#Covid-19Response

[trandingpost1]

Who is Rishi Sunak? Everything you need to know about Britain’s prime minister

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: New Conservative Party leader and incoming prime minister Rishi Sunak waves as he departs Conservative Party Headquarters on October 24,2022 in London, England. Rishi Sunak was appointed as Conservative leader and the UK's next Prime Minister after he was the only candidate to garner 100-plus votes from Conservative MPs in the contest for the top job. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Rishi Sunak, a prominent figure in British politics, has risen swiftly through the ranks to become one of the most influential individuals in the UK government. Born on May 12, 1980, in Southampton, England, Rishi Sunak is the son of Indian immigrants who moved to the UK from East Africa in the 1960s. His father, Yashvir, was a general practitioner in the National Health Service (NHS), and his mother, Usha, worked as a pharmacist. Sunak's upbringing was marked by a blend of traditional Indian values and British culture, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a dedication to public service. Sunak's academic journey led him to study at the prestigious Oxford University, where he excelled in his studies, graduating with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). After completing his education, he pursued a successful career in finance, working for investment firms like Goldman Sachs and later co-founding a hedge fund management firm. In 2015, Sunak entered the world of politics, contesting the parliamentary seat for Richmond, North Yorkshire, as a member of the Conservative Party. He won the seat with a significant majority and quickly made a name for himself as a diligent and articulate lawmaker. His rise to prominence within the Conservative Party was swift, and in February 2020, he was appointed as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, succeeding Sajid Javid. As Chancellor, Sunak has been at the forefront of the UK government's economic response to significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He introduced unprecedented measures to support businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic, including the furlough scheme and various financial aid packages. His handling of the economic fallout from the pandemic has earned him both praise and criticism, with some lauding his swift action and others raising concerns about the long-term impact on public finances. Aside from his political career, Rishi Sunak is also a devoted family man. He is married to Akshata Murthy, the daughter of Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, a prominent Indian multinational corporation. Akshata herself is a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman. Together, they have two daughters, making them a closely-knit family unit. In conclusion, Rishi Sunak's journey from the world of finance to the pinnacle of British politics is a testament to his ambition, intellect, and dedication to public service. As Chancellor of the Exchequer, he faces immense challenges but continues to navigate the complexities of economic policymaking with determination and resolve. With his background, skills, and unwavering commitment, Rishi Sunak remains a central figure in shaping the future of the United Kingdom. Read the full article

[thxnews]

Ian Shugart: A Canadian Diplomat Remembered

  A Remarkable Career in Public Service

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of the Honourable Ian Shugart, who served as both a Senator and a former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet.   A Lifelong Commitment to Canada Senator Shugart devoted his entire life to serving the nation. His distinguished career in public service spanned over four decades, with significant roles that highlighted his commitment to Canada. In his role as Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada from 2006 to 2010, Shugart played a pivotal role in supporting international climate change negotiations and the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. His efforts in this capacity contributed to Canada's commitment to addressing environmental challenges.   A Champion of Environmental Responsibility Senator Shugart's dedication to environmental issues extended beyond his tenure as Deputy Minister. He continued to advocate for sustainable policies and practices throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on Canada's approach to environmental stewardship.   Advancing Labour Market Initiatives From 2010 to 2016, as Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada, Senator Shugart worked tirelessly on labor market and income security initiatives. His contributions in this role were instrumental in shaping policies that promoted economic stability and improved the lives of Canadians.   Empowering the Workforce Senator Shugart's commitment to improving employment and social development programs left a significant mark on the Canadian workforce. His legacy lives on through initiatives that continue to empower individuals and communities.  

Diplomacy and International Relations

During his tenure as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs at Global Affairs Canada from 2016 to 2019, Senator Shugart expertly managed national security issues and bilateral relationships. His diplomatic finesse and strategic acumen significantly contributed to Canada's standing on the global stage.   Building Bridges on the Global Stage Senator Shugart's diplomatic service enhanced Canada's international relationships and bolstered its role in global affairs. His dedication to diplomacy left an indelible mark on the nation's foreign policy.  

