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John Kimmel Steps Away from Training to Focus on Bloodstock Business
John Kimmel has announced his retirement from training on the New York circuit to focus on building his bloodstock buisness.
US-Iran conflict brings Amazon's Abu Dhabi operations to a standstill
The e-commerce giant spent years building a logistics footprint in the Middle East. Some of those operations are on hold now.
'This is not Iraq.' Pete Hegseth says US won't spend 20 years in Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Iran 'is not Iraq' and the administration doesn't have 'utopian' plans for nation-building there.
Rezilient Health Appoints Zeev Neuwirth, MD, MHCM as Head of Strategic Partnerships
Rezilient Health announces that Zeev Neuwirth, MD, MHCM, has joined the company as Head of Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Dr. Neuwirth will focus on building and expanding partnerships with health systems and other stakeholders as Rezilient scales its advanced primary care model nationally.
Ancient Microbes Fused Into Earth’s First Complex Cells. Scientists Just Learned What Made It Possible.
Around 1.7 billion years ago, eukaryotes—the building blocks of complex life—first appeared on Earth, and now scientists have solved a longstanding riddle about their origin.
Caltrans to Host Contracting and Partnership Fresno Summit to Connect Businesses with State Contracting Opportunities
State of California
Pokémon Pokopia Replaces Conflict With Creature Comforts
You’ll rebuild a community in a spinoff that emulates cozy games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
What happens at Dollywood when Dolly Parton’s park closes for winter?
Dollywood is anything but quiet and calm during its “off-season.” Here’s how crews reset and rebuild the park to welcome guests for another year.
Transforming a Greenpoint Townhouse Into a High-Performance Home
A couple in Greenpoint built their dream garden and nearly doubled their square footage while implementing Passive House principles.
NFL Mock Draft 1.0: Building off the Combine
Our first NFL first-round Mock Draft of 2026, reacting to news and workouts from the NFL Combine. What will the Patriots do at No. 31?
Hitachi Energy powers up $457M expansion in South Boston
Hitachi Energy will invest $457 million to expand power transformer production in South Boston, creating 825 jobs and building the nation’s largest large transformer plant.
AmpQuartz Disrupts Sports Industry with Launch of AQ Smash Subsidiary and Malaysia's Luxurious Badminton Hub in Mount Austin
AmpQuartz launches subsidiary AQ Smash, unveiling Malaysia's luxurious P.R IND badminton showroom in Mount Austin. Featuring custom cabinets, hub hosts AmpQuartz Badminton Club. Committed to building happy families, AmpQuartz sponsors JHBA youth players and donates sales to charity, extending care beyond renovation into community sports.Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2026) - AmpQuartz, a leader in custom cabinets and storage system design and planning, today announces a
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.
Jupiter’s moons may have formed with the ingredients for life
Jupiter’s icy moons may have been seeded with the chemical ingredients for life from the very beginning. An international team of scientists modeled how complex organic molecules—essential building blocks for biology—could have formed in the swirling disk of gas and dust around the young Sun and later been carried into Jupiter’s own moon-forming disk. Their results suggest that up to half of the icy material that built moons like Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto may have delivered freshly made organic compounds without being chemically destroyed.
Old Firm build-up dominates Sunday's gossip
Old Firm build-up dominates Sunday's Scottish football gossip.
Old Firm build-up dominates Sunday's Scottish football gossip
Old Firm build-up dominates Sunday's Scottish football gossip.
How to go from a small business to a fast-growing company
One entrepreneur shares what works for her—and what could work for you.
Politics professor weighs in on Iran attack as Bay Area sees protests
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Protesters gathered outside the San Francisco Federal Building on Saturday to demonstrate against U.S. military strikes on Iran. The joint mission, conducted by the Uni…
Business described as ‘hidden gem’ to expand in small McLean County city
Lexington’s mayor is announcing a longtime business in the small McLean County city is expanding by building a new factory and hiring more workers.
Fact-checking statements made by Trump to justify U.S. strikes on Iran
President Donald Trump's accusation that Iran is building nuclear weapons that could "soon" reach the U.S. is contradicted by a 2025 federal government assessment that said Iran is years away from the ability to produce long-range missiles.
The Recipe for Innovation? An Alliance Between Art and Science.
Three tips to help organizations build bridges between creative and systematic thinkers.
Satellite pics show devastation at Iranian supreme leader's residence
At least six buildings were heavily damaged by the strike, with several collapsed, an analysis of fresh and older satellite images shows.
