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How Online Retail Innovations Are Driving U.S. Small Business Exports
Agenda and speakers to be announced… Thank you to our WITA International Sponsors
WATCH LIVE: Health Secretary RFK Jr. testifies about HHS agenda, proposed budget cuts in House hearing
ICE acting director Todd Lyons will resign at end of May, DHS says
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons, a key executor of President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda, will resign at the end of May, federal officials announced Thursday | KMBZ
ICE acting director Todd Lyons will resign at end of May, DHS says
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons, a key executor of President Donald Trump’s mass deportations agenda, will resign at the end of May, federal officials announced Thursday | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
Kennedy focuses on affordability, combating fraud in Capitol Hill hearing
RFK Jr. focused on President Trump's health care agenda and largely avoided vaccines.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, April 18 to April 26
Lo Semple moderates Maria Semple talk in Denver, April 17 The Aspen Times columnist Lo Semple will interview novelist Maria Semple about her new book “Go Gentle” from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 17,...
RFK Jr. defends his health agenda and Trump's proposed budget cuts in hearing
In his first appearance this year, the health secretary is taking questions on his record on health, including his controversial moves on vaccines.
Four things to watch as RFK Jr. defends his health agenda on the Hill
Vaccines and turmoil at the agencies under his leadership are expected to be hot topics.
White House sidesteps vaccine skeptics in potential CDC leadership reset
A new team could mark a shift away from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s unpopular vaccine agenda ahead of the midterms.
In the House, Republican Plans Go Awry Amid Party Divides
Fresh off a two-week break, lawmakers returned to turmoil in the House, where legislation to reopen the Department of Homeland Security is stalled and the G.O.P. is struggling to keep its agenda on track.
Will Mississippi Legislature try to override one of the governor's vetoes?
Legislators haven't set a public agenda for their one-day return, but top of mind for Gov. Tate Reeves is the Rural Health Transformation Fund,
What Eric Swalwell, Tony Gonzales resignations mean for Mike Johnson’s agenda in Congress
The House faces a series of “must-pass” bills on everything from surveillance to the Iran war to the Department of Homeland Security.
City Council fails to hear entertainment district TIF declaratory judgement vote
Norman City Council failed Tuesday to hear an agenda item on whether to authorize the city attorney’s office to gain a declaratory judgment on whether the city has authority to
LIVE: Council to consider seeking clarity on authority for public entertainment district TIF vote
Norman City Council will consider an agenda item tonight that would authorize the city attorney’s office to enter litigation to clarify if the city has the power to send the
Binance founder Zhao says Gensler had to align with Dems' political agenda
Binance founder Changpeng 'CZ' Zhao sheds light on his book, 'Freedom of Money,' as well as his interactions with Sam Bankman Fried and Gary Gensler during an interview with FOX Business' Charlie Gasparino.
Congress returns to a packed health care agenda
The key health care issues we're watching as Congress returns from recess.
Tulsa, OKC business leaders unite for first joint Washington, D.C. trip
Business leaders from across Oklahoma are heading to the nation's capitol this week to advocate for a shared legislative agenda aimed at boosting economic development across the state.
Trump touts 'gold standard science.' What does that actually mean?
The Trump administration says it's returning U.S. science to a golden era. Critics say it's tarnished by political agendas.
Celtic must sort scouting and recruitment shambles this summer
Scouting and recruitment should be the top of Celtic’s agenda when it comes to the much needed reshuffle of club affairs this summer…Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay at TannadiceDundee Utd v Celt...
Council to seek clarity on authority to hold public vote on Rock Creek Entertainment District TIF districts
Norman City Council will consider an agenda item Tuesday that could help determine if the city has authority to hold a public vote on the Rock Creek Entertainment District tax
Slate of new Virginia laws address health care and housing affordability
Addressing health care and housing affordability were prominent pillars of Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s successful campaign and Virginia Democrats’ legislative agenda this year. Cost-conscious proposals saturated the 2026 legislative session and many have become law.
Mamdani balances governing with delivering on affordability agenda
“I promise you this: If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during his inauguration.
Melania says her piece about Epstein – doth the lady protest too much?
The first lady unleashed a barrage of denials – and put one of her husband’s biggest political liabilities back on the agenda
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, April 10-16
Aspen 2026 Shortsfest final days, April 10-11 Aspen’s 2026 Shortsfest, recognized as one of North America’s premier short-film festivals and the only Academy Award-qualifying festival dedicated solely to shorts, wraps this week. The “In Conversation...
