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Anthropic says the Pentagon’s supply chain risk label will have less business impact than feared
Anthropic on Thursday said a Pentagon designation of the AI company as a “supply chain risk” won’t impact their business partners as heavily as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth implied last week.
Noemward Bound: DHS Secretary Shown the door after string of mishaps
Trump's immigration stumbles in the spotlight as Noem ousted
Trump removed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with a March 5 social media post thanking her for her service.
Who is Markwayne Mullin, named by Trump to replace Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary?
President Donald Trump on Thursday announced he was ousting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and that GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma would replace her.
Timeline: The Rise and Fall of Kristi Noem as Trump’s DHS Secretary
The homeland security secretary, who was fired by President Trump Thursday, helped fulfill his border pledges, but also drew negative attention to his administration.
Sakurai reveals that he wrote the lyrics for Kirby Air Riders' main theme song, explains why he kept it under wraps
Director Masahiro Sakurai reveals that he was behind the lyrics for Kirby Air Riders' main theme song and explains why he kept it a secret.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin is a member of which Native American tribe?
Sen. Markwayne Mullin is set to be the next DHS secretary, replacing Kristi Noem. He would be the first Native American to lead that federal agency.
Adios, Kristi Noem. You Won’t Be Missed.
Unfortunately, her successor might be just as loony.
WATCH: Trump suggests U.S. and Cuba will soon make a deal, after Rubio is 'finished' with Iran
President Donald Trump suggested Thursday that he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio plan to focus their attention on Cuba next but want to "wait a couple of weeks."
Kristi Noem's departure from DHS spurs reactions from politicians
Politicians including Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Lindsey Graham celebrated Kristi Noem's ouster as Homeland Security secretary.
Health secretary’s challenge to sugary coffee drinks sparks pushback
RFK Jr. vowed to restore public trust in health. It's not working, a new survey suggests.
Less than 40% of surveyed adults view Health Secretary Kennedy as trustworthy, compared to 86% who have confidence in their own doctors.
Anyone Else Worried About the New Virus That’s Hitting California?
I’m sure RFK Jr. isn’t.
Trump turns to an Oklahoma senator with a fighter's reputation as his next choice to lead DHS
President Donald Trump’s plans to nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to take over as Homeland Security secretary follow a meteoric political rise for the plumbing company owner who was first elected to Congress in 2012
I didn't know my daughters could see my location
I refused to track my teens' phones for years. Then I discovered my daughters had been secretly tracking my location instead.
WATCH: Mullin says he wasn’t expecting call from Trump on DHS, but is ‘excited to get started’
Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma is President Donald Trump’s nominee for the next Homeland Security Secretary, following the firing of Kristi Noem on Thursday. Mullin told reporters at the Capitol that he would get DHS “focused on protecting the homeland.”
Who is Markwayne Mullin, the new Secretary of Homeland Security?
President Trump announced that current DHS secretary, Kristi Noem, is being replaced by former MMA fighter and Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
Trump replacing Noem as Homeland Security secretary
President Donald Trump says he’s replacing his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
Trump says Kristi Noem is stepping down as homeland security secretary
The president said he would nominate Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her.
Trump weighs replacing Noem as frustrations build among White House officials, GOP lawmakers
President Donald Trump is privately weighing replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid mounting frustrations both in the administration and on Capitol Hill over her management of the department, according to multiple sources who spoke with CNN.
RFK Jr. pushes medical schools to teach more about nutrition
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has argued doctors are undertrained in nutrition, a view held by many physicians.
New American revolution brewing in Boston after RFK Jr. sets health safety sights on Dunkin'
Ubisoft's worst-kept secret is finally official as Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced artwork is revealed
Three years after reports of an Assassin's Creed Black Flag remake first surfaced, Ubisoft has finally made its worst-kept secret official.
A US Navy submarine sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called the sinking of an Iranian warship with a single Mk48 torpedo a "quiet death."
Former GOP Mayor Greg Ballard to run for secretary of state as an independent
The former Republican mayor of Indianapolis Greg Ballard is coming out of political retirement to run for Indiana secretary of state as an independent.