Leading in Unprecedented Times

From 2019 to 2021, Senator Shugart held the esteemed position of Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. In this role, he was the head of the federal public service and the Prime Minister's top advisor.   Guiding Canada Through Challenges Senator Shugart's leadership during his time as Clerk was indispensable, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He led the federal government's response to the crisis and provided guidance on pivotal issues, including climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and economic recovery.  

A Legacy of Excellence

Senator Shugart's career spanned over 40 years in the federal government. He was celebrated for his intelligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service. A skilled negotiator and communicator, his influence extended beyond his roles in government.   Beyond Government Service In addition to his public service career, Senator Shugart served on the boards of directors of numerous public and private sector organizations, and he was a member of the Canadian Council of Academies and the Trilateral Commission.   A Multifaceted Leader Senator Shugart's contributions reached far beyond government service. His roles in various organizations and associations showcased his diverse skills and commitment to making a difference on multiple fronts.  

A Life Remembered with Gratitude

Senator Ian Shugart's remarkable journey of dedicated public service has left an indelible mark on Canada. His contributions have touched the lives of countless Canadians and will be remembered with deep gratitude.   Sources: THX News & The Canadian Government. Read the full article

[jillyoe]

(Jill Yoe Graves)

Check our newest podcast session with Data4Change’s Head of Design, Michael Brenner, speaking about connecting social change organizations with designers, journalists, and technologist to create data-driven solutions addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems. In our conversation, Michael shares some of the teams’ incredible work in response to Covid-19, including their global work supporting grassroots efforts and civil society organizations, alongside team’s pivot to previous ways of working, new mindfulness and responding to learnings during this surreal pandemic. https://www.data4chan.ge/ And great tip about guidelines from @WuTang to "protect yo neck" against Corona Virus ... #growthThroughCollaboration #knowledgeSharing #covidResponse #designForChange #dataDrivenSolutions #PositiveSocialImpact #design #covid #response #data #podcast #leadership #innovation #mindfulness #designthinking #humanRights #WorldHealthOrganization #bigData #thickData #CreativeDisruption #DataLiteracy #globalgoals #datajournalism #dataDrivenAdvocacy #dataEthics #civilSocietyOrganizations #SocietyDrivenDesign #timeBank #careGiving

[babymilkaction]

US Objects to ‘Equitable Access’ language in EU-led draft Resolution on Covid-19

WHO Member States Agree On Draft Resolution For COVID-19 Response – Overriding US Objections to ‘Equitable Access’

Elaine Ruth Fletcher, 14 May 2020

World Health Organization member states reached initial agreement today on a European Union-led draft resolution on global COVID-19 response to the upcoming World Health Assembly – overriding US objections to language that referred to “universal, timely and equitable access” to COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

The draft resolution to be submitted to the upcoming World Health Assembly Monday, May 18, would help pave the way for coordinated planning by the global health community to ensure wide and equitable access by people worldwide to COVID-19 medicines and vaccines, according the  draft obtained by Health Policy Watch.

Read more: https://healthpolicy-watch.org/who-member-states-agree-on-draft-resolution-for-covid-19-response-overriding-us-objections-to-equitable-access/

As of Sunday 17th May the draft Resolution had over 100 co-sponsors

  Here is the statement that the United States delegate delivered today, 18th May

United States of America WHA73

PlenaryStatement As delivered by Alex M. Azar, II.  U.S.SecretaryOf Health and Human Services

Director-General Tedros, fellow ministers, COVID-19 has tragically taken hundreds of thousands of lives, impacted millions of people, and done deepdamage to the world economy. We must be frank about one of the primary reasons this outbreak spun out of control: There was a failure by this organizationto obtain the information that the world needed, and that failure cost many lives.

