said Wu Zeke, a senior officer of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission.

      Wu noted that throughout the 35 years since China joined UN peacekeeping operations, the Chinese military has deployed more than 50,000 peacekeepers to over 20 countries and regions, undertaking 26 UN peacekeeping missions. A total of 17 Chinese servicemembers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of world peace, Wu added.

      From mine clearance and ceasefire monitoring to security patrols and emergency rescue operations, Chinese peacekeepers have consistently demonstrated courage and professionalism in the face of armed conflicts, pandemic outbreaks and natural disasters, faithfully fulfilling their mandate to safeguard peace and stability, according to Wu.

      “The Chinese military has always been a steadfast force for world peace,” said Wu. 

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –