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The US coastline is heading for an ocean disaster even faster than we thought, study suggests | BBC Science Focus Magazine
New research suggests the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation could weaken by half this century with wide ranging consequences for weather, food and sea levels across the world
Lawmakers urged by AHA to support key health initiatives in FY 2027 appropriations bill
The AHA April 29 urged House and Senate appropriations committee leaders to fund health care programs that have been successful in improving access to care for patients and communities nationwide, as the committee begins drafting the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bills. The AHA encouraged Congress to support various programs focusing on the health care workforce, maternal and child health, rural health, disaster preparedness, medical research and behavioral health. Additionally, the AHA urged legislators to include specific bill language that would bar the use of funds for the implementation of a 340B Rebate Model Program at the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Political Disaster for Donald Trump”: Jeremy Scahill on Stalled U.S.-Iran Talks
Negotiations between the United States and Iran to end the war are at an impasse as the conflict enters its third month. The Wall Street Journal reported late Tuesday that Trump has told aides to prepare for an extended blockade of Iranian ports to ramp up the pressure on Tehran. Iran is saying it will enter into direct talks with the U.S. “when President Trump lifts what Iran considers to be the illegal military naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz,” says Drop Site News co-founder Jeremy Scahill. “Iran has maintained that it’s not shut down the strait, but that it’s just shut it down for any vessels that are linked to the U.S. war in any way.” Scahill says a disorganized Trump administration is pushing a “total propaganda narrative” that it has the upper hand in negotiations, while Iran believes it has the “three M’s” on its side: munitions, markets and the midterms.
Peters, Slotkin, Walberg, and Huizenga Call on Small Business Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration to Assist Communities Impacted by Southwest Michigan Tornadoes
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), alongside U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), are urging the Small Business Administration (SBA) to support Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for an administrative disaster declaration following the devastating tornadoes in Southwest Michigan this […]
As state, Maui Health decide future of damaged Kula Hospital, another long-term care facility nears capacity
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said the options for the damaged Upcountry hospital could include a mobile unit designed for disasters or a temporary modular clinic like the one Kaiser built in Lahaina after the 2023 wildfires.
Science history: Chernobyl nuclear power plant melts down, bringing the world to the brink of disaster
On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear reactor melted down, but the rest of the world wouldn't learn how close it came to nuclear Armageddon until weeks later.
Pirates ace Paul Skenes flirts with perfect game, continues dominant stretch since Opening Day disaster
Skenes took a perfect game into the seventh and is in rare air historically for a pitcher of his age
SBA Offers Relief to Oklahoma Small Businesses
U.S. Small Business Administration announces low interest disaster loans
Evers asks lawmakers for help getting disaster assistance
One Republican said, “We’ve got to get people help.”
Life sciences lab real estate is clawing back from disaster. Here’s what that means for investors
Life science laboratories saw a massive drop in demand last year after the NIH was forced to cancel billions of dollars in research grants.
Armageddon! Fiasco! Disarray! Is California politics really a total disaster?
Your morning catch-up: A look at California's political dysfunction, plus fraud in the state's hospice industry and more big stories
Responding to Today's Gaps for Tomorrow's Health Emergencies: 2026 Ready or Not Report
Join Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) for a Congressional Briefing and National Webinar on the latest information on public health emergency readiness and findings from TFAH’s upcoming report, Ready or Not 2026: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism – releasing May 7th. The past year alone saw the U.S. facing the most […]
Business Monday: Recovery Center to help small businesses affected by downtown Hilo fire
The U.S. Small Business Administration is setting up a recovery center where representatives will help businesses that burned in the 2025 Hilo fire apply for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
Disaster loans available to businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by Kona low storms
SBA said the low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Hawaii businesses, private nonprofits (PNP), organizations, and residents affected by the Kona low storms.
Why thousands of 2026 entertainment season workers are one accident away from financial disaster
Thimble reports that gig workers in the 2026 entertainment season face financial risk from accidents due to insufficient insurance coverage.
Why thousands of 2026 entertainment season workers are one accident away from financial disaster
Thimble reports that gig workers in the 2026 entertainment season face financial risk from accidents due to insufficient insurance coverage.
Liverpool FC pays tribute on 37th anniversary of Hillsborough tragedy
On the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, players, staff and club officials of Liverpool Football Club have been at Anfield to lay wreaths and pay tribute to the 97 fans who lost their lives. The club will observe a period of silence at 15:06 BST - the time at which Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest was stopped. After the silence, 97 biodegradable balloons will be released from the centre circle at Anfield.
