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White Earth Nation first Minnesota tribe to receive national accreditation for health care
As rural health care across the state faces challenges to funding and services, the Public Health Accreditation Board has awarded White Earth Nation's health care system national accreditation.
Rising anger over ‘lop-sided’ and ‘immoral’ US health funding pacts with African countries
Zimbabwe refuses to sign agreement and Kenya faces a court case over data sharing as new aid deals come under scrutiny
Placer County-sponsored resolution seeks federal funding to support farmer mental health
A major push to support farmer and rancher mental health is now front and center for the National Association of Counties.
Scientists compared dinosaurs to mammals for decades but missed this key difference
Baby dinosaurs weren’t coddled like lion cubs or elephant calves—they were more like prehistoric latchkey kids. New research suggests that young dinosaurs quickly struck out on their own, forming kid-only groups and surviving without much parental help, while their massive parents lived entirely different lives. Because juveniles and adults ate different foods, faced different predators, and moved through different parts of the landscape, they may have functioned almost like separate species within the same ecosystem.
Medicare spending set to nearly double in 10 years and Medicaid and ACA spending up a third, CBO says, just as Trump’s tax cut shortens its lifespan
Medicare spending alone will nearly double over the next decade, but the CBO projects its underlying trust fund will run dry by 2040.
ContextLogic Completes $907.5 Million Acquisition of US Salt, Marking Transformation into Business Ownership Platform
Transaction Creates Leading Public Business Ownership Platform with Strong Cash Generation and Approximately $2.9 Billion in NOLsOAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ContextLogic Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: LOGC) (“ContextLogic,” the “Company,” “we” or “our”) today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of US Salt Parent Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively, “US Salt”) from private equity funds managed by Emerald Lake Capital Management (“Emerald Lake”) in a t
Cuyahoga County is changing how first responders handle mental health crises
A new fund will help municipalities pair public safety professionals with behavioral health specialists to respond to residents in crisis.
$150K Grant for Utica Woman- and Minority-Owned Businesses
Grant funding is now available for woman- and minority-owned businesses with five or fewer employees located in the City of Utica.
The First Couple of a Dysfunctional DHS
A forthcoming book reveals new details about Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski.
Springfield business owner pleads guilty to COVID-19 loan fraud, money laundering
Springfield business owner pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering after fraudulently obtaining $316,062 in Paycheck Protection Program loans under the CARES Act and using the funds for unauthorized purposes, including personal benefit.
Florida Department of Health cuts thousands of dollars in funds from HIV and AIDS drug program
Starting Sunday, the state will cut its subsidies for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), and funds will only be available for people at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, a drop from 400%.
Health insurance, inflation and federal funding cuts: Here’s what’s driving school budget increases this year
With inflation and health insurance rates rising, school district officials say they're running out of financial runway as they try to limit Town Meeting Day budget increases.
MSU alumni donate $26M to school. What Jay and Jill Craig are funding
On Feb. 24, Michigan State University announced a $26.25 donation to its business and social science colleges by two former students.
Pistachio Billionaires Give UCLA $100 Million for Mental Health
Lynda and Stewart Resnick, the billionaire co-owners of agricultural giant the Wonderful Company, are giving $100 million to UCLA Health to fund the expansion of a neuropsychiatric hospital and mental health campus.
UN food chief Cindy McCain to step down over health concerns
The U.N. World Food Programme’s executive director, who suffered a mild stroke last year, will leave her post in three months as the agency battles deep funding cuts and record global hunger.
Lawmakers call on Hochul to close Erie County child care funding gap
The group sent a letter to the governor's office saying Erie County is facing a $23.1 million deficit in the Child Care Assistance Program.
Bronx lawmaker pushes to take NYC health data dashboards nationwide
The proposal would fund 25 communities to create similar systems.
US: Trump administration pauses Minnesota health funds
US Vice President JD Vance has announced a halt in Medicaid health payments to Minnesota, a day after President Donald Trump put him in charge of a "war on fraud."
Out-of-sync offenses collide as Suns host Lakers
Two teams in varying states of offensive dysfunction will meet when the Phoenix Suns host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.
Google details MCP-like ‘AppFunctions’ that let Gemini use Android apps
Following the Gemini automation announcement today, Google is detailing how all this works under the hood on Android.
Zambia pushed back on U.S. health funding deal to protect interests, government says
Zambia has pushed back on part of a deal worth more than $1 billion in global health aid from the United States because it does not align with the country’s interests, the government said on Wednesday, as health advocates warned the deal links the money to mining access and has data-sharing risks.
