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Doctors and educators work to break taboos about gut health and sex education
From digestion to consent, experts say open conversations can improve health and fight misinformation
Miami Cubans Fear Trump Won’t Go Far Enough: ‘The Castros Have to Go’
Many Cubans in Florida have sought regime change for decades. They fear that President Trump’s talks with Cuba will not lead to wholesale political transformation.
Get a fuller picture with Fitbit's personal health coach
Learn how Fitbit is helping people take control of their health by linking medical records, improving sleep tracking accuracy and advancing metabolic research. Discover how the Personal Health Coach uses your health history to provide more relevant wellness information while keeping your data private and secure.
A new era for understanding mental health with smartphone-derived digital traces
Nature Health - Smartphones offer a way to understand our lives and health through digital tracing, but trust, transparency and value of information exchange need to be preserved — which is...
UPMC warns embattled data exchange Health Gorilla may have improperly pulled patient records
UPMC says its medical records may have been improperly accessed by Health Gorilla, a patient data gatekeeper accused in federal court of mismanaging sensitive information. Health Gorilla requested data “under the pretext of providing treatment to shared UPMC patients and claimed it had permission to do so,” according to a
EHR fragmentation offers an opportunity to enhance care coordination and experience
Harmonizing electronic health record platforms and their legacy data tames complexity and enables easier patient access to information and greater patient trust in the healthcare system, says NewYork-Presbyterian's EHR manager.
Disabled CDC staff still missing accommodations
The transformation of organ transplantation, an age to start considering statins, and other health news
Robotics firm Intuitive Surgical says cyberattack compromised business, customer data
The company said an intruder accessed employee information, customer contact details and other records.
SKF announces new business segments and releases restated figures
SKF today announces the introduction of a new segment reporting structure, effective from Q1 2026. The purpose of these changes is to reflect the Group's strategic focus and to provide increased transparency ahead of the planned separation of the Automotive business. SKF is also publishing restated financial information for the new segments for 2024 and 2025.
Large-scale neuroimaging datasets often lack information specific to women’s health, constraining AI’s analysis potential
Addressing this gap will require collecting widespread data on pregnancy, menopause and other life events women experience—and could bring us closer to the “holy grail” of linking brain and behavior.
Stopping Screwworms with Science - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
USDA’s new sterile fly production center aims to keep a dangerous livestock pest from gaining ground in North America.
Three questions: On the future of AI and the mathematical and physical sciences
Curiosity-driven research has long sparked technological transformations. A century ago, curiosity about atoms led to quantum mechanics, and eventually the transistor at the heart of modern computing. ...
Bethesda drops unusual tease that it'll have Starfield news for us "next week"
Bethesda has teased that we can expect new information about Starfield "next week".
Statesboro Business Commission to host information session March 26
The City of Statesboro Business Commission will host “Doing Business in Statesboro,” an information session for local small business owners and entrepreneurs, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
As the risk of measles grows, why are parents so divided on vaccines?
In South Carolina, some parents embrace vaccines, others opt out. Why do people make such different choices? A mix of politics, distrust and misinformation is pushing neighbors apart.
How Are We Preparing For the Next Pandemic? | FRONTLINE | PBS | Official Site
Six years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, here’s a snapshot of preparedness at a time of global health funding cuts, policy shifts and the spread of misinformation.
Yerba Buena
Immerse into the world of Yerba Buena. Discover all the information about the game and all the news related to it.
Google Is Not Ruling Out Ads in Gemini
WIRED spoke with Nick Fox, Google’s SVP of knowledge and information, about how AI is changing the company’s advertising business.
Power outage stalls business at Mass. State House
A State House electrical outage ended around noon Thursday after the Legislature’s website and internet connectivity within the building were knocked out of commission Wednesday evening. Legislative Information Services sent an email to legislative members and staff on Wednesday around 9 p.m., stating that an electrical outage in the State House caused a service disruption. Portions of the building were running…
Child and Adolescent Firearm Deaths: National Trends and Variation by Demographics and States
This brief analyzes the latest youth mortality data from the CDC, finding that nearly 22,000 children and adolescents died by firearm in the past decade. More information on trends over time, type of firearm deaths, and how these deaths vary by demographic and state are available in this brief.