2 iconic Redding restaurants for sale. Sensory center + cafe opening
This week in The Buzz. This downtown building that once housed Sim Nathan's Shoes sold in November. Two landmark Redding restaurants are for sale.
Business Victories in the 2026 Legislative Session - Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Indiana State Capitol Building in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Our president and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders says the 2026 Indiana General Assembly, which adjourned last evening, was "successful in advancing key Indiana Chamber priorities and building on the state’s momentum to keep Indiana on a
Marcus Corp. moving forward with entertainment, commercial plans for Pabst Farms
Marcus Corporation plans to zone a portion of its Pabst Farms land for entertainment and the rest for commercial use, attracting companies to build there.
Marcus Corp. moving forward with entertainment, commercial plans for Pabst Farms
Marcus Corporation plans to zone a portion of its Pabst Farms land for entertainment and the rest for commercial use, attracting companies to build there.
A Brother Martin captain gets his moment in home playoff win. ‘That’s how you build culture.’
When Chris Keene’s 3-pointer left his hands Friday night, the entire Brother Martin student section raised their arms in anticipation.
The first animals on Earth had no skeletons and that changes everything
Sponges may be ancient, but their timeline has been murky. New research suggests the earliest sponges were soft and skeleton-free, explaining why their fossils don’t appear until much later. By analyzing hundreds of genes and modeling how skeletons evolved, scientists found that mineralized spicules arose separately in different sponge lineages. The discovery rewrites the story of how the first reef-building animals—and possibly the first animals of all—emerged.
Paolini ends Boulter's winning run at Merida Open
British number three Katie Boulter fails to build on a brilliant start against Jasmine Paolini in the Merida Open quarter-finals.
10 Years of Building Business Dreams for Indigenous Women
Women travel from tribal communities across Arizona and the Southwest carrying business plans, lived experience and ambition. Project DreamCatcher is a free, culturally grounded business education pro...
Texas A&M vying for season sweep of rival Texas
Texas A&M seeks a season sweep of rival Texas while it builds momentum for the NCAA Tournament on Saturday afternoon in a late-season Southeastern Conference clash in College Station, Texas.
Scientists discover microbe that breaks a fundamental rule of the genetic code
Scientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a microbe that bends one of biology’s most sacred rules. Instead of treating a specific three-letter DNA code as a clear “stop” signal, this methane-producing archaeon sometimes reads it as a green light—adding an unusual amino acid and continuing to build the protein. The result is a kind of genetic coin flip: two different proteins can emerge from the same code, influenced partly by environmental conditions.
Brad Stevens deserves praise for the Boston Celtics' recent success
Brad Stevens continues to build high-level rosters
Why Nintendo is expanding its business beyond gaming
Mario. Link. Pikachu. These aren't just video game characters — they’re some of the most recognizable figures on the planet. For nearly 50 years, Nintendo has been building loyalty to its worlds, and now it's turning that nostalgia into a global entertainment empire.
Microsoft testing Windows 11 batch file security improvements
Microsoft is rolling out new Windows 11 Insider Preview builds that improve security and performance during batch file or CMD script execution.
Small Business AI Jam: Bellevue
The Small Business AI Jam is a free, hands-on workshop on March 6 in Bellevue where small business owners learn to use ChatGPT and build a practical AI tool for their business with mentor support.
10 years of building business dreams for Indigenous women
Three years ago, Denella Belin was not looking to become her own boss. A Navajo chef from Tuba City, Arizona, she had what many would consider strong job security.She was working as a sous chef at a tribal-owned casino in the Valley, a position she had spent years building toward. She had five children, more than a decade of kitchen experience and a steady paycheck. Entrepreneurship was not part of her plan.Then someone asked her a question she could not shake.
TAB in D.C.: Texas Business Leading Where It Matters
The Texas Association of Business (TAB) returned to Washington, D.C. this week with a clear purpose: ensuring federal policymakers understand what Texas employers need to remain competitive and economically strong. As the Texas State Chamber of Commerce and the premier business organization in the state, TAB represents employers who are actively building, hiring, exporting, and…
Bethesda Is Quietly Rebuilding Fallout 76's Foundation With The Backwoods | Preview
A new structure separates solo friendly content from multiplayer public events while adding dynamic encounters to keep runs unpredictable.
What's that new downtown Salem business on State and Commercial?
A new environmentally-friendly salon at the Nishioka building is looking to create community in downtown Salem.