NY health commissioner McDonald battles RFK Jr.'s vaccine skepticism
The state Department of Health reaches its 125th year and pushes back against the vaccine skepticism of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Iran Made Secret Outreach After Strikes, Highlighting Trump’s Challenge
President Trump is beginning to consider what sort of Iranian government might come next, as the U.S.-Israeli assault continues.
How RFK Jr. Is Trying to Revamp Medical School
The health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has tapped into an old debate about how much doctors should know about nutrition. But some of his ideas, and tactics, concern medical experts.
How Kennedy Is Trying to Revamp Medical School
The health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has tapped into an old debate about how much doctors should know about nutrition. But some of his ideas, and tactics, concern medical experts.
How Kennedy Is Trying to Revamp Medical School
The health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has tapped into an old debate about how much doctors should know about nutrition. But some of his ideas, and tactics, concern medical experts.
Purim’s two heroines and the politics of moral choice
Yesterday, we celebrated Purim. I’ll share a secret: I hate the holiday. Or rather, I’ve long hated how we celebrate it. I don’t like costumes. And the carnival spirit set against a story that ends with 75,000 dead — even if killed in justified self-defense —...
The global fallout of RFK Jr's vaccine policies
In his role as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is changing how the United States approaches vaccines. But those changes aren’t limited to the United States. NPR global health correspondent Gabrielle Emanuel joins Short Wave to talk about two examples of how the global public health landscape may be shifting. First, the United States’ ultimatum to an international vaccine group. Second, the uncertain fate of a vaccine trial. Some researchers are calling the trial a “unique” opportunity, and others are calling it “unethical.” Read more of global health correspondent Gabrielle Emanuel’s work here.Interested in more global health? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
3 major takeaways from Noem's first oversight hearing since Minneapolis deaths
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced more scrutiny and at least three calls for her resignation on Tuesday from senators on both sides of the aisle.
WATCH: Kennedy questions Noem about using taxpayer money for ad campaign featuring her prominently
Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., asked Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in an oversight hearing Tuesday how she justifies the use of $220 million to run national TV ads that feature her prominently if she’s concerned with not wasting taxpayers' money.
Scientists create autism panel, citing RFK Jr.’s politicization of research
The scientists launched the independent autism advisory panel to counter what they see as the politicization of research by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
James Marsden’s Action-Comedy Hits Streaming This Month — Plus More New Releases
This month's Hulu releases include another season of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" and a gripping documentary about the murder of a 16-year-old girl.
Noem will testify in the Senate in her first appearance since 2 Minneapolis protesters' deaths
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies in the Senate as backlash grows over deadly immigration enforcement actions tied to President Donald Trump’s deportation push
AHCA/NCAL Submits Comments on Health Information Interoperability Proposed Rule
AHCA/NCAL submitted comments recently to the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to ...
Investigation finds ‘secretly’ added chemicals of unknown safety in US food supply
Over 100 chemicals of unknown safety were secretly added to foods and supplements without notifying the public or the FDA, a new investigation found.
Superagers' 'Secret Ingredient' May Be The Growth of New Brain Cells
Perhaps just one of many factors.
NFL Writer Identifies Position Steelers Are Seriously Targeting This Offseason
It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers desperately need to make significant changes to the wide receiver room, and many people around the league understand this. NBC Sports NFL analyst Matthew Berry was at the NFL scouting combine last week and picked up on a lot of buzz surrounding the Steelers, who seemed to be […]
Bedford man barred from conducting any securities business in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Bureau of Securities Regulation has barred a Bedford insurance provider from conducting any securities business in the state, Secretary of State David Scanlan’s office announced Monday.
WATCH: Hillary Clinton's full deposition on Jeffrey Epstein ties before House Oversight panel
Videos of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton answering questions about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were released Monday by a House committee investigating the late financier.
House panel releases videos of Clinton depositions in Epstein investigation
Former president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton appeared last week before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee.
Former Trump Cabinet secretary Ryan Zinke won't seek reelection to a Montana US House seat
A Republican lawmaker from Montana who served as interior secretary during President Donald Trump’s first administration says he will not seek reelection to a fifth term
The Trump team can’t get its story straight on war with Iran
“We’re very clear-eyed,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Monday about the Trump administration’s war with Iran. He said it had “clear objectives” and assured that the mission “is very, very clear” to American soldiers.