Senate poised to reauthorize key small business fund used by Pentagon
The bill resolves a months-long gridlock between the heads of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee over how to reform the SBIR program.
Habitat’s largest fundraiser set for March 28
Habitat for Humanity of Laredo’s largest fundraiser, Golfing for Roofs, tees off in March to support local home construction projects.
Businesses Push for Tariff Refunds as Trump Aides Hint at Fight to Come
By the president’s own admission, it could be years before the matter is settled, even though the administration previously indicated it would pay.
3 more questions Tampa Sports Authority has for Rays stadium deal
Board members asked about possible property tax reform, funding shortfalls and affordable housing.
Samsung is cloning Pixel features for the Galaxy AI suite on S26
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has gained a few software functions and features being lifted right from Pixel phones
One type of olive oil has a surprising effect on brainpower during aging
New study reveals extra virgin olive oil may protect brain health by improving gut bacteria and cognitive function in older adults.
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.
Requests swamp Ohio sports stadium fund as Cleveland soccer joins rush
Bengals, Blue Jacks, Guardians, Cavs, Cleveland soccer facilities among those lining up for state help
Concerns over funding for science in the UK
Letters: In response to an article by Jon Butterworth, Prof Michele K Dougherty writes that the council is putting its portfolio on a sustainable footing
US winding down health aid to Zimbabwe after talks collapse
The U.S. is winding down its health assistance to Zimbabwe after negotiations over a $367 million funding agreement broke down, the U.S. Embassy in Harare announced Tuesday. Zimbabwe pulled out of …
Why your next AI investment depends on proving returns
Boards are demanding real AI results and ROI. Here's how leaders can prove value, secure future funding, and avoid getting stuck in pilot mode.
Kennedy is funding dangerous science to validate his anti-vaccine agenda
The fact that the U.S. actually sanctioned the study is deeply troubling.
CVS Health put volume heavy and directionally bearish
Bearish flow noted in CVS Health (CVS) with 3,674 puts trading, or 1.5x expected. Most active are 2/27 weekly 74 puts and 2/27 weekly 73 calls, with total volume in those strikes near 2,800 contracts. The Put/Call Ratio is 1.51, while ATM IV is up nearly 2 points on the day. Earnings are expected on April 29th.Claim 50% Off TipRanks PremiumUnlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions Stay ahead of the market with the latest news and analysis and maximi
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.
Britain's John Lewis Partnership to withdraw from build to rent business
British retailer the John Lewis Partnership said on Wednesday it is withdrawing from its Build to Rent property business, blaming a "fundamental shift" in the economic conditions that underpinned the venture when it launched in 2020.
Invisibility Is No Longer Harmless: Why Public Health Must Make Its Value Seen
Public health once prized invisibility, but amid workforce shortages and unstable funding, unseen impact becomes vulnerability. Value must be visible to be sustained.
US to end health aid to Zimbabwe after funding talks collapse
The U.S. is to wind down health assistance to Zimbabwe after the African country withdrew from talks on a proposed $367 million bilateral funding deal.
Zimbabwe exits health funding talks with US
The U.S. is to wind down health assistance to Zimbabwe after the African country withdrew from talks on a proposed $367 million bilateral funding deal.
Columbus budget cuts would hurt health centers serving low-income and poor
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther's proposed 2026 budget cuts to PrimaryOne Health jeopardize services for low-income and uninsured patients.
Will team owner greed prevail over the public good in Ohio sports facility financing? Editorial
At a minimum, any publicly funded gilding of the Guardians’ and Cavs’ resources for facility upgrades should be paired with a required renegotiating of the facility leases to take local taxpayers off the hook for any further obligation to pay for repairs and upgrades, writes the editorial board of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.
Reproductive health providers targeted by Trump ask for additional state funding
In order to protect Maine’s reproductive health care system, which has lost millions in federal funding over the last year, lawmakers are considering legislation to provide additional state support to protect against future changes. The bill, LD 335, sponsored by Rep. Amy Kuhn (D-Falmouth), would provide an annual $5 million allocation. Maine Family Planning and […]
From frog saunas to medicated baths: Scientists battle a global amphibian plague
What may sound like a spa day for frogs is all part of a global effort to fight the chytrid fungus — the deadly pathogen responsible for what scientists have called the largest disease-driven loss of vertebrates in recorded history.