The United States welcomes the assistance provided by our friends during this crisis, and we have been proud to allocate over $9 billion that will benefit the global COVID-19response, including more than half a billion dollars in planned investments by my ministry to support more than 40 of the most at-risk countries. The United States launched the world’s first human vaccine trial and reported the first positive results from a therapeutic clinical trial. These successes and the transparent way in which we share them will benefit the whole world.

WHO’s operations must be transparent too, and we support an independent review of every aspect of WHO’s response to the pandemic.We all must come together to ensure that WHO fulfills its key mandate, and that member states comply with the International Health Regulations.

In an apparent attempt to conceal this outbreak, at least one member state made a mockery of their transparency obligations, with tremendous costs for the entire world.

We saw that WHO failed at its core mission of information sharing and transparency when member states do not act in good faith. This cannot ever happen again. The status quo is intolerable. WHO must change, and it must become far more transparent and far more accountable

It is also critical that Taiwan participate as an observer at the WHA, to bring the helpful perspective regarding their effective and exemplary response.WHO barred Taiwan from participation in 2016 just a few months after Taiwan’s free and fair elections. The health of 23 million Taiwanese people should never be sacrificed to send a political message.

Although we are all focused on the immediate response, we need a more effective WHO right now to help win this fight and demonstrate to our citizens that we are working to prevent such catastrophes in the future.The United States sends our best wishes and open offer of cooperation to each of you in our shared efforts to defeat this pandemic and protect the health of each nation around the world

United States of America WHA73PlenaryStatementAs delivered byAlex M. Azar, IIU.S.SecretaryOf Health and Human ServicesDirector-General Tedros, fellow ministers, COVID-19 has tragically taken hundreds of thousands of lives, impacted millions of people, and done deepdamage to the world economy. We must be frank about one of the primary reasons this outbreak spun out of control: There was afailureby this organizationto obtainthe informationthat the world needed, and thatfailure cost many lives.The United States welcomesthe assistance provided by our friendsduring this crisis, and we have been proud to allocateover $9 billionthat will benefittheglobal COVID-19response, including more than half a billiondollarsin planned investmentsby my ministry to support more than 40 of the most at-risk countries.The United Stateslaunchedthe world’s first human vaccine trial and reportedthe first positive results from atherapeuticclinical trial. These successes and the transparent way in which we share them will benefit the whole world.WHO’s operations must be transparent too, and we support an independent review of every aspect of WHO’s response to the pandemic.We all mustcome together to ensure thatWHO fulfills its key mandate,and that member states comply withthe InternationalHealth Regulations. In an apparent attemptto conceal this outbreak, at least one member state made a mockery of theirtransparencyobligations,with tremendous costs for the entire world. We saw that WHO failedat its core mission of information sharing and transparency when member states do notact in good faith. This cannot ever happen again. The status quo is intolerable. WHO must change, and itmust become far more transparentandfar more accountable It isalsocritical thatTaiwan participate as an observerat the WHA, to bringthehelpful perspective regarding their effective and exemplary response.WHO barred Taiwan from participation in 2016 just a few months afterTaiwan’sfree and fair elections. Thehealth of 23 million Taiwanese people should never be sacrificed to send a political message.Although we are all focused on the immediate response, we need a more effective WHO right now to help win this fight anddemonstrate to our citizens that we are workingto prevent such catastrophes in the future.The United States sends our best wishes and open offerof cooperationto each of you in our shared efforts to defeat this pandemic and protect the health of each nation around the world.

