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Georgia Senate candidates weigh health care policies after medical scare reshapes race
A medical emergency changed the pace of a Northwest Georgia Senate race.Now, it is shaping how the candidates talk about health care.Lanny Thomas and Jack Ziblu
New Windows 11 emergency update fixes preview update install issues
Microsoft released an emergency update to fix the March 2026 KB5079391 non-security preview update, which was pulled over the weekend due to installation issues.
Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care
South Dakota lawmakers plan to learn more about emergency medical services, Native American health care, and services for disabled people ahead of the next legislative session.
Find free health services at April 10 resource fair
Head to the West Berkeley Family Wellness Center for a day of health resources, free groceries, and fun activities. Families and community members of all ages, connect with services and resources to support your wellbeing at our health fair. Join us at the West Berkeley Family Wellness Center on April 10. You can meet staff and learn about free programs that provide support with nutrition and breastfeeding, stress reduction, parenting resources, and more.Free giveaways at the event include fresh groceries, emergency preparedness supplies, and a planting kit.
Health Care and Public Health Collaborate on Emergency Preparedness in North Dakota
Learn how North Dakota leveraged cross-sector partnerships to create a stronger emergency response system.
Public Health Leaders to Convene in Baltimore at the 2026 Preparedness Summit to Improve Local and National Emergency Response Efforts
/PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), the voice of the country's over 3,300 local health departments, will...
Novant Health to build new hospital in Leland
Novant Health earns approval to build a new hospital and emergency department in Brunswick County.
Brent Crude rises after Trump says he wants to ‘take the oil’ in Iran; Starmer to gather business leaders to discuss emergency measures
Asian stocks fall and Brent rises to over $115 a barrel; Trump says US could seize Iran’s export hub on Kharg Island
‘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.
EU offers UK ‘emergency brake’ on youth mobility scheme numbers
Britain wants limits on young people entering country but Europe opposes this as scheme aims to celebrate links
Toxic Ocean Crisis in Papua New Guinea Sparks Mass Marine Die-Off and Public Health Emergency
Thousands of dead fish are washing ashore and people are falling ill too, as officials investigate possible sources of contamination.
S.F. progressives worry about Jackie Fielder’s health emergency
As of Saturday,, Fielder had not resigned from her office representing District 9. An aide said they would provide “updates as they become available.”
Mystery medical episode that left astronaut unable to speak shows one of NASA's biggest risks as moon missions ramp up
Veteran astronaut Michael Fincke's sudden medical emergency aboard the ISS is a stark reminder that, as NASA pushes toward long-term lunar missions, astronaut health remains one of spaceflight's biggest unknowns.
Red Wings Call Up Postava on Emergency Basis
The post Red Wings Call Up Postava on Emergency Basis appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now. Cam Talbot’s injury prompted the Detroit Red Wings to call up Grand Rapids Griffins goalie Michael Postava on an emergency […] The post Red Wings Call Up Postava on Emergency Basis appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.
Health Policy Watch: US withdrawal of global health funding is ‘public health emergency of international concern’
The rapid withdrawal of international health aid by the US constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, according to an analysis in the BMJ.
Photos: Pro Football Cares Sports Emergency Response Training at Raiders HQ
A Pro Football Cares Sports Emergency Response Training was held at Raiders HQ where athletic trainers and coaches were able to participate in a series of simulations on football equipment removal, cardiac arrest and exertional heat stroke.
Baptist Health-Fort Smith may cease full hospital operations - Talk Business & Politics
Little Rock-based Baptist Health is planning to end hospital operations at Baptist Health-Fort Smith with the campus providing emergency room and possibly limited surgery services. Existing physician agreements are set...
How to make emergency rooms safer for people with dementia
In today's Morning Rounds newsletter: A federal vaccine adviser departs ACIP, adults turn to AI chatbots for health info, and radiologists sift through deepfake X-rays.
Hawaii launches emergency relief program for farmers, businesses
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity today opened up applications for an emergency farm relief program for those impacted by the recent Kona low storms.
No 10 says Starmer had ‘constructive’ call with Trump on Middle East and strait of Hormuz
PM will meet with the Commons liaison committee and chair the government’s Cobra emergency committee today
Phillies pitcher Daniel Robert stable after second medical emergency in six months
Daniel Robert suffered a cardiac event Sunday — the second in six months — but was stable after his defibrillator activated
Health system operating in full emergency mode following Iranian missile impacts in south
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Crews at scene of gas leak in Fredericksburg; nearby businesses evacuated
Crews are at the scene of a gas leak in Fredericksburg that caused several businesses to be evacuated.Fredericksburg/Gillespie County Emergency Management says
Chuck Norris, 'Walker, Texas Ranger' star and martial artist, dies at 86
The "Walker, Texas Ranger" star reportedly had an undisclosed medical emergency on the island of Kauai.