Stephen Hawking pictured in Epstein files
The released documents shed light on Epstein’s attempts to cultivate the academic elite, including the physicist, who attended a conference funded by the financier
Windows 11 KB5077241 update improves BitLocker, adds Sysmon tool
Microsoft has released the KB5077241 optional cumulative update for Windows 11, which comes with 29 changes, including improvements to BitLocker, a new network speed test tool, and native System Monitor (Sysmon) functionality.
Senate Democrats Again Block D.H.S. Funding, Demanding Enforcement Curbs
Democrats refused to allow a bill to reopen the Department of Homeland Security to move ahead without new restrictions on federal agents carrying out President Trump’s immigration enforcement drive.
Ashley Flynn’s daughters benfitting from local business’ fundraiser
It has been eight days since Tipp City Police found Ashley Flynn shot and killed inside her home, and the quiet Miami County community is struggling to get back to normal. With Tuesday also being w…
Barshop Institute to receive up to $38 million from ARPA-H, anchoring UT San Antonio as a national leader in aging and healthy longevity science - UT Health San Antonio
Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 24, 2026 – Positioning The University of Texas at San Antonio as a national anchor for aging and longevity science, its Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies will receive up to $38 million in federal funding for the first nationwide clinical study […]
Barshop Institute to receive up to $38 million from ARPA-H, anchoring UT San Antonio as a national leader in aging and healthy longevity science - UT Health San Antonio
Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 24, 2026 – Positioning The University of Texas at San Antonio as a national anchor for aging and longevity science, its Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies will receive up to $38 million in federal funding for the first nationwide clinical study […]
Small businesses that challenged Trump’s tariffs begin refund push
Fresh off their Supreme Court victory, a group of small businesses that challenged President Trump’s global tariffs formally commenced their refund push on Tuesday. I…
Funeral services announced for Wes Rucker, Knoxville sports journalist killed in crash
The funeral honoring Wes Rucker, the 43-year-old Knoxville sports journalist who died in a crash last week, will be held Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Trump’s State of the Union, By the Numbers
A year into President Trump’s second term, the United States has undergone fundamental changes.
Warnock invites South Georgia hospital CEO to State of the Union amid rural health care funding concerns
Evans Memorial Hospital CEO Bill Lee will attend as Sen. Raphael Warnock's guest, as the Claxton hospital faces a $1 million shortfall and potential cuts to ICU services tied to federal healthcare changes.
Uber Health Launches Self-Booking Feature to Empower Riders and Streamline Operations
Industry-first capability reduces administrative burden for providers, health systems, and I/DD organizations while boosting rider independenceSAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Uber Health today announced the launch of its rider self-booking feature, a new platform capability that enables healthcare and disability service organizations to offer their riders the ability to book their own organization-funded trips directly in the Uber app. The launch marks the latest milestone in Ub
FedEx joins other U.S. companies, seeks a full refund after Trump tariffs are ruled illegal
FedEx said in a filing with the U.S. Court of International Trade that they have "suffered injury" from having to pay the tariffs
Zimbabwe rejects $350 million US health funding deal warns It threatens national sovereignty
Zimbabwe has ended negotiations on a US-backed health agreement after President Mnangagwa deemed the proposal a threat to national sovereignty, citing concerns over data access, mineral linkages and Washington’s retreat from multilateral health frameworks
New ranking highlights NIH’s impact on breakthrough science at Duke
Duke University School of Medicine received more than $514 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2025, ranking 9th nationally among medical schools, according to new data from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research
Don't bet on lower prices, businesses say, even after emergency Trump tariffs were shot down
Consumers expecting a drop in prices after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the White House's emergency tariffs are likely to be disappointed, as businesses plan to use any relief to offset elevated costs and gird themselves to chase refunds.
Legislators seek to help businesses with changes to SC's ballooning jobless fund
For the first time since the Great Recession, SC’s Republican-controlled Legislature could enact major changes to the state unemployment system.
These small business owners are owed tariff refunds. Will they ever get them?
Anyone who paid the taxes should get reimbursed, but the high court did not address how. Business owners wonder if they'll need lawyers, brokers, money — or luck.
Pentagon Races to Spend $153 Billion in Added Funds for Military
The Trump administration for months ignored Congress’s demand for a plan on how the Defense Department would spend the money that Republicans pushed through in their sweeping domestic policy bill.
FedEx sues Trump administration for full tariff refunds after Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA
FedEx sues U.S. government for tariff refunds after Supreme Court ruled Trump's emergency trade duties on imports were unlawful.