Misunderstandings about science are as bad as misinformation | Psyche Notes to Self
People’s misunderstanding of terms like ‘heritability’ shows how important it is to communicate science carefully
iPhone Fold expected to include new app features, including side-by-side multitasking
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is coming this fall, and Mark Gurman at Bloomberg has new information about how the interface...
Elections 2026 Press Kit
Northwestern University faculty are available to discuss 2026 election topics including redistricting, voter behavior, campaign strategy, election law, misinformation, polarization and political history.
AOiA positioned as early leader as CMS elevates digital health evaluation nationwide
CHICAGO, IL — The American Osteopathic Information Association (AOiA) applauds the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for launching the Medicare App Library, a new national directory of rigorously evaluated digital health applications for Medicare beneficiaries. The initiative represents a major federal commitment to ensuring that patients have access to safe, evidence‑based digital health … Read More
Suazo Business Center reps name building to honor Gladys Gonzalez, key in its formation
Suazo Business Center reps named the building housing the organization in honor of Gladys Gonzalez, who was key in its formation.
Could Bees and ChatGPT Be Conscious? Scientists Are Seriously Asking
Researchers propose that the key to identifying consciousness in animals and AI lies in understanding how their information processing systems work.
Suazo Business Center reps name building to honor Gladys Gonzalez, key in its formation
Suazo Business Center reps named the building housing the organization in honor of Gladys Gonzalez, who was key in its formation.
Legislature overwhelmingly approves changes to Oregon open meetings law, even after key lawmakers admit flaws
Any local government body could meet in private to learn and share information about a policy, personnel or budget matter without having to notify the public or keep minutes.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Thickness and Weight Allegedly Revealed
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly thicker than its predecessor, measuring in at 8.8mm, up from 8.75mm on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The information comes from oft-accurate Weibo-based leaker Ice Universe. The claim chimes with a report last year that alleged hardware changes in the iPhone 18 Pro Max will make it the heaviest iPhone yet.
Tennessee lawmakers skeptical over strings attached to Trump rural health grant program
The Trump administration’s Rural Health Transformation Program is being met with skepticism from Tennessee lawmakers.
In Talking to Parents About Vaccines, Pediatricians Navigate a Sea of Misinformation
Practitioners nationwide are striving to do what’s best for children’s health, while staying supportive in the face of mistrust and confusion.
Critical Microsoft Excel bug weaponizes Copilot Agent for zero-click information disclosure attack
: Could steal sensitive personal and financial data
Davenport University expands access to growing health information field with new partnerships
Davenport University joins a growing chorus to protect patient data. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2025 that the demand for health information management professionals is growing rapidly. To meet the growing need, the university’s College of Health Professions has formed three new health information management partnerships with Southern University at New
AI, embedded across the enterprise: valuable perspective from Mass General Brigham
At the HIMSS26 AI in Healthcare Forum, MGB's chief information and digital officer described strategies for governance, safety and sustainability as it strives to integrate artificial intelligence across all corners of the health system.
The “Last Mile” Problem Slowing AI Transformation
Few companies have been able to fundamentally change their operating and business models around AI. The primary obstacle to progress is rarely model quality or data availability, but rather the “last mile” of transformation where technical capability must meet organizational design. There are seven frictions that contribute to this problem: proliferation of pilots, the productivity gap, process debt, the identity problem of tribal knowledge, agentic governance, architectural complexity, and the efficiency trap. To overcome these, companies need to focus on clean-sheet process redesign, strategically capturing knowledge, and managing their new digital workforce.
How Collins transformed its own business, bringing value to brands from Nike to NASA
Collins wins Ad Age’s 2026 Business Transformation Agency of the Year.
Apple Planning 'MacBook Ultra' With Touchscreen and Higher Price
Apple is planning to launch an all-new "MacBook Ultra" model this year, featuring an OLED display, touchscreen, and a higher price point, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. Gurman revealed the information in his latest "Power On" newsletter.
LAPD officers respond to business robbery call, fatally shoot suspect behind counter
Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department opened fire on a suspect while responding to a robbery call late Saturday night. According to the LAPD Public Information Officer, units were called …
Colorado Democrats, Republicans fight over ballot fiscal information
Republicans and Democrats clashed anew over legislation that would require identifying which programs would see a funding reduction if a ballot measure passed, with the former saying it’s yet another way for the government to control the campaign narrative and the latter insisting it provides transparency to voters. House Bill 1084, sponsored by Denver Democratic […]
The Rural Health Transformation Fund: Political Rhetoric Meets Bipartisan Concern as the Program Moves Forward
Visit the post for more.