Billy Porter Opens Up on Health Scare, New Children's Book, More
Billy Porter joins TODAY and opens up about having a serious medical emergency that left him in a coma for three days. “It is a gift to be alive,” he says. He also talks about his new children’s picture book called “Songbird in the Light,” the inspiration behind it and how it honors his late mother.
Trump reveals GOP congressman faced ‘terminal’ health condition and had months to live
President Donald Trump on Monday revealed that a GOP congressman had received a critical diagnosis and had only months to live before the president personally intervened to help him get emergency heart surgery.
Trump reveals GOP congressman faced ‘terminal’ health condition and had months to live
President Donald Trump on Monday revealed that a GOP congressman had received a critical diagnosis and had only months to live before the president personally intervened to help him get emergency heart surgery.
Massachusetts ER doctors say long wait times reflect a health system under strain
Emergency doctors say hospital bed shortages, an aging population, and gaps in primary care are driving delays.
Free Health Screenings & Safety Demos Scheduled For Thursday
Emergency responders and health care providers are hosting a free community event this week for local residents.
Upstate business loses roof during severe storm
The Cherokee County Emergency Management reported that a roof was blown off a business Monday morning.
Despite record Galaxy S26 pre-orders, Samsung's mobile unit is literally in emergency mode
Samsung is seeing record Galaxy S26 series pre-orders, but the mobile unit is entering 'emergency management' due to financial concerns.
Middle East crisis: UN health agency releases emergency funds for Lebanon, Iraq, Syria
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) is releasing another $2 million in emergency funds to support health systems in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as strikes against Iran by the US and Israeli continue amid counterstrikes across the Gulf and wider region by Tehran.
Google Zero-Day Alert For 3.5 Billion Chrome Users—Attacks Underway
Google has confirmed an emergency Chrome security update amid reports that attackers are exploiting two zero-day vulnerabilities.
WHO releases US$2 million in emergency funds to support health response in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria
15 March 2026, Cairo, Egypt — As humanitarian health needs continue to rise across parts of the Middle East, WHO has released US$2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) to support the health response...
Google Zero-Day Alert For 3.5 Billion Chrome Users—Attacks Underway
Google has confirmed an emergency Chrome security update amid reports that attackers are exploiting two zero-day vulnerabilities.
Google Zero-Day Alert For 3.5 Billion Chrome Users—Attacks Underway
Google has confirmed an emergency Chrome security update amid reports that attackers are exploiting two zero-day vulnerabilities.
Google fixes two new Chrome zero-days exploited in attacks
Google has released emergency security updates to patch two high-severity Chrome vulnerabilities exploited in zero-day attacks.
The world just smashed the emergency glass on oil prices. Now it’s up to Trump for a long-term fix
Dozens of countries have done the unprecedented, releasing an historic amount of crude from emergency reserves to prevent high oil prices from crippling the economy. If that doesn’t work, there’s only one serious option left: ending the war and opening the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Keeps Pushing Higher Despite Global Release of Reserves
A worldwide pledge by governments to tap emergency reserves on Wednesday has not stemmed oil’s rise.
First responders light up the night for young patients at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital
More than 100 emergency vehicles lit up the campus of Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital on Tuesday evening, creating a colorful display during the fifth annual Light Up the Night…
Health department: ‘Steep rise’ in uninsured Minnesotans
Rising costs and fewer people on public health insurance programs contributed to the highest rate of uninsured Minnesotans since 2017.
A roadside emergency leads to a happy ending — and a new friendship
A Temple Health nurse and a pair of Pennsylvania Turnpike workers saved the life of a driver who was in cardiac arrest late last year. They have since bonded.
Trinity Health hospital north of Ann Arbor to relocate in April
The public can tour the new 174,000-square-foot facility, test a surgical robot and explore emergency vehicles before the new hospital opens.
Crews monitoring carbon monoxide levels at health care facility
Emergency crews responding to reports of elevated carbon monoxide are ventilating a senior living facility.
‘A shell of our former self’: How Trump and Musk’s spending cuts are hampering US government readiness amid the Iran war
Government cuts under Trump’s second term weakened U.S. emergency, security, and foreign response capabilities, now under scrutiny amid Middle East conflict.
More Kids Are in ERs for Tooth Pain. Trump Cuts and RFK Jr.’s Anti-Fluoride Fight Aren’t Helping.
Dentists, hygienists, and researchers say a shortage of rural dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene since the covid-19 pandemic mean more kids are ending up in the emergency room for tooth decay.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticizes Supreme Court emergency rulings
During a public forum, Jackson and conservative Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh offered differing views of President Trump’s wins before the high court.