Scientists turn methane into medicine in stunning breakthrough
Scientists have unveiled a breakthrough way to turn natural gas—long burned as fuel—into valuable chemical building blocks for medicines and other high-demand products. By designing a clever iron-based catalyst powered by LED light, researchers managed to activate stubborn molecules like methane and transform them into complex compounds, even creating the hormone therapy drug dimestrol directly from methane for the first time.
Opinion | The Black Business Hub is another Madison success story
Paul Fanlund: The sleek, modern building on Madison’s South Park Street is now bubbling with activity.
Hidden taxes: The housing affordability crisis is math, not politics
Revisiting policies that may unintentionally burden working families isn’t surrender; It’s strong leadership.
Business owner, officials protest MDOT plan for roundabout in St. Johns
The Michigan Department of Transportation wants to build a roundabout outside Sherri Mulligan's door, at M-21 and Scott Road, in St. Johns.
How to capitalize on going viral, grow a sustainable small business
Going viral brought new customers, but didn't guarantee customer retention. The Chocbox founders shares how's she's building a lasting business.
How RIA Founders Can Prepare Their Firms for Success
Four key strategies RIA founders use to build enduring businesses and maximize value in competitive M&A markets
Partnership Leads to New Model for Building the Future of Themed Entertainment
UCF and AOA are launching a new scholars program to provide hands-on professional practice to themed experience graduate students.
Game On: Club and Intramural Sports Fuel Community at Taylor University
Club and intramural sports at Taylor University engage nearly half the student body while building community and fostering connection.
Exclusive: Third Way Health raises $15M for front-office AI
As many startups eye building AI platforms to break the "point solution" mold, Third Way is hoping providers hand over the keys to several admin tasks.
Samsung announces the start of One UI 8.5 update rollout
While the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra ship with One UI 8.5 out of the box, Samsung has confirmed a sequential update rollout for older devices. It is a visual and AI reset built around two pillars: Ambient Design and a Perplexity-powered Bixby. Samsung confirmed that stable builds will begin rolling out in March […]
BBC Audio | Business Daily | How modular homes are rebuilding Portugal’s ruins
Concrete’s carbon footprint is turning architects towards forests
Big Pink owner buys another Portland building on the cheap
If now is the time to buy Portland offices for a song, Jeff Swickard is singing.
Galaxy S26 Ultra Doesn’t Have Built-in Qi2 Magnets
Apple and Google understand that building magnets into their phones is a pretty important piece of the hardware experience. With magnets built-in, you offer easy... #GalaxyS26 #GalaxyS26Plus
John Lewis pulls out of housebuilding business
The retailer began expanding into housebuilding in 2020 but it is scrapping those plans to focus on retail instead.
Fortifying Health Systems and Countering Infectious Disease Threats Through the America First Global Health Strategy in Burkina Faso - United States Department of State
Today, the United States and Burkina Faso signed a five-year bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that reinforces regional health security in the Sahel while advancing Burkina Faso’s capacity to independently manage infectious disease threats before they reach our shores. This MOU reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting American health security while building […]
Mat Ishbia's United Wholesale Mortgage notches profitable year
The Pontiac-based mortgage lender saw a boost in mortgage refinancing activity in the later half of 2025.
Ex-Microsoft games leader not worried new Xbox CEO has no games experience
After Microsoft approved Xbox, it was up to Ed Fries, former head of Microsoft Game Studios, to build the games for it. We get his take on the new Xbox CEO.
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.
Ranking college football's deepest WR rooms in 2026: Texas, Miami, Indiana add through portal
Several CFP contenders added major pass-catching weapons through the transfer portal to build elite wide receiver groups
Kalshi Taps Standard Chartered’s Ross for Institutional Business
Prediction-markets platform Kalshi Inc. tapped the former head of prime and financing at Standard Chartered Plc to help build its business serving institutional investors, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
NASA study finds ancient life could survive 50 million years in Martian ice
Mars’ frozen ice caps may be time capsules for ancient life. Lab experiments show that key building blocks of proteins can survive tens of millions of years in pure ice, even under relentless cosmic radiation. Ice mixed with Martian-like soil, however, destroys organic material far more quickly. The findings point future missions toward drilling into clean, buried ice rather than studying rocks or dirt.
Private equity to buy Arcosa's barge business for $450 million
Arcosa Inc., Dallas, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its barge building business to Wynnchurch Capital LP, Rosemont, Ill., for $450 million in cash, continuing a string of
Lowe’s Sales Rise on Pro Builder Business Growth
Lowe’s reported higher fourth-quarter sales as continued growth in its business supplying professional builders helped it to offset weakness in the home improvement market.