KFF Health News: Rural Health Transformation Fund Allocation
KFF Health published a story March 4 detailing concerns from hospital leaders and lawmakers across the country about how states plan to spend new federal rural health funding.
Our transformation in action
Business Insider saw year-over-year growth in visits and return visits, in both January and February — a significant achievement in today's landscape.
NYC top doctor's priorities: health, affordability, and then there's Trump
The new health commissioner has plenty on his plate, including answering "misinformation" from the White House.
Rice Business event explores how AI can innovate hiring, finance, health care and more
At the second annual Innovation and AI Summit, Rice Business faculty led conversational panels on how artificial intelligence will affect digital transformation, finance and human capital.
Most Americans lack confidence in health info from federal leaders
56% say these leaders aren’t providing trustworthy information on public health, compared with high confidence in their own doctors and the AMA.
The era of Doctor AI is already here
Artificial intelligence is opening access to medical information in an entirely new way.
More than two thirds of state Sen. Dems oppose CLCPA changes
“I believe very strongly that she has been peddled an enormous amount of misinformation,” state Sen. Liz Krueger said of the governor.
Ditto Plushies Arrive Right In Time For Pokopia Fever
44 new Ditto transformations are yours to love and squeeze and cuddle
Apple's Two New Studio Display Models Feature Different Chips
Apple's press release and marketing materials for the new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR models do not mention which chips are inside the monitors, but MacRumors has confirmed this information in the latest Studio Display firmware. The firmware reveals that the second-generation Studio Display is equipped with an A19 chip, while the Studio Display XDR has an A19 Pro chip, according to code reviewed by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.
People are selling your home address online. This privacy tool will help
There's a free automated tool that removes information about you from Google search results. For some reason, most people don't use it.
Brazil Gift Card Business Databook Report 2026: Market to Grow by Over $5.5 Billion by 2030 with Distribution Concentrating Around Large Retail Chains, Marketplaces, and Digital Platforms
The Brazilian gift card market presents opportunities in digital transformation, integration with payment ecosystems, use in corporate incentives, and strategic partnerships. Key areas include shifting to account-linked digital cards, embedding in digital wallets and payments, structured corporate use, and leveraging large retail platforms for distribution. Brazilian Gift Card Market Brazilian Gift Card Market Dublin, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Brazil Gift Card Business and Investme
Orchestrating Continuous Transformation for Stronger Business Outcomes
The renewed SAP Services and Support portfolio offers a consistent experience that supports continuous transformation, not one-time change.
Meta's AI display glasses reportedly share intimate videos with human moderators
Users in Europe of Meta's AI smart glasses may be unknowingly sharing intimate video and sensitive financial information with moderators outside of the bloc.
AHCA/NCAL Submits Comments on Health Information Interoperability Proposed Rule
AHCA/NCAL submitted comments recently to the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in response to ...
Data Drives Public Health From Clinic to Community
Public health agencies need data to keep people healthy but getting that information depends on the cooperation of many people and organizations across health care and government.
Digital Science partners with Higher Education Research Security Association
Collaboration aimed at strengthening research security and integrity across UK universities and supporting trust in science
Opinion | JD Vance Has His Reasons
The vice president’s political transformation from Trump skeptic to MAGA superstar has many roots.
Politics and Agricuture - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
From labor reform to the rising cost of growing our food, politics isn’t helping to fix the crisis agriculture is facing.
Cuba's president pushes for 'urgent' changes to island's economic and business model
HAVANA (AP) — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Monday that his government should “immediately” focus on implementing urgent transformations to the island’s economic and social model as oil reserves in the Caribbean country dwindle.
Cuba's president pushes for 'urgent' changes to island's economic and business model
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel says his government should “immediately” focus on implementing urgent transformations to the island’s economic and social model as oil reserves in the Caribbean country dwindle
Cuba's president pushes for 'urgent' changes to island's economic and business model
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Monday that his government should “immediately” focus on implementing urgent transformations to the island’s economic and social model as oil reserves in the Car...