Upstate pols question $1.5B NYC boost vs. $150m upstate
The additional funding came as Hochul has steadfastly resisted calls from Mamdani and other progressives to raise taxes on the wealthy
Upstate pols question $1.5B NYC boost vs. $150m upstate
The additional funding came as Hochul has steadfastly resisted calls from Mamdani and other progressives to raise taxes on the wealthy
Google touts ‘Pixel Colors Through the Years’ – here’s a look back [Gallery]
Before the next cycle begins, Google posted a fun “Pixel Colors Through the Years” infographic today that...
What to expect at Tuesday's State of the Union speech
Trump's speech Tuesday night will come amid tariff confusion and a Department of Homeland Security funding fight
Trump officials say courts must weigh in on tariff refunds
Trump on Monday railed against the ruling and high court, suggesting it could rule against him in ano ther high-profile case
Yet Another Live Service Game Bites the Dust, But PS5 Players Get a Full Refund
Meat your maker
King of Meat servers are closing and all owners will be refunded
Amazon Games and Glowmade are shutting down the King of Meat servers soon, which will discontinue all Xbox achievements in the dungeon crawler.
2026 Business Leaders of the Year
Central Massachusetts is full of amazing professionals, each with their own unique skills, talents, and dedication to their companies, industries, and communities. You could make a strong case for hundreds of them to be considered as WBJ’s Business Leader of the Year. Yet, to actually win the award, you need to have that little something extra: a magic spark, an insight no one else sees, years of knowledge that pay off with the right decision at the right time, a leadership style inspiring people to follow, a push for a paradigm shift at a stagnant organization. Business Leader of the Year is WBJ’s oldest award, launched in 1982 when Herb Dunnington of First Safety Fund Bank won the sole award. In the decades since, BLOY has expanded to honor winners from different corners of the economy: small businesses, large businesses, nonprofits, innovation, families. Each of the six winners this year has that something special setting them apart as true leaders in our Central Massachusetts business community: Neelu Mohaghegh’s creativity, Nick Haritos’ compassion, Nicolette Sacco’s adaptability, Julie Bowditch’s energy, Sean Rose’s steadiness, the Vaccaro family’s culture. You can read more about each of them through the links below.
Hochul won't take matching funds in reelection campaign
The governor has more than $20 million in cash on hand.
The Crossword, Feb. 23: It's An Art, Not A Science (Themeless)
It’s time to wrap up the month with a challenging themeless. Keep an eye out for tricky clues and fun wordplay. This week’s puzzle was constructed by Kelsey Dixon and Alex Boisvert, and edited by Hoang-Kim Vu. Alex is a crossword constructor from California who is so uncomfortable writing anything positive about himself that he wanted to do…
Live updates: Trump leaves tariff refunds to the courts as he mulls military action in Iran
From investment to impact: The Cigna Group Foundation health equity investments deliver early results in Houston and Hartford
The Cigna Group Foundation’s Health Equity Impact Fund engaged more than 117,000 community members in first year.
With billions on the line, Chicago faces turning point on publicly funded stadiums
Chicago's professional sports teams have shaped its global identity for decades. Now they're at the heart of a rare, generational choice for local officials: Should taxpayers foot the bill?
The growing number of US scientists moving to Spain: ‘My colleagues are having a very hard time’
One in three recipients of the state-funded Atrae program comes from the United States
Opinion | The Human Cost of the Trump Administration’s War on Science
The ripple effects of cutting H.I.V. research funding.
Rachel Grage says Q4 haul shows 'energy' behind bid to upset John Rutherford in CD 5
Longshot candidate points to early fundraising.
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.
Democrats decry meager medical care for detainees in funding fight
Fernando Viera Reyes needed a biopsy for possible prostate cancer when the Trump administration sent him to an immigration detention center in California’s Mojave Desert.
Federal funding freeze stalls growth for Western Pennsylvania small businesses
Despite a push from the Trump administration to unleash American competitiveness, Congress has failed to reauthorize the nation’s largest innovation...
UP health care providers host fundraiser for Belize communities
Hillside Health Care connects with U.P. providers to provide medical services in underserved areas.
Approved but unfunded study on universal health care in Colorado finds financial support
With the state’s budget gaps, Colorado School of Public Health was $750,000 short, but can now begin its research.
Scientists Find the Gene That Could Save the World’s Bananas
A wild banana’s hidden gene may help save the world’s favorite fruit from a relentless fungal threat.
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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