Trump says U.S. military operations in Iran likely to last at least a month
The remarks came just hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to say how long the United States expected to take to complete its mission in the Middle East.
Wagner Moura and Kleber Mendonca Filho talk 'The Secret Agent'
Vagner Moura and writer-director Kleber Mendonca filho join "Your Morning"
US: 4 troops killed by 'powerful' Iran weapon getting past defenses
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the location was fortified, but powerful weapons can sometimes get past air defenses.
'This is not Iraq.' Pete Hegseth says US won't spend 20 years in Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Iran 'is not Iraq' and the administration doesn't have 'utopian' plans for nation-building there.
Is Sahara Desert dust secretly feeding the Amazon? The science behind a 10,000-mile journey
Science News: New NASA-led research reveals Saharan dust transports phosphorus to the Amazon, forming a 10,000-mile atmospheric river that helps sustain rainforest health. Learn how CALIPSO data links Africa's dust to the rainforest's vitality.
Few will mourn Ali Khamenei and his evil legacy, says UK defence secretary
John Healey warns of ‘very real and rising threat’ from Tehran as US and Israeli military action divides political opinion
Shabana Mahmood’s double down on immigration ‘disappointing’, says Alf Dubs
Labour peer, who was a child refugee, criticises home secretary’s response to Gorton and Denton byelection defeat
Giant Study Reveals The Secret to Heart Health, And It's Not Low-Carb or Low-Fat
There's another factor that may matter more.
Giant Study Reveals The Secret to Heart Health, And It's Not Low-Carb or Low-Fat
There's another factor that may matter more.
Heli-Skiing in California Seemed Like a Pipe Dream. Then These Two Guys Showed Up.
Two ski industry mavericks believe they’ve discovered the secret of operating a heli-skiing business in the Golden State, where red tape, finicky snowfall, and plenty of danger have torpedoed past operations
Scientists Uncover the Secret Structure Behind “Nature’s Proton Highway”
By freezing a crucial phosphoric acid complex to near absolute zero, scientists uncovered a single, unexpectedly stable structure at the heart of proton transport.
Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic tech over AI safety dispute
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was designating Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a move that could prevent U.S. military vendors from working with the company.
RFK Jr. visits Austin ISD to learn about healthy school meals as parents protest
The health and human services secretary visited Cunningham Elementary on Friday, less than two months after his department introduced new dietary guidelines that impact school meals across the country.
Secretary Kennedy Champions Dietary Guidelines During Austin Stop on ‘Take Back Your Health’ Tour
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. continued his nationwide Take Back Your Health tour in Austin this week, headlining an “Eat Real Food” rally
RFK Jr. suggests buying liver or ‘cheap cuts’ instead of steak
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday suggested people eat liver or “cheap cuts” in response to the high cost of beef. “This is true all over the cou…
Secretary of the Army Award for Small Business Utilization: Ms. Tracy Lawton, California National Guard, Honored for Driving Mission Impact
The Secretary of the Army Award for Small Business Utilization for Fiscal Year 2024 was awarded to Mrs. Tracv Lawton of the California National Guard. D...
Trump suggests U.S. could have 'friendly takeover of Cuba'
President Donald Trump said Friday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was negotiating at a high level with the Cuban government.
Hillary Clinton testifies she didn’t know Epstein
The former secretary of state said that she never met Epstein and was being used as a prop in ‘partisan political theater’
Mutants and Mutagen in Magic: The Gathering® | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Learn the secrets of the ooze (and Mutagen tokens) with these behind-the-scenes stories from Magic: The Gathering | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Legendary Texas BBQ restaurant in spotlight as RFK Jr touts 'real food' on health tour
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited an iconic Texas BBQ joint, announcing nutrition changes for medical schools and military bases during the trip that included Austin.
Bill Clinton to face Congressional questions over Epstein ties
Clinton follows his wife, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who testified on Thursday calling for Donald Trump to appear before the panel
Oversharing Can Be A Positive Form Of Communication To Reach People
Effective communication requires you to balance sharing your feelings with staying stoic. Striking the right mix takes practice.
Federal panel behind cancer screening recommendations hasn't met in nearly a year
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's meetings have stalled as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reshaped other federal advisory committees.