Trump again rejects Colorado amid accusations of playing politics with disaster aid
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — President Donald Trump has again denied a request from Colorado's governor to help people affected by wildfires and flooding, consistent with his approval of major disaster aid to Republican-leaning states at about twice the rate he approves aid requests from Democratic...
Trump again rejects Colorado amid accusations of playing politics with disaster aid
President Donald Trump has again denied a request from Colorado’s governor to help people affected by wildfires and flooding.
Trump again rejects Colorado amid accusations of playing politics with disaster aid
President Donald Trump has again denied a request from Colorado’s governor to help people affected by wildfires and flooding
After three years of conflict, Sudan faces a deeper health crisis
Three years of war in Sudan have created the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis, with devastating consequences for people’s health.
SBA now offering help for small business owners affected by drought
the Small Business Administration (SBA) is now offering disaster loans for small business owners who've suffered finnancial losses due to drought.
SBA now offering help for small business owners affected by drought
the Small Business Administration (SBA) is now offering disaster loans for small business owners who've suffered financial losses due to drought.
Random: The Guy Behind The Disasterous 'SuperSega' Is Back, And He Wants To Sell You A Wooden PC
A fool and his money...
U.S. Small Business Administration Offers Relief to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
The U.S. Small Business Administration announces the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to offset economic loss caused by drought.
Small Business Administration offering drought disaster loans to Colorado small businesses, nonprofits
On Friday, the Small Business Administration announced it will offer low-interest federal disaster loans to Colorado small businesses and private nonprofits negatively affected by drought.
U.S. Small Business Administration Offers Drought Disaster Loans for Colorado Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters - by Carly Winchell
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit
Small Business Administration offering relief to Arkansas businesses impacted by drought
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced on Friday that small businesses and private nonprofit organizations can apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caus…
Netflix's 'Thrash' is junk-food entertaining to roast, mock and enjoy
From the director of “Violent Night” (Tommy Wirkola), “Thrash” is Netflix’s first summery film of the year. In 2026, you can’t simply have a natural disaster movie or a predator
UNFPA Cameroon Situation Report: Politics, Conflict, Climate Disaster, and Displacement (1 - 28 February 2026)
Situation Report in English on Cameroon about Gender, Health, Fire and more; published on 31 Mar 2026 by UNFPA
Has ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Already Done a Bridge Collapse Disaster Before?
We dig into the archives to find out why this storyline might seem familiar to fans.
Israeli opposition leader slams US-Iran ceasefire as ‘political disaster’
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid slammed the temporary ceasefire reached in the joint U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran on Tuesday, criticizing the deal as a “political disaster.” “Israel wasn’t …
$9M 24-acre Jay park renovation will include sports complex, disaster hub
A $9.1 million upgrade of Jay park will include full-scale sports complex, playground, outdoor workout area and a disaster response hub.
What it takes to rebuild a home, business on Long Island after a fire or flood
Businesses and homeowners impacted by fire, flood and other disasters say the path to rebuilding is challenging as they navigate insurance claims and bureaucracy.
Mullin pledges progress on disaster relief during his first official trip
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin toured North Carolina areas devastated by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
Is Mental Health in Schools Skewing Toward the Dystopian?
When it comes to dystopian stories – tales that tell of failed societies marked by disaster, suffering and oppression – perhaps the most well-known is George Orwell’s 1984. The famous novel has led to…
Did Trump accidentally do something woke for global health?
This could be the future of foreign aid. Or a total disaster.
Natural disasters and political instability hampered U.S. museum attendance in 2025
The Art Newspaper's latest annual study of "the world's 100 most visited art museums" also reveals signs of modest growth.
Lakers get demolished by Thunder, lose Luka Dončić to hamstring injury in disaster of a game
Lakers get demolished by Thunder, lose Luka Dončić to hamstring injury in disaster of a night
It was a very bad night for the Lakers.
Hollywood Disaster: Jobs Crater By 30% As LA's Entertainment Industry Destroys Itself With Politics
A staggering 30% drop in film and TV employment since 2022 has experts warning that Los Angeles is following the path of Detroit as production flees the high-cost city.
‘The Price Is Right’: Contestant’s Perfect Game Turns Into Near Disaster
She had the chance to win $25,000.
‘The Price Is Right’: Contestant’s Perfect Game Turns Into Near Disaster
She had the chance to win $25,000.