US Objects to ‘Equitable Access’ language in EU-led draft Resolution on Covid-19 was originally published on Baby Milk Action

[hugochamberblog]

Dr. Anthony Fauci discusses the coronavirus with top U.S. health official — 7/6/2020 White House health advisor Dr. Anthony... #hugochamber #anthonyfauci #backtoschool #backtowork #cnbc #coronavirus #coronavirusdiagnosis #coronavirusprevention #coronavirusresearch #coronavirustaskforce #coronavirustesting #coronavirustips #covid-19 #covid-19response #franciscollins #howtoreopen #niaid #nih #presidenttrump #reopeningeconomy #reopeningschools #reopeningstates #safereopening #senatehearing #trumpadministration #whitehousetaskforce Source: https://hugochamber.org/dr-anthony-fauci-discusses-the-coronavirus-with-top-u-s-health-official-7-6-2020/?feed_id=20011&_unique_id=5f432f811b9ce

[alexminhtran4]

Dr. Anthony Fauci discusses the coronavirus with top U.S. health official — 7/6/2020 White House health advisor Dr. Anthony... #blogema #anthonyfauci #backtoschool #backtowork #cnbc #coronavirus #coronavirusdiagnosis #coronavirusprevention #coronavirusresearch #coronavirustaskforce #coronavirustesting #coronavirustips #covid-19 #covid-19response #franciscollins #howtoreopen #niaid #nih #presidenttrump #reopeningeconomy #reopeningschools #reopeningstates #safereopening #senatehearing #trumpadministration #whitehousetaskforce

[edgarcamposnews]

Happy Monday everyone‼️ Happy to share that along with our COVID-19 crisis response meal program/gift cards, we will now be able to hand out fresh produce. More information at TRUSTSouthLA.org . . . #SouthCentralLA #SouthLA #COVID-19 #CoronaVirus #COVID-19response @currenprice1010 @mhdcd8 @canndunc #Mealprogram #BlackLivesMatter (at Tenemos que Reclamar y Unidos Salvar la Tierra-TRUST South La) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBd1jU6Joxu/?igshid=814vr3jq4o9n

[thxnews]

UN Summit: A Global Commitment to Pandemic Prevention

  A Global Commitment to Pandemic Prevention

In a significant and historic move, UN Member States came together on Wednesday to pledge their unwavering commitment to prevent the recurrence of the devastating health and socioeconomic crises triggered by COVID-19. Their goal is clear: to fortify the world's capacity to avert another global pandemic.   A Milestone Declaration At the inaugural summit dedicated to pandemic prevention and response, nations adopted a landmark political declaration that marks a turning point in global health security. Moreover, these nations vowed to rekindle their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.  

A Safer World for All

"This is a historic milestone in the urgent drive to make all people of the world safer and better protected from the devastating impacts of pandemics," remarked Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the UN World Health Organization (WHO). He welcomed the commitment of world leaders to provide the necessary political support and direction.   Months of Negotiation Bear Fruit The declaration represents the culmination of months of intensive negotiations, during which nations refined and reached consensus on actions to be taken at local, regional, and global levels. The declaration will be officially presented to the General Assembly for formal endorsement.  

Key Provisions of the Declaration

Among the key provisions of the political declaration, Member States underscore the imperative to conclude negotiations on a formal agreement for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, commonly referred to as the Pandemic Accord. They aim to make targeted amendments to the International Health Regulations by May of the following year.   Combating Misinformation and Disinformation The declaration also calls upon States to address the detrimental physical and mental health impacts of health-related misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and stigmatization, particularly on social media platforms. Instead, it advocates for public information campaigns grounded in scientific facts.  

Strengthening Global Health Capacities

Member States commit to enhancing health workforces, rapid response capabilities, surveillance systems, and local manufacturing capacities. These measures will enable countries to independently address their needs for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.   Learning from the Past Reflecting on the global response to COVID-19, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged both human ingenuity and societal shortcomings. While celebrating achievements in rapid testing and vaccine development, he highlighted issues such as unpreparedness, disproportionate impacts on the world's most vulnerable, and vaccine hoarding by wealthier nations.  

Avoiding the Mistakes of the Past Through Pandemic Prevention

Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the importance of not repeating past mistakes when facing future pandemics and health threats. He urged countries to support the WHO, including increasing their financial contributions, as part of the collective effort to safeguard global health. This landmark declaration signals a united global front in the fight against pandemics and represents a significant step toward a safer and healthier world for all.   Sources: THX News & United Nations. Read the full article