Datavault AI (DVLT), Wellgistics Health Expand Partnership to Launch Blockchain-Powered HaaS Model
Datavault AI Inc. (NASDAQ:DVLT) is one of the best penny stocks under $1 to buy right now. On February 23, Datavault AI and Wellgistics Health Inc. (NASDAQ:WGRX) announced an expansion of their partnership to develop a Healthcare-as-a-Service/HaaS model powered by blockchain-enabled smart contracts. This initiative builds on their existing PharmacyChain technology, which currently digitizes the […]
Iran accuses US of spreading ‘big lies’ after Trump’s State of the Union address
President claimed during longest ever State of the Union speech that Tehran was building weapons that could strike the US
The Beginner's Blueprint For Building AI Agents That Handle Your Toughest Business Tasks
This practical guide explains how to design agentic workflows using a simple inputs, tasks and outputs framework, so any business leader can move from idea to execution.
Scotland’s new emissions strategy ‘too reliant on science fiction’, critics say
UK Climate Change Committee voices concern over Scotland’s progress on decarbonising buildings and reliance on unproved technologies
WATCH: ‘Can't let’ Iran have a nuclear weapon, Trump says
The U.S. has been building up its largest military presence of American warships and aircraft in decades in the Middle East, as the Trump administration plans to restart talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
Historic Berkley Theatre building to become live entertainment venue
The building that once housed the Berkley Theatre is being transformed into a $4 million live entertainment venue.
[CROI 2026] aidsmap: The war on science: resisting and rebuilding at a crucial juncture
“We all knew Trump’s second term would be worse than his first. But few of us were prepared for the level of destruction – and the speed of it...”
Former Allure Health building sells to medical spa
The former Allure Health building in south Sioux Falls will be filled by Kalon Medical Spa.
Business Development is Not Magic! How Successful Lawyers Build Thriving Practices
Sustainable practice growth requires intentional strategy, authentic engagement, disciplined follow-up, and a long-term relationship mindset.
The war on science: resisting and rebuilding at a crucial juncture
Peter Staley’s talk at the opening session of the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2026) in Denver was a grim post-mortem of one of the most challenging years in recent HIV history – an ‘annus horribilis’ – a phrase Queen Elizabeth II used to describe 1992 and The Lancet applied to 2025.
New bill carves out public gift rule exception for first responders and mental health resources
There are restrictions on how and when public officials can receive gifts in Minnesota. But Monday, lawmakers discussed a bipartisan bill that would make sure those restrictions don't apply to mental health resources.
Trump said Iran’s nuclear program was ‘obliterated.’ So why is he looking to strike again?
In March, the US intelligence community assessed that Iran was “not building a nuclear weapon.”
Trump confronts his 3 main options on Iran — from diplomacy to trying to topple a regime
After ordering the largest American military buildup in the Middle East since the onset of the Iraq War, President Donald Trump now has a decision to make on Iran.
From jail cells to exam rooms: St. George facility transformed into health clinic
A building that once served as a women’s detention center in St. George is now set to serve a very different purpose – healthcare.
The Balloon Museum Takes All 54K SF at Seaport’s Tin Building
The Balloon Museum is taking over the entire Tin Building in Lower Manhattan's Seaport District.
Seaport Entertainment Group Announces Lease With Balloon Museum to Transform Historic Tin Building Into a New Cultural Destination
Seaport Entertainment Group Inc. (NYSE: SEG) (“Seaport Entertainment Group” or “SEG”) and Lux Entertainment today announced that Balloon Museum, the award-wi...
Seaport Entertainment Group Announces Lease With Balloon Museum to Transform Historic Tin Building Into a New Cultural Destination
NEW YORK, February 23, 2026--Seaport Entertainment Group Inc. (NYSE: SEG) ("Seaport Entertainment Group" or "SEG") and Lux Entertainment today announced that Balloon Museum, the award-winning contemporary art format, will open at the Tin Building in Summer 2026. The Tin Building will serve as the Balloon Museum’s U.S. flagship, enriching the cultural landscape in the Seaport neighborhood by offering a community-oriented, experiential art destination designed to attract visitors of all ages.
🏥 Protecting Iowa’s Health Care
In rural Iowa, the nearest hospital isn’t just a building — it’s a lifeline. And in many towns, it’s the only one for miles. When that hospital struggles to hire nurses, absorb rising costs, and maintain key services, families feel it immediately — long before any announcement is made. Last week, I met with patients […]
AbbVie to invest $380 million to expand US manufacturing in Illinois
AbbVie on Monday said it would invest $380 million to build two new active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facilities at its Illinois campus, expanding its domestic production capacity for its neuroscience and obesity medicines.