The Strange, Shaky Alliance Taking on Trump and His Big Tech Friends
A billionaire-backed movement from Silicon Valley and populists like Bernie Sanders are eager to stop an AI disaster — but can they overcome their mutual distrust and work together?
📸 Italy, historic humiliation! 📰 Front pages 🫣 Abroad: Disaster
Italy lose on penalties in Bosnia and fail to book their place at the World Cup in the United States. What had seemed impossible has become reality.Watch the entire Serie BKT live on OneFootball for j...
World Cup qualifying: Italy disaster, Turkiye get USMNT, Jamaica out, Iraq back for first time in 40 years
Here are the 48 teams that will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Grading Jon Scheyer after four years at Duke: How do you weigh historic success against tournament disasters?
Jon Scheyer's first four years at Duke include historic success and repeated March disappointments. CBS Sports writers grade his tenure and examine what comes next.
SBA offering low-interest loans to residents, businesses impacted by last year's severe storms
Residents and businesses in six counties, including Cook, can apply for federal disaster loans if their properties were damaged by storms in August 2025.
How Bryson DeChambeau helped Rory McIlroy win the 2025 Masters
Rory McIlroy revealed Bryson DeChambeau's miscue on the 15th hole at the 2025 Masters helped him avoid disaster.
MPs wary of move against Starmer while war is raging
Even after electoral disaster, Iran war gives many MPs pause for thought about timing of leadership contest
‘Shadow administrator’ at FEMA under investigation by DHS internal watchdog
An outside contractor installed in the Department of Homeland Security by then-Secretary Kristi Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski, gained outsized influence over the Federal Emergency Management Agency over the past year, with a major hand in steering the disaster agency’s spending and day-to-day operations, according to sources who worked with her.
China Is Rapidly Overtaking the United States as the World’s Scientific Superpower
The Trump administration has been a disaster for science.
House ethics panel finds Florida Democratic Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick committed 25 violations
The allegations center around Cherfilus-McCormick's receipt of millions of dollars from her family's health care business after Florida made an overpayment of roughly $5 million in disaster relief funds.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick appears before House Ethics for rare public hearing
Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick appeared before the House Ethics Committee on Thursday in a rare public hearing to face allegations she stole millions in federal disaster funds and used it to bolster her 2021 campaign.
WHO is now a Green Climate Fund accredited entity
The Santiago de Chile Declaration calls for urgent, coordinated action to reduce air pollution and advance environmental justice across Latin America and the Caribbean.
READY, SET, IMPLEMENT! Lifelines in Crisis: Prioritizing Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health in Humanitarian, Conflict and Climate-affected Settings
This dialogue is part of PMNCH’s Ready, Set, Influence series, bringing together policymakers, humanitarian leaders, donors, and grassroots experts. The webinar will focus on accelerating the implementation of health commitments within humanitarian affairs, specifically focusing on the need for integrated, rights-based health services that remain resilient in the face of conflict, disaster and climate events.
Why the BTS Comeback Concert Was a ‘Disaster’ for Some Businesses
The turnout for the K-pop titans’ show was much lower than projected by officials, hitting the bottom line of some restaurants. Shares in the group’s management company also fell.
You can bet on climate disasters. Business is booming.
Traders are placing wagers on the likelihood of disasters, activists being jailed and oil depots exploding.
New DHS nominee, same Trump agenda? What to expect from Markwayne Mullin
Sen. Markwayne Mullin faces a confirmation hearing for DHS secretary amid controversies over immigration, a partial shutdown, and disaster relief.
Trump's security pick Mullin poised to inherit a DHS beset by challenges
Immigration enforcement is at a crossroads. Disaster-hit states and their lawmakers are angry at delayed federal assistance. Frustrated travelers face long airport security lines due to a monthlong funding battle in Congress.
A Massive Midterm Wave Isn’t Forming Yet. Here’s Why.
This is an era not just of hyperpartisanship, but of negative partisanship, in which partisans often hate the other side even more than they love their own. Many voters thus tend to see everything on a binary basis. Any given election outcome is seen as either a landslide victory or an unmitigated disaster. There is little appreciation, or even tolerance, for gradations between those outcomes.
Chelsea Handler claims RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines sold her 'disaster' house: 'Most toxic environment'
Chelsea Handler is claiming that RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines sold her a 'disaster' house that she still has not lived in to this day: 'The most toxic environment.'
Study focuses on health care in Appalachian areas recovering from Hurricane Helene
Julia Gohlke, who has studied environmental disasters throughout her career, is turning her attention to the storm’s aftermath in regions near and dear to her personal history.