Experts set 2030 nutrition science goals for resilient food systems
As the second quarter of the 21st century unfolds, experts are examining the state of nutrition as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) deadline looms with five years remaining. To achieve these targets, a new paper outlines key goals for nutrition science from 2025 to 2030. The Frontiers in Nutrition publication discusses the interconnectedness between nutrition, food security, and sustainability in complex food systems affected by shocks, policies, and environmental limits. The researchers reveal how these modern factors impact nutrition science and shape research agendas.
Secretary Kennedy Advances MAHA Agenda in Arizona with Focus on Prevention, Recovery, and Tribal Health
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. traveled to Arizona this week as part of his “Take Back Your Health” tour, meeting with leaders across health care.
Africa CDC Secures Over US$300 Million to Advance Africa’s Global Health Security Agenda at the Lyon One Health Summit in Lyon (France)
Lyon / Addis Ababa / Brussels, 8 April 2026 – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomes the outcomes of the One Health Summit held in Lyon, France, that affirms a decisive shift: Africa is no longer at the margins of global health—it is shaping its future. Africa CDC expresses its […]
Africa CDC Secures Over US$250 Million to Advance Africa’s Global Health Security Agenda at the Lyon One Health Summit in Lyon (France)
Lyon / Addis Ababa / Brussels, 8 April 2026 – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomes the outcomes of the One Health Summit held in Lyon, France, that affirms a decisive shift: Africa is no longer at the margins of global health—it is shaping its future. Africa CDC expresses its […]
Remigration and the New Far-Right Politics of Mass Deportation
Panelists will explore the various interpretations and adaptations of a remigration agenda to fit local political and social contexts in Europe, the UK, and the US, offering regional perspectives on this growing transnational narrative and its implications for democratic governance, civil rights, and the future of immigration policy.
Bordonaro: Legislature’s labor agenda risks hurting business competitiveness
With the Labor Committee approving 48 bills in six weeks, the cumulative weight of new scheduling rules, striking worker benefits and operational mandates risks making Connecticut a harder place to do business at exactly the wrong time.
Stephen Miller Is Still Pursuing His Immigration Agenda, but More Quietly
Far from acknowledging defeat, Stephen Miller appears to have adjusted his strategy in an effort to minimize political fallout. He has remained steadfast in his view that the administration should act to reverse openness to migration.
1000 new African genomes added to global science
Wits-led AGenDA project sequenced 1,000+ African genomes, uncovering vast genetic diversity and novel variants. This helps correct Eurocentric bias in global datasets, improving disease prediction, treatment design, and ensuring African populations benefit from genomic medicine.
RFK Jr. To Finally Face The Music For Failed Anti-Science Agenda: Public Health Project Newsletter
Over the last year plus, Trump Health Secretary RFK Jr. has seemingly been everywhere promoting his personal brand and greatest hits of evidence-free anti-science conspiracy theories – everywhere but communities...
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, April 3 to 10
The Wood Brothers, April 3 The roots folk blues trio The Wood Brothers will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 3 at The Wheeler Opera House, 320 E. Hyman Ave. The Wood Brothers bring decades of...
DHS pauses new immigrant warehouse purchases as all Noem-era contracts are reviewed
The new Homeland Security Secretary, Markwayne Mullin, was sworn in last week to lead a department that was steeped in controversy during Kristi Noem's tenure but also central to President Trump's mass deportation agenda.
How RFK Jr.’s MAHA agenda keeps hitting roadblocks
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the last several months has suffered a series of setbacks that have sapped his influence within the GOP and left him diminished within the Trump administration.
Italy’s World Cup fiasco sparks political fury
Fallout from Bosnia defeat was the first thing on the parliamentary agenda Wednesday morning.
What to expect in Arkansas' primary runoff elections
Two Arkansas Republicans with competing visions on how best to implement President Donald Trump’s agenda to overhaul elections and voting will vie for their party’s nomination for the state’s top elections job on Tuesday.
Two-Speed Multilateralism: Breaking The Deadlock On Climate And Health
As consensus fails across trade and health sectors, a vital two-speed multilateralism debate in Geneva offers hope for saving the global climate and health agenda.
One Year in, the Anti-Science Agenda of the Trump Administration Is Evident
We are now more than a year into President Trump’s second stint in the White House, establishing a grim and undeniable record of attacks on science. Every month that has passed since his inauguration day, there have been multiple actions that target science, scientists, and science-based policies. T
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Arkansas' primary runoff elections
Two Arkansas Republicans with competing visions on how best to implement President Donald Trump’s agenda to overhaul elections and voting will vie for their party’s nomination for the state’s top elections job on Tuesday
Is an IDA Health Window the Global Health Financing Solution?
The global health architecture is facing intense scrutiny. There are now an A-Z of initiatives launched to lead the reform, from the Accra Reset to the Lusaka Agenda Secretariat and a WHO-led process. Critics have argued that the current system fails to focus on the poorest countries, fragments national systems, undermines country ownership, and displaces domestic health spending.