Adventist HealthCare closing its Germantown Emergency Center
The Germantown Emergency Center is one of seven freestanding emergency rooms in Maryland. Those facilities provide the same level of care as a hospital ER.
Spoofing An Emergency Traffic Preemption Signal
There’s a well-known movie trope in which a hacker takes control of the traffic lights in a city, causing general mayhem or creating a clear getaway path. Unlike many Hollywood representation…
Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center welcomes Cooper Jackson to practice emergency medicine
Cooper Jackson, a certified physician assistant practicing emergency medicine, is thrilled to join Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Trump may need billions for the Iran war. Congress stands in the way.
Capitol Hill is largely in the dark about what an emergency cash influx for the Iran war could look like. But Trump will have to go through Democrats.
Pregnant women in ERs took less Tylenol after Trump autism warning
A study in The Lancet finds that pregnant women in emergency rooms used less Tylenol after President Trump said it could raise their babies' risk of autism. Scientists say there is no proven link.
Town of Lyme culvert project puts businesses, emergency response on alert
A state road project planned for this summer on a culvert near Three Mile Bay could close or restrict State Route 12E, the main route into Cape Vincent, raising concerns among business owners, town officials, and emergency responders.
Arc Raiders Gets Emergency Hotfix For Discord Privacy Issue
A computer engineer discovered that the game's Discord integration was logging all user behavior on the social platform
Why one Ohio village started its own medical transport business
Woodlawn Transport provides non-emergency rides for people inside and outside Woodlawn. The profits go straight into the village coffers.
1,473 injured since Saturday: Health Ministry summarizes first days of Operation Roaring Lion
As of 7 a.m. on March 5, 2026, 145 people remain hospitalized or are currently being treated in emergency departments, the ministry said.
Resuscitation science, training and technology leaders launch new self-guided resuscitation learning model nationwide
DALLAS, March 4, 2026 — Millions of people in health care, workplace safety and emergency response roles globally are required to complete credentialed resuscitation training on a recurring basis, often while balancing demanding schedules and limited...
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 […]
Jasmine Crockett suggests GOP rigged her Democratic Primary election: 'This is what Republicans like to do'
An emergency Texas Supreme Court ruling scrapped a judge’s order to keep Dallas County polls open later, prompting Rep. Jasmine Crockett to accuse Republicans of rigging the race.
How the IRC supports women’s health amidst crisis in remote regions of the DRC
In times of conflict, women and girls face the greatest risks—violence, exploitation and limited access to essential care. This International Women’s Day, discover how the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is supporting survivors of gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
WHO EPI-WIN webinar: Women in Health Emergencies
This webinar is held in alignment with the International Women’s Day commemoration on 8 March. It celebrates the tremendous contributions of women and girls in shaping a more equitable future, while also shining a light on the persistent challenges that must be overcome to achieve meaningful gender equality in emergency settings.
House unanimously passes bill to improve access to subacute mental health care
The bill, aimed at making nonemergency in-patient mental health care treatment programs more accessible, passed the House unanimously.
Supreme Court blocks redrawing of Republican-held congressional district in New York
The US Supreme Court on Monday approved an emergency appeal from a Republican congresswoman in New York who asked the justices to block a state court ruling that ordered her Staten Island-based district to be redrawn ahead of the midterm election.
ChatGPT could miss your serious medical emergency, new study suggests
ChatGPT Health study exposes dangerous gaps in AI medical advice, with experts calling for stronger oversight of healthcare chatbots used by millions.