Supreme Court to hear case over push to end legal protections for Haitian, Syrian migrants
The Supreme Court will hear arguments over the Trump administration’s push to end legal protections for people fleeing war and natural disaster from countries around the world, including Haiti and Syria.
Was your Cape Cod home or business damaged in the Blizzard of '26? MA wants to know.
The deadline for the blizzard damage survey, which will help determine if the region qualifies for disaster assistance, is March 16.
How the World Baseball Classic revealed Team USA’s hubris
Team USA avoided a World Baseball Classic disaster on Wednesday when Italy pulverized Mexico, ensuring the Americans advanced to the quarterfinals.
2026 William T. Pecora Award Nominations Now Being Accepted
The William T. Pecora Award is presented annually to individuals or teams using satellite or aerial remote sensing that make outstanding contributions toward understanding the Earth (land, oceans, and air), educating the next generation of scientists, informing decision-makers, or supporting natural or human-induced disaster response. Both national and international nominations are welcome.
Maui’s Mental Health Crisis Goes Far Beyond the Wildfire Burn Zone
On the day of one of the deadliest natural disasters in Hawaii’s history, Blake Kekoa Ramelb watched his hometown go up in flames. It was Aug. 8, 2023, and Maui was burning. Ramelb, born and raised in Lahaina, lived outside the burn zone, so his home was intact. But he couldn’t get into town to […]
Conflict deepens health crisis across Middle East, WHO says
More than ten days into the latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East, health systems across the Region are coming under strain as injuries and displacement rise, attacks on health care continue, and public health risks increase.
Slide Raises $70 Million Series B Led by General Catalyst to Expand Its Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) Platform for Managed Service Providers
Company Announces UK Office Opening & Immediate Availability in EMEANORWALK, Conn., March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Slide, the modern, security-first Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) platform built exclusively for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), today announced it has raised $70 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst, with participation from Base10, Outsiders Fund, futurepresent, Vine Ventures, Glynn Capital Management, Benchstrength, Top Down Ventures, and Conn
Paris Hilton launches recovery fund for women business owners after disasters
Paris Hilton has launched a new national fund to help women-owned small businesses recover after disasters. On Monday, she donated $350,000 to start the Back in Business Recovery Fund. GoFundMe.org
Paris Hilton launches recovery fund for women business owners after disasters
Paris Hilton has launched a new national fund to help women-owned small businesses recover after disasters.
Paris Hilton launches recovery fund for women business owners after disasters
Paris Hilton has launched a new national fund to help women-owned small businesses recover after disasters
Paris Hilton launches recovery fund for women business owners after disasters
The pop culture star, advocate and entrepreneur Paris Hilton launched an initiative Monday to support female small-business owners impacted by disasters, a nationwide expansion of her philanthropic su...
Building climate-ready healthcare facilities across Indonesia
The World Health Organization (WHO), working with the Ministry of Health and partners, developed the Climate-Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities assessment tools. These were adapted from WHO's global framework and integrated into the SIKELIM platform, a digital system that maps disaster-affected facilities in real time. The tools help facilities assess vulnerabilities across systems including workforce capacity, water and sanitation WASH and waste, energy, infrastructure and technology.
Health impact of the escalation of conflict in the Middle East
WHO is concerned over the expansion of the conflict in the Middle East which is putting health systems and lives at risk in the region and beyond.
🗞️ Headlines: White disaster dominates the front pages
On both sides of the Air Bridge: today, there’s nothing else people are talking about. Last night’s defeat of Real Madrid against Getafe is the front-page story in Spain’s major sports newspaper...
Getting to Know the Small Business Administration's Disaster Assistance Programs
An introduction to a lesser-known but vital resource for post-disaster recovery
Chernobyl at 40: physics, politics and the nuclear debate today
Jim Smith reflects on the 1986 disaster and how it still shapes public perception of nuclear power
WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and Pan American Health Organization sign agreement to strengthen hospital resilience
25 February 2026 (EMRO/PAHO)—WHO’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have signed a Memorandum of Arrangement to strengthen collaboration on making hospitals safer and better prepared for health emergencies and disasters. At a time of growing instability and constrained resources, this collaboration positions hospitals as a dependable anchor for communities, ensuring they remain open, functional, and capable of delivering life-saving care when it matters most.
Attacks on Ukraine’s health care increased by 20% in 2025
Since the beginning of the full-scale war on 24 February 2022, WHO has documented at least 2881 attacks on health care in Ukraine, affecting health workers, facilities, ambulances, and medical warehouses.
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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