New Political Group to Push Trump’s A.I. Agenda in Midterms
The group, Innovation Council Action, says it plans to spend at least $100 million. It will be led by a former administration official.
Kennedy’s Vaccine Agenda Hits Roadblocks, Diminishing His Clout
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine skepticism is posing challenges for the Trump administration. Top health jobs are unfilled, and a court has blocked his vaccine schedule changes.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda: March 27-April 3
Limitless Mountain Challenge, March 28 Challenge Aspen’s “Limitless Mountain Challenge” runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 28 at Snowmass Mountain. The all-abilities ski and snowboard event supports adaptive recreation, with a downhill ski and...
Trump to Delay Nominating New C.D.C. Director
The administration has yet to find a candidate who aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda while avoiding his unpopular stance on vaccines.
Entertainment district ordinance repeal not on city council agenda
Entertainment district ordinance repeal not on city council agenda
Entertainment district ordinance repeal not on council agendas despite Ward 7 councilmember claims
Norman City Council will not see an ordinance repeal related to the Rock Creek Entertainment District during Tuesday’s city council meeting, despite a statement from a council member that it
Hochul pushes environmental review reforms amid state budget negotiations
Hochul has touted the policy as a key element of her affordability agenda.
Trump’s global agenda flies into domestic headwinds
Even as US President Donald Trump calls for international support for the war in Iran, within the US there are dissenting voices, as not everyone is convinced that war is the answer. What is clear is that domestic factors will increasingly limit Trump’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagement. Academic Derek Grossman discusses the issue.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda: March 20-27
Consensual Improv, March 20 Roaring Fork Valley’s one-and-only improv comedy troupe is back. Consensual Improv will be hosting an upcoming show at 8 p.m. March 20 at The Arts Campus at Willits. Since 2016, they...
New autism group meets to counter MAHA's 'ideological agenda'
Autism experts plan to convene in Washington Thursday to propose a research agenda at odds with the one endorsed by the Trump Administration.
Kennedy’s vaccine agenda takes a major blow
A court ruling on Monday dealt a heavy blow to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to transform America’s vaccine policy, just as the White House is reportedly…
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.
Science & Innovation
Challenges to the American scientific enterprise—from the reproducibility crisis, to administrative bloat within research institutions, to diminished public trust in universities—together with sweeping reforms to the government’s role in science, make this a pivotal moment for science policy. An agenda to strengthen American science must enhance its productivity and credibility, preserve our research advantages, and ensure that the scientific enterprise remains accountable to American citizens.
Amid Iran war, Democratic Senate hopeful tries to win back Arab American voters
Abdul El-Sayed, backed by Sanders, is betting a populist agenda is Democrats’ path back to power in a state that has traditionally produced more moderate senators.
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.’s vaccine policy overhaul for now
The judge said the government has undermined its history of recognizing the importance of involving independent experts in setting the national public health agenda.
Supreme Court to review Trump’s effort to end deportation protections for migrants from Haiti and Syria
The Supreme Court announced Monday it will decide whether President Donald Trump can terminate temporary deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals, agreeing to hear arguments next month on an issue that has been central to the administration’s immigration agenda.
Behind Mamdani’s Smile, a Politician Who Can Be a Ruthless Operator
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, while charming in public, has thrown sharp elbows in private as he pushes his political brand and agenda among fellow Democrats.
Congressman Scott Perry tours Camp Hill business with Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler
Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler is back in Pennsylvania to tout the Trump Administration’s economic agenda. On Friday, Loeffler joined Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10) in Lower Allen Township, Cu...
Mamdani and business leaders disagree on a lot, but they seem to chat a lot, too
Several business leaders say they talk with the mayor, a democratic socialist who is trying to achieve an ambitious agenda amid signs of a slowing economy.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda: March 13-19
Aspen Laugh Festival Late Night Lounge, now through March 14 Aspen Laugh Festival Late Night Lounge, which began March 11, runs nightly at 10:30 p.m. through March 14 at Bad Harriett at Hotel Jerome. Hosted...
House Republicans confront Iran war and gas prices as they struggle to push economic agenda
Speaker Mike Johnson and his leadership team have been struggling to find consensus behind an election-year agenda to address Americans’ chief concerns over affordability and their cost-of-living.
Candidate for governor says Michigan needs more mental health hospitals
The call for more facilities is part of a broader law enforcement agenda Aric Nesbitt revealed March 9.
Billionaire Czech Premier Shrugs Off Defense Calls to Focus on Health
As Russia’s war in Ukraine rages to the east and the US piles on pressure to spend more on the military, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has been focusing on a very different agenda.