Global webinar on core public health capacities to conduct ship inspections and issue ship sanitation certificates
Ships cross borders every day, connecting countries and serving as a backbone of the global economy. However, outbreaks onboard can disrupt maritime traffic, leading to significant economic and operational negative consequences. Without strong public health capacities to detect, prevent, and respond to public health risks on board ships, maritime travel can also become a pathway for the spread of infectious diseases. To support countries in strengthening these capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a two-day webinar on 11–12 February, bringing together more than 700 ship inspectors, port health officers, and public health authorities, primarily from the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and European Regions. The webinar came at a pivotal time. With the amended International Health Regulations entering into force on 19 September 2025, the need to focus on public health preparedness has never been greater. Strengthening public health capacities at borders, including onboard conveyances, is a cornerstone of global health security and central to the amended IHR.“The high level of attendance and active participation throughout the two days of the webinar highlighted the growing demand for technical guidance and capacity-building support in ship inspection and issuance of ship sanitation certificates”, said Dr Ninglan Wang, Head of the Borders, Mass Gatherings and Health Protection Measures (BMM) Unit at the Health Emergency Preparedness Department at WHO headquarters. “The dynamic interactions among experts and countries underscored the value of continued cross-border collaboration in the maritime sector and knowledge exchange in this area”. Conducting regular public health inspections on board ships for the issuance of ship sanitation certificates (SSCs) in accordance with the IHR requirements is crucial for ensuring that ships meet specific health standards, thereby minimizing the risk of the international spread of diseases via maritime traffic. These certificates, mandated by the IHR, require ports to have trained personnel who can identify and control public health risks on board vessels and apply recommended control measures. This standardized global procedure not only ensures compliance with the IHR but also promotes consistency in health practices across ports worldwide. SSCs are the globally-recognized tool used to prevent and control known public health risks on ships, providing a common way to register and communicate public health events and measures taken on board between all stakeholders involved in this process, including public health authorities in ports and ship operators. Only SSCs issued by ports authorized by national authorities to issue such certificates are considered valid. As per the IHR, all States Parties are required to send to WHO their list of authorized ports (available here) and to keep it updated. However, many Member States continue to face practical challenges, such as limited resources, high staff turnover, and competing priorities. These realities underscore the value of platforms such as this webinar, which foster collective learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and practical solutions to help countries build and sustain the capacities required under the IHR.Over the two days, participants engaged in presentations and discussions covering a wide range of technical and operational topics, such as the overarching international legal framework governing ship sanitation; considerations for pre-inspection planning; risk assessment factors by type of vessel; the completion and issuance of SSCs and evidence report forms; or practical insights on the inspection of various technical areas, such as food safety, medical facilities, water systems, or vector control, among others. In addition, public health authorities from the Netherlands, Morocco, and Tanzania shared case studies to showcase their practical application of these IHR requirements in their respective countries. Given its success, WHO plans to replicate similar sessions in the future to reach additional time zones and regions and cover other pressing border health-related topics, ensuring that Member States can continue benefiting from these opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.
Structural damage from fire forces lengthy closure of local business
The Rabbit Hole Bookstore in Dayton remains closed following a Feb. 12 fire that triggered an emergency evacuation order from city officials.
Trump, seeking executive power over elections, is urged to declare emergency
Activists who say they are in coordination with the White House are circulating a draft executive order that would unlock extraordinary presidential power over voting.
WHO Director-General visits Jordan to recognize strong collaboration on health system delivery, emergency relief and advancing mental health
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, today concluded the first day of his two-day State visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, underscoring the strong partnership between WHO and Jordan across the areas of universal health coverage (UHC), mental health and humanitarian health action.
Portland extends moratorium on large entertainment venues
City councilors passed the extension unanimously as an emergency on Monday night, saying they need more time to review a proposed "buffer zone" that would block the construction of a Live Nation concert hall downtown
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.
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.
Democrats demanding ICE reforms lose airport escorts in shutdown they triggered
The government shutdown hit TSA operations as the Department of Homeland Security activated emergency measures and suspended congressional escorts while keeping PreCheck operational.
US orders non-emergency personnel to leave Beirut embassy amid tensions
US official says Washington determined it was 'prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel' in Lebanon.
Analysis: Trump won’t blink on tariffs — because he can’t
It was always unthinkable that President Donald Trump would choose a new “most beautiful word” in the dictionary after the Supreme Court knocked back his emergency tariff powers.
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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Atrium Health's too-suburban ER
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Millionaire investor Kevin O’Leary warned of a “major compliance cost” for business owners in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Friday ruling that blocks President Trump from using emergency powers t…
Murky outlook for businesses after tariff ruling prompts countermoves by Trump
Businesses face a new wave of uncertainty after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under an emergency powers law and...
Murky outlook for businesses after tariff ruling prompts countermoves by Trump
NEW YORK (AP) — Businesses face a new wave of uncertainty after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under an emergency powers law and Trump vowed to work around the ruling to keep his tariffs in place.
Murky outlook for businesses after tariff ruling prompts countermoves by Trump
Businesses face a new wave of uncertainty after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under an emergency powers law and Trump vowed to work around the ruling to keep his tariffs in place.
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Supreme Court strikes down most of Trump's tariffs in a major blow to the president
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Planning progresses on new $12 million emergency department at Essentia Health-Fosston
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Dr. Michelle Morse to remain NYC chief medical officer, focus on equity work
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The Future of PAHPA and National Public Health Preparedness
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Award-winning pilot and wife die in plane crash after dirty windows prompt emergency landing, pet dog survives
Award-winning pilot declares emergency "due to oil on windshield" before fatal Texas crash. Ron and Barbara Timmermans died when aircraft hit power lines.