Report: Apple Asks Google to Run Siri on Its Servers
Apple has asked Google to investigate setting up servers in its data centers to run a future version of Siri powered by Gemini, The Information reports. Currently, Apple sends its more complex AI queries to Private Cloud Compute, a system that runs on Apple servers using Apple silicon chips. Today, only 10% of Apple's Private Cloud Compute capacity is said to be in use on average.
Rural health’s $50 billion tech transformation: Too fast to last
Rural health’s $50 billion tech transformation: Too fast to last
Orange Business and Tech Mahindra to Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate End-to-End Digital Transformation for Enterprise Customers Worldwide, Focusing on AI, Automation and Secure Digital Platforms
Orange Business and Tech Mahindra today announced that they have entered exclusive negotiations to form a non-equity, global strategic partnership to help en...
Press release: Orange Business and Tech Mahindra to forge strategic partnership to accelerate end-to-end digital transformation for enterprise customers worldwide, focusing on AI, automation and secure digital platforms
Press releaseParis, 02 March 2026 Orange Business and Tech Mahindra to forge strategic partnership to accelerate end-to-end digital transformation for enterprise customers worldwide, focusing on AI, automation and secure digital platforms This proposed 5-year partnership aims to fast-track next-generation solutions for international customers by combining Orange Business’ trusted leadership in networks, platforms, cloud and cybersecurity with Tech Mahindra’s strong integration expertise and agil
Steve Kerr admits 'stupid mistake' for calling misinformation on Warriors C Kristaps Porzingis' POTS diagnosis
Porzingis has still played only one game for the Warriors after joining them at the trade deadline.
To succeed with AI, leaders must prioritize safety when driving transformation
Dr. Paul A. Testa, CHIO at NYU Langone Health, says artificial intelligence demands the same level of institutional commitment, governance and cultural investment that the best health systems brought to EHR adoption.
A lost moon may have created Titan and Saturn’s rings
Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, may have been born in a colossal cosmic crash. New research suggests Titan formed when two older moons slammed together hundreds of millions of years ago—an event so violent it reshaped Saturn’s entire moon system and may have indirectly sparked the formation of its iconic rings. Clues come from Titan’s unusual orbit, its surprisingly smooth surface, and the strange behavior of the tumbling moon Hyperion.
TapPFN AI Accelerates Business Transformation on Databricks
Discover how TabPFN eliminates weeks of ML work on Databricks with faster predictions, no retraining, and full governance across core business operations.
Developer chosen to transform metro Atlanta mall into NHL arena-centric entertainment district
The developer known for Ponce City Market has been selected to mastermind the transformation of Alpharetta’s North Point Mall into an NHL arena-centric mixed-use entertainment district.
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
iPhone and iPad approved to handle classified NATO information without any third-party add-on solutions
Apple's iPhone and iPad are the first consumer devices approved to handle classified NATO information without needing any third-party security add-ons.
Hillary Clinton testifies she has no information on Epstein's crimes
Thursday's testimony comes at the start of two days of depositions that will include former President Bill Clinton.
Announcing a Transformational Gift for Mental Health - UCLA Office of the Chancellor
Chancellor Frenk shared this message with the Bruin community. Dear Bruin Community: We are pleased to announce a landmark $100 million gift from Stewart and Lynda Resnick that will help expand world-class behavioral health care at UCLA Health and support...
iPhone and iPad approved to handle classified NATO information
Today, Apple announced iPhone and iPad are the first and only consumer devices in compliance with information assurance requirements of NATO nations.
Women's Health Myths: Doctor warns against believing claims about testosterone
Women's health expert says misinformation about taking testosterone is rampant on social media.
How A.I.-Generated Videos Are Distorting Your Child’s YouTube Feed
Experts caution that low-quality, A.I.-generated videos on YouTube geared toward children often feature conflicting information, lack plot structure and can be cognitively overwhelming — all of which could affect young children’s development.
France pushes back against MAGA political meddling
A French magistrate recently went public about how US envoys had tried to interfere in French national politics. Experts say it is clear that France is a target of disinformation strategies.
France resists as MAGA tries to get its grip on politics
A French magistrate recently went public about how US envoys had tried to interfere in French national politics. Experts say it is clear that France is a target of disinformation strategies.