Trump Organization signs deal for billion-dollar skyscraper on Australia's Gold Coast
The Trump Organization announced a $1 billion project in Australia this week, building a 91-floor luxury resort and apartments on the Gold Coast.
Quantum computers go high-dimensional with a four-state photon gate
The collaboration of TU Wien with research groups in China has resulted in a crucial building block for a new kind of quantum computer: The realization of a novel type of quantum logic gate makes it possible ...
This Entrepreneur Spends Her Days Dreaming Up Decadent Cookie Recipes. How A Frightening Diagnosis Sparked Her Million-Dollar Business.
After experiencing mysterious symptoms while running and facing a scary prognosis, Addison LaBonte overhauled her diet and lifestyle and started a new career, as an influencer and baker at Sweet Addison's. She's one of many entrepreneurs building thriving niches in the creator economy.
‘Paradise’ Pulls A Classic ‘This Is Us’ Move That Turns Season 2’s Opener Into A Totally Different Show
Sterling K. Brown’s Hulu hit goes above and beyond the bunker in a world-building second season.
Digital health tools do not always build confidence for dementia caregivers
As more care and coordination moves online, nearly half of caregivers report low confidence in their digital health literacy, with implications for their own health and burnout.
Mike Wampold has developed properties across the region. He's bullish on Baton Rouge.
Developer Mike Wampold has a vast portfolio that includes hotels, apartments, office buildings and an 1800-acre planned community. His focus these days is on Baton Rouge, where he sees untapped potential.
In health care’s defining moment, AMA helps drive positive change
Building on eight major wins in the federal budget deal, doctors gather for the AMA National Advocacy Conference in Washington to reshape medicine.
Can Ssense 2.0 Work?
Ssense’s founders got buyout approval. What will the retailer’s next phase look like — and can they build back brand and consumer trust?
Trump's Swollen Ankles Spark Health Concerns Again: Edema Causes, Risks And What It Means
US President Trump's visibly swollen ankles have reignited scrutiny over his health, drawing attention to edema, fluid buildup in tissues. Here's what causes swelling and when it may signal a serious health issue.
BUSINESS MONDAY: Spotlight on HappyPlace Berkshires in Great Barrington
An artist-entrepreneur transforms Berkshire pride into locally made screenprints and other branded merchandise, building community one iconic design at a time.
Forget Le Pen. French politics has a new archvillain.
The far-right National Rally wants to build a firewall around the hard-left France Unbowed after the killing of Quentin Deranque.
Simple blood test can forecast Alzheimer’s years before memory loss
Scientists have created a blood test that can estimate when Alzheimer’s symptoms are likely to begin. By measuring a protein called p-tau217, the model predicts symptom onset within roughly three to four years. The protein mirrors the silent buildup of amyloid and tau in the brain long before memory loss appears. This advance could speed up preventive drug trials and eventually guide personalized care.
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
Uniting to respond to mental health impacts of digital violence
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), from doxxing and cyberstalking to cyberbullying and online harassment, is reshaping how women and girls navigate digital spaces. Globally, an estimated 23% of women have experienced digital violence. In Indonesia, reported cases of TFGBV reached 1,791 in 2024, a 40.8% increase from the previous year. Yet very few survivors seek help, leaving lasting effects on their mental health and wellbeing. As part of the multi-UN agencies UNiTE campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) co-hosted a talk show on 6 December 2025 to spotlight this urgent issue. The event brought together voices from Meta, the Indonesian Clinical Psychologist Association and Dr Vivi Syarif, a WHO Fides content creator, creating a cross-sectoral dialogue on the magnitude and mental health impact of digital violence. The talk show introduced psychological first aid as a vital initial intervention that communities can provide to survivors. This intervention aligns with the Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers, a framework that has been standardized for over a decade. The "look, listen, link" approach focuses on ensuring safety and urgent needs, reassuring survivors and connecting them to appropriate services. In addition to this public health approach, Meta also outlined mechanisms to respond to digital violence and reaffirmed its commitment to building safer digital spaces by continuously updating community guidelines based on user feedback. Such collaborative discussions help connect community engagement initiatives with daily digital life. They empower audiences not only to understand how the health sector and industry are responding, but also to educate others, promote first-line support and encourage referrals to appropriate help. By fostering awareness and engagement, these dialogues strengthen collective resilience against digital violence. Written by Jessie O. Yunus, National Professional Officer (Gender, Equity, Rights and Disability Inclusion), WHO Indonesia
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