Election observers raise concerns over secret ballot breaches at Gorton and Denton byelection
Democracy Volunteers say they saw 32 cases of apparent collusion – the highest levels in its 10-year history
The Pentagon is demanding to use Claude AI as it pleases. Claude told me that's 'dangerous'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has threatened Anthropic, the maker of Claude AI, that if it doesn't turn over full use of the powerful tool by Friday, the company will face severe repercussions.
New image reveals secrets of Milky Way galaxy in stunning detail
Largest ever image obtained by specialist telescope in Chile represents scientific and aesthetic breakthrough
Clinton Halts Epstein Deposition After Republican Leaks Photo of Her Testifying
Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, had requested a public hearing if she was going to be forced to testify in the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, but the G.O.P. chairman had refused.
Hillary Clinton accuses Oversight Republicans of ‘political theater’ in opening statement - Live Updates
The former secretary of State said Republicans are “fully aware” that she has no knowledge that would assist their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.
Republicans to Press Hillary Clinton in Epstein Probe
The former first lady and secretary of state sits for a deposition with GOP-led panel following a monthslong legal fight with Congress.
Hillary Clinton faces off with House lawmakers in Epstein probe
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is currently facing off with the House Oversight Committee in a closed-door interview as part of the panel’s investigation into the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
NYC, NY politics live updates: Mamdani makes secret trip to Washington
Follow the Post’s live updates for the latest politics news in New York from Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral term in NYC to state legislation in Albany and more.
WATCH: Surgeon General nominee Means says health problems reflect nation with a 'broken heart,' 'society losing its mind'
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer allied with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., says she wants to address the root causes of chronic disease if chosen as the nation’s doctor.
Have scientists uncovered the secret of ‘super-ager’ brains?
Some people stay mentally sharp well beyond 80, with recall powers of those decades younger — and researchers may have found what gives them a biological edge
This Georgia politician was State of the Union's designated survivor
Doug Collins, a politician from Georgia and the U.S. Cabinet VA Secretary served as the designated survivor for the State of the Union.
Casey Means faces the Senate health committee in a confirmation hearing to be U.S. surgeon general
NEW YORK — Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, author and entrepreneur aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make...
Casey Means faces the Senate health committee in a confirmation hearing to be US surgeon general
NEW YORK (AP) — Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, author and entrepreneur aligned with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again movement, will appear before the…
Voters react as Trump calls Dems 'crazy' for not applauding ban on secret teen gender transitions
Voters react in real time as President Donald Trump calls Democrats “crazy" during his State of the Union over a proposed ban on school gender transitions.
Trump surgeon general pick Dr. Casey Means to appear in Senate hearing
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer and close ally of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been tapped for the role of the nation’s doctor.
Rubio Was Looking at His Phone After Trump Praised Him in State of the Union Speech
Shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio was singled out for praise, a New York Times photographer captured him reading messages from Mr. Trump’s special envoy to Venezuela.
Millionaires Tax faces Tuesday hearing, questions about pro sports impact
Some have warned the tax could have ripple effects on Seattle’s professional sports teams — and on any effort to bring the NBA back to the city.
Millionaires Tax faces Tuesday hearing, questions about pro sports impact
Some have warned the tax could have ripple effects on Seattle’s professional sports teams — and on any effort to bring the NBA back to the city.
Farage kicks things off before 30 minutes of hate – and has the final word
Reform’s ‘shadow home secretary’, Zia Yusuf, launches tirade of misery that sounded more hardline and deranged as it went
No evidence behind RFK Jr’s claim keto diet can cure schizophrenia, experts say
Health secretary likely referred to Harvard psychiatrist who says he’s ‘never used the word cure in my work’
Former Secret Service agent details disturbing rise of political violence after Mar-a-Lago shooting
Former Secret Service agent Tim Miller discusses the Mar-a-Lago shooting incident, the increase in threats against President Donald Trump and the disturbing rise of political violence in America.
‘Inside the Situation Room’ Bridges the Gap Between Politics and Academia
Columbia SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo and Secretary Hillary Clinton co-edited a book that brings readers into the room where leaders make decisions in times of crisis.
Trump’s law is crushing the next generation of RFK Jr. disciples
Schools that educate medical contrarians like the health secretary are about to face a massive cut in federal funding.
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
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