Mesa County's new public health tool is designed to better track disease outbreak data
The online system allows child care centers to report information, gathering data faster
Is the FCC 'equal time' rule leading to media censorship
The Federal Communications Commission is investigating ABC over its show The View's airing of an interview with a Texas politician. Stephen Colbert moved his interview with the same candidate off broadcast, all because of the FCC’s "equal time" rule. We discuss the rule, possible changes to it, and how it could all affect the way Americans get their information.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, media correspondent David Folkenflik, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
AI is making waves everywhere, except where you’d expect it most. Two giant tech companies are working to change that
AI is starting to change the way people work, find information and even form social relationships. Yet very little has changed about the devices people often use to access AI: smartphones.
Morehead State alum inducted into Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
A Morehead State University alum who went on to soar in sports broadcasting has received one of the field's highest honors. Marc Herklotz (Class of 1981) was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in December 2025. Herklotz worked on the technical side of broadcasting for over 30 years and had a special interest in sports broadcasting. Under ESPN's umbrella of sporting events, Herklotz worked directly with Sunday Night Baseball and Football, Monday Night Football and Home Run Derbies. For more information about Herklotz's career and the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, visit their website. To learn more about the Department of Communication, Media, Art & Design programs, please email cmad@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2766.
Robert Adamson, RWJBarnabas Health Chief Information Officer, Honored by Becker’s Hospital Review as a 2026 CIO to Know
Robert T. Adamson, PharmD, FASHP, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of RWJBarnabas Health, was honored as one of just 135 hospital and health system CIOs to know nationwide by Becker’s Hospital Review. This is the second consecutive year that Dr. Adamson has appeared on this list.
Women's Health Myths: Doctors say hormone therapy misinformation is rampant
Experts warn against turning to social media for advice about treating menopause symptoms.
Women sweep the board in UK’s biggest science awards
Winners were awarded £100,000 each for their work focused on understanding planet formation, advances in DNA replication and sub-atomic energy transfer
40,000-year-old signs show humans were recording information long before writing
More than 40,000 years ago, Ice Age humans were carving repeated patterns of dots, lines, and crosses into tools and small ivory figurines. A new computational study of more than 3,000 of these Paleolithic signs reveals that they were not random decorations but structured sequences with measurable complexity. Surprisingly, their information density rivals that of proto-cuneiform, the earliest known writing system that emerged around 3,000 B.C.E.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Expected to Feature Smaller Dynamic Island
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will have a smaller Dynamic Island, according to Bloomberg. Over the past year, there have been mixed rumors about whether the iPhone 18 Pro models will continue to feature a Dynamic Island or have a hole punch camera with under screen Face ID and no Dynamic Island, but the latest information suggests we're not getting rid of the Dynamic Island just yet.
Trump administration considers forcing banks to verify customers’ citizenship
The Trump administration is weighing a new requirement for US banks to verify citizenship information of current and future customers as part of the president’s aggressive immigration crackdown, sources told CNN.
HMSA Proposal: Hawaiʻi Health Care Could See Radical Transformation
Changes could touch 760,000 HMSA members and their doctors.
Apple Launches New 'Sales Coach' App
Apple today debuted a new Sales Coach app for the iPhone and the iPad, replacing the former SEED app. Designed for Apple Store and Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) employees, Sales Coach provides training resources and information useful for Apple device sales. Sales Coach is available for Apple Store and AASP employees worldwide, and Apple has released it as an update to the former SEED app. Those who have the SEED app will see it change to Sales Coach when installing the latest update.
KEA asks for lawmaker pledge against rising health insurance costs
The KEA and state retirement groups are the latest to sound the alarm over a state budget proposal that Republicans maintain is still a work in progress that needs more information.
US Regulators Plan Guide for When Business Rivals Can Share Data
The US antitrust agencies are seeking public comments to help craft new guidelines to ensure businesses can better understand when cooperation between rivals within the same industry is allowed, including when they can share data or pricing information.
2,800-year-old mass grave of women and children discovered in Serbia reveals 'brutal, deliberate and efficient' violence
An analysis of a mass grave found in northern Serbia is revealing new information about violence in Early Iron Age Europe.
Rural Health Transformation Program targets structural barriers across Missouri
Missouri will receive more than $216 million under a sweeping federal rural health initiative to modernize care in rural communities.
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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