Buss: Trump's biggest political battle isn't in Iran
Trump has a matter of months to rally voters back to the America First agenda he ran on and save his legacy.
Trump’s War in Iran, and Rising Gas Prices, Collide With Midterm Agenda
The attack on Iran has led to a surge in energy prices at a moment when the cost of living is a major issue heading into the fall elections.
In search of a room-temperature superconductor, scientists present a research agenda
The search for materials that can conduct electricity at room temperature without losing energy is one of the greatest and most consequential challenges of modern physics: loss-free power transmission, ...
Trump Threatens to Crowd Out Republicans’ Midterm Message
As the G.O.P. gathered in Miami for a party retreat where lawmakers hoped to focus on the economy, the president was threatening to block his own party’s legislative agenda.
Gov. Jeff Landry’s agenda for the Louisiana Legislature looks lighter this year. Here’s why.
Gov. Jeff Landry pushed hard to shift Louisiana to the right during his first two years. He’s taking a different approach this year.
Trump’s food industry friends are warning him RFK Jr.’s agenda is bad for business
Processed food manufacturers say there's a conflict between the Health secretary’s plans and Trump’s desire to rebuild factory towns.
Workforce training bills, tort reform, carbon wells top business agenda for Louisiana Legislature
Bills pushed by the business community would consolidate money and authority for badly needed workforce training in Louisiana under the state.
Arts & Entertainment Agenda, March 6-12
Friday morning uphill breakfast club, March 6 Hike up Buttermilk this Friday, March 6, and refuel at The Cliffhouse “Friday Morning Uphill Breakfast Club” at the top of Buttermilk Mountain from 8:45-10 a.m. Aspen Chamber...
‘It’s discrimination’: US Small Business Administration cuts off loans to immigrant entrepreneurs
Green card holders are now ineligible for loans through the SBA as agency carries out Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda
What’s on the agenda for China’s biggest annual political gathering?
African Public Health Emergency Management Fellowship Cohort III Announcement
CONTEXTCombating the several public health threats across the African continent requires adequately trained and equipped workforce. The Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda has called for self-sustaining health security program that includes workforce development. The call is in alignment with the vision of the African Union (AU) and its desire to build capacity in […]
Arts and Entertainment Agenda: Feb. 27-March 5
International Guitar Night XXVI, Feb. 27 Accomplished musicians from different countries will be in Aspen for a global celebration of guitar artistry as International Guitar Night XXVI takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27...
After State of the Union, Trump’s agenda faces new political reality
US president strikes triumphant tone in speech but faces legal setbacks and hurdles in Congress as midterms approach.
British politics gets religion
In Reform, socially conservative Christianity has finally found a UK vehicle for its agenda on traditional families
RFK Jr. focuses on food as GOP fears midterm backlash to vaccine agenda
Health chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on tour to tout his MAHA food initiatives and drug pricing over vaccines, an issue GOP pollsters see as a liability.
Fact-checking Trump's State of the Union claims on the economy, immigration and crime
In a combative State of the Union speech — the longest in modern history at about 108 minutes — President Donald Trump defended his administration's economic performance and hardline immigration agenda amid sagging poll numbers ahead of the midterm elections.
Kennedy is funding dangerous science to validate his anti-vaccine agenda
The fact that the U.S. actually sanctioned the study is deeply troubling.
Americans trust vaccines, school mandates, rejecting Trump agenda, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
A bipartisan majority of Americans believe vaccines are safe and that children should receive them to attend school, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, illustrating the challenges President Donald Trump's administration faces to win broad support for upending decades of health policy.
Hearing for surgeon general pick Casey Means to test MAHA agenda
Casey Means, Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, will face senators asking questions about her medical credentials, stance on vaccines and RFK Jr.’s agenda.
Trump says he's kept all of his campaign promises. PolitiFact's MAGA-Meter shows otherwise
President Donald Trump has said he already delivered on all he returned to office to do. The truth? Trump fulfilled a decent chunk of his domestic agenda in his first year, but many promises remain undelivered.
Trump's big speech will be delivered to a changed nation and a Congress he has sidelined
One year back in office, Trump has emerged as a president defying conventional expectations. He has executed a head-spinning agenda, upending priorities at home, shattering alliances abroad and challenging the nation's foundational system of checks and balances.
Stephen Miller's staying power: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Trump’s immigration agenda puts a renewed focus on the Bill of Rights.
Tackling elite colleges and D.C. fountains, Stephen Miller's reach goes beyond immigration
Miller is one of President Donald Trump's longest-serving aides, and his many roles include executing Trump's agenda on "woke" universities and beautifying Washington.
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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